imPRessions: a pollack group production

For half a century, Microsoft has been at the forefront of technology and innovation. As one of the most influential companies in the world, Microsoft faces a unique set of challenges: staying human, trusted, and consistent while operating across countries, cultures, and industries at massive scale.

This week’s episode welcomes Doug Dawson, Vice President of Communications at Microsoft, for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest brands manages its marketing, PR, and communications. Jenn and Kalli unpack global storytelling, AI, and more.

For generations, the University of Oregon has built a brand rooted in innovation, culture, and community both on and off the field. During the 2025 football season, that identity took on a bold new life through the "Grateful Ducks," a creative partnership with the Grateful Dead that brought together two iconic brands with deeply loyal followings.

Ahead of the team's third College Football Playoff appearance, this week’s episode welcomes Brooke Robinson, Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing & Fan Experience, and Lauren Stanfield, Associate Vice President for Marketing & Brand Strategy, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the iconic collaboration came together.

This week’s imPRessions episode celebrates a 170-year legacy.

Levi’s isn’t just another fashion brand; it’s a cultural icon. Joining Jenn and Kalli is Kelly McGinnis, Levi’s Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, who discusses the company’s long history of purpose-driven advocacy, its partnership with Beyonce, and everything in between. Tune in now!

The way we communicate is changing and for many reporters, that means evolving their careers. Between newsroom layoffs and shifting editorial priorities, today many journalists are opting to leap into the world of freelancing.

So, what does it take to build a career as an independent writer?

Alex Kirkman, who started as an international reporter for Forbes, has been freelancing since 2013 and joins imPRessions this week to educate listeners on how to make it as a freelance reporter.

November is Cancer Awareness Month, and this week’s imPRessions episode spotlights a company that has been changing lives for children and parents battling pediatric cancer.

The Valerie Fund (TVF) has been a beacon of hope for decades, and as we approach 2026, the non-profit will be celebrating 50 years of providing care centers, fundraising, emotional support programs, and events to help those face the unimaginable.

Today’s guest, Bunny Flanders, is TVF’s Director of Marketing and Communications, and joins Jenn and Kalli to discuss how the organization continues to raise awareness and donations to support its mission.For more information, visit: https://thevaleriefund.org/

In today’s evolving PR and media landscape, affiliate marketing has become a crucial component in bridging the gap between storytelling and measurable ROI.

Today’s guest, Sarah Karger, Publicist and Partner at Comm Oddities, and expert in affiliate marketing, shares how brands can utilize affiliates without compromising authenticity, the PR skills needed to thrive in an affiliate-driven future, and how it blurs the lines between traditional PR and paid media.

If you want to blend performance marketing metrics with powerful storytelling, this episode is for you. For a complete guide to the best affiliate networks, visit: https://affiliateforpublicists.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/affiliate-networks-guide

When a disaster strikes, reporters are usually the first to respond…and the last to leave. The LA wildfires that devastated the vibrant city earlier this year served as a stark reminder of the importance of journalism in times of crisis.

Lauren Coronado, a reporter for NBC4 Los Angeles, joins Jenn and Kalli this week to discuss what it was like covering the emergency fires in real-time. From the emotional toll to the responsibility of sensitive storytelling, Lauren unpacks the tremendous effort it takes to cover from the frontlines of a crisis.

Today, misinformation can spread quickly, and bias can overshadow facts. For over 30 years, Ged Kenslea, Senior Director of Communications at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has seen false and damaging stereotypes target people living with AIDS and HIV.

In his work, Ged has challenged those misconceptions and made it his core focus to build a communications platform that combats stigma. In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli welcome Ged to discuss his career highlights in educating the public about one of the most devastating health crises in history. The power of PR and marketing can do more than promote a message; it can shift narratives and create meaningful change.

Omar Jones, better known as Nothing_Neue is a Brooklyn-based musician who has built his career completely independently. From booking his own PR, to managing his own social media and event logistics, Omar isn’t just a talented musician - he is a brand.

On today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli chat with Omar about how artists can build and maintain their own personal brand, what it takes to balance creativity with a solid business strategy, and other lessons professionals and aspiring musicians alike can learn from Omar’s DIY approach. You don’t want to miss this one!

In recent years, the PR industry has seen professionals leave the traditional agency world to pursue independent freelancing careers.

In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli sit with renowned journalist, Aly Walansky, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of working with freelancers, how freelancing is reshaping the industry, and what media trends freelancers should be paying closer attention to. There’s a reason she’s the most viewed journalist on Muck Rack. Tune in now!