PR in the Real World

This is an episode of PR in the Real World like no other.   Julia Petryk is a Kyiv-based PR professional who understands what comms on the frontlines really is.   On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, with Russian President Vladamir Putin announcing the commencement of a three day ‘special military operation’.   The invasion is into its fourth year.   Within the first ho...

Claire Episode Description   In this episode of PR in the Real World, we’re joined by Claire Quansah - agency consultant and team strategist - for a deep dive into what really makes agencies work (or not). With 20 years of experience across global networks and independents, Claire shares what she’s learned about agency growth, people management and the power of clear communication. She reflec...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, host Tony Garner sits down with Rob Hallam, founder and managing director of Bigtank Productions, to explore how storytelling, empathy and service-first thinking can elevate corporate video for purpose-driven brands. Rob shares his unconventional career journey - from a shyness-shaking stint in a model shop and summers teaching martial arts at Camp America,...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, we sit down with Ruth Boston, Head of Communications at the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), to explore how smart, strategic comms can drive real policy change. Ruth shares her journey from regional journalist to leading communications in the health research space, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how her small but mighty team turns complex aca...

In this latest episode of PR in the Real World - the podcast from the UK Small PR Consultancy of the Year, Viva PR - host Tony Garner is joined by Jessica Cooper, Marketing Director at VEKA plc - a leading supplier of PVCU window and door systems - to talk about her unconventional journey from managing social media campaigns for artists like Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia to shaping strateg...

In this episode of PR in the Real World , host Tony Garner is joined by internal communications expert Alison Arnot to explore one of the most overlooked but vital areas of crisis planning: internal comms. Alison is the Director of Catalyst Communications , a consultancy specialising in PR, training and internal crisis communication. She brings a wealth of frontline experience, including her role...

This isn’t your usual episode of PR in the Real World. But this is a special one. In this one, we bring you with us as Viva PR was crowned the ‘Small PR Consultancy of the Year’ at the CIPR Excellence awards. Join usual host Tony, producer Dan and Account Director Jac on their trip to the awards as they documented it all for your listening pleasure. Don’t worry. Normal service will resume on Tuesd...

In this landmark 30th episode of PR in the Real World, we sit down with Leanne Hughes - comms leader, public sector champion and community-builder -to explore how belonging, boldness and grassroots action can reshape a PR career. From early days in investment banking to two decades of leading health-focused campaigns in the NHS, Leanne opens up about why she spent years feeling like an outsider in...

In this fascinating episode of PR in the Real World , we sit down with journalist, PR agency founder, and author Andy Spinoza to explore Manchester’s remarkable transformation from an industrial relic to a global cultural powerhouse. Andy shares his unique journey, starting as the co-founder of City Life magazine in the 1980s, which captured Manchester’s emerging music, arts and social scenes. He...

In this episode of PR in the Real World, host Tony joins former Viva intern Harriet Dawson to chart her unconventional PR journey - from recovering from heart surgery and starting her career during the pandemic to making waves in Melbourne’s digital PR scene. Harriet opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of beginning her career at the onset of COVID-19, adapting to hybrid work and how PR in A...

In this powerhouse episode of PR in the Real World , host Tony Garner welcomes Sarah Waddington - interim CEO of PRCA and co-founder of Socially Mobile - for a rich discussion on the current and future state of PR. Sarah shares her journey from regional agency leader to national advocate for professional standards, diversity and regional inclusion. We delve into the impact of geopolitical and tech...

These days it seems you can’t escape AI discourse. Despite this, it’s rare for someone to cut through the noise and distil what’s really going on. This instalment of PR in the Real World with AI expert Ben Verinder is an exception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a campaign cut through? In this episode of PR in the Real World, we speak to one of the UK’s most respected creative strategists, Mark Perkins. From the award-winning 'Missing Type' campaign for NHS Blood and Transplant to the infamous 'Christmas Tinner' for GAME, Mark has built a career on finding bold, behaviour-changing ideas in the most unexpected places. We explore how a love of ta...

In her career Ann Rimmer has reckoned with building an agency from the ground up, business mergers in the millions, and making her own way as a consultant. From adopting hybrid working before it was trendy, to proving her agency’s strong jaw in rebuilding their client base after a 70% dip. Ann has insights worth listening to about what’s at the heart of branding, cultivating your own work culture...

From the murder of Jo Cox to cases of child neglect, this episode tackles the heavy stories head on – both professional and personal. This week’s is guest Dee Cowburn, who as a journalist turned comms pro, has navigated some of the UK’s most high-pressure stories. Dee also opens up about her daughter’s rare life limiting condition, and how navigating this alongside a demanding comms role led her t...

Sarah is the Marketing Director at steel door manufacturer, Strongdor. Sarah takes what could be a dry, technical industry and has turned it into a platform for bold, people-first ideas that deliver impact. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity, strategic thinking, and bold decisions can cut through – even in the most unexpected sectors. Whether you’re working in B2B, managing a brand ex...

This episode of PR in the Real World has a different kind of guest in the hotseat. It’s the man behind the curtain, Viva’s own ‘producer Dan’. From landing work experience to launching this podcast from scratch, Dan’s story is one of experimentation and learning on the job. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable lessons don’t come from training courses or textbooks, but from just jumpin...

This episode of PR in the Real World is a masterclass in stretching budgets, earning trust, navigating crises, and creating standout campaigns that drive genuine change. Whether you’re managing an internal comms machine, or trying to spark cultural shifts on minimal spend — this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Coleman’s cut her comms teeth on the front lines. Having a dealt with crises that would make other comms professionals dizzy, she knows a thing or two about how to handle communications when you’re under pressure. Amanda’s approach is one that was forged in fire. From managing comms around some of the UK’s most difficult public incidents for the Manchester Met Police, to carving out her own...

This week's guest, Neil Greaves currently leads the communications strategy for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, managing a substantial £5 billion healthcare budget for 1.8 million residents. Neil highlighted the pivotal role of communications in understanding community needs and influencing NHS decision-making, stressing the importance of engaging with the right audience. He discussed the ongoin...

Advita Patel is a big hitter in the comms world. As the founder of CommsRebel, CIPR president, a fighter for inclusivity and a northerner boot – she really is the ideal podcast guest. From a working class BAME background in Bolton to leading national conversations in comms, Advita’s story is one of resilience and finding your voice. Her insights into how to build inclusivity through effective comm...

In this episode, we explore how to use podcasts as a powerful PR and marketing tool with Stewart Townsend, founder of Podcast Hawk — a platform that helps you find the right shows to pitch. Learn how to pitch yourself as a guest, build brand authority, and leverage podcasting for media exposure, audience growth, and content strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Maguire is a towering figure in the North-West media world. He has his finger on the pulse with everything from journalism and media relations to new tech in the business world. Anyone who claims to be curious about trends seriously needs to tune into this episode.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build trust with an end user when you have no control over the one thing they care about most: the price? In this episode of PR in the Real World , Katharine Topham, Marketing Manager at Vital Energi, shares her journey from zoology to construction sites to becoming a guru of the end-user experience. Katharine Topham’s career path is wonderfully unconventional. From studying the environ...

How do you maintain an authentic voice across a global organisation of 100,000 people? In this episode of PR in the Real World , Paul Earnshaw, Head of Communications at BAE Systems, shares his 30-year journey from business apprentice to internal comms leader in the high-stakes defence sector. Paul Earnshaw has spent three decades within the air sector of BAE Systems, witnessing the evolution of c...