Touching Base

Gianna Fontana is a managing director at Heron Agency in Chicago. In this episode, Gianna shares about her non-traditional college experience, going to more of an arts school in a city as well as how experiences and knowing people can help you in PR. We also talk about the grind that is PR and how it can be rewarding.

Gianna’s Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-fontana-b1a17081/

Heron Agency: https://heronagency.com/

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Newsletter: https://touchingbasepr.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Summer Internship Panel:

https://forms.gle/utVBqkhsrc3rK6PJ7

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

Lexie Smith is the founder of PR Bar Inc, in addition to many other titles. In this episode, Lexie shares her path into entrepreneurship from starting as a broadcast journalism major to agency life to extreme burnout. As a PR Coach, Lexie also shares what she thinks is necessary to get hired in PR, and how to perfect your portfolio.

Lexie’s Links:

Pitchin’ and Sippin’ Podcast: https://theprbarinc.com/podcasts

Podcast (on Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/ec/podcast/pitchin-and-sippin-with-lexie-smith/id1532996442

PR Bar Resources: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Newsletter: https://touchingbasepr.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Summer Internship Panel:

https://forms.gle/utVBqkhsrc3rK6PJ7

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

Dr. Shawna Charles is the CEO and founder of Charles Communications Group. In this episode, Shawna shares her non-traditional path to PR, getting a job in corporate America and working in management for many years before taking a break. During her break, Shawna got her PhD in psychology, so we also talk about how that helps her with public relations.

Shawna's Links:

Personal IG: @drsmcphd

Business IG: @charlescommgrp

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Newsletter: https://touchingbasepr.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Summer Internship Panel:

https://forms.gle/utVBqkhsrc3rK6PJ7

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

Kim Wilson Marshall is the founder and director of Wilson Marshall PR + Special Events. In this episode, Kim shares the story of getting her first job and from there kind of just being thrown into higher-level roles before talking about starting her business to assist with her work-life balance as a mom. Kim and I also talk about paid media and its integration into public relations.

Kim's Links:

Company Website: https://wilsonmarshallpr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmarshall/

Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wmexperiences/

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Newsletter: https://touchingbasepr.beehiiv.com/subscribe

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

Phil Weiss is a Senior Vice President at Allison+Partners. Phil's story is one that will definitely speak to a lot of people, as the conversation ranges from starting his career at a small PR firm and using those skills and connections to move into higher positions before switching gears and going to work at a large global firm.

Phil's Links:

Company Website: https://www.allisonpr.com/

Sign up for the Touching Base: PR Edition Newsletter: https://touchingbasepr.beehiiv.com/subscribe

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

On this episode of Touching Base: PR Edition, we have an interview with Samantha Bryant, the founder of Samantha Bryant PR. this episode, we talk about so many things including getting your start in TV and media, finding a network in a new city and staying productive on your own.

Samantha's Links:

Website: https://www.samanthabryantpr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthabpublicity/

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

On this episode of Touching Base: PR Edition, we have an interview with Emma Walsh, an influencer marketing coordinator at Gallery Media Group. In this episode, we talk about so many things including the job search process, graduating early, and working in influencer marketing.

Emma's Links:

Website/blog: emmajosephinewalsh.com

Instagram: instagram.com/emma.walsh

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmajwalsh1

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

On this episode of Touching Base: PR Edition, we have an interview with Tori Porter, the founder of Tori Porter Communications. In this episode, we talk about so many things including burnout, taking time off as a business owner, and the rewarding parts of PR.

Tori's Links:

Personal Instagram: instagram.com/tori__porter/

Business Instagram: instagram.com/toriporter.communications/

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to work in sports marketing, communications and social media!

In May of 2021, I began my journey at St. John's University as an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant. The following year, in May of 2022, I transitioned into a hybrid marketing/communications/digital media graduate assistant. In my role, I am the sole producer of volleyball home events, in addition to co-producing both men's and women's basketball games. I also work in a social media capacity, primarily working on the Red Storm Tiktok and as a content creator. Thanks to my position, I am also recieving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamieinsports

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

On this episode of Touching Base: PR Edition, we have an interview with Adrianne Lightbourne, the owner of Delores Communications. In this episode, we talk about so many things including the transition from journalism to PR, making your way in the industry and building connections and how she scaled her agency. 

Adrianne's Links:

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to go into a career in the realm of public relations and social media. My passion lies in the field of athletics, whether that be college, professional sports, or athlete branding and marketing. However, I am open to learning and growing in different fields and have done internships in Lifestyle PR, higher education, and non-profit work.

Currently, I am an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at St. John's University. In this role, I serve as the primary media contact for both Women's Volleyball and Softball, as well as being additional support for basketball. It is so exciting to be able to learn and grow new skills in the Big East Conference. Thanks to my position, I am also receiving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management. The knowledge I am learning in the classroom is invaluable.

During undergrad, I took on leadership roles in various different clubs and organizations, including Dickinson Community Players (a student-run theatre group), Binghamton Dance Marathon (#FTK!), and my sorority, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. I have worked with various different groups of people really honing in on my teamwork, leadership development, and communications skills. In addition, I spent two years interning in Binghamton's Athletic Department.

Beyond the professional realm, I also am a creator. Since my YouTube comeback in January of 2019, I have been producing content focused on a wide variety of angles. My most popular videos include those depicting life at Binghamton University. My videos show every aspect of my life, encompassing my health and fitness journey and navigating post-grad life, the job-search and grad school.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamie.is.a.human

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com

On this episode of Touching Base: PR Edition, we have an interview with Taylor Neimer and Waylon Tate who are from JWA Public Relations. In this episode, we talk about so many things including the mentor/mentee relationship, Waylon's hiring process and Taylor's experience with it, and how covid impacted the world, both in the work force and academia. 

Taylor and Waylon's Links:

Our website - https://www.jwaylon.com

@j_waylon - https://www.instagram.com/j_waylon/

@waylontate - https://www.instagram.com/waylontate/

@tayneimer - https://www.instagram.com/tayneimer/

TOUCHING BASE: PR EDITION WEBSITE: touchingbasepr.com

Touching Base: PR Edition is a motivating resource for those looking to break into the public relations industry. Through fun and informative podcast episodes including guests such as public relations professionals, founders and more, listeners will gain a better understanding for the public relations industry and the steps to make their own mark within it.

Make sure to subscribe to the show on whatever platform you are listening on and get connected on Instagram @touchingbase_pr to ask questions and get sneak peeks of special guests!

For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and general questions please email: [email protected]

About The Host

Hi! My name is Jamie Goerke. I'm used to the 280 character limit that Twitter gives me, but since I have more room here, let me tell you about myself! I graduated from Binghamton University in December of 2020 with a BA in English and I am looking to go into a career in the realm of public relations and social media. My passion lies in the field of athletics, whether that be college, professional sports, or athlete branding and marketing. However, I am open to learning and growing in different fields and have done internships in Lifestyle PR, higher education, and non-profit work.

Currently, I am an Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at St. John's University. In this role, I serve as the primary media contact for both Women's Volleyball and Softball, as well as being additional support for basketball. It is so exciting to be able to learn and grow new skills in the Big East Conference. Thanks to my position, I am also receiving a fully-funded Masters Degree in Sport Management. The knowledge I am learning in the classroom is invaluable.

During undergrad, I took on leadership roles in various different clubs and organizations, including Dickinson Community Players (a student-run theatre group), Binghamton Dance Marathon (#FTK!), and my sorority, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. I have worked with various different groups of people really honing in on my teamwork, leadership development, and communications skills. In addition, I spent two years interning in Binghamton's Athletic Department.

Beyond the professional realm, I also am a creator. Since my YouTube comeback in January of 2019, I have been producing content focused on a wide variety of angles. My most popular videos include those depicting life at Binghamton University. My videos show every aspect of my life, encompassing my health and fitness journey and navigating post-grad life, the job-search and grad school.

Instagram: @jamieinjpegs @jamie.is.a.human

TikTok: @jamieinmotionn

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamiegoerke

Music: bensound.com