In this episode, Odette Barry is joined by Lem Zakharia, a powerhouse in the Australian media industry with an eclectic career spanning radio, music, and podcasting. Currently the executive producer of It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield, Lem has been instrumental in transforming the podcast from a casual, couch-recorded project to a top-ranking hit in its sixth season. With a core audience of women aged 19–35 and strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community, the podcast covers everything from reality TV to politics and current affairs.

Lem shares how she strikes the perfect balance between supporting Abbie’s unfiltered “stream of consciousness” style and introducing strategic structure to enhance the listener experience. Beyond her work on It’s A Lot, Lem is breaking new ground with her venture, Bedou, a business bridging the gap between brands and digital creators, and curating a roster of high-profile influencer talent.

On Hack Your Own PR, we always explore the art and science of media relations, publicity, and storytelling to help you to DIY PR, amplify your voice and share your message.

In this episode, Lem provides an insider’s perspective on:

• The challenges and opportunities of producing a top-tier podcast.
• Practical tips on how to craft a killer pitch and build strong relationships with media teams.
• Her vision for the future of brand partnerships in the creator economy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Know your audience and personalise your pitch. Tailored, thoughtful pitches that align with a show’s tone and audience are far more effective than generic ones.
2. Build relationships with producers, not just talent. Behind-the-scenes teams often hold the key to successful collaborations.
3. Persistence pays off. Lem reminds us that it’s often the second or third follow-up that gets a response, so don’t give up after the first attempt.

What to Avoid:

1. Generic copy + paste pitches. Personalisation is key, and impersonal pitches rarely work.
2. Surface-level or clichéd content. Pitches around generic themes like “empowerment” can fall flat unless deeply aligned with the show’s tone and values.
3. Underestimating corporate processes. Creative ideas often need multiple layers of approval in corporate media, so set realistic expectations.
4. Unclear communication or surprises. Unexpected changes, especially around compensation, can jeopardise relationships.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom for anyone in PR, media, or the creator economy.

Find Odette Barry online:

https://www.odetteandco.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/odetteandco/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/odette-barry/ 

 

Find Lem online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamazakharia/ 

https://www.instagram.com/lemzakharia/

https://bedou.com.au/