imPRessions: a pollack group production

Today, the relationship between people and their pets has shifted tremendously. From matching outfits, to birthday parties, holiday card portraits, and everything in between, pets are no longer just companions, but family members and support systems for many across the world. Today’s episode celebrates our beloved pets with Yvonne Brossard, Senior Manager of Consumer & Public Relations at Petc...

Political reporting dominates our social feeds and increasingly influences the way brands communicate. It’s a critical component of journalism and is more than just what’s happening in Washington, D.C. Policy stories are all around us - in our local media and affect businesses and societies on a personal level. Today’s imPRessions guest is Kevin Grant, executive director of the All-Britton Journal...

Graduation season is upon us, so what better time than to speak with PRWeek’s 2026 PR Student of the Year, Sophie Schaked? In this month’s bonus episode, Jenn and Brittany speak with one of the brightest PR minds of the future. Tune in to hear what Sophie's generation believes will shift the PR industry and advice for those seeking a career in the field.

PR professionals know the thrill of landing a placement in a top-tier publication. For clients, big names equate to big wins, and while mainstream media is usually an indicator of success, one important medium is often overlooked: trade media. In today’s episode, we sit with Allison Carter, Editor-in-Chief at PR Daily, to unpack why trade media needs a front row seat in every PR strategy.

Sponsorships can be one of the most powerful tools in a brand’s marketing arsenal, but only when they’re done right. There is more to an effective partnership than slapping a logo onto the website and posting about it on social media. It takes thought and strategy. And one of those brands that knows how to do it right is joining us today. Jennifer Symington, Assistant Vice President of Marketing a...

Las Vegas is the epicenter for entertainment, luxury, and nightlife. Ever wonder what goes into the PR and marketing for some of the most iconic properties on the The Strip? Look no further. This week, Jenn and Kalli welcome Kassidy Krystek, former Director of Public Relations and Communications of Resorts World Las Vegas. Today’s deep dive conversation tackles what it really takes to build moment...

If you’ve dreamed about working in the music industry, you’re going to love our first guest of season 4! Laura Whitmore is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Positive Grid, one of the most popular music brands in the industry. In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli chat with Laura about how to effectively market new products, what the future of music marketing is heading, and more.

For half a century, Microsoft has been at the forefront of technology and innovation. As one of the most influential companies in the world, Microsoft faces a unique set of challenges: staying human, trusted, and consistent while operating across countries, cultures, and industries at massive scale. This week’s episode welcomes Doug Dawson, Vice President of Communications at Microsoft, for a behi...

For generations, the University of Oregon has built a brand rooted in innovation, culture, and community both on and off the field. During the 2025 football season, that identity took on a bold new life through the "Grateful Ducks," a creative partnership with the Grateful Dead that brought together two iconic brands with deeply loyal followings. Ahead of the team's third College Football Playoff...

This week’s imPRessions episode celebrates a 170-year legacy. Levi’s isn’t just another fashion brand; it’s a cultural icon. Joining Jenn and Kalli is Kelly McGinnis, Levi’s Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, who discusses the company’s long history of purpose-driven advocacy, its partnership with Beyonce, and everything in between. Tune in now!

The way we communicate is changing and for many reporters, that means evolving their careers. Between newsroom layoffs and shifting editorial priorities, today many journalists are opting to leap into the world of freelancing. So, what does it take to build a career as an independent writer? Alex Kirkman, who started as an international reporter for Forbes, has been freelancing since 2013 and join...

November is Cancer Awareness Month, and this week’s imPRessions episode spotlights a company that has been changing lives for children and parents battling pediatric cancer. The Valerie Fund (TVF) has been a beacon of hope for decades, and as we approach 2026, the non-profit will be celebrating 50 years of providing care centers, fundraising, emotional support programs, and events to help those fa...

In today’s evolving PR and media landscape, affiliate marketing has become a crucial component in bridging the gap between storytelling and measurable ROI. Today’s guest, Sarah Karger, Publicist and Partner at Comm Oddities, and expert in affiliate marketing, shares how brands can utilize affiliates without compromising authenticity, the PR skills needed to thrive in an affiliate-driven future, an...

When a disaster strikes, reporters are usually the first to respond…and the last to leave. The LA wildfires that devastated the vibrant city earlier this year served as a stark reminder of the importance of journalism in times of crisis. Lauren Coronado, a reporter for NBC4 Los Angeles, joins Jenn and Kalli this week to discuss what it was like covering the emergency fires in real-time. From the e...

Today, misinformation can spread quickly, and bias can overshadow facts. For over 30 years, Ged Kenslea, Senior Director of Communications at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has seen false and damaging stereotypes target people living with AIDS and HIV. In his work, Ged has challenged those misconceptions and made it his core focus to build a communications platform that combats stigma. In today’s epi...

Omar Jones, better known as Nothing_Neue is a Brooklyn-based musician who has built his career completely independently. From booking his own PR, to managing his own social media and event logistics, Omar isn’t just a talented musician - he is a brand. On today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli chat with Omar about how artists can build and maintain their own personal brand, what it takes to balance creat...

In recent years, the PR industry has seen professionals leave the traditional agency world to pursue independent freelancing careers. In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli sit with renowned journalist, Aly Walansky, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of working with freelancers, how freelancing is reshaping the industry, and what media trends freelancers should be paying closer attention to....

If you’re a master at your craft, this week’s episode is for you. Paul Riario, the creative force behind Guitar World’s compelling content, provides expertise on how to channel your passion into a successful YouTube channel or podcast. From understanding how to create relevant content, to building credibility and staying authentic, niche creators across all crafts will learn how to stand out in a...

What does it take to preserve an entire industry’s legacy? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Shelley Spector, the powerhouse behind the world’s first and only Museum of Public Relations. Shelley shares how her friendship with Edward Bernays (the father of PR), a career of award-winning campaigns, and a deep love for the field led to creating an NYC institution for PR pros and students al...

Public Relations is a captivating field that is practiced worldwide, but PR doesn't play by the same rules everywhere. In some regions, media success hinges on personal relationships, while in others, it's all about crafting the perfect pitch. Social media trends may take one country by storm, while other trends barely register in another. In this week's episode, we delve into navigating PR across...

With its nostalgic roots, bowling is a cherished past time, but behind the scenes, is also a dynamic industry that has expertly evolved with the changing tides of marketing. This week, Jenn and Kalli are joined by John Harbuck, President of Strike Ten Entertainment, to discuss how he has turned bowling into a modernized experience and how he has turned casual players into loyal fans.

Ever wonder what makes a destination enticing to fellow travelers? In this week’s episode, Katie Coats, Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Mississippi, shares how storytelling, strategy, and cultural identity turn travel into transformation. As a Mississippi native, Katie reveals what it takes for a destination to be more than just a pin on a map. Whether you're in tourism, PR, or...

Jenn and Kalli are kicking off Pride Month with Matt Conrado, founder and CEO of Alphabet Mafia, a disruptive brand consultancy redefining how brands show up for queer communities. In today’s episode, we cover how to challenge the status quo, amplify underrepresented voices, and reimagine what inclusive PR really looks like.

We’ve all had a client say, at one point or anything, “I want to go viral.” But what does it take to turn that request into a reality? Matt “BK” Augustin is the creative powerhouse at Hartbeat , Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company, and joins imPRessions this week to share what really goes into making content that cuts through the noise. We talk campaign strategy, the art of storytelling, and...

Wildlife conservation is a key industry that is always in need of good PR and marketing to raise awareness about the importance of advocating for animals. Today’s episode welcomes Marco Wendt, Wildlife Ambassador at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. With a passion for conversation education, Marco is dedicated to making a difference and ensuring animals and people alike live in a world where al...