Just Following Up...Again: A Public Relations Podcast

Just Following Up...Again is back for its fourth season! Opening the season is a conversation between CWC members Sheryl Veira, Hunter Carpenter, APR, and Miranda Colavito, APR about the Mission Mavericks program our chapter created a few years ago. Learn about how it came to be, and why giving back as a public relations professional can feel so good. 

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Editing by Makschu Productions

In this episode of Just Following Up...Again, we sit down with Katie Alyx, a dark romance author whose path to publishing was anything but conventional. Legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, Katie didn't let an unfinished-manuscript habit or an unconventional view of the world stop her from finishing her first book. 

But this conversation isn't just about the books. It's about the business behind them. As a self-published author, Katie has had to become her own marketing department, and she joins us to break down exactly how she's done it: building an author brand from scratch, finding and growing a readership, and turning personal story into promotional power. Whether you're an indie author trying to get your book in front of readers or a marketer curious about how creators build loyal audiences without a traditional publishing budget, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on visibility, authenticity, and getting your work noticed in a noisy market.

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, Candice Smith MEd. shares her approach for getting founders with complex stories to think differently about visibility and traction. Her work at French Press intentionally amplifies voices that often get overlooked in traditional media cycles, pairing strategic support with a fresh framework to help leaders capture attention and turn it into lasting impact.

Candice has guided entrepreneurs through the challenges of earned media rejection, pivoting to new channels, building trust, and ultimately finding the right mix for sustainable growth. Her sessions consistently help founders identify what’s working, refine their message, and cultivate relationships that lead to genuine coverage. 

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we're joined by Samantha Flynn, founder of Junipr Public Relations and author of The EntrePReneur Advantage. Samantha has built her career helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise, uncover what makes their business truly unique, and communicate that value with confidence.

The conversation explores why public relations shouldn't be viewed as a luxury reserved for established companies, but rather as a strategic tool that can guide decision-making, fuel growth, and create opportunities at every stage of a business.

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Clare Weigel to talk about why accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have” in marketing and communications—it’s essential. From closed captioning on videos to writing effective ALT text, Clare breaks down how small, intentional choices can make a big impact in ensuring your content is inclusive and usable for all audiences.

We explore how accessible content not only supports individuals with disabilities, but actually improves the experience for everyone—boosting engagement, expanding reach, and strengthening your brand’s credibility. 

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

What happens when you mix baseball, dancing players, and a full-blown fan-first philosophy? You get the magic of the Savannah Bananas!

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Kara Heater from the Savannah Bananas, the team that’s redefining what it means to create an unforgettable fan experience. From sold-out crowds to viral moments, the Bananas have built a brand that goes far beyond the game, and it all starts with putting fans first.

Kara takes us inside the Bananas’ unique approach to marketing and communications, where every decision is rooted in creating joy, connection, and lasting memories for their audience. We explore how a “fans first” mindset shapes everything from content creation to in-game entertainment, and why that philosophy has been the driving force behind their explosive growth.

This episode is part of our Live from the Summit series and is kindly sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/ 

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

Most media campaigns are more than just visuals – they’re the result of rhythm, patience, storytelling…and maybe even AI. In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, CWC Communications Committee Member Lydia Baxter speaks with 20-time Emmy winner Larry Watzman from FOX 35 Orlando. 

Larry reveals how his background as a musician shapes his creative approach, and how marketing and communications is all about building community. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories including a Super Bowl campaign with the Goo Goo Dolls and lessons learned from puppy raising for Palmetto-based nonprofit Dogs, Inc. 

Whether you’re a PR pro, content creator, or media strategist, Larry’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way you approach storytelling, community engagement, and technology.

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Tiff Knighten — award-winning publicist, founder of Brand Curators, and a leading voice in culture-driven communications — to talk about leveraging pop culture to create viral, strategic PR moments.

As a seasoned communications strategist and entrepreneur, Tiff has built Brand Curators into a respected agency focused on brand storytelling and visibility. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, media, and influence making her the perfect guide for a conversation about how brands can tap into trending conversations without looking opportunistic.

This episode is part of our Live from the Summit series and is kindly sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/

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Editing by Muffy Lavens

As we continue our Live from Summit series, we’re joined by Annie Scranton, Founder of Pace Public Relations, an award-winning public relations agency focused on business strategy, development, and media relations. Annie shares insights from her session, "Leveraging Earned Media Amidst a Media Sh*tstorm." Learn valuable insights in media relations whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field. 

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The Live from the Summit mini-series is sponsored by Liquid Creative. Learn more at https://liquidcreativestudio.com/

Editing by Muffy Lavens

In this episode, we sit down with Thom Gravelle, Graphic Designer at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, to explore the creative crossroads where graphic design and communications meet. Thom shares why collaboration between designers and communicators is essential for producing campaigns that are not only visually striking, but strategically sound. Whether you're a PR professional, marketer, or creative, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger partnerships and better campaigns through intentional collaboration.

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Editing by Muffy Lavens