The Embargoed

In this week’s episode we talk to leading IPO expert Ken Shuman to discuss what it takes for comms pros to make that public showing the best it can be. We also highlight his November 7 event where he promises to tell all: "Gearing Up to Go Public - A One-Day Conference to Demystify the IPO Process.”  Finally, we grumble about RFPs - you’ll learn the true meaning of what the acronym stands for. Hint: the F is an expletive.

"We all have a story of career evolution," says our guest Chris Gee. In this episode Chris shares his story of reinvention. And it all started the day he graduated when he discovered that his degree was already outdated. We all have had these disruptions and had to change course, learn new skills, and sell a new version of ourselves. Join us and dive into this episode to learn more. 

In this week’s episode, David Oro and Paul Wilke talk to Jimmy Boegle, publisher of the Coachella Valley Independent and the Reno News & Review about the independent newspaper business today and why some PR people (present company excluded!) bring out his inner curmudgeon. It's a lively, informative conversation we're glad you have you on board! Oh and about our headline: "Beware of Music PR People, Yoga Pants, Ozempic and Ticks," Jimmy sets the tone here.

Talk to any client or any agency, and more often than not, a successful relationship comes down to one thing: chemistry. It's not easy to get. So how do you get the right mix? Enter Steven Shimek. Steven matches companies with best-fit agency partners in PR, brand integration, marketing, and more. This was an eye-opening interview for us. So whether you're a client or an agency, Steven has some insight for you. 

How do founders turn into great spokespeople for their companies? It's not easy, and it takes work and discipline. In this episode we speak with Lisa Poulson on how she helps innovators become great communicators. And we also discuss when being a meat puppet is a good thing. Finally, we bring back our favorite game Rep, Fire or Refer! 

The PESO Model takes the four media types — paid, earned, shared and owned — and merges them together for an integrated — and measurable — communications program. Gini Dietrich, the founder and author of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO model, joins us on The Embargoed. In addition to a discussion about modern comms, mayhem and war stories ensue. Join us for the fun. 

She was a 35-year-old global head of communications who landed in the hospital from extreme stress and burnout. It was the push she needed to finally leave agency life and put my wellness first. In a remarkable, energetic, and insightful interview, we speak with Elizabeth Rosenberg about her journey. While your path may not be the same, you know you’ve been there at one point in your career. Have a listen.

Let's face it: As far as starts to a decade go...the 2020s suck. At the macro level you have pandemics, lock downs, wars, inflation. Business aren't any better, witness Norfolk Southern, Southwest Airlines and a guy named Yeezy with Adidas. This week we talk to Big Sky Crisis Communications Founder Brian Baker about crisis comms. And we bring back our favorite game: Rep, Fire or Refer. 

As any human knows, earning goodwill and understanding with earthlings is a tough endeavor.  SBS Founder John O'Brien joins us on the day his firm announces new communications services for extraterrestrials and UFOs. The conversation is out of this world. Bad puns and all. 

AWS re:Invent is happening this week in Las Vegas, and we have a fascinating piece of history courtesy of our guest​​ eWeek’s James Maguire who shares an early video of an AWS rep from 2007/2008. Also, catch a quick clip of your co-host's car being broken into in Oakland. There’s a lesson here for you.