On Top of PR with Jason Mudd
On Top of PR is a podcast dedicated to helping corporate communications leaders leverage the power of PR to build a strong brand and great reputation. Each episode features guests to discuss PR and marketing topics, tips, and trends. We want to help every active and aspiring communication professional stay on top of PR. It is one of the top 3% most popular podcast shows globally, according to Listen Notes' Listen Score, and among the top 100 marketing podcasts in the world on Apple Podcasts. We've featured guests from Disney, Wells Fargo, Tyson Foods, Mall of America, Priceline, Southwest Airlines, and more.Ab...
How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders
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In this episode, James (Jim) Lukaszewski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to influence leaders through trust, candor, and strategic communication.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president and CEO of The Lukaszewski Group. Jim has advised business leaders through crises and high-stakes situations for more than five decades. He shares practical strategies for becoming the trusted strategic advisor leaders rely on when making important decisions.
Five...
Why PR is the last budget line you should cut (and what happens if you do)
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In this episode, Heidi Howell joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why organizations should think twice before cutting PR during economic uncertainty. They explore the connection between reputation, recruiting, employer branding, visibility, trust, and revenue growth.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Heidi Howell, she is a marketing executive who leads efforts to transform marketing into a revenue-driving function within healthcare staffing and human resources technology. She partners with executive teams to align marketing, sales, and operations through scalable systems...
Inside the newsroom: Media relations advice from a former CNN producer
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In this episode, former CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices, newsroom operations, and journalist preferences.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, a communications and storytelling professional and former CNN cross-platform producer at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 18 years of experience in broadcast, digital, and social media, Tiffany has helped shape high-impact stories and audience engagement strategies while working inside local and national newsrooms.
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The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI
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In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd explains why earned media now drives visibility in ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and AI search.
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Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. Why earned media is the primary driver of visibility in AI-generated search
2. How ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude determine which brands to recommend
3. What the 2% pitch overlap statistic means for PR and marketing teams
4. Why media velocity and recency matter mor...
The secrets every professional speaker knows (that you don't)
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In this episode, Matt Mosich joins host Jason Mudd to discuss what separates professional speakers from aspiring speakers. From storytelling and stage presence to preparation, mindset, and memorable messaging, Matt shares practical insights from years of coaching executives, founders, and business leaders.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Matt Mosich, president and owner of The Mosich Group. Matt is a communication and speaker coach for executives, founders, and their teams. He helps clients prepare for and build keynotes, bo...
From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch
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In this episode, CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss one of the most talked-about career pivots in media today â journalists transitioning into public relations and corporate communications.Â
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, cross-platform producer at CNN/Warner Brothers Discovery. Tiffany is a communications and storytelling professional with 18+ years of experience crafting clear, high-impact narratives across broadcast, digital, and social platforms. She has led messaging for high-stakes news and major public-facing ini...
Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations
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In this episode, Qwotedâs Shelby Bridges joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI, shrinking newsrooms, and faster news cycles are reshaping modern media relations and earned media strategies.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Shelby Bridges, director of customer success at Qwoted. Shelby works at the intersection of PR, media, and technology, helping communicators build stronger relationships with journalists through smarter, more strategic data usage and platforms like Qwoted. She leads training, demos, and user in...
When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent
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In this episode, University of Memphis expert Michele Ehrhart joins host Jason Mudd to discuss crisis communication, leadership preparedness, reputation management, and how organizations can navigate high-pressure situations with clarity and confidence.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Michele Ehrhart, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at the University of Memphis. Michele is a crisis communications expert with three decades of experience in corporate affairs, executive communications, and PR strategy.
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How PR influences recruiting, retention, and workforce quality
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In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd dives into how PR shapes recruiting, retention, and workforce quality through reputation.
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 Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. How candidates evaluate your reputation before your careers page
2. Why PR influences recruiting outcomes before HR gets involved
3. The role of visibility, credibility, and interpretation in hiring decisions
4. Why employer brand perception is formed in search and media results
5. How...
Stop agency pitches: Build better client partnerships
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In this episode, Brand Revoltâs Camden Bernatz joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why traditional agency pitches often fail, how clients can build better partnerships, and why diagnosis must come before solutions.
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Meet our guest:
Our guest is Camden Bernatz, creative director and strategist at Brand Revolt and author of âStop Asking for Pitches: 10 Rules to Fix the Client-Agency Relationship.â Once drawn to psychiatry, he now applies that same curiosity to branding, helping organizations diagnose challenges and bu...
Behavioral science secrets behind top brands
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In this episode, Richard Shotton joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the behavioral science behind some of the worldâs most successful brands and how to apply those principles in marketing and PR.Â
Meet our guest:
Our guest this episode is Richard Shotton, founder of Astroten. Richard is a behavioral scientist and best-selling author of âThe Choice Factory,â âThe Illusion of Choice,â and âHacking the Human Mind.â He specializes in applying behavioral science to marketing and works with global brands to solve real-world challenges.
Ageism in the workplace: Hiring bias, careers, and the future of work
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In this episode, Carly Roszkowski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss ageism in the workplace, how it affects job seekers over 50, hiring bias, and strategies for multigenerational teams.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our guest on this episode is Carly Roszkowski, vice president of financial resilience at AARP. She leads strategy and outcomes within AARPâs Work and Jobs and Financial Resilience initiatives, helping individuals over 50 strengthen their competitiveness in the labor market and access meaningful employment opportunities. Carly al...
Embedded AI: The future of PR and communication workflows
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In this episode, Muck Rack CEO Greg Galant joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how embedded AI is transforming PR and communications workflows.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Greg Galant, CEO and cofounder at Muck Rack. A returning guest on On Top of PR, he is a leading voice at the crossroads of PR, technology, and media. Greg is also recognized as an early champion of generative engine optimization, shaping the emerging frontier of brand visibility in an...
Why isnât your press release getting any coverage?
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In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd dives into why most press releases fail and how to craft news releases that capture attention, clicks, and engagement.
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. Five reasons your news release isnât getting coverage
2. Understanding the move from âpress releasesâ to news releases
3. Common mistakes that cause press releases to be ignored
4. How to write headlines and content that attract attention and clicks
5. Adopting an audie...
Shaping the future of PR with AI: Insights from Microsoftâs Frank X. Shaw
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In this episode, Microsoft CCO Frank Shaw joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI is reshaping PR workflows, strategy, and corporate communications.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Frank X. Shaw, chief communications officer at Microsoft. Frank leads global communications strategy, product PR, media and analyst relations, executive and employee communications, and global agency partnerships. He shares insights on how communicators can leverage AI to focus on high-value work and improve efficiency.
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Media-first PR in the AI era with Storyblokâs Brandon Watts
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 In this episode, Brandon Watts joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to prioritize audience and authenticity in media-first PR during the AI era.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Brandon Watts, director of PR and communications at Storyblok. With 20-plus years in shaping narratives for startups and enterprise tech, Brandon brings insights from both the media and PR sides. Heâs also contributed to Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Adweek.
Five thin...
HAROâs comeback: Modern sourcing for journalists and brands
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In this episode, Brett Farmiloe joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the comeback of HARO and smarter PR pitching.Â
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Brett Farmiloe, founder and CEO at Help a Reporter Out (HARO). Brett has scaled startups and worked with global brands, and he helps professionals share their expertise online. His mission is to make knowledge more accessible and human.
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
How to stay ahead of AI in communication and marketing with Martin Waxman
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In this episode, Martin Waxman joins host Jason Mudd to discuss AIâs impact on communications and marketing, why training matters, and how to avoid âAI slopâ by pairing AI with real expertise.
Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Martin Waxman, LinkedIn Learning instructor, adjunct professor at the York Schulich School of Business, and associate director of the Future of Marketing Institute. He writes an AI and digital marketing trends newsletter, delivers hands-on generative AI training workshops, and conducts AI research.
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Exclusives, advances, and embargoes: How to use each ethically in media relations
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In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd discusses the ethical and practical differences between exclusives, advances, and embargoes and how to use them correctly in media relations.
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Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. The clear differences between exclusives, advances, and embargoes
2. The most common PR mistakes that quietly damage credibility
3. Why advances donât restrict publication unless you explicitly say so
4. How to structure ethical exclusives with...
Navigating AI ethics in public relations with PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial
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In this episode, PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the ethical use of AI in PR and key insights for communicators.
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Meet our guest:
Our episode guest is Matthew Marcial, CEO of the Public Relations Society of America. He leads PRSAâs strategic priorities, focusing on advancing the profession and guiding communicators through emerging challenges, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Five things youâll learn from...
Barcelona Principles 4.0: How to Measure PR Effectively with AMEC CEO Johna Burke
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In this episode, AMECâs CEO Johna Burke joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the Barcelona Principles 4.0 and PR measurement best practices.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Johna Burke, CEO and Global Managing Director at the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, PR, communications, and strategy for B2B and B2C organizations, Johna is a global leader in communication measurement and evaluation an...
The PR playbook for getting recommended by AI with Unusual's Keller Maloney
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In this episode, Keller Maloney joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why PR drives AI recommendations and how earned media and brand trust shape how AI models talk about brands.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Keller Maloney, co-founder of Unusual, a platform that helps brands understand and influence how AI models perceive them. Keller has a background in AI interpretability research and works with marketers and PR teams navigating AI as a new audience.
Five things...
How brands leverage curiosity to drive innovative thinking with Carla Johnson
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In this episode, Carla Johnson joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how brands can use curiosity to drive innovation and ideation.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Carla Johnson, keynote speaker and Innovative Architect at Think Labs. Sheâs the author of âRE:Think Innovationâ and has helped companies like Amazon, Dell, Intel, and Hilton embrace change and generate stronger ideas.
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
...
Behind the mic with Jason Mudd: An Ask Me Anything special solocast on PR and Axiaâs beginning
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In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd answers Fernandina Beach High School studentsâ questions and shares his PR career journey, experiences, and key insights.
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Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. How perseverance helped build Axia into the agency it is today
2. How integrity shaped Jason Muddâs career, leadership, and long-term reputation
3. Why lifelong learning sets great communicators apart in PR and beyond
4. The value of genuin...
The future of PR in the age of AI with Agility PR
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In this episode, Pragya Dubey, Agility PRâs VP of Global Services & Analytics, joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI is reshaping PR, media intelligence, and measurement for smarter, data-driven strategies.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Pragya Dubey, Agility PR Solutionsâ VP of Global Services & Analytics. With more than 20 years of experience across three continents, she helps organizations transform media data into meaningful insights that demonstrate ROI and elevate the impact of communications.
Common mistakes publicly traded companies make when working with the news media â Mark Basch
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In this episode, Mark Basch joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the common media mistakes publicly traded companies make.
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Meet our guest:
Our episode guest is Mark Basch, a seasoned business journalist with decades of experience covering publicly traded companies. He provides insights on economics, business trends, manufacturing, real estate, and unemployment, drawing from data releases and press statements.
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. Consequences of...
Corporate Gifting Done Right with The Expressory
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In this episode, Jamie Shibley, CEO of The Expressory joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to strengthen relationships through thoughtful, strategic corporate gifting.
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Meet Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Jamie Shibley, CEO of The Expressory, a strategic engagement agency helping businesses strengthen relationships through thoughtful, relationship-first strategies. Sheâs a best-selling author and recognized expert in strategic gifting and relationship marketing, with insights featured on âEntertainment Tonightâ and Forbes.com.
Five...
Market Insights Shape PR â Habitat for Humanity
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Amy Dunham, chief communications officer at Habitat for Humanity International. Overseeing the organizationâs global brand, marketing, and communications strategy, she helps reach audiences across all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries. Amy is a seasoned communications leader passionate about using market insights to shape strategy and strengthen engagement worldwide.
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. How to leverage market insights to shape and guide PR strategy
2. The balance of a...
95% of AI citations come from PR content
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In this solocast episode, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd discusses why 95% of AI citations come from PR content and how brands can lead with media relations in the age of AI.
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Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. Why 95% of AI citations come from PR-driven content
2. The six types of content AI trusts most for brand visibility
3. How earned media, thought leadership, news coverage, and press releases shape AI search re...
Rethinking Press Releases in the AI Era with Notified
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In this episode, Serena Ehrlich joins On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI-powered search engines take data from press releases, and how they decide on what to show their users.
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Serena Ehrlich. Sheâs the go-to-market director at Notified, the parent company of GlobeNewswire, which provides global press release distribution services.
Serena helps spread the âgood wordâ of up-to-date, evolving PR strategies to help PR pros n...
How Earned Media Fuels PRâs Rise in the AI Era â MuckRack
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In this episode of On Top of PR with Jason Mudd, we welcome Matt Dzugan, senior director of data at Muck Rack, to unpack the findings from Muck Rackâs new report, âWhat Is AI Reading?â Together, they explore how generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini rely heavily on earned media coverage â especially journalistic content â to shape their responses. Learn why timely, credible PR coverage is more important than ever, how to optimize your brand visibility in AI-driven search, and what PR pros need to do now to stay relevant.
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Networking Without an Agenda: The Key to Career Longevity
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Daniel Mendez of Collective Measures shares how the importance of early and active networking.
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Collective Measuresâ Daniel Mendez, vice president of earned and owned media. He is a seasoned public relations and corporate communications professional with more than 17 years of experience leading global strategies in employee engagement, executive visibility, and reputation management across industries such as healthcare, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Five things youâll learn from...
Managing Stress in PR with M.J. Clark
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In this episode, M.J. Clark joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how PR pros can manage stress and thrive under pressure by adopting better leadership practices.
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is M.J. Clark, vice president at Integrated Leadership Systems. With more than 15 years of experience as an executive coach and leadership consultant, she specializes in helping professionals in high-stress industries like PR thrive under pressure. M.J. supports executives in strengthening communication, setting boundaries, and building...
The dirty truth about âguaranteed media coverageâ
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In this solocast episode, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd discusses why âguaranteed mediaâ isnât earned and how to protect yourself from misleading PR firms.
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Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. What âguaranteed media coverageâ really means â and why itâs rarely earned
2. The differences between earned, placed, contributed, and sponsored content
3. How deceptive firms use fake credibility and vanity metrics to lure clients
4. The true cost of falling for p...
The evolution of remote work with HireMyMomâs Lesley Pyle
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In this episode, HireMyMomâs Lesley Pyle joins On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss how remote work is transforming the modern workforce
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is HireMyMomâs Lesley Pyle, founder and CEO of the platform. She has been connecting small businesses with skilled remote professionals since 2007 and brings over two decades of experience in public relations and entrepreneurship.
Five things youâll learn from this episod...
Media intelligence and PR measurement with Meltwaterâs Chris Hackney
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In this episode, Chris Hackney joins On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to learn how to track, interpret, and leverage media coverage.
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Chris Hackney, chief product officer at Meltwater. He brings more than 25 years of experience in B2B SaaS, specializing in media intelligence, PR technology, and communications strategy. At Meltwater, he leads product innovation to help brands navigate complex media landscapes and act on real-time insights.
...
AI storytelling and PR strategy with Egnyteâs Jessica Pantages
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In this episode, Jessica Pantages joins host Jason Mudd to explore how AI is reshaping storytelling and public relations
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Jessica Pantages, Egnyteâs chief communications officer. With more than 20 years of experience in aerospace, construction, consumer tech, and agriculture, Jessica leads the global corporate marketing team at Egnyte, a B2B software company focused on collaboration, governance, and AI-enhanced solutions. She brings deep insight into how marketing and PR professionals can responsibly and strategically in...
Making your media pitches stand out with Qwoted
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In this episode, Vannyda Thach joins host Jason Mudd to discuss expert strategies for media pitching and journalist relationships
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Our Guest:
Vannyda Thach is the Head of Media Success at Qwoted. With a background in media relations and digital communications, Vannyda helps journalists find trusted sources and build meaningful relationships through the Qwoted platform. Her experience spans PR campaign management, social media strategy, and work with major entertainment events, including Disneyâs âBig Hero 6â premiere.
F...
What you should know about earning media coverage
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In this solocast episode, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd discusses what every company must know about media relations before hiring a public relations firm.
 Tune in to learn more!Â
Five things youâll learn from this episode:
1. Media relations is just one part of strategic public relations
2. What makes a story newsworthy
3. What journalists really care about when evaluating your pitch
4. Why relationships donât guarantee coverage
5. What PR tools you shouldnât buy un...
Understanding the creator economy with Penn Stateâs Bill Zimmerman
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In this episode, Bill Zimmerman joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how the creator economy is transforming public relations and marketing strategy.
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Our Guest:
Our episode guest is Bill Zimmerman, a professor in the College of Communications at Penn State University. With a background in journalism and public relations, he recently authored a textbook on the creator economy. His academic work focuses on preparing students for the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, content creation, and digital media...
