PR in the Real World

In this episode of PR in the Real World, we’re joined by Paul Holliday, Chief Strategy Officer at Bolton Wanderers Football Club, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about his 20-year journey in sports communications that started in writing content for matchday programmes. This episode dives deep into the world of sport, PR and purpose. Paul reflects on the highs of promotion glory, the lo...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, Graham Goodkind, Founder and Chairman of Frank PR, returns to share the lessons, laughs and leadership insights from 25 years at one of the UK’s most distinctive agencies. Picking up where Part 1 left off, Graham dives deep into the people side of PR - what it takes to grow a loyal, passionate team and why ‘growing your own’ talent has been one of the secre...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, Graham Goodkind, founder of Frank PR, shares some of the most practical and hard-earned lessons from his 25 years in public relations. This episode is all about the mindset and moments that have kept Graham at the top of his game in an industry that never stops changing. Graham explains why there’s never a perfect time to start a business, how to create a g...

The PR industry’s AI revolution is here, and this week, we’re turning insight into action. In our 40th episode and part two of this special episode of PR in the Real World, Tony continues his conversation with Darryl Sparey, Joint MD of Hard Numbers, to explore how PR agencies can practically adapt to a future powered by AI, data and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). Darryl talks about how Har...

The PR industry faces its biggest opportunity in two decades. Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and AI are already reshaping how reputations are built - and PR must be at the centre of that shift. In this special two-part episode of PR in the Real World, Tony Garner sits down with Darryl Sparey, founder of agency 'Hard Numbers' and one of the leading voices on AI in PR, to unpack what GEO reall...

PR in the Real World is the podcast from CIPR’s Small Agency of the Year, Viva PR, lifting the lid on how communications really works beyond the London bubble. Each episode shares practical, budget-savvy tactics drawn from the communities we serve in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education and the public sector. No celebrity gloss, just impact you can measure. This week, Rachel Westray joins...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, we sit down with Andy West, a true legend in the PR industry, whose career spans nearly four decades at the very top of global agencies. Andy shares the stories, lessons and philosophies that have shaped his iconic career and continue to influence how agencies grow today. An early break at Text 100 during a period when the agency worked alongside Microsoft...

This is an episode of PR in the Real World like no other.   Julia Petryk is a Kyiv-based PR professional who understands what comms on the frontlines really is.   On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, with Russian President Vladamir Putin announcing the commencement of a three day ‘special military operation’.   The invasion is into its fourth year.   Within the first ho...

Claire Episode Description   In this episode of PR in the Real World, we’re joined by Claire Quansah - agency consultant and team strategist - for a deep dive into what really makes agencies work (or not). With 20 years of experience across global networks and independents, Claire shares what she’s learned about agency growth, people management and the power of clear communication. She reflec...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, host Tony Garner sits down with Rob Hallam, founder and managing director of Bigtank Productions, to explore how storytelling, empathy and service-first thinking can elevate corporate video for purpose-driven brands. Rob shares his unconventional career journey - from a shyness-shaking stint in a model shop and summers teaching martial arts at Camp America,...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, we sit down with Ruth Boston, Head of Communications at the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), to explore how smart, strategic comms can drive real policy change. Ruth shares her journey from regional journalist to leading communications in the health research space, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how her small but mighty team turns complex aca...

In this latest episode of PR in the Real World - the podcast from the UK Small PR Consultancy of the Year, Viva PR - host Tony Garner is joined by Jessica Cooper, Marketing Director at VEKA plc - a leading supplier of PVCU window and door systems - to talk about her unconventional journey from managing social media campaigns for artists like Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia to shaping strateg...

In this episode of PR in the Real World , host Tony Garner is joined by internal communications expert Alison Arnot to explore one of the most overlooked but vital areas of crisis planning: internal comms. Alison is the Director of Catalyst Communications , a consultancy specialising in PR, training and internal crisis communication. She brings a wealth of frontline experience, including her role...

This isn’t your usual episode of PR in the Real World. But this is a special one. In this one, we bring you with us as Viva PR was crowned the ‘Small PR Consultancy of the Year’ at the CIPR Excellence awards. Join usual host Tony, producer Dan and Account Director Jac on their trip to the awards as they documented it all for your listening pleasure. Don’t worry. Normal service will resume on Tuesd...

In this landmark 30th episode of PR in the Real World, we sit down with Leanne Hughes - comms leader, public sector champion and community-builder -to explore how belonging, boldness and grassroots action can reshape a PR career. From early days in investment banking to two decades of leading health-focused campaigns in the NHS, Leanne opens up about why she spent years feeling like an outsider in...

In this fascinating episode of PR in the Real World , we sit down with journalist, PR agency founder, and author Andy Spinoza to explore Manchester’s remarkable transformation from an industrial relic to a global cultural powerhouse. Andy shares his unique journey, starting as the co-founder of City Life magazine in the 1980s, which captured Manchester’s emerging music, arts and social scenes. He...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, host Tony joins former Viva intern Harriet Dawson to chart her unconventional PR journey - from recovering from heart surgery and starting her career during the pandemic to making waves in Melbourne’s digital PR scene. Harriet opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of beginning her career at the onset of COVID-19, adapting to hybrid work and how PR in A...

In this powerhouse episode of PR in the Real World , host Tony Garner welcomes Sarah Waddington - interim CEO of PRCA and co-founder of Socially Mobile - for a rich discussion on the current and future state of PR. Sarah shares her journey from regional agency leader to national advocate for professional standards, diversity and regional inclusion. We delve into the impact of geopolitical and tech...

These days it seems you can’t escape AI discourse. Despite this, it’s rare for someone to cut through the noise and distil what’s really going on. This instalment of PR in the Real World with AI expert Ben Verinder is an exception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a campaign cut through? In this episode of PR in the Real World, we speak to one of the UK’s most respected creative strategists, Mark Perkins. From the award-winning 'Missing Type' campaign for NHS Blood and Transplant to the infamous 'Christmas Tinner' for GAME, Mark has built a career on finding bold, behaviour-changing ideas in the most unexpected places. We explore how a love of ta...

In her career Ann Rimmer has reckoned with building an agency from the ground up, business mergers in the millions, and making her own way as a consultant. From adopting hybrid working before it was trendy, to proving her agency’s strong jaw in rebuilding their client base after a 70% dip. Ann has insights worth listening to about what’s at the heart of branding, cultivating your own work culture...

From the murder of Jo Cox to cases of child neglect, this episode tackles the heavy stories head on – both professional and personal. This week’s is guest Dee Cowburn, who as a journalist turned comms pro, has navigated some of the UK’s most high-pressure stories. Dee also opens up about her daughter’s rare life limiting condition, and how navigating this alongside a demanding comms role led her t...

Sarah is the Marketing Director at steel door manufacturer, Strongdor. Sarah takes what could be a dry, technical industry and has turned it into a platform for bold, people-first ideas that deliver impact. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity, strategic thinking, and bold decisions can cut through – even in the most unexpected sectors. Whether you’re working in B2B, managing a brand ex...

This episode of PR in the Real World has a different kind of guest in the hotseat. It’s the man behind the curtain, Viva’s own ‘producer Dan’. From landing work experience to launching this podcast from scratch, Dan’s story is one of experimentation and learning on the job. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable lessons don’t come from training courses or textbooks, but from just jumpin...

This episode of PR in the Real World is a masterclass in stretching budgets, earning trust, navigating crises, and creating standout campaigns that drive genuine change. Whether you’re managing an internal comms machine, or trying to spark cultural shifts on minimal spend — this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.