Just Following Up...Again: A Public Relations Podcast

In this episode of Just Following Up...Again, we sit down with Katie Alyx, a dark romance author whose path to publishing was anything but conventional. Legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, Katie didn't let an unfinished-manuscript habit or an unconventional view of the world stop her from finishing her first book.  But this conversation isn't just about the books. It's about the business be...

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, Candice Smith MEd. shares her approach for getting founders with complex stories to think differently about visibility and traction. Her work at French Press intentionally amplifies voices that often get overlooked in traditional media cycles, pairing strategic support with a fresh framework to help leaders capture attention and turn it into lasting impa...

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we're joined by Samantha Flynn, founder of Junipr Public Relations and author of The EntrePReneur Advantage. Samantha has built her career helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise, uncover what makes their business truly unique, and communicate that value with confidence. The conversation explores why public relations shouldn't be viewed as a luxury r...

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Clare Weigel to talk about why accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have” in marketing and communications—it’s essential. From closed captioning on videos to writing effective ALT text, Clare breaks down how small, intentional choices can make a big impact in ensuring your content is inclusive and usable for all audiences. We explore how a...

What happens when you mix baseball, dancing players, and a full-blown fan-first philosophy? You get the magic of the Savannah Bananas! In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Kara Heater from the Savannah Bananas, the team that’s redefining what it means to create an unforgettable fan experience. From sold-out crowds to viral moments, the Bananas have built a brand that goes fa...

Most media campaigns are more than just visuals – they’re the result of rhythm, patience, storytelling…and maybe even AI. In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, CWC Communications Committee Member Lydia Baxter speaks with 20-time Emmy winner Larry Watzman from FOX 35 Orlando.  Larry reveals how his background as a musician shapes his creative approach, and how marketing and communications is...

In this episode of Just Following Up…Again, we’re joined by Tiff Knighten — award-winning publicist, founder of Brand Curators, and a leading voice in culture-driven communications — to talk about leveraging pop culture to create viral, strategic PR moments. As a seasoned communications strategist and entrepreneur, Tiff has built Brand Curators into a respected agency focused on brand storytelling...

As we continue our Live from Summit series, we’re joined by Annie Scranton, Founder of Pace Public Relations, an award-winning public relations agency focused on business strategy, development, and media relations. Annie shares insights from her session, "Leveraging Earned Media Amidst a Media Sh*tstorm." Learn valuable insights in media relations whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field....

In this episode, we sit down with Thom Gravelle, Graphic Designer at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, to explore the creative crossroads where graphic design and communications meet. Thom shares why collaboration between designers and communicators is essential for producing campaigns that are not only visually striking, but strategically sound. Whether you're a PR professional, marketer, or cr...

Our Live from Summit series continues to Pamela Greenwalt, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for SAG-AFTRA, the world’s largest union for actors, broadcast journalists and recording artists. Pamela directly oversees the union’s global brand, image and reputation, and guides a deep bench of marketing communications professionals. Following her fireside chat at the PR & Comms Summit, sh...

Live from the PR & COMMS SUMMIT, it's Just Following Up...Again. This season features a new mini-series called Live from Summit, where speakers who joined the Florida Public Relations Association for the 2025 PR & COMMS SUMMIT are highlighted and share additional information from their presentations.  In the season three premiere, Alyson Sologaistoa, Vice President of Public Relations for...

This one is for the Swifties and anyone who is interested in learning more about the marketing and communications strategy behind Taylor Swift! In the season two finale, Dr. Alyse Lancaster walks us through her Taylor Swift themed class at the University of Miami’s School of Communications. Dr. Lancaster uses this class to tie pop culture into the communication space to help students remember the...

Digital marketing is an ever evolving landscape. In this episode Co-Communications Director Alyssa Barnsley speaks with Dr. Loran Jarrett to learn more about digital marketing and how Dr. Jarrett is preparing the next generation of marketers.    Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song courtesy of Ben Kunkel/Professor Soup   Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out  this form ....

Mission Mavericks was created by the Central West Coast Chapter to help local nonprofit organizations with communications guidance and support. In this episode, Linda and Paul Johnson, founders of Service Dogs Saving Lives (SDSL), sit down with the CWC Community team to discuss how the Mission Mavericks program benefited SDSL.  Mission Mavericks consistently works with local area groups. Be sure t...

In this episode, we dive into the LeadershipFPRA program. CWC Members Jennifer Hemmerdinger, APR and Laura Ansel, APR, CPRC share their experiences in the LeadershipFPRA program and how the program has impacted their careers.  If you're ready to join LeadershipFPRA after listening to this episode, hurry over to the FPRA website. Applications for Class X are due by June 23, 2025. Applications: http...

State President Julie Frey, APR, CPRC and State President-Elect Lindsay Hudock, APR, CPRC sat down with CWC-FPRA President Hunter Carpenter, APR in this episode of Just Following Up…Again. They discuss the benefits of an FPRA member and some of the exciting programs on the horizon, including the PR & Comms Summit. Learn all about with FPRA has to offer in this episode.   Editing by MakSchu Pro...

Just Following Up...Again is back with a very special interview with Joseph Grano, President and Founder of Next-Mark. In this episode, listeners will learn about Next-Mark's growth over the past 20th years and lessons in business Joe has learned through growing the company. Future entrepreneurs will also get some insight into how to start their own businesses.  Have a suggestion for a future epis...

Those on the Suncoast likely know Linda Carson from ABC7's Suncoast View, but she has had an expansive career spanning decades. Linda started her TV career in 1964 as a "TV Weather Girl" at Channel 11 in Atlanta. She went on to become one of the first female TV reporters and one of the first prime time female anchors in the country. Through her career she covered the Civil Rights Movement focusing...

Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein is an executive coach, wellbeing strategist, keynote speaker and founder of Koi Coaching and Consulting. Hannah McGowan is a professional trainer, coach and founder of Hannah McGowan Coaching. Together they founded The CORE Program, a transformational leadership development program designed to unlock hidden potential in the next generation of leaders in the Sarasota comm...

Being prepared for an interview is a crucial part of media relations and telling a good story. Hallie Peliet Young, Founder & CEO of No Blues News, shares best practices when conducting on camera interviews. Hallie’s expertise has earned her two prestigious Telly Awards and an Emmy nomination, recognizing her talent for creating content that resonates and drives meaningful impact. In this epis...

How one leads a team can make or break the success of a department. Linda Beltran, VP of Corporate Communications for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, shares that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never making mistakes. Being a leader is about empowering one's team and recognizing each team member’s unique strengths and contributions.    Editing by Muffy Lavens Theme song court...

Are you ready to earn your Accreditation in Public Relations? Credentialing Co-Directors Jennifer Moss Wilson, APR, CPRC and Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC share why public relations and communication professionals should consider getting their APR to enhance their careers and understanding of the field. For more information on earning your credentials, visit https://cwcfpra.com/accreditation/----more--...

Happy New Year from the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association! In this special edition of Just Following Up…Again, we asked our members what lessons they learned in 2024 and what goals they have for 2025.  Have a suggestion for a future episode? Let us know by filling out this form .  For more information on the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA visit https://cwcf...

Welcome back to Just Following Up…Again: A PR Podcast by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. To kick off season two, Media Relations Director Muffy Lavens speaks with Randy Mitchelson, APR of M&M Multimedia. They discuss the importance of video production for public relations and communications professionals, ways to keep costs down, and the importance o...

Joel Staley, a 25-year corporate communications veteran, shares insights into media training and why it's important to keep our spokespeople ready for interviews. In this episode, features stories and advice given by Joel during his "Media Training the C-Suite" professional development event, in addition to a one-on-one interview.  Joel will be joining the Central West Coast Chapter again for a pr...