Explore every episode of the podcast Media Training Podcast

Media Training Podcast - Is it ok to ignore a journalist? In this episode, former journalist Steve Blears explains why there are times when ignoring a reporter’s question isn’t evasive; it’s necessary. Journalists have no legal power to make you answer anything and Steve breaks down the situations where staying silent protects you, your organisation and the story you actually want to tell.

Media Training Podcast - Building your personal brand so journalists find you first.

With Steve Blears and guest Penny Haslam, author of Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous

In this episode of the Media Training Podcast, Steve Blears is joined by former BBC Business News presenter, broadcaster, author and confidence expert Penny Haslam to explore how to make yourself visible and credible before the camera starts rolling.

Together they unpack what it really means to build your personal brand off-camera — the kind of presence that makes journalists take you seriously when they come knocking. Drawing on their years as BBC journalists, Steve and Penny explain how producers search for new voices and why being easy to find, clear about your expertise, and visibly active online can make all the difference.

It’s a lively, honest conversation about showing up consistently online, staying authentic and being contactable when opportunities arise. Whether you’re a business leader, spokesperson or comms professional, this episode will help you become the kind of expert journalists want on their list.

Media Training Podcast - Media interview quick-start guide. Help! I'm about to do a media interview! The clock is ticking and there's no time for in-depth preparation. Don’t panic. Here’s a quick-start guide to get you through it successfully. Here are five immediate steps to prepare for an interview.

Media Training Podcast - How to hold a press conference. A press conference is about efficiency - getting your message out to as many journalists as possible, as quickly as possible. In this episode your questions answered about what's involved, when and why you should call a press event.

Media Training Podcast - Time for a media training refresher? Questions to ask. In this episode, we’re asking: Is your media training out of date? If you were called up for an interview tomorrow, would you be ready? Steve Blears is joined by special guest and fellow media trainer, Penny Haslam.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training & Coaching UK

Media Training Podcast - How to get your boss on board with media appearances. Is your MD, CEO or client reluctant to take part in media interviews. Here's our ten point guide to get them on air.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training & Coaching UK

Media Training Podcast - Is it okay to say "I don't know" in a media interview? In this episode should you say you don't know the answer to a question in a TV, radio or podcast interview.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training & Coaching UK

Media Training Podcast - Why should you avoid repeating negative questions in media interviews? In this episode, why repeating a negative statement or question on air media can make that negative idea stick and appear true or more believable.
For more on this topic also listen to how to answer hostile or negative questions from a journalist.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training & Coaching UK

Media Training Podcast - How to look and sound relaxed in a media interview, performance tips. In this episode how to speak, use your tone of voice and body language in a media interview to deliver a confident sounding and relaxed looking appearance on TV, radio or podcasts.  Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK.  Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - Mastering profile interviews in the media. Have you been asked to do a long form profile interview for a magazine, online or broadcast. Here are five tips to help you shine. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK.  Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - Media appearances, the unwritten rules.  We reveal useful hidden insights about appearing in the media, specifically TV and radio news.  Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK.  Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - Public apologies,  how to say sorry in the media and mean it. In this episode - crisis communications - how to apologise in the media while sounding sincere. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK. Request a FREE review of your media appearance. Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - Why off-the-record journalism is riskier than you think. What does off-the-record mean and how should you use it when dealing with journalists? Read the transcript: Why off-the-record journalism is riskier than you think. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK. Request a FREE review of your media appearance. Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - What are key messages in the media? In this episode how to prepare key messages for an interview on TV, radio or a podcast. Read the transcript: What are key messages in the media. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK. Request a FREE review of your media appearance. Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - How to give feedback after a media interview. In this episode, insights on how PR and comms professionals can effectively provide feedback to senior leaders after interviews on TV, radio and podcasts. We discuss the importance of timing, focusing on positives, and constructive criticism to enhance leaders' media performance. Read the transcript: Give your leader feedback after a media interview.  Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK.  Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - Why avoid corporate speak and office jargon in media interviews? In this episode how to use clear and straightforward communication when appearing on TV, radio and podcasts. Read the transcript Why avoid corporate speak and office jargon in media interviews? Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK. Find a media trainer. 

Media Training Podcast - Media interview preparation checklist. Sharpen your pencil. This is for you if you've been invited on TV, Radio or a Podcast. It'll help you get you prepare and get you ducks in a row before you appear on air. Read the transcript: Media interview preparation checklist. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK.  Find a media trainer. 

Media Training Podcast - How to create a founders' origin story. In this episode, we explore the allure of founders' tales, from obscure beginnings to fame or notoriety. We delve into why these stories dominate business podcast interviews and explain in step-by-step detail how you can create your own founders' narrative using a basic rags-to-riches story structure. Read the transcript: How to create a founders' origin story.  Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK. Find a media trainer.

Media Training Podcast - How to answer hostile or negative questions from a journalist. In this episode, practical techniques and strategies for effectively managing difficult interviews. Also, how to handle combative interviewing styles, identify and respond to loaded questions, and maintain your composure under pressure.  Read the transcript: How to answer hostile or negative questions from a journalist. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to be authentic in a media interview. In this episodes simple technique to build trust and sound genuine while appearing on TV, Radio or podcasts. Read the transcript: How to be authentic in a media interview. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - Crisis Management: How to write a holding statement. In this episode about crisis comms communication, how to craft an effective holding statement for the media. The episode includes a practical scenario to test your skills. Read the transcript: Crisis Management: How to write a holding statement. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to create a successful media soundbite. What makes a great clip or soundbite in a media interview? In this episode soundbite examples and how to create memorable soundbites.  Read the transcript: How to create a successful media soundbite. Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - Press release template download. In this episode download our free press release template and listen to the audio guide on how to create a news release. Listen to the transcript: Free press release template download (Word)

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - Why do reporters shout questions? Reporters shout questions a lot, you'll hear this wherever you consume your news. You'll also see reporters throwing questions at people leaving a court building, or at a celeb' hurriedly leaving home and jumping into a waiting car. In journalism, this type of shouting is called "door-stepping". Read the transcript: Why do reporters shout questions?
Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How do you handle a media question you don't want to answer? In this episode techniques to deal with media questions that you don't want to or can't answer.  Read the transcript: How do you handle a media question you don't want to answer?

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to use #JournoRequest to get media attention for my business. Journalists are constantly looking for business people with knowledge, experience and expertise. In this episode, how to reply to media requests online so your business gets noticed. Read the transcript: How to use #JournoRequest to get media attention for my business.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How do I prepare for a TV interview online using Zoom, Teams or Skype? Increasingly media interviews are done online. In this episode how to look your best and sound confident when appearing on TV online. Read the transcript: How do I prepare for a TV interview online using Zoom, Teams or Skype?

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to appear on a business podcast. If you have ambitions to attract PR for your organisation by appearing on TV and radio, consider appearing on a business podcast first.  It's a great opportunity to get fluent in your subject matter in a kind of safer environment. Read the transcript: How to appear on a business podcast.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to handle a difficult media interview. In this episode, how to build your confidence when you are due to appear for an interview on TV or radio. The vast majority of media interviews are just an exchange of information. In this episode actionable tips and advice for keeping your cool and appearing expert on-air.
Read the transcript: How to handle a difficult media interview

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How to prepare for your first TV interview. In this episode, the first steps in preparing for a media interview? Don't panic! A call from a journalist is a great opportunity to share your insight, knowledge and expertise. In this episode, we walk you through what do do first when the media gets in touch.  Read the transcript: How to prepare for your first TV interview.

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK

Media Training Podcast - How does the news work? In this episode, we demystify the world of news media. We explain where news stories come from and how journalists select them to create a daily news agenda.  Read the transcript: How does the news work?

Media Training Podcast is from Marvellous Media Training UK