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.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

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.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Garth Brooks' legal team’s denial strategy against sexual assault allegations
• Lizzo's PR crisis over harassment and abuse claims by former dancers
• Prince Andrew’s disastrous 2019 BBC interview about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein
• Lance Armstrong’s decade-long denial of using performance-enhancing drugs
• The risks of aligning solely with legal strategies in public crises

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

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.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Garth Brooks Instagram: Habitat for Humanity post
• Garth Brooks Instagram: Las Vegas Concert
• Trisha Yearwood's real estate listing.
• Episode 282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Breakdown of Eric Adams’ video response
• Bill Clinton’s 11-word denial
• Andrew Cuomo’s blend of denial and emotional appeal
• Strategic timing of scandals in September and October

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.

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

• A statement from Harrods in relation to its former Chairman and owner Mohamed Al Fayed
• Molly on TikTok: Analysis of the Harrods' Statement Regarding Mohamed Al-Fayed

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

• A Message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales | September 2024 (YouTube.com)
• Inside The Kate Middleton Crisis And The Silence At Kensington Palace (March 15, 2024, Molly McPherson, Forbes.com)
• Princess Kate Video Was A New Move In The Royal PR Game: Did It Work? (March 21, 2024, Molly McPherson, Forbes.com)
• Identifying the red flags usually spotted in a PR crisis. A royal case study. (tiktok.com/mollybmcpherson)
• A look at kill notices after it was reported that several major news agencies recalled a photo of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her kids distributed by Kensington Palace for UK Mother's Day. (tiktok.com/mollybmcpherson)
• Princess Kate shared her cancer diagnosis and treatment in a moving video. It was a powerful lesson in courage and transparency about how to balance privacy with the public's need for privacy. Communication in tough times: what worked and what we learned. (

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we'll delve into the fascinating world of celebrity PR and dissect one of the most strategic PR moves we've seen lately: the rumored breakup between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. However, as Molly suggests, things may not be as they seem.

Key Points Covered:

• The Rumored Breakup: Before the Kansas City Chiefs season opener, rumors swirled about a leaked breakup contract between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. But Molly takes a closer look, questioning the timing and the authenticity of the supposed "leak."
• PR Trial Balloon: Molly explains the concept of a PR trial balloon, theorizing that Kelce’s PR team orchestrated this fake breakup to gauge public reaction and generate media attention. By doing so, they secured a strategic win for Kelce's brand, the NFL, and Taylor Swift.
• Social Media's Role: How platforms like TikTok fueled the fire, and how Swifties, known for their loyalty and passionate defense of Taylor, reacted to the news.
• Behind the Scenes: Molly shares her personal experience of how she first heard about the breakup and her initial thoughts that this PR move had all the hallmarks of a carefully crafted stunt.
• The PR Firm's Role: With insights into Fullscope PR, the agency handling Kelce’s public relations, Molly explores their history of crafting headlines and how the agency's co-founders may have leveraged this situation to keep their client front and center.
• Impact on Icon Status: Molly discusses how PR isn't just about fame or money, it's about controlling the narrative and managing reputation—particularly for someone like Taylor Swift, who aims for iconic status.
• What We Can Learn: The episode wraps up with Molly’s key takeaways on how a well-timed, well-executed PR strategy can turn a potential crisis into an opportunity.

Mentioned in the episode: How Travis Kelce’s PR Team Turned A Fake Breakup Into A Win (Forbes.com)

Next Week’s Episode: Tune in next week as Molly breaks down

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake

Summary:

In this episode of The PR Breakdown, analyzing the recent PR moves surrounding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Following Timberlake’s arrest for a DWI in June 2024, Biel made a rare public appearance with their son at the US Open. Was this just a family outing, or a carefully timed PR strategy to shift the public’s focus from Timberlake’s legal issues?

Looking into the key moments of their public image management, examining Biel's balancing act between family privacy and public visibility, Timberlake’s decision to address the DWI on stage during his tour, and the timing of these events. We'll connects the dots between these moves and offers key lessons on how timing and misdirection play crucial roles in public relations crises.

Learn why it’s important to own your narrative in times of crisis and how celebrities use strategic timing to manage public perception.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of timing in managing a PR crisis.
• How public figures use personal moments to shift the narrative and regain control.
• The intersection of transparency, timing, and audience connection in crisis communication.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Jessica Biel’s rare public outing with her son Silas.
• Justin Timberlake’s June 2024 DWI arrest and his public response.
• PR strategies like timing and misdirection that celebrities use to shape public perception.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love digging into the strategies behind the headlines.

New Episodes Every Wednesday!

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

‘Who’s holding those strings’: Molly McPherson goes viral on TikTok for decoding celebrity PR strategy. - Boston Globe, Dec. 25, 2023

Seeing my name next to the words 'viral' and 'TikTok' is nothing short of terrifying.

In this final episode, the tables are turned when I sit down for an interview with the Boston Globe's Dana Gerber for a feature story highlighting my work as a creator on TikTok. Judging by the comments that appeared alongside the story, I was a hit!

GoodBob

12/25/23 - 8:51PM

Congratulations to Molly on capitalizing on the ‘who could care less ‘ market - good for you!

Okay, maybe not.

This episode reveals the intricate balance of managing one's own public relations in the digital era, especially when personal and professional realms intersect.

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...

Journalist and host of the Infamous podcastt, Vanessa Grigoriadis joins Molly as they dive deep into the life, career, and public image of global pop star, Taylor Swift. Vanessa profiled Taylor Swift for Rolling Stone in 2009 right after the release of her second album, “Fearless.” Since then she has been following Taylor from country pop-start to a dominated figure in our culture. 

In this episode of the "Allegedly" series, Vanessa and Molly discuss Taylor’s PR from her early days of running her own Myspace to her and Travis Kelce’s full-on PR push, this episode has no blank spaces. 

Links:

Follow Vanessa Grigoriadis:

https://twitter.com/vanessagrigor

Vanessa’s Rolling Stone Profile on Taylor Swift:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/the-very-pink-very-perfect-life-of-taylor-swift-107451/

Vanessa’s Podcast: Infamous:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/infamous/id1652941051

The media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. 

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

• https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• https://mollymc...