SPIN is a Four Letter Word

With dry January upon us, we’ve temporarily pulled the tap on our regular Let’s Have a Beer With episodes and are turning our attention to the wild world of sports. From the Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos situation to the drama surrounding college football bowl games, there is a lot to discuss when it comes to public relations. Listen along as we kick off 2024 with a lively discussion around some hot topics in sports PR.

In this episode of Let’s Have a Beer, we are joined by Bill Hooper, the Vice President and General Manager of WMAR-TV in Baltimore. A Baltimore native, Hooper has worked exclusively in Baltimore media for 40 years. He joined WMAR in 2004 as general sales manager before taking the top leadership role in 2007. Listen along as we discuss Bill’s journey as a media executive, the state of broadcast media and how he has been leading WMAR’s approach to in-depth, community focused reporting in recent years.

In this episode of Let’s Have a Beer, we are joined by Jamison Hensley, a Maryland native covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. Grab a beer and listen along we as discuss Jamison’s career and the intricacies of covering a team, the evolution of the media and current topics in Maryland sports.

In this episode, Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director of the Maryland Sports Commission, joins Jen and John to discuss the career path that lead him to the Maryland Sports Commission and the relationships he built along the way. The trio also discusses current happenings with the Commission and the purpose it serves in our state.

She’s an award-winning journalist and host of WUSA’s Great Day Washington. He’s a long-time sports broadcaster and hosts a show on WBAL radio. And when their career paths collided years ago, they became partners in life. Join us for a beer as we have a special conversation with Kristen Berset-Harris and Brent Harris to discuss their careers and how they have evolved with the media landscape, managing their own relationship and how they approach relationships with PR professionals. Cheers!

At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers! Episode 6 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2.

Hollywood Casino Perryville entered the gaming landscape as Maryland’s first casino in 2010 and was purchased by Penn Entertainment in 2021 just as Maryland’s online sports betting was legalized. In this episode, we sit down with the Casino’s GM, Amy Brennan to learn about her path through the Casino industry, and how relationships have played a role in her professional growth and continue to drive her leadership style. We also discuss how the gaming industry has evolved, and what’s next for the Casino as they continue their transformation into a full entertainment venue.

At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers! Episode 5 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2.

The World Series. World Championship Fights. The Olympics, the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, wrestling: Whatever the sport, chances are, seasoned sports journalist Thom Loverro has covered it. In this episode, we have a beer with our friend Thom to discuss his journey as a journalist, how the profession has evolved over time, and hear some of his best stories including how he came to cover the great Muhammad Ali.

At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers!

Episode 4 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2. In Maryland, the ritual of eating steamed crabs has stood the test of time. This beloved Maryland tradition isn’t just about eating, it’s about sitting around the table to enjoy the company of others, build relationships and oftentimes celebrate life’s great accomplishments or milestones. In this episode, we sit down over steamed crabs, and a beer, with Maryland native and former Major League Baseball player, Bill Ripken at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. Join us as we talk with Bill about this Maryland tradition, his journey in life and business post baseball career and how relationships and people have helped him along the way.

Episode 3 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2. Women’s sports is having its moment, finally. It’s no secret women’s sports teams – from soccer to golf and college and pro basketball – have been gaining popularity among the general sports fan in recent years. But why is that happening now and what are the driving factors? In this episode, we sit down over a beer with Rose DiPaula, who leads communications for the University of Maryland Women’s Basketball team to discuss this recent surge in popularity. We discuss the impact of Name, Image Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal and its effect on recruiting, and the adjustments collegiate athletic departments must make to be competitive in the rapidly changing world of women’s sports.

At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers!

Episode 2 features Marshall Weston, the President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland. 

There are over 10,000 restaurants in the state of Maryland, and RAM is responsible for each one having an advocacy voice and the information necessary to be successful. In this episode, we discuss the state of the restaurant industry, how it continues to evolve, and what it takes to succeed. Marshall discusses his belief in strong public relations efforts, the importance of relationships and partnerships, and his best advice for young professionals today. Join us as we go inside the restaurant industry to learn how the very act of having a beer or sharing a meal is the backbone of not just this industry, but all sectors of business.