GRC PR 360

In this episode of PR360, Tod interviews Drew Holmgreen, the President and CEO of PPAI, the largest trade association for the $27B promotional products industry. Drew shares insights on the industry's massive economic impact, the emotional connections created through branded merchandise, and how companies can integrate physical products into digital campaigns. He also addresses challenges faced by...

Paul Cohen is the founder of Attention Comms, an agency that helps mission-driven organizations fight for the attention they deserve and make a meaningful impact. As a trusted communications advisor, he has guided executives and teams across three continents, representing multinational corporations, startups, industry associations, sovereign governments, and nonprofits. In this episode of PR360, P...

Julie Wright is the Founder and CEO of (W)right On Communications, an award-winning strategic communications agency based in San Diego. Since launching the firm in 1998, she has grown it into one of Newsweek’s Best PR Agencies in America. In this episode, Julie shares insights on the difference between organic and AI search, how to optimize brands for AI-driven discovery, and the profound ways AI...

Bridget Mercuri is the PR and Earned Media Director at AMPLIFY, a revolutionary boutique legal marketing and PR agency. She specializes in getting lawyers and law firms into the conversations and spaces that matter most—positioning them as thought leaders in an increasingly crowded legal landscape. On this episode, she shares the significance of earned media in the legal field, the importance of h...

Julia Drake is the co-founder of Wildbound PR, a boutique literary PR and marketing firm that has led successful campaigns for high-profile and indie authors alike, partnering with major publishers, indie presses, and literary organizations. In this episode, Julia explores the distinct aspects of publishing PR versus traditional PR, how to foster cultural conversations around books, and the impact...

Jennifer Adler is the founder and CEO of Adler Public Relations. With more than 20 years of experience, she has represented high-profile clients across industries ranging from real estate and hospitality to healthcare, finance, and nonprofits. In this episode, she shares how luxury brands are adapting to shifting consumer expectations, the importance of crisis preparedness, and what it’s like work...

Lexie Smith, founder and CEO of Growth Mode, discusses misconceptions about the industry and the increasing demands from clients. Lexie emphasizes the importance of education in managing client expectations and the need for a strategic approach to building personal brands. She shares insights from her podcast, "Pitchin' and Sippin,'" and her work with the nonprofit Everyday Action, which addresses...

Alexandra Zendrian, a former reporter and founder of A to Z Communications, brings a unique perspective to public relations thanks to her journalism background. On this episode, she reflects on her time reporting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and her transition into PR, where she believes in delivering exceptional PR services at a competitive price. Alexandra also shares her approach...

Brian Hart is the founder of Flackable, a PR firm known for delivering “unstoppable impact,” and AuthorPrime, its newly launched sister company that helps industry experts become published authors. In this conversation, he shares how his agency has navigated a volatile economy, the pros and cons of today’s climate, and how content creators can transform their work into credibility-boosting books t...

Lindsey Unterberger, VP of Marketing at SureCo, leads marketing and education initiatives aimed at making healthcare more accessible. Here, she and host Tod Perry discuss SureCo’s Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA), which gives employees greater control over their healthcare. Lindsay also discusses the importance of clear communication in healthcare marketing, the role of...

Kat Jones is the founder of Motiv, a California-based global communications company that has represented major names in entertainment and gaming, including Critical Role, Felicia Day, E3 and the ESA, Blind Squirrel Games, and more. In this conversation, she shares her journey in PR, from launching Motiv to shaping it into a trusted partner for some of the industry’s most influential creators and b...

Doug Simon is the CEO and founder of DS Simon Media, an award-winning PR agency that serves top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and more. In this interview, he shares his insights on the importance of authenticity in media appearances, the evolving role of AI in public relations, and the lessons he’s learned from sta...

Mitch Askenas, Executive Director and Head of Commercial for the Americas at Comcast Technology Solutions, shares how the company's "Ingest once, deliver everywhere" strategy is reshaping the way streaming content reaches audiences. You'll also learn how Comcast is streamlining media delivery across TV, mobile, and streaming platforms, and what it means for the future of media and technology. &nbs...

On this special edition of PR 360, we’re revisiting a standout episode that perfectly captures what we aim to do with the show. It’s a March 2024 interview with Gini Dietrich, founder of the influential Spin Sucks blog and author of Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age . This episode checks all the boxes—it’s fun, insightful, and packed with valuable takeaways on...

Jackson Wightman is the founder of the consumer tech PR firm Proper Propaganda and author of the bestselling book, "The Tech PR Playbook." Here, he shares the unique benefits of performance-based billing, the importance of adapting to AI in search engine optimization, the value of staying open-minded when targeting media outlets, and why thought leadership is essential for clarifying ideas and str...

Karen Sorensen is an award-winning account director at Global Results Communications with a strong track record of securing top-tier media placements in outlets such as USA Today, The New York Times, Forbes, and more. Here, she discusses her upbringing in a large family, the importance of teamwork in both personal and professional life, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and AI.  Key...

Bob Bilbruck, founder of Captjur, is an accomplished and visionary CEO with nearly 30 years of experience in emerging markets and technology. In his third appearance on PR 360, he discusses his role in bringing flag football to the 2028 Olympics, the importance of diverse AI ecosystems, and the need for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global AI arms race. Key Takeaways: - The growing world of...

Jennifer Avril, a communications professional specializing in strategic and effective change for both corporations and nonprofits, is a Senior Account Manager at Warner Communications. In this interview, she discusses the importance of effective communication in addressing climate change, how regulations can create opportunities, and the role of thought leadership in PR. She also shares stories fr...

Mike Atkinson, an account director at Sage Communications, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the role of public relations in managing crises and media coverage. He highlights current trends, including the impact of AI on cybersecurity threats, the importance of crisis communication plans, and strategies for breaking into mainstream media. Mike also shares insights on effective...

Jeff Montegut is the director of Extra Life, a peer-to-peer fundraising program that empowers gamers to support Children's Miracle Network hospitals. Jeff shares Extra Life's inspiring origin story, its impact on children's healthcare, and how the gaming community has rallied to raise over $132 million since its inception. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of peer-to-peer fundraising...

Mark Westlake is the founder and CEO of GearBrain , a tech company focused on simplifying the Internet of Things (IoT). With over 25 years of experience in digital media and technology, his career includes executive roles at prominent companies such as About.com, HowStuffWorks, and Purch. A former member of the 1980s NYC band The Modulators, Westlake shares his journey from music to innovation, of...

Brad Myers is the Charles M. Geschke Director of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute and Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, with an affiliated faculty appointment in the Software and Societal Systems Department. He’s also the author of a new book, "Pick, Click, Flick! The Story of Interaction Techniques." In this episode, he discusses the importance of...

Scott McKenzie, managing director of Industrial Talk Media, a leading industrial education and entertainment platform, shares how he is making "volcanic shifts" in industrial marketing through podcasting. He emphasizes the importance of human connection in industry communication and identifies gaps in how companies market themselves. Scott also discusses successful strategies used by companies to...

Craig Cook is a visionary entrepreneur who shares his journey from founding Rhythm.net to becoming a business mentor who uses Qigong to help people find balance and success. Here, he discusses the principles of qigong, introduces his Five Elements of Success framework, and talks about the importance of balance in his personal and professional lives.  Key Takeaways: - How qigong can help busin...

Tiffany Aguinaldo is an Account Director at Forge—a creative studio recently ranked the #4 fastest-growing private company in Orange County. Tiffany leads business development and PR at Forge and brings 15 years of experience with major brands like Hoag, Toyota, and The Irvine Company. She’s also the 2024 President of the Orange County PRSA. In this episode, she discusses the value of mentorship,...