Inside Marketing with MarketSurge

From Rick Rubin to Gene Simmons: The Wild PR World of Brian Gross


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In this episode, Reed sits down with Brian Gross, a 32-year veteran of PR, entertainment, and cultural storytelling. Brian has worked with some of the most iconic — and often infamous — names in music, pop culture, and media. From Rick Rubin to Gene Simmons, Vixen Media to Amarosa, Brian has been the guy behind the megaphone shaping how artists and brands show up in the world.

You’ll hear how he went from a 17-year-old intern riding elevators with Rick Rubin…
…to launching BSG PR…
…to becoming the go-to publicist for edgy, unconventional, and high-impact clients.

Brian shares unfiltered insights on the aggressive side of PR, why brands shouldn’t overthink their publicity strategy, and how today’s media landscape rewards boldness more than ever.

If you want to understand the mindset behind modern publicity — and how to stand out in a chaotic content world — this one is packed.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

How Brian accidentally launched his PR career thanks to a lucky phone call

The difference between strategic PR and aggressive PR — and why most brands need the latter

Why “trying stuff fast” beats overthinking every marketing move

The one thing Gene Simmons taught him that changed his entire work ethic

Why AI won’t replace PR — but will challenge the industry

Why every brand, even “boring” ones, needs to outshine their competition

How word-of-mouth has powered Brian’s 500+ client roster

Why PR wins almost always come from taking creative risks

Why podcasts are one of the smartest discovery tools for any brand today

💬 Memorable Quotes

“You don’t hire a publicist and become famous the next day. This is a build.”
“The worst thing that can happen in PR? Nothing.”
“I’m not a gatekeeper — I want to find out what sticks just as much as my clients.”
“PR requires fearlessness. Aggression is part of the job.”
“AI will change things, but media still needs humans.”

🔗 Connect With Brian Gross

Website: https://bsgpr.com

Instagram: @bsgpr
Twitter/X: @bsgpr

🔗 Connect With MarketSurge

Website: https://marketsurge.io

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio

Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging

Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm

Book a strategy/sales call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

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Inside Marketing with MarketSurgeBy Reed Hansen