PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros – Details, episodes & analysis

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 steps to assess it through tools like Reddit, LLMs, and social media, and discuss the intricate relationship between owned and earned media.

The episode also addresses the evolving landscape of SEO and the importance of maintaining continuous engagement to build long-term brand trust and authority.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:28 Meet Amanda Milligan

01:38 Amanda’s Professional Journey

02:49 The Importance of Brand Authority

03:29 Challenges in Marketing and PR

04:30 Speaking Engagements and Networking

06:37 Brand Authority Club and Community Building

23:15 Defining Brand Authority

26:19 Brand Authority in PR and Communications

30:20 Why Companies Overlook Brand Authority

32:45 Introduction to Reddit Search Tool

33:22 Trust Issues in Online Platforms

35:01 Google’s Shift Towards Reddit

37:20 Using LLMs for Brand Analysis

40:18 Importance of Third-Party Signals

43:28 Tracking Mentions and Backlinks

53:48 Social Media and Content Value

58:32 Owned vs. Earned Media

01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Show notes:

Brand Authority Club: https://www.brandauthority.club/

Amanda Milligan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamilligan/

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

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 broader PR landscape. They discuss the importance of values, consistency, and trust in corporate behavior, and how companies can proactively address issues like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), AI policies, and data privacy.

The conversation also touches on the current trends, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI responsibly and ethically, with a focus on employee well-being and corporate reputation. Bo highlights the necessity for companies to educate themselves about AI, develop robust policies, and maintain their core values to build trust among stakeholders.

Bo further shares insights on evaluating AI vendors and stresses the need for ongoing professional development in this rapidly evolving landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Guest Background and Current Work

01:41 Understanding ESG and Its Importance

08:39 AI’s Role in ESG and Sustainability

16:47 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Focus

28:36 Governance and AI Policies

40:02 Final Thoughts and Professional Development

41:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Show notes:

Bo Breuklander’s Email Course: The GenAI Playbook: https://www.bobreuklander.com/generative-ai-playbook-for-executive-messaging-and-employee-engagement

Bo’s In-Person Workshop: GenAI Readiness for Communicators: https://www.bobreuklander.com/genai-readiness-workshop-for-communicators

Follow Bo Breuklander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobreuklander/

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Matisse Hamel-Nelis, founder and principal of Matisse Nelis Consulting. They discuss the importance of digital accessibility in public relations and communications. Matisse explains her background, her work in teaching, and her PR & Lattes blog and podcast.

Matisse emphasizes the importance of making digital content accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. They discuss practical steps for ensuring content such as videos, PDFs, and social media posts are inclusive.

Matisse shares her journey into the realm of accessible communications and highlights several companies leading by example. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of including accessibility in strategic planning, training, and overall communication efforts.

Matisse encourages starting small and progressing with intention, ensuring that all audiences can fully engage with and benefit from the information shared.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:20 Meet Matisse Hamel-Nellis

03:39 The Importance of Accessibility in PR

04:18 Defining Accessibility in Communications

06:02 The Market Impact of Accessibility

08:46 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Accessibility

13:51 Learning from Mistakes

16:45 Practical Tips for Accessible Communications

22:21 Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes

23:58 Testing and Engaging for Accessibility

25:33 Importance of Integrated Audio Descriptions

26:00 Camel Case vs Pascal Case

26:49 Brands Leading in Accessibility

29:34 Making Trends Accessible

32:17 The Growing Importance of Captions

34:31 Encouraging Accessibility in Organizations

39:08 Starting Your Accessibility Journey

42:52 Progress Over Perfection

45:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

Matisse Hamel-Nelis' site: https://matissenelis.com/

Michelle Garrett's site: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant and writer, interviews Kathy Kashani, the principal of Azul Communications, about the nuances of public relations for startups.

Kathy discusses her journey from a long-time PR agency veteran to an independent PR consultant, focusing on consumer goods and B2C brands, especially startups. The conversation centers around defining a startup, understanding the distinct needs of startups versus established companies, and the foundational steps necessary for effective PR.

They delve into the importance of having clear business goals, identifying the right time to start PR, and how startups can build foundational elements like a solid website and social media presence before engaging in PR activities.

Kathy also highlights common mistakes startups make, such as not having a clear plan or budget, and the need for ongoing, rather than one-off, PR efforts. The discussion also covers how startups can attract investors through media visibility and the evolving nature of PR resources, including the benefits of hiring consultants or smaller agencies over large firms.

The episode wraps up with practical advice on how startups can evaluate and select the right PR help, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and setting clear goals.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

It’s time for a mid-year check-in on PR trends. Has AI destroyed PR as we know it? Is TikTok the only social media channel that matters?

Back in December, Bill Byrne of Remedy Public Relations and I discussed which PR trends we’d be keeping an eye on as we headed into the new year. Some of the trends we noted: AI in PR. The shrinking number of media outlets. How silos impact our work. The role the C-suite plays in the success of a PR program.

So, where are we now? And what trends should we be watching as we enter the second half of 2025?

I’m excited that my colleague Bill Byrne is joining me again. He’s frequently named a Top 10 PR expert and influencer and often contributes to marketing industry trades, including Ragan PR Daily, Muck Rack, and Bulldog Reporter.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

The public relations industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by artificial intelligence, hybrid work, a changing media landscape, and deepening political divides.

Across four generations — Gen Z to Baby Boomers — PR professionals are navigating these transformations, each with unique perspectives on where the industry is headed.

On this episode of PR Explored, we discuss the findings of this year’s USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism‘s survey, as compiled in its Global Communication Report.

“The future of the PR industry depends upon how tomorrow’s leaders tackle the critical issues we are beginning to face today,” said Fred Cook, director of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations and chair emeritus of Golin.

Cook is my guest on this latest episode of PR Explored.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Burnout in the PR and social media marketing fields is rampant.

Many communications pros are exhausted. The non-stop news cycle. The demand to be “always on.” The rising stress level, as day-to-day responsibilities continue to grow.

Surveys repeatedly show that those working in public relations and social media marketing experience some of the highest rates of burnout.

It’s no wonder, because, more than almost any other group of workers, we’re under pressure to stay in touch with our audiences, even during the most challenging circumstances. We’re so consumed with worrying about what our audiences need, we may have forgotten about taking care of ourselves.

So what can we do about it?

My guest, Breanne A. Mertz, DBA, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Tampa, and I talk about burnout and how practitioners and their employers can address it.

Mertz has extensively researched social media marketer burnout and shares insight on how her findings apply to those working in PR, comms, and social media.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

The media relations game is ever-changing. While traditional media outlets remain coveted by businesses that want to be in the news, non-traditional outlets are on the rise.

Podcasts, newsletters and social media influencers now often play a key role in effective media outreach. PR pros need to ensure they’re immersed in as much client-relevant content as possible, regardless of where it comes from.

PR Consultant Michelle Garrett and her guest, Peter Himler, founder of Flatiron Communications and veteran of agencies including Edelman and Hill & Knowlton, discuss how to reconcile clients’ desire for coverage in legacy media with the impact of a new cadre of earned media platforms.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Eleanor Hawkins, a communications strategist and writer at Axios, and PR Consultant Michelle Garrett discuss trending topics in the world of communications. Hawkins authors the weekly Axios Communicators newsletter covering topics and trends that impact how leaders, brands and employers communicate.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Newer to PR? Or maybe you’ve worked in PR for a while but are trying to keep up with the changing landscape. Sure, writing is important. But what other skills and aptitudes are vital for today’s public relations and communications professionals?

As roles become more sophisticated and communication challenges more complex, PR pros must prove value, adapt to new technologies, navigate ethical challenges  – and there is so much unknown. And unknowable.

My guest is Steve Ryan, Assistant Professor of Instruction & Program Director of Public Relations at Temple University.

Follow the host: 

Website: www.michellegarrett.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. 

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.