imPRessions: a pollack group production

November is Cancer Awareness Month, and this week’s imPRessions episode spotlights a company that has been changing lives for children and parents battling pediatric cancer.

The Valerie Fund (TVF) has been a beacon of hope for decades, and as we approach 2026, the non-profit will be celebrating 50 years of providing care centers, fundraising, emotional support programs, and events to help those face the unimaginable.

Today’s guest, Bunny Flanders, is TVF’s Director of Marketing and Communications, and joins Jenn and Kalli to discuss how the organization continues to raise awareness and donations to support its mi...

In today’s evolving PR and media landscape, affiliate marketing has become a crucial component in bridging the gap between storytelling and measurable ROI.

Today’s guest, Sarah Karger, Publicist and Partner at Comm Oddities, and expert in affiliate marketing, shares how brands can utilize affiliates without compromising authenticity, the PR skills needed to thrive in an affiliate-driven future, and how it blurs the lines between traditional PR and paid media.

If you want to blend performance marketing metrics with powerful storytelling, this episode is for you. For a complete guide to the best affiliate netw...

When a disaster strikes, reporters are usually the first to respond…and the last to leave. The LA wildfires that devastated the vibrant city earlier this year served as a stark reminder of the importance of journalism in times of crisis.

Lauren Coronado, a reporter for NBC4 Los Angeles, joins Jenn and Kalli this week to discuss what it was like covering the emergency fires in real-time. From the emotional toll to the responsibility of sensitive storytelling, Lauren unpacks the tremendous effort it takes to cover from the frontlines of a crisis.

Today, misinformation can spread quickly, and bias can overshadow facts. For over 30 years, Ged Kenslea, Senior Director of Communications at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has seen false and damaging stereotypes target people living with AIDS and HIV.

In his work, Ged has challenged those misconceptions and made it his core focus to build a communications platform that combats stigma. In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli welcome Ged to discuss his career highlights in educating the public about one of the most devastating health crises in history. The power of PR and marketing can do more than promote a...

Omar Jones, better known as Nothing_Neue is a Brooklyn-based musician who has built his career completely independently. From booking his own PR, to managing his own social media and event logistics, Omar isn’t just a talented musician - he is a brand.

On today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli chat with Omar about how artists can build and maintain their own personal brand, what it takes to balance creativity with a solid business strategy, and other lessons professionals and aspiring musicians alike can learn from Omar’s DIY approach. You don’t want to miss this one

In recent years, the PR industry has seen professionals leave the traditional agency world to pursue independent freelancing careers.

In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli sit with renowned journalist, Aly Walansky, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of working with freelancers, how freelancing is reshaping the industry, and what media trends freelancers should be paying closer attention to. There’s a reason she’s the most viewed journalist on Muck Rack. Tune in now!

If you’re a master at your craft, this week’s episode is for you.

Paul Riario, the creative force behind Guitar World’s compelling content, provides expertise on how to channel your passion into a successful YouTube channel or podcast. From understanding how to create relevant content, to building credibility and staying authentic, niche creators across all crafts will learn how to stand out in a crowded market.

What does it take to preserve an entire industry’s legacy? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Shelley Spector, the powerhouse behind the world’s first and only Museum of Public Relations.

Shelley shares how her friendship with Edward Bernays (the father of PR), a career of award-winning campaigns, and a deep love for the field led to creating an NYC institution for PR pros and students alike.

Public Relations is a captivating field that is practiced worldwide, but PR doesn't play by the same rules everywhere. In some regions, media success hinges on personal relationships, while in others, it's all about crafting the perfect pitch. Social media trends may take one country by storm, while other trends barely register in another.

In this week's episode, we delve into navigating PR across borders with Eduardo Avella, Director at GRUPO ALBIÓN COLOMBIA. As an expert in international public relations, Eduardo has guided brands through the complex web of global communication, helping them adapt their storytelling, u...

With its nostalgic roots, bowling is a cherished past time, but behind the scenes, is also a dynamic industry that has expertly evolved with the changing tides of marketing.

This week, Jenn and Kalli are joined by John Harbuck, President of Strike Ten Entertainment, to discuss how he has turned bowling into a modernized experience and how he has turned casual players into loyal fans.

Ever wonder what makes a destination enticing to fellow travelers?

In this week’s episode, Katie Coats, Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Mississippi, shares how storytelling, strategy, and cultural identity turn travel into transformation. As a Mississippi native, Katie reveals what it takes for a destination to be more than just a pin on a map. Whether you're in tourism, PR, or just love a good journey, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Jenn and Kalli are kicking off Pride Month with Matt Conrado, founder and CEO of Alphabet Mafia, a disruptive brand consultancy redefining how brands show up for queer communities.

In today’s episode, we cover how to challenge the status quo, amplify underrepresented voices, and reimagine what inclusive PR really looks like.

We’ve all had a client say, at one point or anything, “I want to go viral.” But what does it take to turn that request into a reality? Matt “BK” Augustin is the creative powerhouse at Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company, and joins imPRessions this week to share what really goes into making content that cuts through the noise. We talk campaign strategy, the art of storytelling, and why chasing virality isn't always the goal - but creating culture is.

Wildlife conservation is a key industry that is always in need of good PR and marketing to raise awareness about the importance of advocating for animals. Today’s episode welcomes Marco Wendt, Wildlife Ambassador at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

With a passion for conversation education, Marco is dedicated to making a difference and ensuring animals and people alike live in a world where all life thrives. Tune in to learn more about how marketing and awareness can ignite public interest and action.

Ever wonder how brands get picked for lifestyle segments on primetime shows like The Today Show and Good Morning America? Today’s episode will uncover all the tips and tricks in getting featured!

Josh McBride, a nationally recognized TV host and lifestyle expert, who has made a name for himself by helping brands shine on screen, joins us to discuss how brands land those coveted spots. From seasonal gift guides to back-to-school essentials and “New Year, New You” must-haves, Josh has been the go-to face behind countless top-tier media segments and now you’ll know what it takes br...

Children are the future, and this week’s guest is putting those words into action.

Powered by the Boys and Girls Club, Scott Ehlers is Chief Kindness Officer of Kindness is Free, a nonprofit that encourages and deploys compassion, inclusivity, and respect among the next generation of youth. In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli explore how youth advocacy is reshaping PR strategies and the tactics most effective in reaching young adults that are shaping the future.

What better way to launch season 3 than on The Pollack Group’s 40th anniversary?! In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli talk with TPG founder Noemi Pollack about the inspiration behind the launch of her successful agency.

Noemi founded TPG with a vision for a new kind of PR firm – one that would embrace four decades of meaningful work and client relationships. Tune in to learn more about this women-founded company as we celebrate 40 years of the Pollack empire.

This week, Kalli and Jenn chat with Josh Vittek, a PR pro who’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, like The Rolling Stones, Motley Crüe, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Josh shares how he got his start in the industry and what it takes to build a successful PR strategy for musicians. From dealing with high-pressure moments to staying ahead of the curve, he offers advice that’s perfect for both rising artists and anyone curious about the PR side of music. If you're looking for some insider tips, this episode is fu...

In this week’s episode, Jenn and Kalli dive into how to market your self-written business book. Roger Hurni, founder of Off Madison Avenue & Lighthouse PE and author of Outthink Outperform, shares his journey and practical advice on getting your book noticed. He talks about the first steps to take, how to stay organized, and what it really takes to get your book in front of the right people. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your book marketing, this episode has some great tips to help you make a real impact.

This week’s episode covers PR in the arts.

From working as Press Director of the Metropolitan Opera, to serving as Assistant Director of Public Relations and External Communications for Jazz at Lincoln Center, Rebecca Kim details her journey in the arts and what every budding PR professional should know about working for some of the most iconic names in the industry.

Fun fact: consumers purchase a product or trust a company due to the psychological markup in their brains. In fact, experts study how our brains respond to marketing stimuli to understand consumer habits.

In today’s episode, Jenn and Kalli are joined by Roger Dooley, author of Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and convince consumers with Neuromarketing and frequent Forbes contributor. Tune in to understand the basics of Neuromarketing and where the interesting concept will take our field next.

Kicking off 2025 with none other than Peter Shankman, the visionary behind HARO and his latest venture, SOS; an innovative tool every PR professional needs to connect with media and secure coverage.

This week’s imPRessions episode covers Peter’s entrepreneurial journey and what PR professionals need to know about the evolving media landscape.

Steering through the intricate world of public relations in the cruise industry is much like navigating a ship through unpredictable waters. It’s a field brimming with opportunities to craft unforgettable experiences, but it’s also one where challenges loom around every corner.

In this episode, Negin Kamali, Senior Director of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, takes us behind the scenes and shares her expertise on how she charts the course for successful travel PR.

Journalists often make the career switch to public relations to leverage their storytelling skills and media relations expertise. But what does this transition really look like?

In this week’s episode, Tim Moynihan, an award-winning tech journalist with a career spanning WIRED, CNET, PCWorld, and TechTV, joins the podcast to discuss his leap from journalist to PR professional, the differences between the two dynamic fields and how to pitch like a pro.

This week’s episode covers an incredibly important topic – safety.

Liat Kaplan is the mind behind Wisp (formerly My Bouncer), a groundbreaking product designed to protect adults in vulnerable situations at bars and nightclubs. Discover how marketing and compassion intersect to create solutions that empower and change lives, especially for women.

Pop culture loves to show PR as a whirlwind of red-carpet events, A-list celebrity management, and high-stakes crises solved in mere hours by a small, mighty team. But how much of that is reality?

This week’s imPRessions episode welcomes Brandon Cox, an experienced PR, marketing, and communications executive to help us set the record straight on what TV and movies get right – and wrong – about the world of public relations.

Most of us indulge in reality TV here and there, so this week’s episode should excite those who enjoy the strategic gameplay of Survivor or the unfiltered drama of The Real Housewives.

Veronica Pope, a seasoned writer, executive producer, and showrunner with a wealth of experience working behind the scenes of our favorite reality shows, joins us this week to unpack how reality shows create compelling, unscripted narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

For entrepreneurs, a personal brand is crucial in ensuring your target demographic not only resonates with your business or product offering, but also your individual values.

This week’s episode welcomes Adrienne Wallace, Managing Partner & Practice Lead at INterview, to uncover the essential elements of building a personal brand and what strategies are useful to craft a story.

Networking is no longer limited to in-person events or local connections. If the pandemic taught us anything, professionals across various industries can rely on digital platforms to build their careers, share knowledge, and open doors to new opportunities.

LinkedIn became the catalyst for networking, revolutionizing how professionals connect and grow. In this week’s episode, Jenn and Kalli discuss how the social platform has transformed networking and what the future holds for professionals, especially those in marketing, with LinkedIn’s Senior Director, Klayton Kopecky.

In today's world, companies have a responsibility to ensure their messaging resonates with people from all walks of life. Through targeted campaigns, strategic partnerships, and authentic engagement, the role of PR and marketing extends beyond brand promotion—it becomes a driving force for social progress and equality. In this week's episode, we cover how brands can effectively engage diverse communities with Michael Kay, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at Match Group's ARCHER and OkCupid.

Have you ever been curious about joining a PR association? There are many national and local PR chapters for both budding and seasoned experts to join.

Today's episode welcomes Matt Rizzetta, President of the New York City Public Relations of America chapter. From discussing membership benefits to uncovering how to become a board member, today's conversation explores how joining an association can propel any PR professional's career.

Are you interested in the powerful intersection of PR and the sports industry?

Today’s episode is for you. We’ll uncover how strategic communication, brand management, and fan engagement drive success on and off the field. Ryan Kantor, Director of Partnership Sales for the LA Clippers, explains in detail how PR and marketing campaigns build loyal communities and create unforgettable moments. Grab your headphones and get ready to learn how to score big with PR in the sports marketing arena.

Many budding PR professionals often want to delve into working for nonprofits or associations to give back to their communities. While conducting PR for a charity or philanthropic group is rewarding, it can undoubtedly impose many challenges as well.

Lauren McMillin is the PR and Communications Manager for the American Camp Association, and while conjuring campaigns to excite parents and camp professionals about the benefits of camp is thrilling, working for a legacy nonprofit is a delicate art that takes a unique skill set. Today, Lauren covers how to effectively communicate to stakeholders and relevant audiences and...

Influencer marketing has reached new heights in recent years, with an increase in brand partnerships to reach new audiences. But what makes a social media post resonate with followers?

Ellyce Fulmore, influencer, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, joins imPRessions to uncover the key ingredient needed in influencer marketing: authenticity. Today, listeners will learn how to appeal naturally to audiences and what brands can do to ensure they are in partnership with an authentic ally.

What do you REALLY know about PR?

From pitching, to copywriting, to hosting client events, the PR industry is multi-layered and media relations is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’ve ever wondered about the different sectors within the PR industry, this episode is for you. Kim Marcus, a dynamic PR leader who has worked for Kin Insurance, Bob Evans Farms, Scotts Miracle-Gro, among others, shares the different verticals a PR professional can explore when starting out their career.

Resiliency is essential in any field, but especially so for those working in public relations. Whether managing the high expectations of top-tier media coverage or navigating through a PR crisis, resiliency is critical in keeping composure through turbulent PR times.

Peter Rea is Vice President of Integrity and Ethics at Parker Hannifin Corporation and joins us this week to share how leaders can support their teams through stressful times and how PR professionals can combat stress through tough times.

To learn more about resiliency in PR, purchase Peter’s book, Better Humans, Better Performance at: ht...

Before social media display ads and AI, marketing consisted of print ads and billboards. Today, digital marketing has become so much more.

In this week’s episode, Jenn and Kalli were joined by Jocelin Schultz, Director & head of media and digital capabilities at Kenvue, and who has led a voice to a variety of digital marketing campaigns for notable brands such as Johnson and Johnson, Unilever, Charles Schwab, and more. Join us as we dissect the fundamentals and trends of the digital marketing landscape.

We’ve seen plenty of businesses decide to rebrand their look and messaging. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. David Dancer has led his voice and expertise as a marketing expert across various industries, and in today’s episode, he dissects what companies can do to rebrand successfully.

Whether facing a change in the market or just ready for a refresh, David explores the dos and don’ts of rebranding.

Jay Baer is a master public speaker who joins imPRessions this week to chat about mastering the art of captivating audiences. From hosting virtual events to giving a live keynote to an audience of thousands, Jay's insight will make even the timidest speaker a pro in no time. It's no wonder that Jay holds the title of being an inductee into the Halls of Fame for professional speaking.

Plus, he loves tequila—what more is there to like?!

Season two of imPRessions is here and in our first episode, Jenn and Kalli chat with Chris Enriquez, a music industry professional who leads programs for legendary music media brands such as Revolver Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, Alternative Press, and more.

Today’s episode covers the art and science of brand collaborations; what makes a partnership a success, how to navigate the challenges of authenticity, and emerging trends in the industry.