Brand Rescue: Public Relations Unfiltered

Should you hire in-house or bring in an agency? In this episode, Whitney breaks down one of the biggest questions business owners face when it comes to marketing. She walks through the pros and cons of both approaches—and how to know what’s right for your business. From the role agencies can play in strategy, to why communication (not just contracts) makes or breaks a partnership, Whitney keeps it...

What is the truth anymore—and who gets to tell it? In this episode, Whitney chats with political communicator Mike Barco about what it’s really like to work in the world of politics, where the news never sleeps and the stakes are sky high. From his early days in journalism to navigating the ever-changing winds of public opinion, Mike shares what it takes to communicate clearly in a world full of n...

Some things in business are worth saving on. These five? Not so much. In this episode, Whitney breaks down the top five places where you shouldn't try to save a buck when it comes to marketing. From branding and atmosphere to strategy and customer experience, she explains why skimping in the wrong spots can cost you more in the long run. If you’re trying to grow a business that lasts—and actually...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by paid ads—or wondered why your budget isn’t getting results overnight—you’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney sits down with Ashley Brock, founder of Paid Ads Academy, to break down what’s really going on behind the curtain. They chat about everything from how the paid ads game has changed, to common mistakes businesses make, to why SEO still matters (yes, stil...

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...

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 convers...

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 mark...

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-...

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. W...

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...

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 succe...

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...

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 lear...

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 traditio...

What does it take to go from jobless to running your own thriving PR agency? In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Amore Philip, CEO and founder of Apples & Oranges Public Relations, to talk about her incredible journey from unemployment to building a powerhouse agency. Amore gets real about the evolution of her business, how she navigated the shift to remote work during the pandemic, an...

Ever feel like you’re throwing money at marketing and getting nothing in return? You’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney breaks down why so many businesses struggle to see results—and what to do about it. With over a decade in marketing and PR, Whitney has seen it all. She’s spilling the biggest mistakes business owners make, why “more ads” isn’t always the answer, and how to actually measure i...

What’s the secret to a thriving business? It’s not just great products or top-notch service—it’s something way more powerful. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Michelle Villatoro to talk about the one thing that can make or break your company: leadership. But we’re not just talking about fancy titles or managing tasks—we’re diving into what real leadership looks like and how it shapes ev...

Is your business truly ready for PR? In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the key factors that determine whether your PR efforts will thrive—or fall flat. She explores the importance of defining your brand identity, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring your business is prepared to make the most of media opportunities. Whitney also uncovers common reasons companies waste money on PR, fr...

Ever thought about writing a book but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re an expert looking to establish authority or have a story to tell, the path to publishing can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, to demystify the world of ghostwriting and book publishing. Dan shares insights from his extensive career in writing and c...

In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the real meaning of pitching and why it’s more than just sending out press releases. Whether you’re pitching a story, a campaign, or a brand partnership, Whitney shares how to communicate your ideas effectively, avoid common mistakes, and build genuine relationships that lead to real opportunities. Key takeaways: What pitching really means in PR and beyond...

💡 Is PR really just about getting media coverage? Think again. Today, Whitney Lee sits down with Adriana Sol, founder of Wander PR , to break down the biggest misconceptions about public relations and what it really takes to build a successful agency. Adriana shares her journey into PR, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and how she’s navigated the challenges of leadership in a constantly ev...

Should you get a master’s degree? In today's episode, Whitney shares her personal experience, diving into the motivations behind pursuing further education, the importance of internships, and the true value of the connections made in school. Whitney breaks down why a master’s degree can be a great tool for some—but not always necessary for career growth. If you’ve been debating whether grad school...

In an industry where it’s common to keep your cards close to your chest, Jen Berson took the values of community over competition seriously in her PR agency. Instead of keeping her tips and tricks a secret, she created Jeneration Academy, an online educational platform for entrepreneurs that includes courses, resources, and an online community.  Join us today as Whitney and Jen dive into several h...

In this episode, Whitney Lee discusses the significant shifts in marketing and PR strategies in 2025 emphasizing the move towards fractional CMOs, shorter planning cycles, and a more authentic approach to branding. She reflects on how the pandemic has changed the way businesses operate, particularly in terms of team structures and the increasing acceptance of remote work. The conversation highligh...

In this episode, Whitney shares a curated list of books that have profoundly influenced her personal and professional life. From productivity hacks to the power of love languages, Whitney highlights key insights from these impactful reads and explains how they’ve shaped her mindset and approach to life. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or seeking inspiration for personal growth, thi...