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—li...

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 parallel...

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...

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...

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...

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 lea...

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 fro...

‘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...

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 episod...

This is the inaugural episode of the Indestructible PR podcast series called, Allegedly . In this series, I take a critical look at the PR moves, media narratives, and survival tactics that celebrities use to circumvent a PR nightmare. On my very first episode of the Allegedly series, we are talking all about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. From red-carpet appearances to playing the supporting rol...

An episode about the profession of public relations for the practitioners who make it one of the most exciting fields to work in. In this episode, a discussion about the future of the public relations industry with Michelle Egan, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Immediate Past Chair of PRSA. Boasting over three decades of communication experience, Michelle brings a substantial depth of understanding to the e...

First episode for 2024!  Hey there, PR pros and dedicated listeners! You won't want to miss this special episode where I dive deep into the year that left jaws on the floor with never-ending celebrity drama and crisis. Let's hit the rewind button and explore the twists and turns of 2023's scandalous celeb behavior that kept publicists on their toes and the rest of us following along...

Let's go behind the scenes of broadcast television, where a former producer joins us to reveal the tricks of the trade. Our guest David McAlpine takes us inside the world of anchors, reporters, producers, and bookers to find out what it takes to be a successful guest on television. Learn how to present yourself confidently and effectively on air so that the reporter doesn't get the upper...

Prepare to step back in time to revisit the top PR fiascos of 2023. Diving into the recent and semi-recent mishaps of the year and their enduring impacts. Joining Molly this week to breakdown the top crises of the year are two seasoned media and PR pros - John Perenack and Warren Weeks. This episode covers everything from significant advertising blunders to historical corporate crises. It's a...

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the process of terminating Corey Perry's contract due to unacceptable conduct, as part of addressing broader questions about the organization's culture. This episode examines their approach to managing rumors and controversies, particularly those related to personal conduct. It highlights the importance of developing clear, timely, and empathetic communicati...

Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis.  This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calculated. Often, this fine line between apology and denial can alter reputations and determine careers' trajectory in a blink.  These three key takeaways: 1. Explori...

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors explores the theory that their relationship might be a strategic PR move (or not) by comparing it with previous relationships Swift has had, and discusses the mutual benefits and implications for both their careers. The episode also explores:  1. The fascinating nature of PR relationships and how they serve as strategic moves in...

Let's dive deep into the deceptive world of celebrity PR strategies, anonymous gossip, with special guest, the fascinating and hugely entertaining Kyle Marisa Roth- one of TikTok's favorite Blind Gossip creators. Here are three things you can look forward to learning from this episode: 1. We're unraveling the mysteries of 'Blind Items', tackling how to verify and report on...

In the latest episode, we explore the delicate art of crafting heartfelt tributes. Motivated by Matthew Perry's passing and the notable silence from the "Friends" cast, we delve into the significance of memorializing individuals and the impact of their legacy. The discussion includes the influence of eulogies and public statements, with insights and advice on how to respectfully hon...

In today's episode, Molly delves into the nuanced process of reclaiming your personal narrative in the aftermath of betrayal, without resorting to revenge tactics. Utilizing Britney Spears' memoir as a case study, Molly emphasizes how harnessing the power of social media platforms can be a double-edged sword. Done correctly, it allows you to share your perspective and control the story s...

In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast,  we delve into two critical aspects of public communication that often trip up those in the spotlight. First, we explore the case of Jada Pinkett Smith and her "Today" show interviews. Her inconsistent narrative about her marriage serves as a striking example of the potential repercussions of failing to align public statements with the tr...

Dive into the captivating world of celebrity journalism with renowned magazine writer Vanessa Grigoriadis. Get ready to go behind the scenes as Vanessa shares her experiences interviewing some of today's biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. From the glitz and glamour to the challenges and controversies, this conversation is packed with juicy ins...

Taylor Lorenz discusses her new book 'Extremely Online' and delves into the untold story of fame, influence, and power on the Internet, exploring internet culture and societal impacts. Taylor unravels the complexities and trends of online communities, shares her research and experience, and explores the impact of internet culture on our society. Highlights The influence of content creato...

In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson, long-time TV writer and Writers' Guild of America (WGA) writer, Michael Jamin, takes us behind the scenes of the recent strike and shares insight that helped the WGA negotiate a new contract with Hollywood studios. Grab your headphones and get ready for some serious industry insider knowledge! 1. The Inside Story : Michael...

In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson, diving into the intriguing world of media manipulation and celebrity PR tactics. The Power of Oprah : Despite her success as a businesswoman, Oprah Winfrey is still closely associated with her talk show roots. Discussing how Oprah's relatability and ability to connect with women made her show incredibly popular and how tha...