PR's Top Pros Talk

In this episode of PR’s Top Pros Talk, Erik Carlson, President and CEO of Notified, joins Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, to discuss how the answer engine economy is transforming the way content is created and discovered. Erik explains why earned media is becoming critical for AI citations and brand visibility. He also shares insights from Notified’s data-backed SOAR Content Framework™, which helps organizations optimize press releases.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since the start of COVID, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Established in 1986, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

In this episode of PR’s Top Pros Talk, Doug Simon talks to Greg Swan, Senior Partner at FINN Partners, to explore the rise of vibe-based decision-making and what it means for today’s communications leaders. Greg explains how emotion is increasingly driving how audiences consume information and form opinions. They highlight the need to move beyond viewing audiences as a single monolith and explain how AI is transforming the user experience in the process.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since 2020, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, and Sarah Evans, Partner and Head of PR at Zen Media, have an insightful conversation about the growing role of AI in brand discovery. They explore how AI is influencing the way people find information and even choose what to buy. Sarah also shares guidance on how PR and communications teams can better align their work with how consumers are interacting with AI.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since 2020, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

In this episode, Doug Simon talks with Valerie Combs, Senior Vice President and Head of Communications at IAC, to explore what it truly takes for legacy brands to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital world. Valerie explains how companies can modernize without losing the trust and equity they’ve built over decades. She also shares how brands can lead with their values.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since 2020, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

Rina Foster, CEO and Founder of 84 Communications, talks to Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, about how AI is impacting risk management. She shares expert guidance on protecting your reputation, preparing for potential crises, and managing fear with confidence.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since 2020, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

Monique Kelley, Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston University's College of Communication, shares insights from her new book, Redefining Networking: How to Lead with Your Unique Value. Monique and Doug explain why giving matters more than getting, how anyone can communicate their value authentically, and how to build professional relationships that truly last. This episode offers fresh and practical approaches to networking for anyone in their career.

Get a copy of the book: https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/

Theresa Bertrand, Head of Strategy at Zeno Group, speaks with Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, about key insights from Zeno Group's Brand Love + Demand Study. She discusses why brand loyalty is critical to long-term success and explores how different generations connect with brands. She also explains how generative AI can help brands reach a wider audience by increasing visibility and fostering conversation.

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, and Melanie Roussell Newman, Chief External Affairs Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, have an insightful conversation on brand resilience in a highly polarized media landscape. They discuss communications strategy, building trust, and maintaining credibility. Melanie shares how audience-focused messaging helps organizations communicate effectively and respond quickly when issues arise.

Support Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Sean Layton, Executive Vice President of Earned Media at Zeno Group, discusses the communications trends shaping the year ahead with Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media. He explains how AI-driven search results are impacting earned media strategy and emerging media's important role in the mix.

D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Since the start of COVID, the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Established in 1986, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards. For more information, visit https://www.dssimon.com/.

Doug Simon speaks with John Duffield about the evolving role of AI in healthcare and the patient experience. John explains how a serious heart condition gave him firsthand insight into the healthcare system. He explains how AI helped him understand complex medical information and navigate recovery following open-heart surgeries. The discussion also highlights how AI can support patients between clinical visits and improve communication with family members.

Learn more about John's story: https://thefuturepatient.com

Learn more about "An Aortic Story" on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johnjduffield_thefuturepatient-activity-7404571818654720000-_w3q