Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

HMA Public Relations | PHX.fm
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Biweekly

The best PR podcast for Arizona executives, business owners, and directors of marketing and communications who want to increase the effectiveness of their public relations, media, and marketing campaigns. From messaging and media relations to content strategy and crisis management, the dollars your organization spends on integrated marketing communications are an investment that helps boost your brand, break through the noise, and drive business results. Join Abbie Fink, President of HMA Public Relations, and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, strategic communications consultant at Speed of Story, as they explore today’s marketing and PR challenges and share insights, stories, and strategies to help your message reach its target audience. Copper State of Mind is a project of HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations and marketing communications agency in Phoenix and the oldest continuously operating PR firm in Arizona. With more than 40 years of experience helping clients tell their stories, HMA Public Relations is committed to your success. Learn more at https://hmapr.com

  1. The Best Leaders Are Connectors

    May 22

    The Best Leaders Are Connectors

    In this episode, Adrian McIntyre and Abbie Fink reflect on leadership, recognition, and the responsibilities that come with both. Prompted by Abbie’s recent induction into the Scottsdale Hall of Fame, the conversation moves beyond awards themselves to focus on what meaningful leadership actually requires: shared purpose, trust, connection, and the ability to bring others along. Abbie argues that the best leaders are connectors. They create enthusiasm around a mission, help people see themselves in it, and measure success not only by their own accomplishments but by the growth and achievements of the people around them. Together, she and Adrian explore the role of relationships in business and leadership, the importance of listening and curiosity, and why no meaningful success is ever truly achieved alone. The episode closes with a broader reflection on responsibility and community impact. Drawing on ideas from Arizona State University’s charter and Abbie’s own work in business and civic leadership, they frame leadership as something bigger than visibility or recognition. It is about inclusion, stewardship, consistency, and helping others find purpose and succeed. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways Great leadership is rooted in connection and shared purpose.Recognition matters most when it becomes a platform to elevate others and advance meaningful work.Relationships, not transactions, are the foundation of lasting success in business and leadership.Curiosity and listening are essential leadership skills because they build trust and improve judgment.Leadership carries a responsibility to strengthen teams, organizations, and communities. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    22 min
  2. WEBINAR: New Research on Brand Influence from the Public Relations Global Network

    May 8

    WEBINAR: New Research on Brand Influence from the Public Relations Global Network

    On May 13, 2026, the Public Relations Global Network will present the key findings of PRGN Influence Insights 2026, the second edition of its global survey on brand influence. The 2026 PRGN Influence Insights Survey offers a closer look at how brands are managing trust, reputation, AI, audience behavior and the growing complexity of influence across channels, audiences and markets worldwide. Join Abbie Fink and other PRGN leaders for a live webinar presentation of the survey data, built on global findings from more than 1,800 professionals across 48 countries. Register for one of the webinar sessions: May 13: EMEA and AmericasMay 13: Americas and APAC Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    7 min
  3. AI Can Write—But It Might Be Wrong

    Apr 24

    AI Can Write—But It Might Be Wrong

    Generative AI can be fast, fluent, and incredibly useful. It can also produce false statements with great confidence. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss why communicators cannot confuse polished output with trustworthy information. They explore fact-checking, source verification, media literacy, and what it means to create content that remains credible in an AI-centric communication environment. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    23 min
  4. Media Literacy and the Fog of War in the Middle East

    Mar 20

    Media Literacy and the Fog of War in the Middle East

    Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    34 min
  5. How to Collaborate with Other PR Firms

    Mar 6

    How to Collaborate with Other PR Firms

    Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    23 min
  6. Crisis Communications and the Guthrie Case

    Feb 20

    Crisis Communications and the Guthrie Case

    Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the intricacies of communicating with journalists and the public in the midst of the criminal investigation in Tucson, Arizona into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie. They explore the responsibilities and pressures faced by local public information officers and other official spokespeople who find themselves in the national spotlight during high-profile cases. Their conversation touches on the balance between transparency and investigative confidentiality, the importance of maintaining control over the narrative, the need for authenticity in public statements, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists covering such stories. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways In a crisis involving sensitive criminal investigations, public information officers must balance the need to keep the public informed with the necessity of not compromising the investigation.The competitive nature of media often drives sensationalized coverage, which can complicate the role of spokespersons and influence public perception.Genuine, less polished performances by spokespersons can sometimes foster public trust more effectively than highly rehearsed statements.Journalists face challenges in remaining ethical and responsible while meeting the demand for continuous updates.Even in challenging situations, valuable lessons can be drawn that enhance future crisis communication strategies. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    22 min
  7. PR as Conductor of the Marketing Communications Orchestra

    Feb 6

    PR as Conductor of the Marketing Communications Orchestra

    Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    33 min
  8. What Does It Take for PR Firms to Earn a Seat at the Strategy Table?

    Jan 23

    What Does It Take for PR Firms to Earn a Seat at the Strategy Table?

    Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the evolving role of communications and public relations professionals within organizational hierarchies. The conversation kicks off with Adrian highlighting the longstanding advocacy for including communications leaders at the strategic table. He suggests that this inclusion is no longer just a desire for prestige; it is now critical for organizational survival. Abbie echoes these sentiments, expressing that the ability of organizations to effectively communicate their strategies internally and externally is essential for success. As they discuss the traditional view of public relations as a secondary support function, Abbie emphasizes the importance of positioning communications teams as integral to strategy development. In an age where trust in institutions is dwindling, she advocates for a more authentic and transparent communication approach. She consider how often organizations may overlook the strategic insights that communications professionals can offer, instead relegating them to a role of mere implementation rather than active participation in shaping organizational direction. Adrian introduces an insightful perspective on branding, asserting that branding is constantly happening through every interaction and touchpoint. He urges corporate leaders to recognize the interplay between reputational risk and economic risk. Both he and Abbie agree that communication professionals should not wait to be invited to share their perspectives; rather, they should assert their expertise boldly and proactively. The conversation takes a turn towards examining the dynamics that often hamper effective client-agency interactions. Abbie describes the common scenario where decisions made by leadership may not fully consider the insights from communications experts, often seeking affirmation rather than genuine input. This environment, she argues, can stifle creativity and hinder the potential for robust strategic discussions. Adrian supports this point, highlighting the importance of clear, confident communication and the role that experience plays in establishing credibility. As the episode progresses, the duo tackles the complexities of billing practices within the PR sector. Abbie candidly discusses the challenge of articulating value to clients when it comes to pricing. Drawing from her extensive experience, she asserts that the focus should shift from hourly rates to the overall value and outcomes provided. By establishing a clear linkage between the expertise they offer and the tangible impacts on client success, she believes agencies can cultivate stronger relationships built on understanding and mutual respect. Adrian then challenges the audience to rethink their current measurement practices, emphasizing that relying solely on easily counted metrics can lead organizations astray. He posits that the most significant outcomes may be challenging to quantify but are nonetheless vital to understanding the true impact of communication efforts. Abbie concurs, citing the evolution of measurement practices that prioritize meaningful engagement over superficial metrics. She highlights the necessity of aligning KPIs with business objectives to ensure that public relations initiatives contribute to overall strategic goals. In conclusion, Abbie and Adrian share a vision for the future where communications professionals are seen as essential strategic partners rather than peripheral players. They advocate for a collaborative approach that encourages open dialogue and embraces diverse perspectives. Ultimately, they hope that organizations will recognize the invaluable contributions of communications teams in navigating an increasingly complex and trust-challenged world. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

    28 min
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The best PR podcast for Arizona executives, business owners, and directors of marketing and communications who want to increase the effectiveness of their public relations, media, and marketing campaigns. From messaging and media relations to content strategy and crisis management, the dollars your organization spends on integrated marketing communications are an investment that helps boost your brand, break through the noise, and drive business results. Join Abbie Fink, President of HMA Public Relations, and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, strategic communications consultant at Speed of Story, as they explore today’s marketing and PR challenges and share insights, stories, and strategies to help your message reach its target audience. Copper State of Mind is a project of HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations and marketing communications agency in Phoenix and the oldest continuously operating PR firm in Arizona. With more than 40 years of experience helping clients tell their stories, HMA Public Relations is committed to your success. Learn more at https://hmapr.com

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