PR in the Real World

Viva PR
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PR in the Real World offers a unique perspective into the world of PR through the lens of a regional PR agency, Viva – recently named the CIPR's UK Small PR Consultancy of the Year. The podcast offers insights into PR, marketing, and communications and it is shaped by the communities Viva serves—both geographically and across key sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, and the public sector. The podcast highlights Viva's ethos that PR should be impact-driven, and guests offer tips on how to gain real-world results without necessarily relying on huge budgets or celebrity names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Why Great Storytelling Still Wins with Maria McGeoghan

    5 DAYS AGO

    Why Great Storytelling Still Wins with Maria McGeoghan

    In this episode of PR in the Real World, Maria McGeoghan looks back on a career that started in regional newsrooms and led her right to the centre of the BBC. She talks about learning her trade on local papers, backing yourself when it matters and why good stories still start with real people and real places.   From becoming the first female editor of the Manchester Evening News to helping steer internal comms through Covid, Maria shares what leadership looks like behind the scenes. It’s an honest conversation about trust, pressure and knowing when it’s time to move on.   Links and References   BBC North / Media City UK: https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/ BBC 5 Live: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_five_live BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize BBC Local Radio – Make a Difference campaign: https://www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference The Scott Partnership: https://www.scottpr.com/ Manchester Evening News: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ Lancashire Evening Telegraph: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ Lancashire Evening Post: https://www.lep.co.uk/ BBC Charter Review: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-charter-review-to-future-proof-the-bbc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  2. The Career Advice Every PR Professional Needs with Steve Dunne

    13 APR

    The Career Advice Every PR Professional Needs with Steve Dunne

    Steve Dunne started in PR at 16 and was leading corporate comms at BT by his mid-20s. In this episode, he shares what he’s learned across decades in the industry - from building real expertise to handling rejection and pressure. It’s honest, practical advice on what it really takes to build a successful career in PR, whatever stage you’re at. Links and References Steve Dunne – Digital Drums: https://www.digitaldrums.co.ukSteve Dunne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dunne-fprca-a1b527a/The PRCA: https://www.prca.global/The CIPR: https://www.cipr.co.uk/PR in the Real World podcast: https://www.vivapr.co.uk/viva-podcast/Viva PR: https://www.vivapr.co.uk Similar episodes 25 Lessons from 25 Years with Graham Goodkind: https://www.vivapr.co.uk/graham-goodkind-on-25-lessons-from-25-years-of-frank-pr/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  3. The Human Side to Public Sector Communications with Edna Boampong

    30 MAR

    The Human Side to Public Sector Communications with Edna Boampong

    In this episode of PR in the Real World, Edna Boampong shares her journey from student party promoter to Director of Communications and Engagement at Liverpool City Council. She talks about data-led behaviour change, public sector comms, anti-racism, diversity in NHS communications, and the very real challenge of dealing with online abuse while protecting both audiences and staff. Links and references Connect with Edna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-boampong/ Edna’s appointment: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/liverpool-city-council-appoints-new-director-of-communications-and-engagement/ Edna Boampong – NHS Confederation profile: https://www.nhsconfed.org/people/edna-boampong Liverpool City Council – anti-racism commitment / This is Liverpool: https://liverpool.gov.uk/council/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/our-commitment-to-anti-racism Talking Bins / We’re Talking Bins campaign: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/third-liver-bird-highlights-liverpools-poor-recycling-rates Healthier Together programme (Greater Manchester): https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/news/healthier-together-integrated-impact-assessment-forums Similar episodes When PR is tested in real life with Sarah Keaveny https://www.vivapr.co.uk/when-pr-is-tested-in-real-life/ What Dry January can teach you about behaviour change with Joe Marley https://www.vivapr.co.uk/what-dry-january-can-teach-you-about-behaviour-change/ How brave and inclusive marketing can change lives with Louise Marsden https://www.vivapr.co.uk/pr-in-the-real-world-how-brave-inclusive-marketing-changes-lives/ Comms-led change in the NHS with Neil Greaves https://www.vivapr.co.uk/pr-in-the-real-world-neil-greaves-comms-led-change-in-the-nhs/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  4. How to Influence Government Through Strategic Communications Harry Bradshaw

    17 MAR

    How to Influence Government Through Strategic Communications Harry Bradshaw

    In this episode of PR in the Real World, Harry Bradshaw, Communications Manager at the Centre for Social Justice, explains how think tanks turn research into real political influence. Harry takes us inside the SW1 'bubble', revealing how data, media coverage and strategic communications help push policy ideas onto the national agenda. Harry shares how attention-grabbing statistics, journalist relationships and targeted engagement with MPs can move issues from reports to Parliament. Packed with practical lessons, Harry also shares how PR professionals can better influence policymakers by making life easier for time-poor politicians. Harry is running the London Marathon in aid of Power2 - a CSJ charity. Power2 work in school's across the country to give students the support and guidance they need to reach their potential. You can donate, here: http://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/harry-bradshaw Links and References Centre for Social Justice – https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk CSJ Alliance (network of small charities) – https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/about-us/alliance Universal Credit (UK welfare reform referenced) – https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit Modern Slavery Act 2015 – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery-act WeMindTheGap charity – https://wemindthegap.org.uk Other similar episodes How PR Changes Policy with Ruth Boston - https://www.vivapr.co.uk/pr-in-the-real-world-how-pr-changes-policy-influencing-the-national-agenda-with-ruth-boston/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  5. Shaping the News for Millions - Inside Reach plc with Chief Content Officer David Higgerson

    3 MAR

    Shaping the News for Millions - Inside Reach plc with Chief Content Officer David Higgerson

    In this episode, Tony sits down with David Higgerson, Chief Content Officer at Reach plc, who oversees journalism across 130+ UK titles including the Mirror and Express. They discuss how newsrooms have shifted from print-first to digital-first, what makes a story land with today’s audiences, the rise of “fake experts” and Reach’s response, and how data and AI are being used to strengthen local journalism. Links and References Reach plc – https://www.reachplc.com Manchester Evening News (MEN) Awaab Ishak investigation – https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/death-two-year-old-awaab-25740113 Nottinghamshire Live – https://www.nottinghampost.com Press Gazette (fake experts investigation) – https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/fake-experts-seo-journalism/ IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) – https://www.ipso.co.uk BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service – https://www.bbc.com/lnp/ldrs Shelter – https://www.shelter.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. How Language Heals (or Harms) in a Crisis with Professor Lucy Easthope

    17 FEB

    How Language Heals (or Harms) in a Crisis with Professor Lucy Easthope

    In this episode of PR in the Real World, Professor. Lucy Easthope, the UK’s leading voice in disaster recovery and crisis response, shares what truly matters when tragedy hits. It’s all about language, dignity and the ‘helicopter view’ comms teams need beyond perfect wording. Lucy unpacks ‘Hopium’, truth vs trust, the legal cliff-edge after crises and how to train braver, more human crisis comms for a 24/7 world. Links and References Dr. Lucy Easthope – When the Dust Settles (book): https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/lucy-easthope/when-the-dust-settles/9781529358247 Dr. Lucy Easthope – Come What May (book): https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/lucy-easthope/come-what-may/9781399736220/ Desert Island Discs (Lucy Easthorpe episode, BBC Radio 4): https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrsUDD/ Word of Mouth with Michael Rosen (episode featuring Lucy on disaster dialogue): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0To7fGDQwhztBumvv5tcnu BBC Radio 4 – Are You Ready? (programme mentioned): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n7mh Good Housekeeping (Lucy’s emergency preparedness interviews mentioned): https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/a64618387/prepemergency-disaster/ Hillsborough (TV drama by Jimmy McGovern): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116533/ Amanda Coleman – work/book on reputation in crisis communications (mentioned): https://www.koganpage.com/marketing-communications/strategic-reputation-management-9781398617308 Amanda Coleman on PR in the Real World: https://www.vivapr.co.uk/pr-in-the-real-world-crisis-leadership/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  7. The Strategy Behind Military Aviation Marketing with Flo Taitsch

    3 FEB

    The Strategy Behind Military Aviation Marketing with Flo Taitsch

    In this 50th episode of PR in the Real World, Flo Taitsch, Vice President Communications and Marketing at Eurofighter Typhoon, joins Tony Garner in the Bavarian Alps to unpack how The Fighter Show grew into a global social media powerhouse. They explore access and trust in a highly scrutinised sector, the metrics that really matter over time, and what sustainable success looks like beyond views alone. It’s a candid conversation about modern comms leadership - believing in the idea, preparing for impact, staying professional under pressure and taking calculated risks that deliver real-world results. Links and References Connect with Flo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-taitsch-10aa29224/ Eurofighter Typhoon: https://www.eurofighter.com/ The Fighter Show (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@TheFighterShow Viva PR: https://vivapr.co.uk/ Royal International Air Tattoo: https://www.airtattoo.com/ Spitzingsee (setting): https://www.spitzingsee.de/ Other episodes: https://www.vivapr.co.uk/viva-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  8. How to Handle High-stakes Communications with Sarah Keaveny

    20 JAN

    How to Handle High-stakes Communications with Sarah Keaveny

    In this episode of PR in the Real World, Sarah Keavney, Head of External Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University, shares what she’s learned from a career that’s taken her from local journalism to the front line of public sector crisis communications. This one is about what PR looks like when it’s real people, real pressure and real consequences. Sarah reflects on her early reporter days at the Bury Times and Bolton News, where she learned the value of trusted relationships, resilience under deadline, and telling human stories with impact. She then takes us inside 14 years at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, from managing live incidents to communicating through tragedy -including the death of a firefighter. We also unpack the long-running scrutiny and reputational pressure that followed the Manchester Arena attack and the Arena Inquiry, and why humility, evidence and asking the awkward questions matter when an organisation has to prove genuine improvement. Finally, Sarah talks us through the award-winning ‘Is This Okay?’ campaign tackling violence against women and girls - how it came together fast, landed with men as well as women, and sparked the kind of conversation behaviour change depends on - before sharing why she’s now focused on proactive, purpose-led comms at Manchester Met. A must-listen for PR and comms professionals working in crisis, public sector, behaviour change, or anyone trying to do meaningful work without losing themselves in the process. Links and references   Is This Okay? Campaign: https://isthisokgm.com/ Mayor of Greater Manchester – Is This Okay? campaign launch: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news/mayor-launches-latest-stage-of-campaign-to-tackle-gender-based-violence-with-hard-hitting-film/ Greater Manchester Gender-Based Violence Strategy: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/safer-and-stronger-communities/gender-based-violence/isthisok Manchester Metropolitan University: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/ Manchester Metropolitan University – About: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/about-us/ Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: https://manchesterfire.gov.uk/ More PR in the Real World: https://www.vivapr.co.uk/viva-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
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About

PR in the Real World offers a unique perspective into the world of PR through the lens of a regional PR agency, Viva – recently named the CIPR's UK Small PR Consultancy of the Year. The podcast offers insights into PR, marketing, and communications and it is shaped by the communities Viva serves—both geographically and across key sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, and the public sector. The podcast highlights Viva's ethos that PR should be impact-driven, and guests offer tips on how to gain real-world results without necessarily relying on huge budgets or celebrity names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Viva PR
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Viva PR
  • Show Website
    PR in the Real World

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