Let’s be real—business partnerships sound like a dream… but they don’t always play out that way. In this episode, Whitney’s digging into the good, the bad, and the kinda messy side of going into business with someone else. She talks through why so many partnerships don’t work out, what to think about before you dive in, and some other ways to grow your business that don’t involve sharing ownership.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a partner to make this work,” this one’s for you. Whitney’s got some thoughts (and a few gentle reality checks) that might just shift your perspective.

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Ever feel guilty for stepping away from work — even when you really need it? You’re not alone.

In this episode, Whitney sits down with Louise Oliver, founder of Peritus PR, to talk about what it really looks like to take a break as a business owner and why it’s so dang hard. From the awkward re-entry after time off to the mind games we play with ourselves about worth and productivity, this conversation gets real about the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes.

Louise shares what she’s learned since launching her own agency, how her leadership style has evolved, and the major mindset shifts that come with learning to actually delegate. Whitney and Louise also dig into what it means to build a sustainable culture, trust your team, and find your identity beyond your job title.

If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, boundaries, or the constant pressure to “do more,” this one’s for you.

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You’ve refreshed the website. You’ve posted to Instagram. You’ve sent the press release. And still… crickets. 😬

If your marketing or PR efforts just aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is for you. Whitney Lee gets real about what to do when your strategy feels stale and why even the most experienced pros hit that wall sometimes.

Drawing from her own pivot from in-house hospitality marketing to running a thriving agency, Whitney shares practical ways to breathe life back into your brand. From hiring a consultant or fractional CMO to simply inviting a fresh set of eyes to the table, this convo is packed with ideas to help you shake things up and get results.

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Ever feel like you're throwing content into the void and hoping something sticks? Same. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jonathan Halley—owner, executive producer, and all-around badass at Big Slate Media—to talk about what actually moves the needle in the wild world of content and social.

From mixing video production with social media strategy (hello, powerhouse combo) to managing sky-high client expectations, Jonathan pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to run a creative agency that gets it. He breaks down Big Slate's approach to building trust, the art of saying "no," and why “SNARF content” might be your new favorite marketing term.

They also dive into:

• How to niche down without having a full-blown identity crisis

• Why having a “wow factor” isn't optional anymore

• The truth about momentum on social (hint: it’s not a one-and-done game)

• Educating clients without sounding like a condescending jerk

If you're in the agency world, leading a marketing team, or just trying to get your brand noticed without selling your soul, this one's a must-listen.

🔥 Get ready to challenge the way you think about content, strategy, and that ever-elusive thing called authenticity.

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Thinking of buying a franchise? Listen to this first.

In this episode, Whitney is breaking down everything you need to know before buying a franchise—because there’s way more to it than picking a cool brand and cashing checks. From understanding hidden costs to figuring out what kind of support you’ll actually get (spoiler alert: it varies), she’s sharing the real talk no one else is giving you.

We’re diving into:

• How much owning a franchise really costs

• Why your grand opening can make or break your success

• What kind of marketing help you can expect—and what you’ll need to do yourself

• Red flags and common mistakes people make when jumping into the franchise world

Whether you're just curious or already deep in the research rabbit hole, this episode is your go-to guide for making smarter moves in the franchise game.

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This one’s for anyone who’s ever had to manage a message—or rethink one. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick PR, for a conversation that challenges the typical PR playbook.

From navigating high-stakes situations to balancing authenticity with strategy, Ryan shares hard-earned insights from his journey through the ever-evolving world of public relations. They touch on the ethical tightrope of mixing business with beliefs, the real meaning of “trusted advisor,” and why some moments in PR can truly change lives.

Tune in to hear:• A behind-the-scenes look at crisis PR• Why authenticity matters more than ever• How to lead clients through chaos without losing your cool

You’ll walk away thinking a little deeper about what PR really means and what it can do when done right.

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Is your brand franchise-ready? Or maybe you're a franchisee wondering what it really takes to thrive. In this episode, Whitney Lee pulls back the curtain on the world of franchising—what works, what doesn’t, and what most people overlook.

From setting expectations to building marketing systems that actually scale, Whitney dives into the mindset shifts and operational must-haves for franchise success. Whether you’re dreaming of expanding your concept or you're managing multiple locations already, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights.

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Is AI the key to getting your time—and your life—back?

In this episode, Michael Sacca, CEO of Leadpages joins Whitney and breaks down the evolution of Leadpages from a simple landing page builder to a comprehensive marketing tool fueled by automation and AI. He and Whitney dive into the shifting landscape of agency life, the need for productization, and how AI is transforming the way we work—from task execution to high-level problem-solving.

They also explore the changing nature of client relationships, the debate between niche vs. generalist approaches, and why staying adaptable is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving industry.

You won't want to miss this episode!

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Are you leveraging the full power of SEO in your PR strategy, or are you leaving potential untapped?

In this episode, Whitney sits down with Jade Pruett to uncover the vital connection between SEO and PR—a must-know for any modern marketer. Together, they break down the challenges PR professionals face in navigating SEO and share actionable strategies to bridge the gap.

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The art of acquiring backlinks and why guest posting still reigns supreme.
• How media coverage can amplify your SEO game.
• The value of tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console for tracking success.
• Why transparency and accessibility are crucial in SEO practices.
• The role of AI in content creation and how to integrate it effectively.
• How social media platforms, including Pinterest, play into SEO strategies.

Jade also shares inspiring success stories and practical tips to help local businesses thrive in the digital marketing space. Whether you're a PR professional, a marketer, or a business owner, this conversation is packed with insights to boost your online visibility and deliver measurable results for your clients.

Tune in now to discover the strategies you need to dominate the digital marketing landscape!

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You’ve probably heard the term “fractional CMO” floating around—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Whitney breaks down the growing trend of fractional roles in business, with a deep dive into the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

She’s covering it all: what a fractional CMO does, how they can level up your marketing, and why more businesses are ditching the traditional full-time hire for a more flexible, high-impact approach. Whitney also busts some common myths, shares when it’s the right time to bring one on board, and gives pro tips on finding the right fit.

What You’ll Learn:⚡ What a fractional CMO actually does (and why it’s a game-changer)💰 How hiring one can save money and boost results🤯 The biggest misconceptions about fractional roles🚀 When your business is ready for a fractional CMO🔍 How to spot the right candidate for the job

If your marketing needs strategic leadership—but not a full-time salary—this episode is a must-listen. Hit play and get the inside scoop on this fast-growing trend!

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