In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Fatou B. Barry, founder of the PR Girl Manifesto, a global community and editorial platform created to provide culturally competent PR resources, strategy, and professional development. 

They discuss the rise of “personality brands” as a structural shift where companies prioritize long-term identity, recurring voices, and entertainment-driven continuity over one-off product campaigns, driven by fragmented attention and declining institutional trust. Using Gap’s new Chief Entertainment Officer as a signal, they cite examples like Nike, Red Bull, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Skims to show brands building studios, original programming, and IP to own audience relationships. 

They explore how paid, earned, and owned media are merging, expanding PR into narrative systems, production, ethics, and talent strategy, raising expectations for skills, education, media literacy, and compensation. 

They also predict collaborations will shift from reach-based influencers toward credible experts and community leaders, emphasizing alignment, authenticity, and trust.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:50 PR Girl Manifesto Origin

03:23 Defining Personality Brands

05:48 Attention Fragmentation Today

06:54 Gap Chief Entertainment Role

07:52 Brands as IP Studios

12:24 Paid Earned Owned Blur

14:12 Skills and Education Shifts

17:47 Media Literacy and Trust

23:43 Hiring the Right PR Pro

26:38 PR in a Media Company Era

28:03 Scope Creep and Fair Pay

30:51 Expert Era Shift

34:54 Authenticity Over Hype

37:01 Beyond Influencers

38:11 AI Search Rewards Credibility

39:25 Journalists As Creators

44:10 Trust And Personality Brands

49:43 Values And Taking Stands

53:28 Interactive Story Content

54:59 PR As Story Makers

57:57 Opportunity And Responsibility

Show notes:

The PR Girl Manifesto: https://www.prgirlmanifesto.org/

The PR Girl Manifesto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pr-girl-manifesto/

Fatou Barry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbarry/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest, Stacia Doss from Glassdoor, as they dive deep into the current job market’s complexities and provide actionable advice for job seekers.

In this episode, they discuss effective job search strategies, the importance of networking, leveraging AI, and how to stand out in a crowded field. This follows the discussion on the last episode about skills pros need to succeed in a PR career.

They also touch on mental health aspects of job searching and the value of maintaining professional connections.

Whether you’re in PR, comms, or any other industry, these insights and tips are designed to help you navigate your job search more effectively.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:31 Guest Introduction and Background

01:34 Current Job Market Challenges

02:47 Statistics and Trends in Job Listings

04:59 Impact of AI on Job Market

12:19 Application Process Frustrations

16:25 Exploring the Hidden Job Market

20:08 Networking and Building Connections

23:04 Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Search

33:39 Enhancing Skills and Upskilling

35:11 Weekly AI Learning Routine

36:34 Free Resources for PR and Comms Pros

38:27 Networking and Weak Ties

39:28 Informational Interviews and Follow-ups

42:34 Virtual Coffee Chats and Professional Organizations

45:04 Staying in Touch with Your Network

48:06 Mental Health and Community Support

52:04 Researching Companies and Job Markets

53:17 Organizing Your Job Search

58:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show notes:

Follow Stacia Doss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staciadoss/

Stacia’s article on which the episode is based: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/beyond-online-applications-job-search/

The Lonely Office podcast: https://www.glassdoor.com/Community/the-lonely-office

Glassdoor’s blog with more tips and advice for job hunters: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett interviews Kristina Markos, an associate professor and co-founder of GenSpark Solutions. 

They discuss the significance of soft skills such as listening, presenting, collaboration, and curiosity in public relations. Kristina shares her varied background in agency work and academia, emphasizing the transition needs between generations in the workplace. 

They address the importance of effective presentation skills, the need to ask questions, and the impact of AI on communication roles. 

The episode highlights the evolving PR landscape and the exciting opportunities for emerging professionals in the field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:50 Guest Background and Experience

02:03 Importance of Soft Skills in PR

03:28 Predictions and Essential Skills

05:04 Teaching Communication Skills

09:42 Presentation Skills and Their Importance

15:38 Collaboration and Intergenerational Communication

30:37 The Impact of Short Attention Spans

31:15 The Importance of Asking Questions

32:36 PR Professionals and Journalism Training

36:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics

43:08 The Role of Writing in PR

49:52 Listening and Perspective Taking

53:47 The Exciting Future of PR

58:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show notes:

Kristina Markos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinamarkos/

GenSpark Solutions: https://www.thinknovl.com/genspark

PR Club Prediction Post with Kristina's thoughts that sparked the idea for the topic: https://prclub.org/tips-from-the-board-its-prediction-time

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Public speaking is a powerful way for thought leaders to stand out from the crowd.

How can PR pros and communicators leverage speaking opportunities to help clients get more visibility for themselves and their brands? In this episode of PR Explored I talked with guest Tricia Richards-Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, which helps organizations and event planners find the right speaker for their events.

Overview: 

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes Tricia Richard Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, to discuss how public speaking can enhance public relations efforts.

The conversation delves into the creation and benefits of I Need a Speaker, guidelines for effective public speaking, and how organizations can strategically utilize speakers to boost their PR programs.

Tricia offers practical tips for potential speakers, including the importance of practice, clear messaging, and working closely with communications teams. The episode also covers advice for organizations seeking speakers and the value of compensating speakers appropriately.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 The Birth of ‘I Need a Speaker’

01:16 How ‘I Need a Speaker’ Works

02:19 The Value of Diverse Speakers

04:12 Public Speaking and PR Programs

07:06 Maximizing Speaking Opportunities

11:37 Choosing the Right Events

23:32 The Importance of Practice and Feedback

29:05 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

29:49 The Importance of Preparation

30:12 Avoiding Off-the-Cuff Remarks

33:22 Handling Media Interviews

36:13 Engaging with Your Comms Team

40:05 Advice for Event Planners

46:11 Speaker Compensation and Expectations

49:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show notes:

I Need a Speaker: https://www.ineedaspeaker.com/

Tricia Richard-Service on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciarichardsservicephd/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer chats with Marc Whitt, a seasoned public relations consultant and author.

The conversation explores Whitt’s extensive 40-year career in PR, primarily within higher education and nonprofit sectors.

They discuss essential topics such as the unique challenges faced by nonprofit PR professionals, the importance of ethical conduct, the role of events in nonprofit PR, and the critical relationship between PR practitioners and legal counsel.

Whitt emphasizes strategic planning, efficient use of limited funds, and ways to avoid burnout for one-person PR teams. The episode highlights the significance of maintaining trust, transparency, and integrity in PR and provides actionable strategies for effective crisis management.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:27 Marc Whitt’s Background and Personal Life

02:44 Marc’s Career in Public Relations

07:54 The Role of PR in Nonprofits

08:43 Challenges in Nonprofit PR

11:47 Strategies for Effective Nonprofit PR

16:52 Importance of Integrity and Ethics in PR

23:02 Managing a One-Person PR Team

31:11 Focused Budgeting for Nonprofits

33:59 The Stress of Nonprofit PR

35:10 The Multifaceted Role of Nonprofit PR Professionals

40:28 Crisis Communications in Nonprofits

45:48 The Importance of Events in Nonprofit PR

50:32 Building a Strong PR-Legal Relationship

58:15 Final Thoughts and Mentorship

Show notes:

​​Marc Whitt on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwhitt/

​​Marc Whitt’s site: https://www.marcwhitt.com/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Here we go, heading into 2026. Changes are coming at PR pros faster than they can keep up. 

But, what should we really focus on? What trends deserve our attention? And which ones should we adopt a wait-and-see approach for? 

My guest, Bill Byrne of Remedy Public Relations, is with me to discuss what to expect as we hurdle into the new year. 

Whether you’re in B2C or B2B PR and comms, we’ll cover the insight you need to get ready for what lies ahead. 

Overview: 

In the final episode of 2025, PR Explored host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest PR veteran Bill Byrne. 

The episode delves into the transformative trends in public relations, discussing the impact of AI on PR practices, the enduring value of press releases, the integration of thought leadership, and navigating the evolving media landscape. 

Michelle and Bill highlight the importance of consistent PR efforts, the role of various media types including niche media and Substack newsletters, and the need for creating credible, valuable content. 

They emphasize building long-term relationships with the media and the criticality of trust in communication strategies. 

The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI-driven search, the resurgence of press releases, and strategies to adapt to changing PR dynamics. 

As the industry moves forward, the episode encourages brands to be proactive, stay informed, and embrace comprehensive PR audits to effectively target their audiences.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Meet the Guest: Bill Byrne

00:40 Holiday Festivities and Personal Touches

01:30 Bill Byrne's PR Journey

03:24 PR Realities: What Won't Change

16:20 AI and PR: The Deep Fakes Issue

32:01 The Power of Consistent Content in B2B PR

32:28 The Importance of Building a Deep and Clear Trail

33:01 Creating News Beyond Product Announcements

35:20 The Role of AI in PR and Media Relations

37:10 Navigating the Media Landscape: Newsletters and Niche Media

45:40 The Resurgence of Press Releases in the AI Era

57:43 The Value of Thought Leadership in Building Trust

01:02:31 Final Thoughts and Future Trends in PR

Show notes: 

Bill Byrne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbyrne/

Remedy Public Relations: https://remedypr.com/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Social media is a valuable part of a company’s marketing program – but it can sometimes take a turn we may not have anticipated .

What happens when your brand finds itself in the midst of a crisis created by a social media post?

Well, first, you probably panic.

Then, you might turn to your social media or PR team for help.

How can a company best manage a crisis created when a customer complaint goes viral?

Overview: 

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Brooke Sellas, founder of B Squared Media, to discuss the nuances of managing social media crises.

Brooke shares her expertise on how social media, often viewed merely as a content channel, should be utilized more effectively as a customer experience channel. Brooke emphasizes that the key to handling crises includes proactive listening, empathetic responses, and timely engagement with customers.

She introduces the CARE model (Conversation, Acquisition, Retention, Engagement) for social media management and stresses the importance of building a strong community before a crisis occurs.

They discuss various real-world examples, including crises at Chipotle, Kit, and Nike, and the long-term impacts of each.

Brooke also shares advice about team coordination, especially between social media and PR, and provides tips on how to keep responses authentic without sounding scripted.

The episode concludes with a Q&A session addressing common social media crisis scenarios.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:02 Brook Solis: Social Media Expertise

03:49 Defining a Social Media Crisis

07:08 Examples of Social Media Crises

10:43 Handling a Social Media Crisis

22:15 The Role of PR in Crisis Management

29:35 Balancing Brand Personality and Crisis Management

30:22 The Power of Emotional Content: Patagonia Case Study

32:16 Breaking Down Silos in Marketing and PR

34:22 The CARE Model for Social Media Crisis Management

46:19 Handling Layoffs and Sensitive Situations

51:07 The Importance of Authentic Conversations on Social Media

57:34 Final Thoughts and Future Trends

Show notes:

Brooke Sellas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebsellas/

Brooke’s website – B Squared Media: https://bsquared.media/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, invites communications and presentations coach Joel Schwartzberg to discuss key message development and the importance of media training for executives. 

Joel shares his approach to executive communication, emphasizing the importance of having a clear and compelling point, and offers practical tips on how to effectively convey messages to a reporter’s audience. 

The conversation covers techniques such as the primacy and recency effects, bridging off-topic questions back to key messages, and the importance of making messages simple yet impactful. 

The episode concludes with recommendations for tailoring communication styles to different mediums without altering the core message, solidifying the idea that preparation and practice can turn anyone into a confident spokesperson.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:17 Meet Joel Schwartzberg

01:29 The Importance of Key Messages

04:17 Effective Communication Strategies

07:55 Crafting Strong Key Messages

21:39 Bridging Off-Point Questions

30:52 The Pitfalls of Overloading Information

32:04 Prioritizing Key Messages

34:21 Effective Storytelling in Media

37:31 Handling Off-the-Cuff Remarks

41:04 The Importance of Media Training

42:45 Crafting Authentic Email Interviews

47:26 Defining Technical Terms for Impact

49:43 The Power of Practice and Feedback

54:50 Adapting to Different Media Channels

58:55 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Show notes:

Learn more about Joel Schwartzberg and his services: https://www.joelschwartzberg.net/

Follow Joel Schwartzberg on LinkedIn: 

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

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

This episode of PR Explored explores how companies can make the most out of a partnership with a PR consultant or agency.

What do B2B clients need to bring to the start of the engagement?

Join my guest, John Forberger, communications strategist for B2B companies, and me as we dig into this topic. 

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Amanda Milligan to discuss brand authority and its critical role in public relations and marketing.

Amanda shares her background in content, SEO, and brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of holistic marketing efforts.

They delve into how brand authority is measured, identify practical steps to assess it through tools like Reddit, LLMs, and social media, and discuss the intricate relationship between owned and earned media.

The episode also addresses the evolving landscape of SEO and the importance of maintaining continuous engagement to build long-term brand trust and authority.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:28 Meet Amanda Milligan

01:38 Amanda’s Professional Journey

02:49 The Importance of Brand Authority

03:29 Challenges in Marketing and PR

04:30 Speaking Engagements and Networking

06:37 Brand Authority Club and Community Building

23:15 Defining Brand Authority

26:19 Brand Authority in PR and Communications

30:20 Why Companies Overlook Brand Authority

32:45 Introduction to Reddit Search Tool

33:22 Trust Issues in Online Platforms

35:01 Google’s Shift Towards Reddit

37:20 Using LLMs for Brand Analysis

40:18 Importance of Third-Party Signals

43:28 Tracking Mentions and Backlinks

53:48 Social Media and Content Value

58:32 Owned vs. Earned Media

01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Show notes:

Brand Authority Club: https://www.brandauthority.club/

Amanda Milligan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamilligan/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

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

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.