PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

PR scams are EVERYWHERE these days. We also see a rise in the number of agencies selling “fake PR” placements. My guest, Bill Byrne, co-founder of Remedy PR, and I delve into this topic on this episode of PR Explored. What should you watch out for? How can you tell when someone is trying to sell you something that's too good to be true? And how should you vet a PR provider to ensure you're hiring a credible consultant or agency? Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUsX/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergalMichelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available nowBook a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Becky Lawlor of RedPoint Insights about using original research to support B2B PR and thought leadership. Lawler defines original research (surveys, internal proprietary data, or unique analysis) versus third-party stats and explains how it builds authority by “owning the narrative.” She emphasizes upfront strategy, competitor analysis, and alignment with goals; choosing credible respondents via vetted B2B panel vendors rather than consumer tools; and planning sample size (often 100 minimum in B2B, ~500 robust, larger for segmentation). The discussion covers budgeting ranges from boutique pilots around $10K to large consultancies costing $100K+; incentives and fraud risks; careful survey design to drive headlines, avoid excessive open-ended questions, and ensure clarity; deeper data analysis for benchmarks and contrasts; and PR execution via tailored pitching beyond press releases. They also outline broader uses including lead gen, paid/organic social, sales enablement, speaking slots, SEO/backlinks, and LLM search, and note buyers may find brand-owned research as credible as third-party studies.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:02 Becky Background and Focus01:53 What Counts as Original Research04:00 Why Research Builds Authority05:26 Research Strategy and Angles07:47 Finding the Right Respondents10:06 Sample Size and Segmentation13:38 Credibility and Media Scrutiny16:02 Budget and Panel Costs19:51 Incentives and Fraud Risks21:26 Survey Design for Headlines26:52 Avoiding Open Ended Pitfalls27:26 Survey Fatigue Traps27:47 Open Ended Limits28:48 Deeper Data Analysis30:46 Pitching the Right Stats33:53 Bring PR In Early37:14 Repurposing Research Everywhere42:08 Measuring PR Impact46:00 Budget-Friendly Pilot Surveys49:02 Finding Industry Gaps51:15 Own Your Research Credibility54:02 Wrap Up and ResourcesShow notes: Redpoint Insights: https://redpointinsights.com/Becky Lawlor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckylawlor/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Fatou B. Barry, founder of the PR Girl Manifesto, a global community and editorial platform created to provide culturally competent PR resources, strategy, and professional development. They discuss the rise of “personality brands” as a structural shift where companies prioritize long-term identity, recurring voices, and entertainment-driven continuity over one-off product campaigns, driven by fragmented attention and declining institutional trust. Using Gap’s new Chief Entertainment Officer as a signal, they cite examples like Nike, Red Bull, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Skims to show brands building studios, original programming, and IP to own audience relationships. They explore how paid, earned, and owned media are merging, expanding PR into narrative systems, production, ethics, and talent strategy, raising expectations for skills, education, media literacy, and compensation. They also predict collaborations will shift from reach-based influencers toward credible experts and community leaders, emphasizing alignment, authenticity, and trust.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:50 PR Girl Manifesto Origin03:23 Defining Personality Brands05:48 Attention Fragmentation Today06:54 Gap Chief Entertainment Role07:52 Brands as IP Studios12:24 Paid Earned Owned Blur14:12 Skills and Education Shifts17:47 Media Literacy and Trust23:43 Hiring the Right PR Pro26:38 PR in a Media Company Era28:03 Scope Creep and Fair Pay30:51 Expert Era Shift34:54 Authenticity Over Hype37:01 Beyond Influencers38:11 AI Search Rewards Credibility39:25 Journalists As Creators44:10 Trust And Personality Brands49:43 Values And Taking Stands53:28 Interactive Story Content54:59 PR As Story Makers57:57 Opportunity And ResponsibilityShow notes:The PR Girl Manifesto: https://www.prgirlmanifesto.org/The PR Girl Manifesto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pr-girl-manifesto/Fatou Barry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbarry/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest, Stacia Doss from Glassdoor, as they dive deep into the current job market’s complexities and provide actionable advice for job seekers.In this episode, they discuss effective job search strategies, the importance of networking, leveraging AI, and how to stand out in a crowded field. This follows the discussion on the last episode about skills pros need to succeed in a PR career.They also touch on mental health aspects of job searching and the value of maintaining professional connections.Whether you’re in PR, comms, or any other industry, these insights and tips are designed to help you navigate your job search more effectively.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:31 Guest Introduction and Background01:34 Current Job Market Challenges02:47 Statistics and Trends in Job Listings04:59 Impact of AI on Job Market12:19 Application Process Frustrations16:25 Exploring the Hidden Job Market20:08 Networking and Building Connections23:04 Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Search33:39 Enhancing Skills and Upskilling35:11 Weekly AI Learning Routine36:34 Free Resources for PR and Comms Pros38:27 Networking and Weak Ties39:28 Informational Interviews and Follow-ups42:34 Virtual Coffee Chats and Professional Organizations45:04 Staying in Touch with Your Network48:06 Mental Health and Community Support52:04 Researching Companies and Job Markets53:17 Organizing Your Job Search58:57 Final Thoughts and ResourcesShow notes:Follow Stacia Doss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staciadoss/Stacia’s article on which the episode is based: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/beyond-online-applications-job-search/The Lonely Office podcast: https://www.glassdoor.com/Community/the-lonely-officeGlassdoor’s blog with more tips and advice for job hunters: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett interviews Kristina Markos, an associate professor and co-founder of GenSpark Solutions. They discuss the significance of soft skills such as listening, presenting, collaboration, and curiosity in public relations. Kristina shares her varied background in agency work and academia, emphasizing the transition needs between generations in the workplace. They address the importance of effective presentation skills, the need to ask questions, and the impact of AI on communication roles. The episode highlights the evolving PR landscape and the exciting opportunities for emerging professionals in the field.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Guest Background and Experience02:03 Importance of Soft Skills in PR03:28 Predictions and Essential Skills05:04 Teaching Communication Skills09:42 Presentation Skills and Their Importance15:38 Collaboration and Intergenerational Communication30:37 The Impact of Short Attention Spans31:15 The Importance of Asking Questions32:36 PR Professionals and Journalism Training36:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics43:08 The Role of Writing in PR49:52 Listening and Perspective Taking53:47 The Exciting Future of PR58:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsShow notes:Kristina Markos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinamarkos/GenSpark Solutions: https://www.thinknovl.com/gensparkPR Club Prediction Post with Kristina's thoughts that sparked the idea for the topic: https://prclub.org/tips-from-the-board-its-prediction-timeFollow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Public speaking is a powerful way for thought leaders to stand out from the crowd.How can PR pros and communicators leverage speaking opportunities to help clients get more visibility for themselves and their brands? In this episode of PR Explored I talked with guest Tricia Richards-Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, which helps organizations and event planners find the right speaker for their events.Overview: In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes Tricia Richard Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, to discuss how public speaking can enhance public relations efforts.The conversation delves into the creation and benefits of I Need a Speaker, guidelines for effective public speaking, and how organizations can strategically utilize speakers to boost their PR programs.Tricia offers practical tips for potential speakers, including the importance of practice, clear messaging, and working closely with communications teams. The episode also covers advice for organizations seeking speakers and the value of compensating speakers appropriately.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:31 The Birth of ‘I Need a Speaker’01:16 How ‘I Need a Speaker’ Works02:19 The Value of Diverse Speakers04:12 Public Speaking and PR Programs07:06 Maximizing Speaking Opportunities11:37 Choosing the Right Events23:32 The Importance of Practice and Feedback29:05 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety29:49 The Importance of Preparation30:12 Avoiding Off-the-Cuff Remarks33:22 Handling Media Interviews36:13 Engaging with Your Comms Team40:05 Advice for Event Planners46:11 Speaker Compensation and Expectations49:46 Final Thoughts and ResourcesShow notes:I Need a Speaker: https://www.ineedaspeaker.com/Tricia Richard-Service on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciarichardsservicephd/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer chats with Marc Whitt, a seasoned public relations consultant and author.The conversation explores Whitt’s extensive 40-year career in PR, primarily within higher education and nonprofit sectors.They discuss essential topics such as the unique challenges faced by nonprofit PR professionals, the importance of ethical conduct, the role of events in nonprofit PR, and the critical relationship between PR practitioners and legal counsel.Whitt emphasizes strategic planning, efficient use of limited funds, and ways to avoid burnout for one-person PR teams. The episode highlights the significance of maintaining trust, transparency, and integrity in PR and provides actionable strategies for effective crisis management.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:27 Marc Whitt’s Background and Personal Life02:44 Marc’s Career in Public Relations07:54 The Role of PR in Nonprofits08:43 Challenges in Nonprofit PR11:47 Strategies for Effective Nonprofit PR16:52 Importance of Integrity and Ethics in PR23:02 Managing a One-Person PR Team31:11 Focused Budgeting for Nonprofits33:59 The Stress of Nonprofit PR35:10 The Multifaceted Role of Nonprofit PR Professionals40:28 Crisis Communications in Nonprofits45:48 The Importance of Events in Nonprofit PR50:32 Building a Strong PR-Legal Relationship58:15 Final Thoughts and MentorshipShow notes:​​Marc Whitt on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwhitt/​​Marc Whitt’s site: https://www.marcwhitt.com/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Bill Byrne, co-founder of Remedy Public Relations, shares insights from over 25 years in the industry. He discusses the rapidly changing landscape of PR as we approach 2026, highlighting the impact of AI, the resurgence of press releases, and the importance of building media relationships. They emphasize creating credible content, leveraging niche outlets, and the value of consistent PR efforts. Bill also warns against over-reliance on automated outreach, advocating for a human touch in communications.

Social media is a valuable part of a company’s marketing program – but it can sometimes take a turn we may not have anticipated .What happens when your brand finds itself in the midst of a crisis created by a social media post?Well, first, you probably panic. Then, you might turn to your social media or PR team for help.How can a company best manage a crisis created when a customer complaint goes viral?Overview: In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Brooke Sellas, founder of B Squared Media, to discuss the nuances of managing social media crises.Brooke shares her expertise on how social media, often viewed merely as a content channel, should be utilized more effectively as a customer experience channel. Brooke emphasizes that the key to handling crises includes proactive listening, empathetic responses, and timely engagement with customers.She introduces the CARE model (Conversation, Acquisition, Retention, Engagement) for social media management and stresses the importance of building a strong community before a crisis occurs.They discuss various real-world examples, including crises at Chipotle, Kit, and Nike, and the long-term impacts of each.Brooke also shares advice about team coordination, especially between social media and PR, and provides tips on how to keep responses authentic without sounding scripted.The episode concludes with a Q&A session addressing common social media crisis scenarios.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:02 Brook Solis: Social Media Expertise03:49 Defining a Social Media Crisis07:08 Examples of Social Media Crises10:43 Handling a Social Media Crisis22:15 The Role of PR in Crisis Management29:35 Balancing Brand Personality and Crisis Management30:22 The Power of Emotional Content: Patagonia Case Study32:16 Breaking Down Silos in Marketing and PR34:22 The CARE Model for Social Media Crisis Management46:19 Handling Layoffs and Sensitive Situations51:07 The Importance of Authentic Conversations on Social Media57:34 Final Thoughts and Future TrendsShow notes:Brooke Sellas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebsellas/Brooke’s website – B Squared Media: https://bsquared.media/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Joel Schwartzberg, a communications and presentations coach, joins to share insights on elevating executive communication. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear, compelling key message and practical strategies for media training. Joel discusses the effectiveness of the primacy and recency effects, tips for bridging off-topic questions, and why simplicity enhances impact. He also highlights how to adapt messages across different media while maintaining core points, proving that with the right preparation, anyone can become a confident spokesperson.