The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, revealing the hidden tactics at play. With her insider perspective, you’ll learn why these PR moves matter, who’s calling the shots, and whether they’re a success or a crash-and-burn moment. Expect sharp insights, straight talk, and an insider look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.

  1. DEC 18

    293: Year in Review: 2024's Disasters, Recoveries, and Lessons Learned

    They’re back and ready to dissect the year’s biggest communications fiascos. I’m joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenack, my Candian colleagues in crisis behind the Reputation Town podcast, to break down 2024’s most cringe-worthy PR disasters. We’re talking about brand meltdowns, public figures who just couldn’t keep it together, and major corporations fumbling their way through social backlash. From outrageous missteps to the frantic damage control that followed, you’ll hear why these momen...

    1h 1m

  2. DEC 11

    292: Breaking Down Jay-Z’s PR Strategy In His Statement Denying Allegations

    Is Jay-Z truly a victim? Or is this a masterful PR strategy?This episode analyzes Jay-Z’s bold statement denying recent allegations and the strategy behind his fiery words. Hear how Jay-Z frames the accusations as absurd and meritless while directly aiming at attorney Tony Buzbee in a battle of wits and egos. It also looks at Beyonce’s PR strategy and speculates on how the couple might handle high-profile events like the Grammys. The episode includes exclusive clips from Molly’s recent interv...

    23 min

  3. DEC 4

    291: Top 5 Controversies Surrounding Wicked Movie and Their PR Lesson

    When controversies swirl, smart PR can turn turbulence into triumph. In this episode, dive into how Universal Pictures and the Wicked team transformed five headline-grabbing challenges into opportunities to strengthen the film’s buzz and audience trust.Scandals, Salaries & Strategy: From love triangles to pay gap rumors, discover how they tackled the drama with finesse.Tweets, Trends & Two-Part Twists: See how a two-part release and resurfaced tweets were spun into narrative wins.Cris...

    18 min

  4. NOV 27

    290: Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Breakup PR Battle

    The Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chicken Fry" LaPaglia breakup has become a masterclass in contrasting PR strategies, pitting traditional celebrity discretion against modern social media transparency. As country music star Bryan maintains careful control through cryptic messages and measured statements, Barstool Sports personality LaPaglia takes the opposite approach, sharing raw, emotional details about their relationship and its end.Their public split crystallizes a pivotal moment in celebrity P...

    19 min

  5. NOV 20

    289: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown

    On this revealing episode of The PR Breakdown, diving deep into the psychology of entitlement and its impact on both social media and real-world interactions. The analysis begins with the recent TikTok controversy surrounding influencers Cecily and Samantha Bachman, whose launch of $98 holiday pajamas sparked intense public criticism and led to a problematic apology that only fueled further backlash.Joining Molly is renowned relationship expert Dr. Abby Medcalf, who illuminates the fascinatin...

    24 min

  6. NOV 12

    288: The Perfect Mess: Martha Stewart's Documentary Damage Control

    Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her empire, the documentary reveals the real story behind Martha's headlines. Learn how her lawyers' tight-lipped strategy backfired, why she stopped dating Anthony Hopkins, and how she's transformed her perfectionist reputation from a liability into an asset. Get the inside s...

    17 min

  7. NOV 5

    287: Election PR Showdown: Campaign Predictions with the Guys from the Reputation Town Podcast

    It's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked-about PR moves and media strategies shaping this historic race.Episode HighlightsAnalysis of Trump's McDonald's publicity stunt in PennsylvaniaThe "garbage" rhetoric war between campaignsJeff Bezos and the Washington Post's controversial no-endorsement decisionWhy traditi...

    51 min

  8. OCT 30

    286: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight

    Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the SpotlightThis week’s PR Breakdown Live episode on Patreon takes a deep dive into celebrity relationships, loyalty, and the challenges of managing public perception. With Dr. Abby Metcalf joining as a special guest, this lively discussion covers how fame and success impact high-profile relationships, what drives public reputation, and the complexities that unfold when loyalty and fame collide.Episode Highl...

    14 min
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4.7
out of 5
170 Ratings

About

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, revealing the hidden tactics at play. With her insider perspective, you’ll learn why these PR moves matter, who’s calling the shots, and whether they’re a success or a crash-and-burn moment. Expect sharp insights, straight talk, and an insider look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.

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