Digital PR Explained

In this episode, I’m joined by freelance journalist Kris Ann Valdez to talk about what it actually looks like to source experts through Qwoted.

We get into the volume of pitches journalists receive, why even strong responses don’t always make it into a story, and how Kris Ann decides who to work with when she has multiple good options.

She also shares how a source she didn’t use for one article ended up being the perfect fit for another, which is a good reminder that silence doesn’t always mean your pitch missed.

In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Thumann, a reporter at Campaign US covering the agency world. We break down what actually makes a story worth covering, from the pitch that caught her attention to why it turned into a follow-up piece a year later.

We also get into what helps (and hurts) your chances in a crowded inbox, how to stay relevant to a journalist over time, and the small details that can make their job easier.

If “spray and pray” doesn’t work, what do we do instead?

In Part Two, Vince Nero and I get into what more intentional outreach actually looks like, from understanding how journalists work to rethinking what a “win” really is.

It’s never been easier to send more emails, but that doesn’t mean it works.

In this episode, Vince Nero, Director of Content Marketing at BuzzStream, shares what millions of outreach emails reveal about what’s actually driving results in PR today.

When a sabbatical pitch wasn’t landing, Shara Seigel didn’t scrap it. She parked it.

In this episode, Shara, VP of Media Strategy at Mission North, shares how one reporter conversation helped her pivot the angle into a timely, relatable story about using AI to ease the “post-PTO scaries.” We break down how she reframed the hook, packaged multiple client perspectives without offering an exclusive, and turned rejection into meaningful coverage.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to let a quiet pitch go or keep pushing, this episode is your reminder that rejection can be redirection.

In this episode of Digital PR Explained, Britt Klontz sits down with Luz Corona, U.S. Editor of Campaign, to talk about how editorial podcasts really come together. Luz shares what influences guest selection for Campaign Chemistry, why most great episodes start as editorial conversations (not pitches), and what PRs should keep in mind when pitching podcast guests. It’s a candid look at timing, relationships, and what makes a conversation worth booking.

The pitch emails discussed in this episode are included in the show notes and available to read as you listen.

In this conversation, Britt speaks with freelance writer and editor Daria Smith about how a press trip pitch has evolved over time. They unpack what stood out in the initial outreach, why an exclusive angle didn’t move forward, and how a reframed pitch ultimately became a published story in a top-tier lifestyle publication.

What does it really take to get a celebrity on board for a purpose-driven campaign and make sure the spotlight stays on the cause? In this episode, journalist-turned-PR-pro Nez Sevim-Lawrence shares how she vets celebrity partners, navigates potential risks, and ensures media coverage is meaningful (not just flashy). From coordinating with Judi Dench to managing unexpected red flags, Nez offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these campaigns successful and what can cause them to fall flat.

The story behind your brand can be the difference between a pitch that’s ignored and one that lands. In this episode, Nicole Pomije, founder of The Cookie Cups and co-founder of Pitch Peach, shares how she’s turned personal milestones, pivots, and challenges into national media coverage. From tailoring your pitch to different audiences to building lasting journalist relationships, you’ll learn how to craft and share a founder story that actually gets a response.

When Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show, he was wearing a brooch from Yael Fraynd’s client, Rahaminov Diamonds. In this episode, Yael shares how a last-minute stylist text turned into a career-defining PR moment and what it really takes to be the kind of team stylists trust when it counts. From building relationships to managing expectations, this one’s packed with lessons for PR pros across every industry.