The PR Bunker

Don Martelli

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Bostonian | PR Guy | Podcaster | Strategic Communications & PR Consultant

Jul 14

Amplify, Don't Replace: How Lianna Serko Uses AI to Sharpen Communications

Most AI advice for communicators says automate everything or ignore it completely. Lianna Serko has a smarter take. As Director of Strategic Communications at American University's Kogod School of Business, she uses AI to strip the friction out of repetitive work so her team can focus on what actually matters, which is judgment, relationships, and knowing your audience cold. Don Martelli talks with Lianna about her three rules for building better workflows, why owned content matters more as search shifts toward AI-driven summaries, and the media lead-scoring app she built in Google AI Studio without waiting for permission. If you're trying to figure out where AI fits in your comms work without losing what makes you good at it, this one's your roadmap.
Jul 13

From Crisis to Housing: How Hearth Is Ending Older Adult Homelessness

The conversation delves into the complex issue of elder homelessness, highlighting the work of Hearth in addressing this challenge. Rhonda shares her personal journey and the story of Hearth, emphasizing the need for advocacy and fundraising to support their mission. The discussion also explores the reality of homelessness, the journey to stability, Hearth's vision for the future, and the importance of community involvement and advocacy. Impactful stories of individuals served by Hearth are shared, underscoring the ongoing work and the need for continued support. Takeaways Elder homelessness is a complex issue with a variety of contributing factors.Advocacy and fundraising are crucial for supporting organizations like Hearth in their mission to end elder homelessness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background02:32 Rhonda's Journey and Hearth's Story05:13 The Reality of Homelessness07:03 The Journey to Stability11:54 Advocacy and Fundraising19:34 Hearth's Vision and Future Plans22:02 Community Involvement and Advocacy26:54 Impactful Stories and Conclusion
Jul 13

From Journalist to Fractional CCO: The Accidental Success Story

The conversation covers the role of Fractional Chief Communications Officers, leveraging AI in communications, the story, narrative, and brand framework, and the four languages model for communication channels. It also delves into the accidental entry into the business, similarities and differences in journalism and communications, networking and referrals, motivation and purpose in business, communication strategy and frameworks, pivoting in business, passion for working with dogs, and communication channels and Substack. Takeaways Fractional Chief Communications OfficersLeveraging AI in CommunicationsStory, Narrative, and Brand FrameworkFour Languages Model for Communication Channels Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Business Description01:24 Client Focus and Industry Range03:26 Accidental Entry into the Business05:05 Similarities and Differences in Journalism and Communications06:18 Networking and Referrals07:39 Motivation and Purpose in Business09:25 Communication Strategy and Frameworks14:10 AI in Communications20:34 Pivoting in Business21:34 Passion for Working with Dogs23:48 Communication Channels and Substack
Jul 13

The Importance of advocacy, equal access to education: Katy Petrik

Katie Petrik shares her journey of founding a nonprofit focused on marginalized communities and students with disabilities. She discusses the impact of her work, the challenges faced, and the future goals of the organization. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, equal access to education, and the need for support in the special education space. Takeaways Advocacy for marginalized communitiesEqual access to education for students with disabilities Chapters 00:00 Founding a Nonprofit02:25 The Journey and Motivation06:14 Challenges and Impact10:44 Partnership with Schools18:36 Future Goals and Expansion25:36 Funding and Support
Jul 10

Getting Crystal Clear in PR: Kara Ryan, KLYR Strategies

The conversation covers Kara Ryan's journey from journalism to corporate PR, her transition to solopreneurship, and her passion for healthcare communications. It explores the day-to-day work in healthcare PR, the consistency and change in PR work, the media success formula, and the role of strategic communications at the decision-making table. It also delves into managing client expectations, reflections, and advice, as well as the diverse PR projects and the future of Clear Strategies. The conversation covers the rise of independent specialists, the importance of networking and referrals, building relationships and expertise, the power of people in business, networking tools and strategies, scaling and future plans, alternative career paths, podcast and content consumption, and contact information and conclusion. Takeaways Transition from journalism to corporate PRStrategic communications at the decision-making table Rise of independent specialistsImportance of networking and referrals Chapters 00:00 Journey to Communications01:13 Transition to Corporate PR02:20 Becoming a Solopreneur02:49 Passion for Healthcare Communications04:22 Day-to-Day Work in Healthcare PR06:20 Consistency and Change in PR Work08:27 Media Success Formula10:25 Strategic Communications at the Table11:12 Managing Client Expectations13:27 Reflections and Advice16:13 Diverse PR Projects18:04 Future of Clear Strategies18:37 The Rise of Independent Specialists19:26 Networking and Referrals20:25 Building Relationships and Expertise22:17 The Power of People in Business24:00 Networking Tools and Strategies25:15 Scaling and Future Plans27:48 Alternative Career Paths28:22 Podcast and Content Consumption29:34 Contact Information and Conclusion
Jul 6

The Sit Down: Christy & Remi on the Power of Networking

The conversation explores the power of networking and relationship-building in business, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and trust. It delves into the human-centered approach to technology and the core principles of effective networking. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and technology on personal and professional life, the essential tools for business and networking, advice for entrepreneurs and professionals, and the measurement of success in networking and relationships. The power of AI in optimizing personal and professional tasks is highlighted, along with the importance of using tools and technology to enhance business and communication. The discussion also provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs and professionals, emphasizing the significance of measuring success in networking and relationships. Takeaways Genuine connections drive successful networkingBuilding trust is paramount in business relationships AI optimization in personal and professional tasksImportance of essential tools for business and networkingValuable advice for entrepreneurs and professionalsMeasuring success in networking and relationships Chapters 00:00 The Sit Down10:36 Human-Centered Technology23:16 The Core of Networking32:20 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Professionals42:06 Measuring Success in Networking and Relationships
Jun 25

Start-ups and Building Community: Stephanie Roulic of Start-up Boston

Stephanie Roulic shares her journey from falling into the startup world to founding Startup Boston. She discusses the core principles and future vision of Startup Boston, emphasizing the importance of community and networking. The conversation highlights the engaging and supportive nature of Startup Boston and its impact on the startup community in Boston. Takeaways Startup Boston's core principles are to connect, celebrate, and educate the startup community.The future vision for Startup Boston includes expanding its reach and impact, becoming a well-known brand for startups, universities, and corporate partners.
May 9

The Nonlinear Career Path to Making an Impact: Lisa Chensvold

The conversation covers Lisa Chensvold's nonlinear career path, transition to agency work, challenges in communications, counseling nonprofits, outcome-focused communications, storytelling, motivation, scaling the business, AI and communications, lessons learned, and future content plans. Key takeaways include the importance of storytelling in communications and the value of nonlinear career paths. Takeaways Nonlinear career pathsThe importance of storytelling in communications Chapters 00:00 Newsletter and Future Content

Bostonian | PR Guy | Podcaster | Strategic Communications & PR Consultant

Creator

Don Martelli
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

63
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Don Martelli
Show Website

The PR Bunker