PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews her guest, Nicole Schuman, managing editor of PRNews, who describes her role planning editorial content, newsletters (including Friday Five and her weekly PR Roundup), podcasts, events, and social strategy.  They discuss industry trends, including major agency mergers and acquisitions leading to...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews her guest, Kelly Rodriguez, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods (BNP Media), to explain what trade media is and why it matters for B2B PR. Rodriguez contrasts trade and mainstream coverage, emphasizing trade media’s highly engaged niche audiences, subject-matter expertise, and indu...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews her guest, Fred Cook, director of the Annenberg Center for Public Relations at USC and chair emeritus of Golin, about USC’s 2026 Global Communication Report, “A Quiet Shift,” on how political and social polarization is reshaping communications.  Based on a survey of about 800 PR professionals wor...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest Andy Lambert, co-founder of ContentCal (acquired by Adobe) and author of Spheres of Influence, to discuss how B2B companies should approach social media and PR, especially on LinkedIn and YouTube. Lambert highlights LinkedIn’s algorithm shift toward personal profiles and subject-matter e...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest crisis communications expert Shawna Bruce, who shares her 40-year communications background, including 25+ years in military public affairs, work at Dow Chemical, and her current focus (since 2018) on training organizations to prepare for crises. They discuss why crisis communications is...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest Katie Suiters of Brighton Media to discuss modernizing media training for executives.  Suiters contrasts outdated, scripted talking-point memorization with a hyper-custom approach that builds authentic, teachable communication skills across scenarios, including media interviews, internal...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest Katie Robbert, CEO of Trust Insights, about how SEO and GEO (generative AI engine optimization) affect PR work. Robbert explains GEO as serving a new “business to machine” audience—LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude—which summarize information from sources such as listicles and quoted...

PR scams are EVERYWHERE these days. We also see a rise in the number of agencies selling “fake PR” placements.  My guest, Bill Byrne, co-founder of Remedy PR, and I delve into this topic on this episode of PR Explored.  What should you watch out for? How can you tell when someone is trying to sell you something that's too good to be true? And how should you vet a PR provider to ensure you&apo...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Becky Lawlor of RedPoint Insights about using original research to support B2B PR and thought leadership.  Lawler defines original research (surveys, internal proprietary data, or unique analysis) versus third-party stats and explains how it builds authority by “owning the narrative.” She emphasi...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Fatou B. Barry, founder of the PR Girl Manifesto, a global community and editorial platform created to provide culturally competent PR resources, strategy, and professional development.  They discuss the rise of “personality brands” as a structural shift where companies prioritize long-term ident...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer talks with her guest, Stacia Doss from Glassdoor, as they dive deep into the current job market’s complexities and provide actionable advice for job seekers. In this episode, they discuss effective job search strategies, the importance of networking, leveraging AI, and how to stand out in a crowded field. Th...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett interviews Kristina Markos, an associate professor and co-founder of GenSpark Solutions.  They discuss the significance of soft skills such as listening, presenting, collaboration, and curiosity in public relations. Kristina shares her varied background in agency work and academia, emphasizing the transition needs between generations in the wor...

Public speaking is a powerful way for thought leaders to stand out from the crowd. How can PR pros and communicators leverage speaking opportunities to help clients get more visibility for themselves and their brands? In this episode of PR Explored I talked with guest Tricia Richards-Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, which helps organizations and event planners find the right speaker for their...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer chats with Marc Whitt, a seasoned public relations consultant and author. The conversation explores Whitt’s extensive 40-year career in PR, primarily within higher education and nonprofit sectors. They discuss essential topics such as the unique challenges faced by nonprofit PR professionals, the importance...

Here we go, heading into 2026. Changes are coming at PR pros faster than they can keep up.  But, what should we really focus on? What trends deserve our attention? And which ones should we adopt a wait-and-see approach for?  My guest, Bill Byrne of Remedy Public Relations, is with me to discuss what to expect as we hurdle into the new year.  Whether you’re in B2C or B2B PR and comms, we’ll cover t...

Social media is a valuable part of a company’s marketing program – but it can sometimes take a turn we may not have anticipated . What happens when your brand finds itself in the midst of a crisis created by a social media post? Well, first, you probably panic. Then, you might turn to your social media or PR team for help. How can a company best manage a crisis created when a customer complaint go...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, invites communications and presentations coach Joel Schwartzberg to discuss key message development and the importance of media training for executives.  Joel shares his approach to executive communication, emphasizing the importance of having a clear and compelling point, and offers practical tips on how t...

This episode of PR Explored explores how companies can make the most out of a partnership with a PR consultant or agency. What do B2B clients need to bring to the start of the engagement? Join my guest, John Forberger, communications strategist for B2B companies, and me as we dig into this topic.  Follow the host:   Website: www.michellegarrett.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrateg...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Amanda Milligan to discuss brand authority and its critical role in public relations and marketing. Amanda shares her background in content, SEO, and brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of holistic marketing efforts. They delve into how brand authority is measured, identify practical s...

In this episode of ‘PR Explored,’ hosted by Michelle Garrett, PR consultant and writer, the focus is on the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and corporate ethics in the realm of Public Relations. The guest, Bo Breuklander, founder of Breuklander Communications, shares insights on how AI affects sustainability, governance, and the b...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Lou Covey, a veteran journalist with 55 years of experience. Lou shares his journey from journalism to exploring cybersecurity and creating the Cyber Protection Magazine. They discuss the state of PR today, including formulaic approaches, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling. They...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett discusses misinformation and its impact on public relations with guest Jennifer McGinley, a PR consultant specializing in healthcare. They delve into the definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, providing insights into how organizations can prepare and respond to these challenges. The conversation covers proactive crisis...

In this episode of PR Explored, host and PR consultant Michelle Garrett sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Erika Heald to discuss the crucial role that thought leadership plays in content marketing and PR. Erika, a seasoned marketing communications consultant and former journalist, delves into her journey and experience in the field, highlighting the importance of having a strategy t...

In this episode, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Doug Downs, the host of ‘Stories and Strategies’ podcast. They discuss the significance of podcasting in PR and marketing, highlighting how podcasts can build brand trust and engage audiences more deeply than traditional social media posts. Doug shares insights into his journey with ‘Stories and Strategies...

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author and writer, talks with public relations consultant Crystal Richard about managing client expectations in the realm of public relations. They delve into Crystal’s background, which includes over 15 years in the PR industry and founding her own company, Crystal Richard & Co. Crystal also shares details about her lifes...