Have you been struggling with finding ways to gain visibility? You might be wondering, how do certain companies or organizations end up in the top recommendation on search engines. This past week GV PRSSA had the privilege of hosting digital performance specialists in SEO (search engine optimization), Delaney MacKenzie and Riley Holbrook, two professionals who have experience working for Black Truck Media and Marketing, an internet marketing service based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Delaney and R...
Oct 12, 2022•26 min
Bill is founder, chairman and chief connectivity officer of IW Group, a minority-‐ owned and operated advertising, marketing and communications agency focusing on the growing multicultural markets. For more than 25 years, Bill has represented some of the top domestic and global companies, including American Airlines, Coca-‐Cola, Fox, General Motors, Godiva Chocolatier, Lexus, McDonald's, Nissan North America, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison, Toyota Motor Sales, U...
Sep 20, 2022•37 min
Allie Hembree Martin is a visibility expert and owner of Fame and Fortune. She works with female entrepreneurs to elevate their brands and gain credibility and cash through proactive public relations and strategic social media. She formerly worked in public relations for Amazon, Alltech, Kendra Scott, and the International Spa Association. She also produces and hosts the podcast Selfish, a show dedicated to self-care and following your dreams! She lives in Shelbyville, Kentucky with her husband ...
Sep 06, 2022•28 min
Jessica Toscano (she/her/hers) is the founder and editor-in-chief of the digital unisex lifestyle publication IntrigueMag, where she covers health and sexual wellness, self-care, and other aspects of lifestyle. She's also a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Health, SELF, and other outlets. Jessica is joining us to offer us some advice on how she got involved with these outlets and some of her best pitching practices. She also talks about her publication, IntrigueMag, the first unisex digital ...
Aug 23, 2022•20 min
Are you wondering what it takes to enter the world of real estate? This week we hear from Jon Roosen, a Saginaw Valley State University Alumni, who has an undergraduate degree in Human Biology. He stresses the importance of listening to your heart and pursuing what makes you happy for the most successful outcome. He currently resides in Knoxville Tennessee, working as a Multifamily Real Estate Investor and Advisor. Jon gives advice to younger adults concerning finances or who may be interested i...
Aug 09, 2022•21 min
So you’ve thought about starting your own business but don’t know where or how to start? Through this episode, I spoke with Russell Climie, a Professional Photographer, and co-owner of his very own, Tiberius Images. Russell discusses the business that he has established all throughout West Michigan with his wife and co-owner, Rebecca. He also discusses how the business is about serving clients, making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and making it easy and enjoyable....
Jul 27, 2022•27 min
Diving into the Mantra of: “Life, Liberty, and Pie” Ellie currently lives in Traverse City, Michigan as the digital marketing specialist at Cherry Republic's headquarters. Previously, she lived in Washington, DC after graduating from Grand Valley with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations where she was the communications specialist at the National Pension Fund, and earned her masters in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University. Her focus is on all things di...
Jul 12, 2022•28 min
This week we will learn about Nyah Hodges (she/her/hers): a Public Relations Specialist who currently utilizes her strategic communication skills as an Associate Corporate Communication Specialist at Dow Chemical’s Global Headquarters. Through this episode, we will learn about Nyah and how her corporation prioritizes a safe workspace by implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. A recent Central Michigan University graduate, Nyah is a diligent professional who has garnered a ...
Jun 28, 2022•26 min
This week features a previous GVSU Alum. Morgan is a communications and public relations professional based in Chicago. She specializes in digital communications, social media marketing, and content creation. Morgan is currently the Communications Manager for the Illinois Supreme Court. Through this position, Morgan is responsible for providing ongoing support across the judicial branch in all manner of design and content creation. Similarly, she writes and manages official judicial branch commu...
Jun 14, 2022•19 min
You've heard his voice all year long but how well do you really know Brady Mills? If you didn’t know already, Brady was the previous host of PR Hangover. He is an individual who does everything with intention and his dedication and perseverance will guide him to success. Brady is an incoming senior at Grand Valley State University where he studies advertising & public relations (with a PR emphasis) and public & nonprofit administration with a French minor. It is easy for him to stay busy...
May 31, 2022•21 min
When David Robinson first set foot on the red carpet as a volunteer, he knew he’d be back for more. Today, he is a successful publicist working with academy award-winning films and renowned gospel artists, conducting media relations and marketing for his clients. (Plus, he’s a GVSU alum!) But the journey from West Michigan to Atlanta did not happen overnight. In this episode, David discusses his entry to the entertainment industry, what work as a publicist entails, and specific practical tactics...
Apr 27, 2022•32 min
This influencer marketer knows her industry front and back... literally. Why? Because she’s an influencer herself. Ayanna Bozeman (AKA Ayanna Alexis) is an Abercrombie & Fitch influencer marketing specialist who has quite the following of her own, creating lifestyle and fashion content for audiences on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok. Ayanna joins the show to discuss her experience and the lessons she has learned from content creation, professional life, and her journey on both sides of the i...
Apr 11, 2022•29 min
There’s more to employee advocacy than meets the eye. Brandi Boatner, a PR veteran working in digital and employee advocacy at IBM, is an advocate for people, company, and career. A former PRSA president with years in the public relations world, Brandi knows the ropes of both external and internal strategic communications. In this episode, we discuss Brandi’s shift to employee advocacy, how it differs from her “traditional” PR experience, and how she has been able to connect with thousands of IB...
Mar 25, 2022•30 min
PR pros and journalists, despite key differences in their approach, have a lot in common. So how can these two distinct roles work together to advocate for community members in difficult situations where the wellbeing of communities is at stake? Bryce Huffman, a reporter and producer for BridgeDetroit, has interacted with many communications professionals over the years. He knows firsthand the tension and the collaboration that can come from these important relationships. Join us as we talk abou...
Mar 02, 2022•29 min
There are already hundreds of tools in a PR pro's arsenal. Why care about podcasting? Robert Johnson, a seasoned podcaster and public relations practitioner, shares just how impactful a podcast can be for clients. No matter the industry, there is space for a podcast if a brand can execute it effectively. As a host and producer of PR industry podcast PR Nation and Strategic Communications Officer at Riester Public Affairs, Robert is an expert at building podcasts for clients. Starting in radio as...
Feb 15, 2022•27 min
What does it take to work at a world-renowned agency? GVSU alumna Melissa Albano is an assistant account executive at Edelman, an agency that has ranked #1 of Global PR Firms. Clearly, she’s doing something correctly. So what’s her “it” factor? Join Melissa as she shares her journey of joining Edelman, her client work with Taco Bell, transitioning from corporate to firm life, and how she and a Trader Joe’s seasoning have lots in common. Melissa packs encouragement, motivation, and advice into th...
Jan 31, 2022•30 min
What College Can’t Teach You: A Post-grad Conversation (w/ Allison Canter, Carson Kunnen, and Morgan Layne) Some things can’t be taught in school. The awkwardness of settling into the ‘real world’ after college is one of those things. Today, recent GVSU Advertising and Public Relations graduates Allison Canter, Carson Kunnen, and Morgan Layne share their experiences of transitioning from involved students to young professionals. From finding joy in the mundane aspects of adult life to celebratin...
Jan 16, 2022•37 min
Dr. Adrienne Wallace knows busyness–and the anxiety that comes with it–all too well. As a professor, an advisor, a digital marketing strategist, and a writer (and much more), she has a lot on her plate. So where do rest and relaxation fit in? Adrienne shares her experience and offers advice on taking effective and healthy breaks, managing anxiety, and prioritizing commitments to ensure time and health are maximized. This episode is packed with tidbits of gold for students on semester break, and ...
Jan 03, 2022•44 min
What’s it like to run a renowned national organization while simultaneously living the student life? It’s no small feat, but with initiative, time management, and effective leadership, Rachel and Cat make it look easy. Rachel Meltzer, PRSSA National President, and Cat Kalageros, PRSSA National VP of Brand Engagement discuss their roles on the national committee, staying “jazzed” about the industry, student leadership, and workflow. Take it from two prominent students: an impassioned desire to ma...
Dec 17, 2021•27 min
Dr. LaShonda Eaddy, APR, Ph.D. isn’t afraid of research. In fact, she embraces it, teaching her students daily how to apply scholarship to the field of Public Relations. A self-proclaimed “practitioner scholar,” Dr. Eaddy has devoted her career to breaking down the barriers between academics and PR pros. So what exactly is an APR certification? Is a Ph.D. completely out of reach? What does it take to successfully implement academia in the field and vice versa? In sharing her vast experiences as ...
Nov 25, 2021•43 min
“I didn’t know I could have a career in professional sports,” says Brooklyn McDaniels, Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator for the NFL. As a self-dubbed small-town girl with a big city personality, Brooklyn has found her role at the NFL in New York City to be rewarding in both personal and professional aspects. Brooklyn attributes her success to her love for people, her passion for communications, and the growth she has experienced as she has built and managed strong interpersonal relationsh...
Nov 05, 2021•28 min
She’s an artist, a strategist, and a top notch communicator. Brooke Rosier, Global Marketing Specialist for Amway’s brand, Artistry, does more than cosmetic branding. Using her skills as a painter and an artist, she crafts creative and strategic campaigns for customers around the world. Brooke also invests her spare time in local nonprofit Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts as a board member. So how does her hobby of painting influence her career? Listen in to find out. Brooke talks about t...
Oct 17, 2021•32 min
What is community relations? It’s listening, and it’s building trust. Jennifer Pascua, Lead of Community Relations for Spectrum Health, has years of experience under her belt in news reporting, freelancing, and most recently, corporate communications. Today, she imparts her wisdom to listeners. Tune in as we talk communications tactics; community partnerships; diversity, equity and inclusion; and effective networking. Jennifer’s encounters with various and diverse people groups uncover some key ...
Sep 29, 2021•31 min
Asking foundational questions is scary. We Ad/PR students have all been there, felt that, and regretted not posing the big questions at the beginning of our studies. So, here we are: upperclassmen asking the questions so you don’t have to. In this episode, we cover 5 questions that first-year students are asking: 1. What made you want to go into PR/made you realize you could be good at it? 2. What’s the difference between advertising and PR? 3. What surprised you most about going into PR? Is the...
Sep 15, 2021•28 min
His work “literally saves the lives of children.” Does it get better than that? Juan Fernandez, VP of Marketing and Communications at Bethany Christian Services, has vast experience in the nonprofit communications field. From teaching in Costa Rica to managing communication and marketing at an international organization, Juan has done it all, and he has learned a lot along the way. Listen as Juan discusses his life in the nonprofit world and the challenges and rewards that come with it. How do w...
Sep 01, 2021•39 min
Let’s face it: stocks, markets, and investments are intimidating for too many students and pros. They don't have to be. In fact, there are expansive opportunities in the world of investments - even for creatives. Join Mike Houston, Managing Director and Partner at Lambert, as he helps listeners conquer market hesitancy and understand Investor Relations’ role at the intersection of financial analysis and creative communications. Plus, Landon Klausing, president of the Seidman Investment Portfolio...
Aug 17, 2021•39 min
“Our people tell our story best.” - Uncover the hidden gem of government communications as David Green, Director of Communications for the City of Grand Rapids, reveals how he has found public sector work to be a rewarding and impactful career. Join David as he discusses the intersection of his passions and careers, public relations for cities and the military, and the vitality of equitably giving communities a voice. ________________________________________________________________ Contact David...
Jul 14, 2021•40 min
We’ve all heard someone say it: “That’s just good PR…” but let’s be honest - this could mean anything. Students, strangers, and experienced pros alike will find this episode of PR Hangover helpful. Join us as we break down common misconceptions about the field of public relations, establish a definition for the strategic process, discuss careers in PR, and ask: is public relations right for you? Important Time Stamps: 1:18 - Introduction to your host 3:17 - A PR definition 4:05 - Common misconce...
Jun 16, 2021•26 min
You’ve heard her voice all year long, but how well do you really know Emma Nelson, previous host of PR Hangover? Listen as the tables turn, and Emma becomes the interviewee, discussing her personality recipe, an email exchange with Taylor Swift’s publicist, and her biggest dreams.
May 19, 2021•18 min
On this episode, we sit down with Jason Falls and discuss his career through public relations and advertising. His work focuses on influencer marketing, but Jason likes the term “influence marketing” much more. He discusses the prevalence of influencers today, his proudest career moments, and insights for students.
Apr 14, 2021•22 min
