By www.mollymcpherson.com
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, reveali
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The podcast currently has 314 episodes available.
In this crossover episode of The PR Breakdown, a therapy session of sorts into the world of entitlement, both online and off. Starting with the TikTok pajama drama—where influencers Cecily and Samantha Bachman faced backlash for launching $98 holiday pajamas—breaking down why their PR apology fell short.
The episode discusses the psychology of entitlement and explains why we hear defensiveness and over-explaining in PR and everyday responses.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her empire, the documentary reveals the real story behind Martha's headlines. Learn how her lawyers' tight-lipped strategy backfired, why she stopped dating Anthony Hopkins, and how she's transformed her perfectionist reputation from a liability into an asset. Get the inside scoop on why this isn't just another celebrity documentary - it's a strategic PR move that proves sometimes the best defense is simply owning who you are.
Key moments:
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
It's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked-about PR moves and media strategies shaping this historic race.
Episode Highlights
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight
This week’s PR Breakdown Live episode on Patreon takes a deep dive into celebrity relationships, loyalty, and the challenges of managing public perception. With Dr. Abby Metcalf joining as a special guest, this lively discussion covers how fame and success impact high-profile relationships, what drives public reputation, and the complexities that unfold when loyalty and fame collide.
Episode Highlights:
For more exclusive content, weekly insights, and live discussions, listeners are invited to join the Patreon community for full access to PR Breakdown Live.
Join us next week for more expert PR insights and behind-the-scenes stories!
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
This episode of The PR Breakdown explores whether individuals and organizations should always respond to reporters' inquiries. She presents a nuanced view of media engagement, highlighting key considerations before agreeing to an interview. The episode outlines three critical questions to guide this decision.
The episode includes real-life anecdotes from Molly's work and stresses the importance of understanding the media landscape, preparing adequately, and sometimes choosing to decline media opportunities to safeguard one's brand.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we take a deep dive into the high-stakes PR strategy of a "100% Denial." This approach has long been used by celebrities, politicians, and public figures when facing serious accusations. But is it still a smart move in today’s social media-driven world?
We explore multiple examples of how this strategy plays out and examine why some public figures—like Garth Brooks, Lizzo, Prince Andrew, and Lance Armstrong—chose the denial route. Is it a legal necessity, or does it invite more trouble down the line? Breaking down why total denial can create significant risks, especially in an age where accountability is amplified through the media and social platforms.
From legal consequences to reputational fallout, this episode highlights how a denial strategy can quickly backfire without care and empathy.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, digging into the PR crisis surrounding country music legend Garth Brooks. Two days before sexual assault allegations against him surfaced, Brooks posted a seemingly wholesome photo with his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Coincidence?
Maybe not.
Exploring how the couple is strategically handling the allegations in public, breaking down their moves and drawing parallels to familiar PR playbook tactics used by other high-profile figures. With serious accusations brought forward by a former makeup artist, Brooks' legal and PR teams are in full defense mode. The episode sheds light on the strategies of denial, diversion, and discreditation often used in such cases, questioning whether these methods will hold up in today’s environment of increased accountability.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
September marks the beginning of scandal season, when politicians, celebrities, and the media heat up with controversy. In this episode, we break down the crisis communication tactics used by high-profile figures, focusing on New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his response to federal charges of bribery and fraud.
We take a closer look at Adams’ video statement and compare it to strategies used by former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as he faced sexual harassment allegations. The language, optics, and emotional appeals in these public appearances reveal a shared crisis playbook: denial, deflection, and controlling the narrative through video.
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Whether you’re a PR professional or just fascinated by how public figures manage high-stakes scandals, this episode is packed with essential lessons in crisis management. Tune in to learn how these politicians use crisis communication to shape their public image—and their legacy.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
What happens when high-profile figures like RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed find themselves at the center of public scandals? This episode unpacks the unsettling truths behind RFK Jr.'s sexting affair with political reporter Olivia Nuzzi, exploring how his wife Cheryl Hines' glamorous appearance at Milan Fashion Week might be a strategic distraction. We delve into the ethical implications of such behavior and the vital role transparency and accountability play in maintaining public trust.
We also turn our attention to Muhammad Al-Fayed and the accusations of abuse linked to his time as the owner of Harrods. By drawing comparisons to notorious figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, we highlight the systemic abuse of power and the resultant legal and personal crises. Wrapping up, we provide essential lessons in reputation management, offering practical strategies to navigate similar PR challenges while stressing the importance of staying genuine and thoughtful. Whether you're in the PR industry or just intrigued by the complex lives of the powerful, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
In this episode of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson, Kate Middleton’s health update video is more than just an announcement. It’s a masterclass in PR, packed with hidden symbolism and subtle storytelling designed to reshape the public perception of the royal family.
Uncover ten key meanings behind the visuals, from Kate in the driver’s seat to the color blue, and explore how Kate and William are distancing themselves from Harry and Meghan as they face ongoing branding challenges.
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© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
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