Call Your Publicist

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Kristina Fitzpatrick Thomas, CEO and Founder of Paper & Flowers, the creative studio behind large-scale, sustainable paper installations for Dior, Valentino, Netflix, and New York Fashion Week. What started as one bold DM turned into a career-defining opportunity, a commission for NYFW that pushed Kristina to teach herself the art...

In this Halloween edition of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack some of the most infamous PR nightmares in history, from the Tylenol poisonings and Pepsi syringe scare to Exxon’s oil spill, New Coke’s backlash, and Peloton’s treadmill crisis. Each story reveals what happens when brands face their worst fears and how transparency, empathy, and quick action can turn e...

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist , we sit down with Sandra Myers , President and Co-founder of Select Date Society , to explore what it really takes to build a luxury matchmaking brand from the ground up. With nearly three decades of experience, Sandra has turned her instinct for connection into a business rooted in trust, authenticity, and results. She shares how a life-changing mome...

From finance to the beverage aisle, Jennifer Ross turned a personal need into a national zero-sugar brand. As the co-founder of Swoon , she shares how she went from Harvard Business School to seeing her drinks on the shelves of Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger . In this episode, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship — building a company from scratch, staying authentic to your mission, and...

In this episode of Call Your Publicist , hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with longtime JMG PR client Frank Kabatas , the owner of East Village Pizza and one of New York City’s most recognizable entrepreneurs. Frank shares how he came to the U.S. from Turkey with no English, learned the art of pizza from the ground up, and eventually bought the very shop that once fired him. H...

What does it take to turn a vision into a 170-location reality? Dr. John Gallucci Jr., Founder and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, sits down with Call Your Publicist to share the story of how he manifested his dream as a teenager and built one of the largest physical therapy networks in the tri-state area. From working with professional sports teams like the Knicks, Devils, and Red Bulls, to publishi...

This week on Call Your Publicist, bridal designer and founder Kelly Faetanini shares how she sold her first gown at 19, became one of the youngest designers to show at New York Bridal Fashion Week, and built a brand brides ask for by name. We get into the founder mindset behind the beauty: blocking true “design days,” shifting from fear to flow, and building customer-obsessed systems. Kelly breaks...

Sydney Sweeney, KATSEYE, RushTok: PR and branding are changing fast. This week, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack why American Eagle’s celebrity gamble fell flat, how Gap struck gold with a viral girl group, and what Skims’ RushTok -inspired campaign reveals about the new era of marketing. We cover: Why not all PR is good PR The risks and rewards of controversy The shift from A-list en...

This week on Call Your Publicist , we’re talking about the power of team bonding and why in-person connections matter. From retreats in the Hamptons to virtual happy hours, Jenna and Alexandra share how JMG PR creates space for culture, collaboration, and connection. Tune in to hear: • Why retreats build stronger teams• Tips for planning meaningful events (no matter your budget)• How to measure su...

In this weeks episode of Call Your Publicist, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses his journey from accounting to real estate, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and creating a positive employee culture. He explores the evolution of the American dream, particularly the rise of the build-to-rent model, which offers flexibility and modern living options. Ross sh...

Having a business isn’t the same as building a brand. In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist , hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down what truly separates a business from a brand — and why the difference matters for long-term success. From Buc-ee’s cult following to Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign to Airbnb becoming a household name, they explore how great brands create...

Purpose-driven PR is more than a trend, it’s the future of brand storytelling. In this episode, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore how brands that prioritize values over profits are creating deeper connections with their audiences. From Patagonia’s billion-dollar climate pledge to Tilt Beauty’s accessible, ergonomic products, the hosts unpack how authenticity, empathy, and storytelling...

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist , we’re going behind the scenes of celebrity coverage with Rande Iaboni, Supervising Producer at Entertainment Tonight . From morning rundown meetings to red carpet premieres and breaking news, Rande shares how he’s spent over a decade shaping stories that keep audiences engaged. We talk about how the industry has changed since COVID, why in-person int...

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio welcome Thomas Shields, founder of The Dink, a media company focused on pickleball. The conversation explores the rise of pickleball, the entrepreneurial journey of starting The Dink, the challenges faced in building a business, the importance of branding and podcasting, and reflections on legacy and future vision...

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio delve into the recent controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney's advertising campaign for American Eagle. They explore the implications of celebrity endorsements, the importance of brand alignment, and the potential crisis management strategies that may be necessary in light of public reaction. The conversation...

Welcome back to “Call Your Publicist” for Part Two of “The DIY PR Playbook for Small Businesses.” Join hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio as they continue to explore essential PR strategies. In this episode, learn how to effectively frame your narrative, tackle imposter syndrome, and discover your unique angle in a competitive market. Hear inspiring success stories like East Village Pizz...

Summary In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio discuss how small businesses can effectively gain media coverage without a large budget. They emphasize the importance of understanding the media landscape, creating a targeted media list, personalizing pitches, and building relationships with journalists. The conversation also covers the significance of c...

From Side Hustle to Neighborhood Staple: Building Little Chef Little Café with Diana Manalang In this episode of Call Your Publicist , we’re joined by Diana Manalang—founder, head chef, and the heart behind Little Chef Little Café in Long Island City. Diana opens up about her journey from resisting the restaurant industry to creating a business rooted in passion, purpose, and community. We talk ab...

In this episode of Call Your Publicist , Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore the power of personal branding for entrepreneurs and business owners. They break down what it means to show up authentically, why visibility matters, and how to craft a message that resonates. From media training and thought leadership to social media strategy and overcoming fear , this episode is packed with a...

Jessica Serrano, CMO of DIG, on Brand Storytelling, Motherhood, and Owning Your Voice In this episode of Call Your Publicist , co-hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer at DIG, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that connects. From launching Taco Bell’s value menu to reshaping DIG’s brand voice, Jessica shares the power...

In this engaging conversation, Rosella Rago, founder of Cooking with Nonna, shares her journey of blending her Italian heritage with her passion for cooking. She discusses the importance of family, authenticity, and the challenges of content creation. Rosella reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the evolution of her brand, and the emotional complexities of caregiving. The discussion...

John Hussey — NFL referee and CEO of CUDDLY, shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching a courier company to building a mission-driven platform for animal welfare. He talks about product-market fit, building authentic connections, and how empathy and strong culture drive CUDDLY’s impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Fraggis, CEO of Filterless Era, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand rooted in authenticity, service, and connection. Sarah shares how launching her business during the pandemic was both a risk and a calling, a way to empower women to feel beautiful at home and beyond. From the early challenges of entrepreneurship to growing a loyal audie...

In this episode of 'Call Your Publicist', hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore the intricacies of public relations, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, media training, and building authority in the industry. They share personal anecdotes about celebrity interviews, the evolution of PR in a post-COVID world, and the significance of team dynamics in achieving success. The con...

Call Your Publicist is a podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and brand builders who want to understand how media really works. Hosted by Jenna Guarneri, CEO and founder of JMG Public Relations, and Alexandra Anastasio, journalist and Head of Content at JMG Public Relations, this show shares the stories, strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights that help people and businesses get noticed. Each e...