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E385 – Barrie Cohen – Authentic PR Wins in an AI Era
Barrie Cohen is the Founder and CEO of Barrie Cohen Public Relations (BCPR), a boutique PR firm dedicated to transforming brands through personalized, strategic communication. With almost a decade of experience in public relations, Barrie has built a reputation for her hands-on, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that each client receives customized strategies designed to elevate their visibility and impact.
Since launching BCPR in 2017, Barrie has worked with clients across a range of industries, including healthcare, nonprofit, finance, and more. She has helped brands secure high-profile media placements in top-tier publications, television segments, and digital platforms. Barrie’s expertise in media relations, brand positioning, and storytelling has positioned her clients as thought leaders, driving brand awareness, growth, and business success.
In addition to her client work, Barrie is passionate about mentorship and education. She frequently speaks at universities and industry events in the US, Canada, and the UK, sharing valuable insights on media strategy, personal branding, and the evolving PR landscape. She enjoys inspiring the next generation of PR professionals, offering advice on navigating the ever-changing world of public relations.
A proud Denver local, Barrie fully embraces the Colorado lifestyle. Whether she’s conquering hiking trails, soaking up the great outdoors with her husband, or simply relaxing with her beloved cat.
Download Episode Transcript
Episode Overview
In this episode, Liz Theresa sits down with PR expert Barrie Cohen to dive into the changing landscape of public relations in an age of AI-generated pitches. They candidly discuss the importance of human connection, the challenges of standing out in a crowded inbox, and why a personal, authentic approach still trumps automation.
Key Topics Covered
Liz and Barrie commiserate over the overwhelming volume of robotic pitches podcasters and journalists now receive—many clearly generated by AI and lacking the human touch. Barrie advocates for real connection and shares why personalized storytelling is more important than ever.
Barrie explains the limitations of using AI to discover podcasts or media contacts, noting that up-to-date databases are still critical for PR professionals. She highlights where AI is useful (outlining, jump-starting ideas), but why it can’t replace good writing and real research.
The conversation stresses the value of targeted, genuine pitches over mass, generic outreach. They touch on “vanity marketing,” and why strategic relationship-building and reputation matter more than sheer visibility.
Liz and Barrie discuss how businesses can get caught in controversy—sometimes intentionally—and the risks of trying to be “everything to everyone.” Barrie provides advice on aligning PR strategies with your true brand and audience.
Barrie shares insights on the benefits of working with a small, high-touch PR firm versus a large agency. She reveals how personal relationships and deep understanding of a client make for the most successful campaigns.
They debunk myths about “overnight success” media placements, set realistic expectations about timelines, and discuss why integrity and honest feedback matter in a PR partnership.
Memorable Moments
Connect with Barrie Cohen
Barrie’s agency works with clients across the US, Canada, and internationally, offering personalized PR strategies that get results.
Episode Takeaway
Real PR isn’t just about getting seen—it’s about being understood, making meaningful connections, and sharing genuine stories that move the needle for your business. AI might help with efficiency, but heart and authenticity are still what set the best PR pros apart.
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By Liz Theresa
5
9898 ratings
Barrie Cohen is the Founder and CEO of Barrie Cohen Public Relations (BCPR), a boutique PR firm dedicated to transforming brands through personalized, strategic communication. With almost a decade of experience in public relations, Barrie has built a reputation for her hands-on, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that each client receives customized strategies designed to elevate their visibility and impact.
Since launching BCPR in 2017, Barrie has worked with clients across a range of industries, including healthcare, nonprofit, finance, and more. She has helped brands secure high-profile media placements in top-tier publications, television segments, and digital platforms. Barrie’s expertise in media relations, brand positioning, and storytelling has positioned her clients as thought leaders, driving brand awareness, growth, and business success.
In addition to her client work, Barrie is passionate about mentorship and education. She frequently speaks at universities and industry events in the US, Canada, and the UK, sharing valuable insights on media strategy, personal branding, and the evolving PR landscape. She enjoys inspiring the next generation of PR professionals, offering advice on navigating the ever-changing world of public relations.
A proud Denver local, Barrie fully embraces the Colorado lifestyle. Whether she’s conquering hiking trails, soaking up the great outdoors with her husband, or simply relaxing with her beloved cat.
Download Episode Transcript
Episode Overview
In this episode, Liz Theresa sits down with PR expert Barrie Cohen to dive into the changing landscape of public relations in an age of AI-generated pitches. They candidly discuss the importance of human connection, the challenges of standing out in a crowded inbox, and why a personal, authentic approach still trumps automation.
Key Topics Covered
Liz and Barrie commiserate over the overwhelming volume of robotic pitches podcasters and journalists now receive—many clearly generated by AI and lacking the human touch. Barrie advocates for real connection and shares why personalized storytelling is more important than ever.
Barrie explains the limitations of using AI to discover podcasts or media contacts, noting that up-to-date databases are still critical for PR professionals. She highlights where AI is useful (outlining, jump-starting ideas), but why it can’t replace good writing and real research.
The conversation stresses the value of targeted, genuine pitches over mass, generic outreach. They touch on “vanity marketing,” and why strategic relationship-building and reputation matter more than sheer visibility.
Liz and Barrie discuss how businesses can get caught in controversy—sometimes intentionally—and the risks of trying to be “everything to everyone.” Barrie provides advice on aligning PR strategies with your true brand and audience.
Barrie shares insights on the benefits of working with a small, high-touch PR firm versus a large agency. She reveals how personal relationships and deep understanding of a client make for the most successful campaigns.
They debunk myths about “overnight success” media placements, set realistic expectations about timelines, and discuss why integrity and honest feedback matter in a PR partnership.
Memorable Moments
Connect with Barrie Cohen
Barrie’s agency works with clients across the US, Canada, and internationally, offering personalized PR strategies that get results.
Episode Takeaway
Real PR isn’t just about getting seen—it’s about being understood, making meaningful connections, and sharing genuine stories that move the needle for your business. AI might help with efficiency, but heart and authenticity are still what set the best PR pros apart.