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. 1D AGO

    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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    58 min
  2. SEP 24

    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/storiesandstrategiespodcasts/ 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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    59 min
  3. SEP 22

    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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1 hr
  4. SEP 10

    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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    39 min
  5. SEP 3

    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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1h 1m
  6. AUG 28

    How PR Fits Into Customer Buying Decisions

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant, author and writer, interviews Sunny Hunt, CEO of Hunt Interaction, about the intersection of public relations (PR) and the customer buying journey. Sunny discusses the importance of integrating PR with sales and customer success teams to better understand and meet customer needs, ultimately driving revenue and shortening sales cycles. She emphasizes the need for customer-driven PR strategies, the value of customer testimonials, and the impact of consistent messaging. The episode also highlights the significance of understanding where customers get their information and how to measure PR’s impact on business outcomes effectively. Sunny also addresses the challenges of cutting through the noise in today’s market and offers actionable advice on using customer insights to craft effective PR campaigns. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 00:26 Meet Our Guest: Sunny Hunt 00:44 Introduction to the Customer Buying Journey 00:53 Sunny Hunt’s Professional Background 02:43 Marketing Fridays: A Free Webinar Series 03:59 The Importance of Content Repurposing 05:06 Customer Growth and Retention Strategies 11:01 Aligning PR with Sales and Marketing 15:54 The Value of Customer Insights 23:49 Measuring PR Success Beyond Impressions 27:39 Combating the Status Quo in PR 31:37 The Role of Trade Media in PR 32:14 Voice of Customer Data 32:56 Integrating Sales and PR Efforts 33:30 Leveraging Customer Success Teams 34:36 Breaking Down Silos 35:17 Engaging with Sales Teams 36:41 Understanding Customer Behavior 37:54 Gathering Customer Insights 39:17 Effective Customer Surveys 40:51 Adapting to Market Changes 41:55 Challenges in PR and Marketing 47:37 The Importance of Consistent Messaging 48:44 The Shift in B2B Sales Dynamics 51:17 The Role of PR in Market Expansion 54:00 Cutting Through the Noise 57:02 The Value of PR in Tight Budgets 58:33 Actionable PR Advice 59:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Show notes: Join Sunny Hunt for Free Marketing Fridays: https://www.huntinteraction.com/free-marketing-fridays/ Hunt Interaction: https://www.huntinteraction.com/ Follow Sunny Hunt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyhunt/ 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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    1h 1m
  7. AUG 6

    Accessibility in PR and Communications

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Matisse Hamel-Nelis, founder and principal of Matisse Nelis Consulting. They discuss the importance of digital accessibility in public relations and communications. Matisse explains her background, her work in teaching, and her PR & Lattes blog and podcast. Matisse emphasizes the importance of making digital content accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. They discuss practical steps for ensuring content such as videos, PDFs, and social media posts are inclusive. Matisse shares her journey into the realm of accessible communications and highlights several companies leading by example. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of including accessibility in strategic planning, training, and overall communication efforts. Matisse encourages starting small and progressing with intention, ensuring that all audiences can fully engage with and benefit from the information shared. 00:00 Welcome to PR Explored 00:20 Meet Matisse Hamel-Nellis 03:39 The Importance of Accessibility in PR 04:18 Defining Accessibility in Communications 06:02 The Market Impact of Accessibility 08:46 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Accessibility 13:51 Learning from Mistakes 16:45 Practical Tips for Accessible Communications 22:21 Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes 23:58 Testing and Engaging for Accessibility 25:33 Importance of Integrated Audio Descriptions 26:00 Camel Case vs Pascal Case 26:49 Brands Leading in Accessibility 29:34 Making Trends Accessible 32:17 The Growing Importance of Captions 34:31 Encouraging Accessibility in Organizations 39:08 Starting Your Accessibility Journey 42:52 Progress Over Perfection 45:04 Final Thoughts and Resources Matisse Hamel-Nelis' site: https://matissenelis.com/ Michelle Garrett's site: 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 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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    46 min
  8. JUL 23

    PR for Startups

    In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant and writer, interviews Kathy Kashani, the principal of Azul Communications, about the nuances of public relations for startups. Kathy discusses her journey from a long-time PR agency veteran to an independent PR consultant, focusing on consumer goods and B2C brands, especially startups. The conversation centers around defining a startup, understanding the distinct needs of startups versus established companies, and the foundational steps necessary for effective PR. They delve into the importance of having clear business goals, identifying the right time to start PR, and how startups can build foundational elements like a solid website and social media presence before engaging in PR activities. Kathy also highlights common mistakes startups make, such as not having a clear plan or budget, and the need for ongoing, rather than one-off, PR efforts. The discussion also covers how startups can attract investors through media visibility and the evolving nature of PR resources, including the benefits of hiring consultants or smaller agencies over large firms. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how startups can evaluate and select the right PR help, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and setting clear goals. 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 on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

    54 min

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.

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