On Top of PR with Jason Mudd

Jason Mudd, Axia Public Relations
  • 4.9 (48)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Biweekly

On Top of PR is a podcast dedicated to helping corporate communications leaders leverage the power of PR to build a strong brand and great reputation. Each episode features guests to discuss PR and marketing topics, tips, and trends. We want to help every active and aspiring communication professional stay on top of PR.   It is one of the top 3% most popular podcast shows globally, according to Listen Notes' Listen Score, and among the top 100 marketing podcasts in the world on Apple Podcasts.   We've featured guests from Disney, Wells Fargo, Tyson Foods, Mall of America, Priceline, Southwest Airlines, and more. About Jason MuddJason Mudd is a professional public speaker, accredited public relations practitioner, published author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. The World Communication Forum named him North America’s top PR leader. He’s the CEO and managing partner of Axia Public Relations. Forbes Magazine named Axia as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. He is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist to some of America’s most admired and fastest-growing companies. His past PR work includes American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster’s, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon. 

  1. How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

    2d ago

    How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, James (Jim) Lukaszewski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to influence leaders through trust, candor, and strategic communication. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president and CEO of The Lukaszewski Group. Jim has advised business leaders through crises and high-stakes situations for more than five decades. He shares practical strategies for becoming the trusted strategic advisor leaders rely on when making important decisions. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why trusted advisors begin by understanding leadership challenges before communication challenges  2. How candor helps build credibility with executives  3. The Three-Minute Drill for presenting strategic recommendations  4. Why offering options instead of conclusions leads to better leadership decisions 5. How studying leadership helps communicators become more influential advisors  Quotables “All problems are management and organizational problems before they are any other kind of problem.” — Jim Lukaszewski “You have to start where the person you're advising is, not where you think the solution is.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Management happens in real time.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Anybody who can offer three perspectives or useful concepts about any problem the boss is facing is a valuable person.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Your highest and best use … is being a trusted advisor to leadership.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: James Lukaszewski on LinkedIn James E. Lukaszewski on YouTube E911 website Crisisguru.ai Pre-order the “Influencing Leaders” book Pre-order Jim’s new book. Email a copy of your receipt to jel@e911.com with the subject line "TOP."  Follow Jim on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Jim’s newsletter. When the book is released in August, you'll receive the handbook by email. Additional Resources: Does PR play an active role in your strategic planning? Learn how to make it easier to reach your goals Defining leadership in corporate communications Axia’s crisis PR service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: How to be a trusted adviser with Del Galloway When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent Recorded: July, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    50 min
  2. Why PR is the last budget line you should cut (and what happens if you do)

    Jun 23

    Why PR is the last budget line you should cut (and what happens if you do)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Heidi Howell joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why organizations should think twice before cutting PR during economic uncertainty. They explore the connection between reputation, recruiting, employer branding, visibility, trust, and revenue growth. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Heidi Howell, she is a marketing executive who leads efforts to transform marketing into a revenue-driving function within healthcare staffing and human resources technology. She partners with executive teams to align marketing, sales, and operations through scalable systems, data-driven strategy, and growth-focused demand generation. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why public relations is often cut first and why that can be a costly mistake 2. How reputation directly impacts recruiting outcomes and talent acquisition 3. Why you should view recruiting as a revenue-driving function 4. How PR keeps you visible to top clients 5. Questions leaders should ask before reducing PR investments Quotables “PR is not just about visibility; it's about trust, reputation, and staying known to the people who are ultimately going to be buying your services.” — Heidi Howell “Recruiting is our revenue. That's how we make money. We make money by placing great candidates at great jobs with great clients.” — Heidi Howell “When companies cut PR, they're cutting the very thing that keeps them visible.” — Heidi Howell "When budgets are being cut, trust becomes more valuable, not less." — Heidi Howell “In a down economy, trust becomes more valuable, not less. PR is one of the few functions built specifically to protect it.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: Heidi Howell on LinkedInHow PR influences recruiting, retention, and workforce qualityratethispodcast.com/ontopofprAdditional Resources: Reputation management for AI search: Monitoring and response frameworkWarning signs your online reputation management is failingAxia’s reputation management serviceListen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast.Find out more about Axia Public Relations.If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Job search and hiring tips with Nicole BalsamNavigating PR and communications hiring with Brooke Kruger Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    29 min
  3. Inside the newsroom: Media relations advice from a former CNN producer

    Jun 16

    Inside the newsroom: Media relations advice from a former CNN producer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, former CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices, newsroom operations, and journalist preferences. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, a communications and storytelling professional and former CNN cross-platform producer at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 18 years of experience in broadcast, digital, and social media, Tiffany has helped shape high-impact stories and audience engagement strategies while working inside local and national newsrooms. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why strong media relationships still matter, even when newsworthiness comes first 2. Common media pitching mistakes that damage credibility with journalists 3. How to effectively follow up with reporters without becoming a nuisance 4. Why understanding newsroom operations improves media relations success 5. How changing newsroom dynamics and audience behaviors are reshaping media relations  Quotables “Relationships matter a lot when it comes to newsrooms as well as with PR. Basically, you don't want to be a stranger.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You need to consume news yourself. You need to know what's going on.” — @Tiffany Anthony “It is not always about the fastest anymore. It's about the most accurate, the most in-depth, the most personal.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You have to grab the reporter's attention, just like we have to grab the viewer’s attention. And you have to do it quickly because people will lose interest; reporters will lose interest.” — @Tiffany Anthony “Every touchpoint should add value to the relationship. Every touchpoint should be another piece of insight.” — @Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: Tiffany Anthony on LinkedIn Tiffany Anthony on Muck Rack Tiffany Anthony’s website From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch Additional Resources: What strong media relations actually look like The best and worst media relations efforts from public relations professionals The 4 R’s of media relations: Responsive, resourceful, rapid, and respect Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations How to improve your media pitches with Jason Mudd of Axia Public Relations Media relations best practices with Axia Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    57 min
  4. The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI

    Jun 9

    The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI

    Send us Fan Mail In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd explains why earned media now drives visibility in ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and AI search. Tune in to learn more!  Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why earned media is the primary driver of visibility in AI-generated search 2. How ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude determine which brands to recommend 3. What the 2% pitch overlap statistic means for PR and marketing teams 4. Why media velocity and recency matter more than one big placement 5. What to do right now: three actions to strengthen your brand's AI visibility   Quotables “Earned media is what AI trusts.” — @jasonmudd9 “The right earned media in the right outlets at the right frequency is the primary lever for brand visibility and AI-generated search. Not one of the levers, it's the primary lever.” — @jasonmudd9 “The brands that figure this out first are going to own the narrative inside the AI tools their buyers are already using every day.” — @jasonmudd9 “99% of links cited by AI come from unpaid media.” — @jasonmudd9 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Contact info and resources: Jason Mudd on X Jason Mudd on LinkedIn Muck Rack: Earned media still drives 84% of AI citations Gartner: Predicts 2026: Top Predictions to Inform 2026 Comms Strategies ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr  Additional Resources: Why earned media is so powerful in the age of AI and GEO Why AI tools now rely on earned media How earned media gets AI to remember your brand Axia’s AIVisibility services Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast Find out more about Axia Public Relations If you like this episode, you're going to love this: The PR playbook for getting recommended Embedded AI: The future of PR and communication workflows How to stay ahead of AI in communication and marketing Recorded: June 06, 2026   Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    14 min
  5. The secrets every professional speaker knows (that you don't)

    Jun 2

    The secrets every professional speaker knows (that you don't)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt Mosich joins host Jason Mudd to discuss what separates professional speakers from aspiring speakers. From storytelling and stage presence to preparation, mindset, and memorable messaging, Matt shares practical insights from years of coaching executives, founders, and business leaders. Tune in to learn more!    Meet our guest: Our guest is Matt Mosich, president and owner of The Mosich Group. Matt is a communication and speaker coach for executives, founders, and their teams. He helps clients prepare for and build keynotes, board presentations, podcasts, and media interviews. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why every point needs a story and every story needs a point 2. How great speakers collect stories from everyday experiences  3. Why audiences remember sentences, not speeches 4. The hidden preparation behind seemingly effortless presentations  5. How to use nerves as an advantage instead of trying to eliminate them   Quotables “There are probably thousands of people out there who can speak on your topic. They might have the exact same conclusions that you do. The only difference is how you arrived at them.” — Matt Mosich “The best speakers aren't more creative. They're better at noticing and writing down what everyone else walks past.” — Matt Mosich “People remember sentences, not speeches.” — Matt Mosich “Our mindset is how we observe the world; it's how we live our experience.” — Matt Mosich “You have to show up as a professional in order to get paid like a professional.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: Matt Mosich on LinkedIn The Mosich Group website Jack Sernett Matthew Dicks The Four Agreements Book Toastmasters International Additional Resources: Axia Public Relations’ SpeakersBureau service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. How to become a TED speaker The right way to apply for a speaking engagement Don’t let your superstar company speaker go unnoticed; promote today! If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Embracing the power of “No” and storytelling How company executives can become powerful keynote speakers How to become an excellent TEDx speaker Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    43 min
  6. From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch

    May 25

    From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss one of the most talked-about career pivots in media today — journalists transitioning into public relations and corporate communications.  Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, cross-platform producer at CNN/Warner Brothers Discovery. Tiffany is a communications and storytelling professional with 18+ years of experience crafting clear, high-impact narratives across broadcast, digital, and social platforms. She has led messaging for high-stakes news and major public-facing initiatives, with a focus on audience engagement, clarity, and collaborative leadership. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why journalists are uniquely positioned to succeed in PR and corporate communications 2. How newsroom experience strengthens media relations, storytelling, and strategic communications 3. How former journalists can position their skills and experience to stand out in today’s PR job market 4. How AI, applicant tracking systems, and evolving hiring practices are changing communications careers 5. Why companies increasingly value journalists who understand newsrooms, audiences, and compelling stories Quotables “You always have to learn to adapt and evolve.” — Tiffany Anthony “Some of the best stories are about people and interesting people. It’s not just about a product.” — Tiffany Anthony "People want people's stories. They want to connect emotionally with stories. And I think a lot of companies forget that and lose sight of that." — Tiffany Anthony “You have to be willing to say, ‘I’m no longer a journalist. I’m now a corporate storyteller.’” — Jason Mudd "If you don't tell them, you won't sell them." — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: Tiffany Anthony on LinkedIn Tiffany Anthony on Muck Rack Tiffany Anthony website Public Relations Employment Statistics by BLS.gov  PRSA Job Board Axiacareers.com  Additional Resources: 6 ways agency work provides the best work experience Top 6 questions public relations students ask us about the PR industry Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Transition from journalism to PR with David DeCamp Behind the mic with Jason Mudd: An Ask Me Anything special solocast on PR and Axia’s beginning Networking without an agenda: The key to career longevity Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    47 min
  7. Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations

    May 19

    Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Qwoted’s Shelby Bridges joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI, shrinking newsrooms, and faster news cycles are reshaping modern media relations and earned media strategies. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Shelby Bridges, director of customer success at Qwoted. Shelby works at the intersection of PR, media, and technology, helping communicators build stronger relationships with journalists through smarter, more strategic data usage and platforms like Qwoted. She leads training, demos, and user initiatives that support agencies and brands in a fast-moving media landscape. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why modern news cycles now behave like breaking news by default 2. How shrinking newsrooms are increasing pressure on journalists and PR teams 3. Why responding within 48 hours significantly increases placement success 4. How AI is changing pitching, and why similarity is becoming a problem 5. Why diversification of angles and sources is critical for credibility   Quotables “All news is almost breaking news now. It has to be told immediately and as quickly as possible because somebody else is already writing it.” — Shelby Bridges “The people who are responding within the first 48 hours are the ones that are winning.” — Shelby Bridges “Everybody should be able to use AI to pitch — but not to falsify data, personas, or companies.” — Shelby Bridges “What journalists need is something that stands out and isn’t generic.” — Shelby Bridges “If people in the room all look like you, you're not going to hear as good or thoughtful storytelling and insights as you might want.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. Guest’s contact info and resources: @sbridges0117 on instagram Shelby Bridges on LinkedIn Qwoted website Qwoted resources Additional Resources: Journalist PR responses under 3% for third straight quarter Journalists don’t want AI-generated commentary (and what to give them instead) Top PR pros share their tips for earning U.S. media coverage The best and worst media relations efforts from public relations professionals How to use media relations strategically to boost SEO Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Making your media pitches stand out The 4 R’s of media relations: Responsive, resourceful, rapid, and respect Media relations best practices  Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    1h 9m
  8. When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent

    May 12

    When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, University of Memphis expert Michele Ehrhart joins host Jason Mudd to discuss crisis communication, leadership preparedness, reputation management, and how organizations can navigate high-pressure situations with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Michele Ehrhart, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at the University of Memphis. Michele is a crisis communications expert with three decades of experience in corporate affairs, executive communications, and PR strategy. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why crisis preparation must happen before a crisis occurs 2. How leaders can use “what if” scenario planning to prepare for high-risk situations 3. Why silence can be a strategic communication choice depending on context 4. How reputation is built slowly but can be damaged quickly during a crisis 5. Why defining roles and responsibilities in advance improves crisis response execution Quotables “The day you have a crisis should not be the first day you've thought about what you'll do.” — Michele Ehrhart “Planning the work and working the plan.” — Michele Ehrhart “Silence is a strategy. If the story isn't yours, don't talk about it.” — Michele Ehrhart “The brand is what you put out there; reputation is what they think of you.” — Michele Ehrhart “When PR is at its best, it's building a reputation for your company — just not visibility, but also the reputation. You could have great visibility, but it's not positive.” – Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review. More About Michele Ehrhart Michele Ehrhart is a crisis communications expert with three decades of experience in corporate affairs, executive communications, and PR strategy. After 22 years with FedEx, she now serves as the University of Memphis's senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. She is a bestselling author, speaker, and industry expert helping leaders navigate crises with confidence and clarity. Guest’s contact info and resources: Michele Ehrhart on LinkedIn Michele Ehrhart’s website Get the “Crisis Compass: How to Communicate When It Matters Most” book Axia’s CrisisPoint service Axia’s Reputation Restoration service Additional Resources: How to recover from a PR crisis and manage your reputation What is reputation management? Build a crisis communication plan that works fast Question-based crisis communication: What leaders miss online How to build a crisis-resilient marketing and communication plan Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

On Top of PR is a podcast dedicated to helping corporate communications leaders leverage the power of PR to build a strong brand and great reputation. Each episode features guests to discuss PR and marketing topics, tips, and trends. We want to help every active and aspiring communication professional stay on top of PR.   It is one of the top 3% most popular podcast shows globally, according to Listen Notes' Listen Score, and among the top 100 marketing podcasts in the world on Apple Podcasts.   We've featured guests from Disney, Wells Fargo, Tyson Foods, Mall of America, Priceline, Southwest Airlines, and more. About Jason MuddJason Mudd is a professional public speaker, accredited public relations practitioner, published author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. The World Communication Forum named him North America’s top PR leader. He’s the CEO and managing partner of Axia Public Relations. Forbes Magazine named Axia as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. He is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist to some of America’s most admired and fastest-growing companies. His past PR work includes American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster’s, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Mudd, Axia Public Relations
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    183
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Axia Public Relations
  • Show Website
    On Top of PR with Jason Mudd

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