The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

You can unleash a full-blown PR crisis on social media with one bad move against someone with a social media platform. To handle these situations, companies and brands need a plan. Who didn't prepare for her social media crisis? Bethenny Frankel. The "Real Housewives of New York City" alum has gained popularity on TikTok for her beauty product reviews and sometimes harsh criticism of other celebrities like Meghan Markel. However, when Frankel appeared to silence two creators on TikTok for critiquing her brand, users of the app took notice. She effectively destroyed her reputation by sending legal notices to two TikTok creators who criticized her brand. First, for being a bully. Second, for botching her social media response. Avoid these mistakes when dealing with a social media PR crisis. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #1 Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #2Molly McPherson on YouTube Molly McPherson on Instagram Molly McPherson on TwitterIndestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts    © 2022 Indestructible PR PodcastWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

This episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast looks at the public relations crisis created by Joy Gendusa, CEO of PostcardMania in Clearwater, Florida, when she claims she underestimated the severity of Hurricane Ian and insisted her staff continue to work through the storm. This podcast unpacks exactly what was communicated in that Zoom meeting when Gendusa addressed her staff before the arrival of Hurricane Ian and the media crisis that resulted, before it delves into Gendusa’s response. We cover why issuing a press release was wise, but also dissecting the not-so-wise moves in a corresponding YouTube video.  Listen in to learn how to respond to a natural disaster, and not create one with your staff. Key Points From This Episode:How having a healthy amount of ego comes with the territory when it comes to being a CEOWhat Joy Gendusa said in the Zoom call when she addressed her staff before the hurricane.The difference between hype and legitimate danger.Three reasons why this situation made headlines.Why issuing a press release was a good move.Mixed feelings about the setting of Gendusa’s video and why it should have been shot at the office. What the hard edits in the video tell us about the subtext. Questions related to the truth of some statements she made in the video. The takeaway from this response is about the importance of owning up to your mistakes.The Indestructible PR TipPress release: "PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful” YouTube Video: PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful Andrew Cuomo on “What’s Next?” Molly's PostcardMania TikTok post Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Anyone who lives in Florida will have heard a hurricane warning recently, well today’s episode is a hurricane content warning. At the time of this podcast’s recording, Hurricane Ian was close to making landfall. This episode looks at President and CEO of the Red Cross Gail McGovern’s warning to those in Florida, why some people did not heed her advice, and what social media has to do with the problem. Discover why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane and how both ordinary citizens and federal and local authorities are creating content around it. Tune in to hear a breakdown of three concerning social media trends related to the hurricane and people’s safety, as well as a warning and some key takeaways related to communication about crisis situations like this one.  Key Points From This Episode: Today’s topic: Why people did not heed Gail McGovern’s warning to Floridians about Hurricane Ian and what social media has to do with this problem. The current status of the hurricane at the time of this episode’s recording.Three concerning social media trends related to Hurricane Ian and people’s safety.Why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane. Thoughts on how federal and local officials are using social media.The value of live video and why organizations need to use social media to reach people.How younger generations use social media as a search engine. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about remote workers in crisis situations.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly's Hurricane Ian TikTok post  Molly McPherson  Molly McPherson on Twitter  Molly McPherson on TikTok  Molly McPherson on YouTube  Molly McPherson on Instagram  Indestructible PR on Facebook Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

In today's digital age, with the constant posting, sharing, and posts going viral, PR crises can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. This week’s Indestructible PR Podcast shares some key takeaways from how Adam Levine responded to his PR crisis in the aftermath of the video posted by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh. You’ll learn more about the one big mistake he made, a mistake you never want repeated in a PR crisis. Also discussed are the details released by Sumner and the importance of going further to understand the why behind her actions. Don’t miss out, tune in now.  Key Points From This Episode:  • How a PR crisis can spiral out of control thanks to the digital age we live in. • More about Levine’s response to the spilling of more sordid details of his personal life. • Details released by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh. • A closer look at his one, colossal, mistake.  • Why it’s important to understand the why behind the other person’s actions. • Why showing remorse plays a role in handling a PR crisis. • A look at the statement released by Adam Levine and his PR team. • The grand takeaway from Levine’s post. • The Indestructible PR tip. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Sumner Stroh on TikTokMolly McPherson Molly McPherson on Twitter Molly McPherson on TikTok Molly McPherson on YouTubeMolly McPherson on Instagram Indestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis  Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Recently, Rudy Giuliani, formerly known as ‘America's Mayor,' sat down for a media interview with Newsmax, and likely it did not go as intended. One unprepared quote later, and the resulting gaff ended up all over social media. This type of thing can happen to anyone, and this week’s podcast looks at why this interview was such a train wreck. Tuning in, you’ll find out how Giuliani started off on the wrong foot, why the biggest mistake he made was treating a media interview like a conversation, and you’ll hear the soundbite of the shocking faux pas that rocked headlines as a viral pull quote. This episode also includes five important things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in a media interview, as well as tips on how to handle mistakes, difficult questions, and tough reporters! You won’t want to miss it.  Key Points From This Episode:  • Thoughts on the 21st anniversary of 9/11 and how much has changed.  • Rudy Giuliani, his unofficial title of 'America's Mayor,' and his subsequent downfall. • The Newsmax interview with Giuliani and why it was such a train wreck. • How a pull quote is different from a soundbite. • The importance of preparing for a media interview. • The soundbite where Giuliani got off on the wrong foot. • Five things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in your next media interview. • Why conducting an interview 'off the cuff ' is one of the most dangerous things you can do. • What to do if you make a mistake in an interview. • Tips for answering difficult questions and dealing with tough reporters. • The Indestructible PR tip. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: "Rudy Giuliani to Newsmax: US 'in More Danger' Than Before 9/11"  Molly McPherson Molly McPherson on Twitter Molly McPherson on TikTok Molly McPherson on YouTube  Molly McPherson on InstagramIndestrucWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Today’s Indestructible PR podcast episode discusses the trending TikTok drama surrounding the Don’t Worry Darling Venice Film Festival premiere. Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Did Olivia and Harry break up? What’s the deal with Florence Pugh? As the cast of the upcoming American psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, hit the Venice Film Festival, they brought plenty of behind-the-scenes drama. Covered in this episode is Olivia’s statement at a press conference regarding the fallout with Miss Florence Pugh, the press junket, and more comments surrounding the drama. And as always, tune in for an indestructible PR tip at the end of the episode. Key Points From This Episode:Scene: Venice Film Festival. Topic of discussion: Olivia Wilde’s second directorial effort.The crazy thing about the TikTok platform: mashing together public relations crisis management and pop culture. A quick digression about Shia LaBeouf and his rebranding to Catholicism. A deeper look at the press conference with Olivia Wilde.A red flag: a quote or line that should never be used in a PR situation.The cascading consequences of Olivia Wilde’s statement. Looking at Flo’s diva behavior and how that’s working for her.Is any PR really good PR? Indestructible PR tip: Be prepared! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly McPhersonMolly McPherson on TwitterMolly McPherson on TikTokMolly McPherson on YouTube Molly McPherson on Instagram Indestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book  Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

In a recent exclusive interview with The Cut, Meghan Markle opened up about her new life in California, the struggles of her past, and her plans for her future. This was partly done as part of a promotion effort for Meghan’s new podcast, Archetypes. This week, we examine and decode this article to analyze what she said and what she meant. Hear how Meghan and Harry’s PR has perpetually let them down, why their campaigns always feel like plan Bs, and discover examples of their many PR missteps. This episode explains why this article feels like another plan B in trying to reshape their reputation, and breaks down some framing attempts in it and the agenda behind them. Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for suicide and depression.  Key Points From This Episode:  • The Cut’s article about Meghan Markle and how it’s part of a promotion effort for her new podcast, Archetypes. • Today’s topic: The major takeaway from how this article has been framed. • Framing attempts in the article and the agenda behind them. • Harry's suspicious absence from this profile and why this might be. • The relatable aspects of Meghan and Harry’s lives versus the unrelatable aspects. • The message she sends to the royal family and the tricky nature of navigating hypocrisy in media relations. • TW: To avoid references to suicide, skip audio from 29:34 to 30:03. • The key takeaway from this article and the message Meghan is sending to the royal family. • The Indestructible PR tip for the day, relating to hypocrisy in media interviews.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  ‘Meghan of Montecito She’s left the Firm behind. Harry’s found a polo team in Santa Barbara. The kids are doing great. Now she’s ready for her next act.’ — Archetypes Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis Molly McPherson on TwitterMolly McPherson on TikTokMolly McPherson on YouTube Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

 Ageism, sexism, bad management, and incredibly poor messaging, today’s PR crisis has it all! This week’s podcast focuses on Bell Media’s ousting of Lisa LaFlamme and her replacement by a younger male, shortly after the beloved CTV Anchor allowed herself to go gray. Let's discuss Lisa’s PR masterpiece of a response video and Bell Media’s well-written but completely inadequate response statement. While a private company has the right to hire and fire whomever they choose, decisions like these affect the public, and if not handled correctly, this could be detrimental to a company’s continued support and ultimately their bottom line. This podcast looks at the importance of truth and transparency in a PR response, and when a statement should be replaced by an apology. Tune in to hear the statement Bell Media put out, why it was a bad statement, why it created such a blowback, and how the statement should have been written to avert a PR crisis. Key Points From This Episode: Today’s topic: the PR nightmare associated with Bell Media’s firing of CTV anchor Lisa LaFlamme and why their statement was inadequate.Some previous examples of anchors being let go and the resulting PR crises.The implications of how Lisa LaFlamme was fired shortly after allowing herself to go gray. The problem of the lack of transparency on the part of Bell Media regarding why they fired Lisa.Lisa LaFlamme’s video response and why it’s a PR masterpiece. Why does a situation like this call for an apology, not a statement?Who was hurt by Bell Media’s decision.The biggest problem with Bell Media’s statement.The legal implications of making an apology or accepting responsibility.How an apology can help you regain trust, reduce liability, and be an effective business decision.How Bell Media’s apology should have been written.The Indestructible PR tip for the day relating to the importance of the first line in any response statement.Closing words on why you should never fire women of a certain age. Where in the World is Matt Lauer’s Reputation? 173: How Jeff Zucker's Resignation from CNN Signals a Shift in CrisisWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Movie actor Ezra Miller recently issued an apology for a series of legal issues and assault and abuse allegations, published as an exclusive in Variety Magazine. With the DC Comics film The Flash opening in theaters next summer, there's a lot riding on this apology. This week’s episode takes a look at Ezra Miller’s apology to evaluate whether the elements of the perfect public apology are present in it. It also includes speculation on how Warner Bros. may be trying to approach the situation and what choices they may be considering. Tune in to learn from Ezra Miller’s apology and gain a better understanding of how to write the perfect response when faced with a crisis. Key Points From This Episode: •    Today’s topic: Whether Ezra Miller’s apology is enough to save their reputation and the movie The Flash that they are associated with.  • The question of whether trust is at risk, and how to determine what to do if it is. • An analysis of Ezra Miller’s (or Warner Bros.’) statement and whether the five elements of the perfect response are present. • Why euphemisms shouldn’t be used in a statement like this.  • The vagueness of the term past behavior. • Thoughts on Ben Affleck and Robert Downey Jr. and how they came back from similar situations. • The Indestructible PR Tip Keywords/Tags:  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Ezra Miller‘The Flash’ Star Ezra Miller Seeking Treatment for ‘Complex Mental Health Issues’ (EXCLUSIVE) The Flash How to Write the Perfect Public Apology - Molly McPherson/TikTok  ‘Warner Bros. Weighing Fate of ‘The Flash’ as Its Ezra Miller Problem Grows’  Molly McPherson on Twitter Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Ever wondered how to deliver a knock-out public speaking performance? Well, this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast is all about 10 tips for overcoming fear and how, by doing this, you’ll be able to give a great speech. Molly uses her own public speaking experiences to give simple, meaningful, and applicable advice on how to feel confident and prepared. From the power of constant practicing, feeling confident with your speaking material, understanding the audience and keeping them engaged, through to how to manage gestures, breathing, and filler words on stage, this episode covers it all. Keeping your nerves in check, tailoring your messages to meet the needs of your audience, and having the perfect visual resources have never seemed easier. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Public Speaking Tip on TikTokMolly McPhersonMolly McPherson on TwitterMolly McPherson on TikTokMolly McPherson on YouTubeMolly McPherson on InstagramIndestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisAudiobook Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts © 2022 Indestructible PR Podcast Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...