PRessing On: Real Life in Public Relations

Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Carla Burt. Carla Burt is Co-founder and CEO of Hue & Cry, an independent brand, communications and activation agency specializing in hospitality, travel, food and drink, with teams in London and New York.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, Carla has worked on both sides of the client-agency relationship, beginning her career in-house in hospitality before moving into consultancy and ultimately building Hue & Cry. Today, she advises global and independent brands on how to build relevance, reputation and growth in an increasingly fragmented communications landscape.

Her experience spans hotels and travel, restaurants, drinks and lifestyle brands, giving her a front-row view of how the way people discover, experience and advocate for brands has changed. She is particularly interested in the evolving role of PR, from traditional earned media and cultural influence to social advocacy, search and the growing impact of AI on brand discovery.

Carla splits her time between the UK and US, working with clients and teams across both markets.

To track down Carla visit:

Instagram: @Hueandcryagency

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlaburt/

linkedin.com/company/hue-&-cry/

Website: huecryagency.com

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Matthew Traub. Traub serves as president and chief operating officer at DKC. In addition to being a principal, a member of the executive team and supervising several of DKC’s divisions, he has been a key player in the firm’s technology, media business and crisis management areas. Traub has built and overseen DKC’s work with top tech, media and content brands. He is a primary liaison with some of the tech industry’s most notable venture capital firms and has worked with top CEOs, political leaders and personalities. He has supervised the strategic communications campaigns around acquisitions in media, entertainment and technology and an array of complex cases involving civil and criminal litigation.

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To track down Matthew visit:

Instagram: @matthewtraub

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewtraub

Website: dkcnews.com

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Neil Brown on the rise of fact-checking and fighting against misinformation. As president of The Poynter Institute, a leading organization in journalism education, he has four decades of experience in journalism and media leadership, including nine years on the Pulitzer Prize Board, Brown has a distinguished career that began at The Miami Herald. He rose through the ranks at the Tampa Bay Times, winning six Pulitzer Prizes during his tenure as editor. Under his leadership, Poynter has become home to initiatives like PolitiFact and the International Fact-Checking Network, training journalists and promoting ethical standards worldwide. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Iowa, Brown is a Chicago native dedicated to advancing the craft of journalism.

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To track down Neil visit:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poynter_institute/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Poynter/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-brown-0711b9151/ 

Website: https://www.poynter.org/ 

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with  Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, university professor at California Baptist University, who has built a career spanning both industry and academia and has helped countless PR students find their footing in the field of public relations. 

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, APR, is a leadership communication scholar, practitioner, and mentor with more than 35 years of experience in journalism, public relations, nonprofit work and higher education. She has served for twenty years as a professor of communication, public relations and leadership.

She is a co-founder of Honeycomb Leadership & Mentoring, where she designs mentoring cultures and intergenerational leadership programs that emphasize shared leadership, trust, and human-centered communication. Mary Ann has served in national and local leadership roles with the Public Relations Society of America, judged PRSA and CAPIO awards, and advised students and professionals navigating leadership in times of disruption and change.

A sought-after speaker and researcher, her work explores followership, mentoring, and how leaders and followers co-create purpose through emotionally intelligent communication. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or on a podcast mic, Mary Ann brings wisdom, warmth, and just enough humor to remind us that leadership is less about titles, and more about relationships that matter.

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To track down Dr. Pearson visit:

Instagram - @dr.pearson_18

X- @mpearson07

Linked In - Mary Ann Pearson, Ed.D., APR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-pearson-ed-d-apr-0280484/

https://www.honeycombleadership.com/

https://calbaptist.edu/faculty-directory/faculty-profile?id=29

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Lindsay Hughes, founder of Tapped In Public Relations, where she helps water utilities and public agencies build trust and communicate their value to the communities they serve. With over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, Lindsay has led PR efforts across nonprofit, tech, and municipal sectors—most recently spending a decade at North Penn Water Authority, where she built the communications function from the ground up.

She's managed crisis communications, launched social media channels, led earned media campaigns, and prepared executives for high-stakes public appearances. Her work has earned recognition from the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, including two Community Outreach Awards in 2024.

Through Tapped In PR, Lindsay combines traditional PR expertise with modern tools—including AI—to help utilities move beyond reactive messaging. She's also the co-host of the Authorities On Air podcast, where she educates the public about municipal authorities in Pennsylvania.Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Lindsay visit:

www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayhughestipr

www.tappedinpr.com

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Mike Harris, COO and Partner at UPRoar PR by Moburst, where he helps brands turn bold ideas into breakthrough moments. With over 15 years of experience leading communications and growth strategy, Mike has guided clients ranging from high-growth startups to global consumer brands through everything from product launches to crisis moments.

Before UPRoar merged with Moburst, Mike served as President of UPRoar PR, where he built one of the most respected independent PR firms in the U.S.—known for helping emerging companies earn national attention. Today, he blends that entrepreneurial experience with Moburst’s full-service digital capabilities, driving campaigns that connect creative storytelling with measurable impact. Passionate about authentic storytelling and strategic growth, he’s a trusted voice on the future of public relations in an age of AI, digital disruption, and constant change.

Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Mike visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-a828931/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uproar-by-moburst/posts/?feedView=all 

https://uproarpr.com/

https://www.moburst.com/

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with author Christina Byrne, Director of Industry Relations and Strategic Engagement at HNTB. As HNTB’s Director of Industry Relations and Strategic Engagement, Christina Byrne serves as a trusted connector between leadership, client teams, and the communities the firm serves. She leads strategic communications and engagement efforts that strengthen client relationships, elevate HNTB’s visibility, and support business development goals across Southern California. With more than 25 years of experience in public outreach, local government, and project delivery, Christina is recognized for her ability to translate complex infrastructure initiatives into clear, meaningful public dialogue. Her leadership has shaped communications strategies for many of Orange County’s most transformative transportation projects, including the I-405 Improvement Design-Build, SR-22 Design-Build, West County Connectors, and the OC Streetcar.

A passionate advocate for mentorship and women in leadership, Christina was named the 2020 CAPIO Paul B. Clark recipient and the 2023 WTS-OC Woman of the Year for her dedication to developing future leaders in the transportation industry. 

Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Christina visit:

instagram.com/CByrne2004

christinalbyrne.com

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PRressingOnPodcast.com or instagram.com/pressingoninpr/

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Geri Koenig, Founder of König Creative Co, as she shares how she collaborates with clients nationwide across industries to develop branding that is set up for success and growth. Through her studio, located in sunny San Diego, Geri partners with small businesses and entrepreneurs to craft bold brand identities, digital experiences, and marketing materials. Her mission is to help clients feel confident and proud of their brand’s visual presence.

Outside of König Creative Co., she is also a design leader in the B2B tech space. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her tending to her garden, creating nail art, or cheering on 76ers basketball.

Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Geri visit:

https://www.instagram.com/konigcreativeco/        

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠PressingOnPodcast.com⁠

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Tamrin Olden, CEO of TOC Public Relations. Originally launched as Law Enforcement Social, starting with web design services in 2004 and then eventually providing social media services to law enforcement agencies, TOK specializes in law enforcement, fire service and public safety outreach. Following a few years of research and development, Law Enforcement Social began teaching social media classes to Southern California law enforcement agencies.

Tamrin Olden began her career employed by the Chino Police Department, in Southern California. As a community relations manager, part of her duties included managing the department’s social media program and public affairs operations.

While working for the department, Tamrin began sharing her expertise and experiences through the teaching of social media and PIO classes with Law Enforcement Social, which was a newly formed company based out of the Los Angeles area.

Tamrin subsequently took management positions at a district attorney’s office and a sheriff’s department, where she shared her knowledge to help improve public relations and communications for both organizations.

Encouragement came from law enforcement leaders, co-workers, family, and friends that she needed to teach and provide her public relations skills and services on a full-time basis.

Having no ties to a government organization also meant these same public safety leaders could now have Tamrin inside their agencies, helping steer the narrative of their missions and core values, as a contracted consultant.

Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Tamrin visit:

instagram.com/tamrinolden

instagram.com/tocpublicrelations 

tocpublicrelations.com 

For information on TOC Con: tocconference.com

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For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠PressingOnPodcast.com⁠

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Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Jennifer Kaplan, Founder of Evolve PR & Marketing, Arizona’s largest PR firm. Since launching the agency in 2010, she has led Evolve’s growth from a small, client-focused team into a powerhouse of 27 full-time publicists serving more than 100 clients across local and national markets.

A proud Phoenix native and Arizona State University alumna, Jennifer’s deep Valley roots and relationship-driven approach have helped her build lasting partnerships and elevate brands across industries. Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous honors, including the Inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, AZ Business Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Arizona Business, Ranking Arizona #1 PR Agency, AZ Big Media's Most Admired Companies and PR News’ 2025 Top Women in PR and People of the Year. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys time with her family, giving back to the community, and finding balance on her yoga mat. She’s always cheering on the Sun Devils—forks up! 

Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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To track down Jennifer visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolveprandmarketing

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kaplan-b331948/

https://evolveprandmarketing.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/EvolvePRandMarketing/

https://www.instagram.com/evolveprandmarketing/

For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠PressingOnPodcast.com⁠

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