PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

Michelle Garrett

PR Explored, my PR podcast, where I interview those I trust and respect about topics related to public relations and communications. We take a deeper dive into public relations topics with some of the brightest folks in the business. The show is my opportunity to discuss the questions on our minds about the work of PR pros today, as well as industry trends.

  1. 5 NOV

    ESG in the Age of AI

    In this episode of ‘PR Explored,’ hosted by Michelle Garrett, PR consultant and writer, the focus is on the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and corporate ethics in the realm of Public Relations. The guest, Bo Breuklander, founder of Breuklander Communications, shares insights on how AI affects sustainability, governance, and the broader PR landscape. They discuss the importance of values, consistency, and trust in corporate behavior, and how companies can proactively address issues like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), AI policies, and data privacy. The conversation also touches on the current trends, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI responsibly and ethically, with a focus on employee well-being and corporate reputation. Bo highlights the necessity for companies to educate themselves about AI, develop robust policies, and maintain their core values to build trust among stakeholders. Bo further shares insights on evaluating AI vendors and stresses the need for ongoing professional development in this rapidly evolving landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:57 Guest Background and Current Work 01:41 Understanding ESG and Its Importance 08:39 AI’s Role in ESG and Sustainability 16:47 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Focus 28:36 Governance and AI Policies 40:02 Final Thoughts and Professional Development 41:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Show notes: Bo Breuklander’s Email Course: The GenAI Playbook: https://www.bobreuklander.com/generative-ai-playbook-for-executive-messaging-and-employee-engagement Bo’s In-Person Workshop: GenAI Readiness for Communicators: https://www.bobreuklander.com/genai-readiness-workshop-for-communicators Follow Bo Breuklander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobreuklander/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    48 min
  2. 29 OCT

    Telling Stories That Stand Out

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Lou Covey, a veteran journalist with 55 years of experience. Lou shares his journey from journalism to exploring cybersecurity and creating the Cyber Protection Magazine. They discuss the state of PR today, including formulaic approaches, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling. They also highlight the challenges of effectively pitching to journalists, the decline of independent journalism, and the need for PR professionals to support quality journalism. Key takeaways include the necessity of thorough research, avoiding overused phrases in press releases, fostering transparency, and the evolving relationship between paid and earned media. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 Guest Introduction: Lou Covey 01:52 Lou Covey’s Career Journey 05:29 The Evolution of PR 08:43 Challenges in Modern PR 11:55 The Importance of Human-Created Content 15:15 Words That Kill Trust in PR 25:15 The Disconnect Between PR and Clients 31:38 The Ego Exercise 32:13 Storytelling Principles for PR Pros 33:13 The Importance of Context in Storytelling 34:33 Finding the Right Person for Thought Leadership 35:38 Challenges with the C-Suite 40:05 Crafting Effective Pitches 41:13 The Role of Statistics in PR 43:59 Avoiding Common PR Mistakes 54:53 The Decline of Journalism 56:34 Supporting Independent Media 58:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Show notes: Link to Cyberprotection Magazine (Lou is the editor): ​​www.cyberprotection-magazine.com Lou’s podcast Crucial Tech: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crucial-tech/id1455648744 Lou Covey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loucovey/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1 hr
  3. 23 OCT

    How to Develop Effective Communication Strategies in the Misinformation Age

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett discusses misinformation and its impact on public relations with guest Jennifer McGinley, a PR consultant specializing in healthcare. They delve into the definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, providing insights into how organizations can prepare and respond to these challenges. The conversation covers proactive crisis communication strategies, the importance of internal communications, media training, and the role of community building in maintaining trust and credibility. They also emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and engagement on social media platforms to manage and address misinformation effectively. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 00:15 Introducing Jennifer McGinley 00:44 Understanding Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malformation 05:24 The Importance of Crisis Communication 09:26 Building Trust and Internal Communication 17:51 Navigating Social Media and Information Overload 24:48 Preparing for Misinformation in Healthcare 34:20 Navigating Trust in Health Advice 35:25 The Overwhelming Flood of Information 35:56 Skepticism and Trust in the Digital Age 36:18 The Importance of Media Literacy 37:13 Purpose and Motivation Behind Sharing Information 38:34 Managing Misinformation in Companies 39:33 Proactive Crisis Management 40:39 The Role of Social Media in Crisis Response 42:30 Monitoring Online Discussions 45:55 Leveraging Social Proof Against Disinformation 46:52 Building Community Trust 49:33 The Impact of Crisis on Reputation and Bottom Line 50:03 The Importance of Accurate Information in Research 53:38 Generational Differences in Brand Loyalty 55:20 The Role of Reviews and Feedback 56:46 The Importance of Clear Communication 58:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Show notes: JLM Strategic Communications: https://jlmstrategiccommunications.com/ Follow Jennifer McGinley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcginley/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    59 min
  4. 1 OCT

    How PR and Content Teams Can Work Together to Maximize Thought Leadership

    In this episode of PR Explored, host and PR consultant Michelle Garrett sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Erika Heald to discuss the crucial role that thought leadership plays in content marketing and PR. Erika, a seasoned marketing communications consultant and former journalist, delves into her journey and experience in the field, highlighting the importance of having a strategy to create impactful content. The conversation covers the definition of thought leadership, the types of content that contribute to it, and the synergy between content and PR teams. They emphasize the need for collaboration and strategic planning to maximize the impact of thought leadership efforts. The episode is a treasure trove of insights on how to foster cross-functional teamwork and create valuable, engaging content that drives business results. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 01:11 Meet Erika Healed: A Journey from Journalism to Content Strategy 04:59 The Importance of Thought Leadership 05:32 Defining Thought Leadership 14:48 Creating Effective Thought Leadership Content 23:46 Integrating PR and Content Teams 29:40 Breaking Down Silos for Better Collaboration 30:31 Winning Awards with Strategic Collaboration 32:52 The Importance of Measurement in PR 39:46 Leveraging Research for Thought Leadership 51:08 Effective Interview Techniques for Content Creation 56:07 Final Thoughts on Thought Leadership and Collaboration Show notes: Follow Erika Heald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaheald/ Erika Heald Marketing Consulting: https://erikaheald.com/ Erika’s show #ContentChat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaheald/recent-activity/events/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    58 min
  5. 24 SEPT

    Why Podcasts Should Be Part of Your PR Strategy

    In this episode, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Doug Downs, the host of ‘Stories and Strategies’ podcast. They discuss the significance of podcasting in PR and marketing, highlighting how podcasts can build brand trust and engage audiences more deeply than traditional social media posts. Doug shares insights into his journey with ‘Stories and Strategies,’ a leading PR-focused podcast, and the launch of his podcast production agency. They also address common pitfalls that cause many podcasts to fail early, the importance of niching down content, and the effort required to produce and maintain a successful podcast. Additionally, Doug emphasizes the need for more diversity in podcasting, particularly the inclusion of more women and marginalized voices as guests and hosts. As the conversation progresses, they explore effective strategies for pitching guests to podcasts and how to differentiate oneself in a crowded media landscape. This episode is packed with valuable insights for brands considering starting their own podcasts and for individuals looking to become notable podcast guests. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 00:49 Introducing Doug Downs and His Podcast 03:22 The Importance of Podcasts in PR and Marketing 09:33 Challenges and Realities of Podcasting 16:13 Building and Engaging Your Podcast Audience 29:42 The Future of Podcasting and AI 31:38 The Gender Dynamics in Podcasting 32:15 Promoting Diversity in Podcasting 33:05 Challenges in PR and Podcasting 34:28 Effective Pitching Strategies 38:21 Building Relationships Through Podcasting 48:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Podcasts 54:29 Concluding Thoughts Show notes: Website: https://storiesandstrategies.ca/ Podcast: https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/ (now co-hosted with Farzana Baduel) – #1 PR podcast in the World per Rephonic and Goodpods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesandstrategiespodcast YouTube video specific to how to pitch a podcast: https://youtu.be/IMdN6GROLDI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesandstrategiesp Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    59 min
  6. 22 SEPT

    What to Expect When You're Expecting PR

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author and writer, talks with public relations consultant Crystal Richard about managing client expectations in the realm of public relations. They delve into Crystal’s background, which includes over 15 years in the PR industry and founding her own company, Crystal Richard & Co. Crystal also shares details about her lifestyle and travel brand, East Coast Mermaid. The discussion covers the critical aspect of setting realistic client expectations around media coverage, including the time it takes to secure placements, the importance of trade publications, and the role of consistency in pitching. Michelle and Crystal also address common client misunderstandings regarding instant results in PR, the value of press releases, and the impact of shrinking newsroom staffs on media relations strategies. They emphasize the need for clients to be proactive and understanding about the intricacies and timelines involved in media outreach and coverage. Crystal offers valuable insights into effective media pitching, the significance of being available for media opportunities, and tips for businesses looking to handle their own PR. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 00:59 Meet Crystal Richard: PR Expert and Lifestyle Brand Founder 01:38 Crystal’s Unique PR Journey and Media Adventures 04:16 Discussing PR Expectations and Client Realities 06:28 The Challenges of Media Coverage and Client Education 12:17 The Importance of Setting Realistic PR Goals 24:32 Navigating Media Relations and Press Releases 32:06 The Importance of Press Releases in Modern PR 32:56 Effective Press Release Distribution Strategies 36:22 Adapting to Shrinking Newsrooms 39:36 Leveraging Thought Leadership and Affiliate Links 42:38 DIY PR: Tips for Small Businesses 44:20 Consistency and Persistence in PR Efforts 47:50 Building Relationships with Journalists 50:14 Setting Realistic PR Expectations 56:14 Crisis PR and Timing Considerations 57:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Show notes: Crystal Richard’s site: https://www.crystalrichard.com/ Follow Crystal Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalrichard/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1 hr
  7. 10 SEPT

    How to Bring “Boring” Industries to Life

    Working with companies in so-called “boring” industries can be its own type of challenge. PR and communications pros in industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture and others often struggle to find creative ways to talk about what they do. How can those in public relations and marketing breathe new life into their efforts when working in these industries? Michelle's guest, Ayo Abbas, an award-winning built environment marketing consultant with a background in communications and public relations and host of The Built Environment Marketing Show, joins her to discuss how to approach this challenge. Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    39 min
  8. 3 SEPT

    Ethical PR: Navigating Trust and Responsibility

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant, discusses the crucial topic of PR ethics with industry experts Mary Beth West and Jared Mead. They explore the importance of ethical practices in public relations, share their extensive backgrounds, and discuss the creation of an online PR ethics community on LinkedIn. The episode covers why ethics in PR is often overlooked, the necessity of integrating ethical discussions into the classroom, and the importance of collaborating with legal teams. Highlighting relevant resources such as industry associations, ethical guidelines, and initiatives like the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) and the Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI), the guests emphasize proactive steps to integrate ethical practices in PR. The discussion also touches on the ethical use of AI in PR and the need for continuous advocacy to improve the public perception of the PR profession. The episode concludes by encouraging PR professionals to engage deeply with ethical standards to enhance the industry’s credibility and effectiveness. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 Mary Beth’s Background and PR Ethics Advocacy 01:57 Jared’s Background and Ethics in PR 03:33 The Importance of PR Ethics 05:02 Challenges in Discussing PR Ethics 08:05 Ethics Education in PR 17:05 Handling Unethical Requests 25:44 Creating Effective Ethics Guidelines 31:35 The Psychological Toll of Whistleblowing 34:20 The Importance of Legal and PR Collaboration 37:07 Navigating the Court of Public Opinion 43:10 Ethical Use of AI in PR 55:51 Advocating for PR Ethics 58:40 Final Thoughts and Resources Show notes: PR Ethics community on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prethics/ Mary Beth West on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbwcommunications/ Jared Meade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmeademps/ Jared Meade of Rayne Strategy Group website: https://www.raynestrategygroup.com/ Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1h 1m

About

PR Explored, my PR podcast, where I interview those I trust and respect about topics related to public relations and communications. We take a deeper dive into public relations topics with some of the brightest folks in the business. The show is my opportunity to discuss the questions on our minds about the work of PR pros today, as well as industry trends.