This week on That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane unpack this“Hot Mess Summer”—the surprising, cringey, and cautionary moments that shaped the season for PR and communications pros. From return-to-office whiplash and AI overpromises to social media pile-ons, brand missteps, and the pursuit of excellence in a rush-first culture, they offer candid insights and practical takeaways for solo practitioners navigating constant change.

That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.

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If this episode made you nod, laugh, or rethink your approach, don’t keep it to yourself—follow That Solo Life in your favorite podcast app, leave a 5-star review to help other solo pros find us, and share Episode 311 with a colleague. Got your own “Hot Mess Summer” story or a topic you want us to tackle? Send it to us at soloprpro.com. Your story might be featured in an upcoming episode!

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane dive into the unique challenges PR professionals face when their exceptional skills at work start to interfere with their personal lives. From overthinking to overworking, they explore how these traits, while beneficial in the professional realm, can hinder personal growth and enjoyment. Karen and Michelle share personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement to help solo PR pros find balance and live a more fulfilling life.

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That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to That Solo Life on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. 

Tune in to this powerful episode of That Solo Life featuring Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP,  an accomplished PR strategist, author, and advocate for inclusivity in communication. Hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane sit down for an intimate chat with Melissa, discussing her inspiring career and successful personal brand. Melissa shares why it is so important to be a little louder and how that benefits your career and lights the way for the next generation. Melissa does not hold back in sharing her challenges on the road to success and how she solves for fear and the expectations of others. Grab a group and listen to this episode together!

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About Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP:

Melissa Vela-Williamson is an accredited, internationally recognized public relations strategist, national industry columnist, podcast host, and author. For over two decades, she has provided strategic public relations counsel, professional communication services, and shared leadership guidance with over 100 brands -- educating, equipping, and empowering diverse audiences ranging from children to CEOs. Melissa serves as a consultant, trainer, and account director at her boutique PR firm, MVW Communications. With unique experience in employee communications and DEI, Melissa leverages her PR expertise and acumen as a certified diversity professional to create social good. She represents only 750 PR professionals nationwide who have earned the elite PRSA College of Fellows credential. Her first book, “Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know” was published Oct. 2022 and is an Amazon Bestseller. Her second industry book, “Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture” was published during Women's History Month 2025 and quickly became an Amazon Bestseller in three categories. She shares communication insights and advice through her podcast, “Smart Talk Series”, her Public Relations Society of America column,  and through her blog at mvw360.com. 

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Don't miss an episode of That Solo Life! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with your solo PR network. For more resources and insights, join the Solo PR Pro community at our website. Your next level in solo PR starts here!

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane tackle the significant and timely topic of "Media Under the Influence." Together, they explore how modern-day pressures, including governmental interference and financial constraints, are impacting media integrity. They examine the implications for public relations, the importance of preserving local journalism, and how a free press is integral to maintaining a democratic society. With their uniquely supportive yet candid approach, Karen and Michelle share their perspective as seasoned communication professionals and empower listeners with actionable insights for championing an independent media landscape. 

That Solo Life is the go-to podcast for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who are navigating the unique challenges of working independently or in small teams. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the podcast delivers expert insights, encouragement, and actionable advice. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your solo PR career, you'll find the support and empowerment you need. 

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on future insights! 

Social media platforms have changed dramatically, leaving many public relations and marketing professionals questioning their next steps. On this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the current state of social media and offer practical advice for staying relevant and strategic. They discuss the platforms worth keeping an eye on, how to align your presence with your client's audience, and the importance of balancing professional engagement with personal values. Whether you're an advocate of LinkedIn or wary of TikTok, you’ll gain clarity on the evolving landscape and actionable insights to guide your strategy. 

That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape. 

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t miss out on future insights! Subscribe to That Solo Life wherever you listen to podcasts. If you loved today’s discussion, share it with your fellow solo PR pros and marketing peers. Visit Solo PR Pro for more resources, and connect with us to share your thoughts—because your voice matters! 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on AI’s impact on PR and how you’re adapting in your career! Connect with us through the following platforms:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of That Solo Life! Stay connected to continue the conversation. 

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That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on AI’s impact on PR and how you’re adapting in your career! Connect with us through the following platforms:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of That Solo Life! Stay connected to continue the conversation. 

Don’t miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your podcast platform of choice. Love what you hear? Share the episode with your colleagues and friends, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the podcast. Engage with us on social media—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Join hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane as they welcome Veleisa Patton Burrell, an accomplished PR professional and educator. Together they explore the twists and turns of Veleisa's career—from solo entrepreneurship to agency life, and now as an adjunct professor guiding the next generation of communicators. This candid conversation covers career transitions, the evolving role of PR, the integration of AI in the workplace and education, and the importance of critical thinking. Prepare to be inspired by Veleisa's insights on mentorship, resilience, and finding balance in a challenging job market.

[00:13] Introduction to the episode and Veleisa Patton Burrell

Veleisa Patton Burrell is a trusted counselor to clients and peers alike, providing strategic guidance on integrated communications, including media relations, content development, digital communication and executive visibility. Her talents lie in detailing company values through owned storytelling consistently across mediums to earn media coverage and improve reputation with employees, partners, and clients and industry peers.

Most recently, as an executive for FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency, and Denny’s, a storied restaurant brand that is known as “America’s Diner,” Veleisa advised senior leaders on issues and crisis, developed media relations strategies and oversaw execution of thought leadership opportunities such as speaking engagements and interviews.

Side work as a mindfulness facilitator and yoga instructor keeps Veleisa’s mind and body strong and resilient. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and public affairs; she now teaches an undergraduate capstone course at the school as an adjunct professor. She later earned a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Veleisa was named to Public Relations Society of America Dallas inaugural 40 Under 40 list in 2021 and was previously a board director for the chapter.

You can connect with Veleisa on LinkedIn.

That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of Voice Matters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services.

Don’t miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your podcast platform of choice. Love what you hear? Share the episode with your colleagues and friends, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the podcast. Engage with us on social media—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

That Solo Life, Episode 303: The Folly of AI First Strategies

Episode Summary:

In this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR  of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane  of Voice Matters explore the growing trend of adopting an “AI-first” strategy in business and marketing. While artificial intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool, Michelle and Karen argue for a balanced approach that prioritizes human expertise and thoughtful integration. They discuss examples of companies misusing AI, how it impacts customer experiences, and smart ways organizations can combine AI with human intelligence for the best outcomes. The episode is a must-listen for PR pros and marketers navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Episode Highlights:

That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of Voice Matters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network! Don’t forget to subscribe to That Solo Life for weekly insights tailored for PR pros and solo marketers. You can also connect with us at SoloPRPro.com with your questions or comments. Thank you for listening!

Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally!

Thanks for listening! 🎙️

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Podcast Hosts: Karen Swim, APR & Michelle Kane 

Release Schedule: New episodes every Monday 

In this thought-provoking episode of That Solo Life, Karen and Michelle take a critical look at the current state of social media and the challenges of thoughtful engagement in a world dominated by clickbait culture. They discuss how the drive for visibility and engagement often leads to misinformation, manipulation, and the decline of meaningful discourse.

The hosts share their perspectives as PR professionals on the deeper responsibility of fostering ethics and trust in communication. They emphasize the importance of slowing down to verify facts, maintaining integrity, and modeling critical thinking, especially for clients navigating today’s fast-paced information landscape.

00:00:00 - Introduction to That Solo Life

If you're a PR professional, marketer, or business owner navigating the complexities of content creation and engagement on social media, this episode is for you. Karen and Michelle provide actionable advice on combating misinformation, maintaining ethics, and fostering meaningful connections in a world of constant digital noise.

That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services.

Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally!

Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Drop us a line at Solo PR Pro. 

Enjoyed this episode? Share your thoughts with us at Solo PR Pro or on social media. Don’t forget to tag fellow PR pros who could benefit from these insights! Tune in next Monday for another episode of That Solo Life.