Visibility Era
e’re your hosts, Bridget Aileen Sicsko and Lydia Bagarozza—a marketer and publicist obsessed with all things PR, media, communications, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. Each week, we interview media insiders, think magazine writers, editors, top podcast hosts, as well as standout brands who’ve mastered the art of visibility. We dig into how they did it, so you can too.
How to Get Local PR for Your Small Business (Even Without a Publicist) | Ep108
Want to get featured in your local paper, magazine, or even on your town’s morning show? ✨
In this video, I’m teaching you how to land local PR that actually builds trust, visibility, and credibility—without needing to hire a publicist or have a huge following.
Perfect for small business owners, product brands, and personal brands who want to grow their name right where they live.
🎯 Here's what you'll learn:
✅ How local PR is different from national press
✅ Where to pitch your story for the best chance of coverage
✅ Real angles journalist...
How To Create A Viral PR Campaign with Strong Backlinks w/ Kristyn Pilgrim | Ep 107
In this episode, Lydia sits down with Digital PR and Content Marketing Specialist Kristyn Pilgrim to unpack how SEO and PR intersect—and how to actually use that to your brand’s advantage.
Kristyn shares her journey from journalist to agency director to independent PR pro, known for creating viral campaigns that earn top-tier, highly syndicated coverage in outlets like The New York Times. Together, they dive into:
What backlinks really are (and why they matter for PR)How to create a viral, data-driven campaign that earns both press and SEO valueThe power of blog posts, repo...How to Get Press for Your Product: PR Tips for Beginners | Ep106
Want to get your product featured in gift guides, roundups, or online articles? 🛍️✨
Before you send a single pitch, there are a few things you must have prepared to make your brand press-ready.
In this video, I’m breaking down Product PR for Beginners...specifically what you need before you pitch to editors, influencers, or podcast hosts. This is perfect for product-based business owners who are ready to grow their visibility but don’t know where to start with PR.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
✅ What media outlets are looking for from product brands
How This Entrepreneur is Solving Loneliness With a Card Game ft. Kate Terentieva | Ep 105
In this episode, Bridget & Lydia chat with Kate Terentieva, founder of Off The Record—the card game designed to deepen connection through real conversation. And yes, we do play Off The Record during the episode!
Kate shares how she got her start in the fast-paced world of advertising and rose to become a creative and art director for iconic brands like WhatsApp, Calvin Klein, Converse, and Four Seasons Hotels. While working closely with founders and startups, she discovered her unique ability to turn small talk into meaningful conversation. That gift, combined with her years of creative experience, ev...
How This Entrepreneur Trusted a Career Pivot that Led Her to PR for the World Cup and Top Athletes | Ep 104
In this episode, Lydia sits down with Carolyn Baqué. Born in France and fluent in the language of sports PR, Carolyn is the co-founder of 22 Agency, a new image PR firm representing athletes with strategy and soul.
With over a decade of experience across media and sport, Carolyn helps players become more than performers, but her journey didn’t start here. She once dreamt of being a TV journalist… until she realized that dream wasn’t truly hers. That moment of clarity led to a powerful redirection, one that brought her to working in PR for the World C...
3 Things to Do Before You Pitch the Press | PR Tips for Product Brands & Personal Brands | Ep103
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 visibility moves you need to make before pitching the press—whether you're a product-based business or a personal brand.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why aren’t my pitches working?” — this is likely why.
✅ How to clean up your digital first impression
✅ What assets to have ready (like bios + product photos)
✅ How to clarify your message so you sound media-ready
This is exactly what we walk clients through in our Personalized PR Plan, and today, I’m giving you the foundation for free.
🎯 Want a cus...
How to Write a Media Pitch That Gets You Press, Podcasts & Interviews | Ep102
Want to get featured in the media, land brand deals, or book interviews? 🎤
It starts with knowing how to write a killer media pitch. In this video, I’ll break down the exact elements of a stellar PR pitch—so you can stand out, sound professional, and actually hear back from journalists and podcast hosts.
✅ Learn what to include (and what to leave out)
✅ Discover the subject lines that get opened
✅ See the structure I use for clients and my own brand
✅ PLUS: The biggest pitch mistakes most small business owners make
If you'r...
Personal Branding IS Personal: HOW TO Create A Brand You Love | Ep 101
In this episode, Lydia sits down with Carly Schroeder, her close friend, creative director, designer, and co-founder of House of Creatives—for a real conversation on what it actually takes to build a brand you love.
They dive into:
- How rebelling against the corporate world sparked Carly’s path to entrepreneurship
- Why your brand message should reflect you, not sound like every other business in your industry
- Why branding isn't just a logo (think language, website, colors, vibe, and personality)
- The importance of clarifying your message before diving into desi...
Navigating PR During Sensitive Times: What to Say (and When to Stay Silent) | Ep 100
In this episode, Lydia sits down with Media Relations Expert, Nic of Lunch & Co to unpack how to approach sensitive story angles in PR—especially when it comes to politics, natural disasters, and social issues.
They dive into:
how to know if a brand is truly doing good work vs. just greenwashingmarketing tactics that use value-driven messaging (for better or worse)how to decide what you’re personally comfortable speaking on as a founderYou’ll also hear thoughtful tips on when to speak up—and when it’s better to let others have their momenthow to pitch nuan...Timely PR Story Ideas That Get Small Businesses Featured | Ep99
Want to land free publicity for your small business? 🚀 It all starts with pitching the right story at the right time.
In today’s video, I’ll teach you how to find timely story angles that journalists actually want—and how small business owners can pitch smarter, not harder.
✅LINKS:
Grab our free Trending Story Angle Calendar Guide: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/freebie
Qwoted: https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOP
Featured: https://www.featured.com
HARO is back! https://www.helpareporter.com/?pStoreID=techsoup/1000
✅ Learn what timely p...
Sisters Reveal The Truth About Authenticity in Business! | Ep 98
In this episode, Lydia brings on her sister Elena, who is a VP and Account Group Supervisor at a global pharmaceutical advertising agency. They dive into a candid and fun conversation about work, life, and everything in between—corporate edition. You'll get a peek into their cute & hilarious sister dynamic while picking up some gems along the way.
What they cover:
Qwoted’s New Press Release Tool Explained | Free vs Paid + Better Than PR Newswire? | Ep97
Thinking about sending a press release but overwhelmed by the cost of PR Newswire or Business Wire? In this video, I break down Qwoted’s brand-new press release distribution tool, which gives small business owners and personal brands two powerful options—one of them completely FREE.
Sign up on Qwoted: 👉 https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOP
You’ll learn: ✅ What Qwoted’s press release feature is
✅ How the free and paid options work
✅ When to use a press release (and when not to)
✅ How Qwoted compares to traditional PR platforms like PR Newswire
✅ Why...
Our Unmedicated Birth Center Story: First-Time Parents Share the Surprises, Challenges & Blessings | Ep96
In this episode of the Visibility on Purpose podcast, I bring my husband and greatest supporter on the podcast to open up about the raw, real, and beautiful story of our first birth experience — unmedicated and at a birth center. From unexpected twists to the sweetest moments, we talk about what truly surprised us, the challenges we faced, and the biggest blessings of becoming first-time parents.
We talked about...
💛 our birth story & goals
💛 the biggest challenges & surprises
💛 how this season is the BEST yet
💛 our fears prior to baby
💛 why we decided to have a baby
We Just Wanted to Catch Up…But Ended Up Talking About Taxes?! | Ep95
In this episode, Lydia and Bridget catch up, and somehow, it turns into a conversation about finances—because, well, tax season will do that to you. 😅 But we didn’t just talk about money! We also dove into social virality, marketing, PR tips, and a Costco dupe you need.
We cover:
😂 Celebrating Bridget’s first viral YouTube moment—what happened, why it worked, and the chaos that followed
💸 Finances for entrepreneurs (shoutout to The Financial Dad 👀)
🤔 Do we actually need a financial advisor yet, or are we getting ahead of ourselves?
😵💫 The real side of taxes when you're self-e...
"What is a Press Release? When to Use One (and When NOT To!) | Ep94
Are press releases still worth it for small businesses and personal brands? 🤔 In this video, I break down exactly what a press release is, when you should (and shouldn’t) use one, and what to do instead if you’re trying to get media attention! This is one of our most asked question from our audience, so we knew it was time to share more about them.
We covered...
✅How to write a press release
✅Do press releases still work?
✅Press release vs media pitch
✅DIY PR for small business
✅What to include in a pres...
Lydia's Fiancé CRASHES Our Podcast About Their Trip to Buenos Aires! | Ep93
In Today’s Episode - Lydia’s fiancé, Spencer, comes on the podcast for the first time to talk about their recent trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. What started as a wedding invitation turned into one of their favorite trips filled with incredible friends, food, rich culture, beautiful neighborhoods, and unexpected surprises.
📍 Tune in for:
A behind-the-scenes look at Argentine weddings 🎉💃
Best neighborhoods to visit in Buenos Aires 🏙️
Must-try Argentine food & drinks 🥩☕
Travel hacks for exchanging money & safety tips 💰🔒
Spencer’s take on the Spanish dialect in Argentina 🗣️
You can watch this episode on Youtube...
How to Make Your Personal or Product Brand Newsworthy | Ep92
Want to get your brand featured in top media outlets, podcasts, or TV? Most brands think they’re newsworthy—but journalists, podcast hosts, and TV producers often disagree. In this episode, we break down what ACTUALLY makes a brand press-worthy and how you can position yourself for media success.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
👉Why most brands struggle to get press (and how to fix it!)
👉The difference between big brands vs. small brands when it comes to PR
👉How to create a viral moment that gets media attention
👉The exact storytelling techniques that make journalist...
2025 PR & Social Media Marketing Trends - Getting Featured has changed! | Ep91
Today's episode was all about the 2025 trends~ for PR & Marketing!
We're noticing things like....authenticity over polished facades & why genuine storytelling matters more than ever!
In This Episode:
🎯 Authenticity Over Hype: Learn how authentic content is replacing fake social media posts and why real stories create stronger connections.
🎯 Framing & Positioning: Discover the art of positioning your product in a way that truly resonates with your audience.
🎯 The Qwoted Revolution: Find out how platforms like Qwoted are changing the game, offering innovative opportunities for brands to get featured.
🎯 Getting Featured: Practical tips and strategie...
PR Strategies for Therapists & Counselors | Ep90
Today's episode is super specific—so if you are a therapist, psychotherapist, counselor, licensed clinical social worker, these tips are FOR YOU!
Send to your fellow therapy friend!
Want to get featured in the media and establish yourself as a go-to expert in mental health? In this video, we’re sharing 5 simple PR strategies for therapists, counselors, and psychotherapists to build authority, attract more clients, and grow their practice.
📌 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to get featured in major publications and podcasts
✅ The power of guest interviews and expert co...
Should you Pay to be Interviewed on a podcast? | Ep89
Should you pay MONEY to be on a podcast? In this episode of Visibility Era, hosts Bridget and Lydia delve into the controversial topic of whether guests should pay to appear on podcasts.
What we chatted about⬇️
- How Charging guests alters the dynamics of a podcast.
- How Building relationships is more valuable than monetary exchanges.
- How not all podcasts that charge guests have a large audience.
- How ROI should be a key consideration when paying for podcast appearances.
- How There are various ways to monetize a podca...
Bridget's Top Tips to Put Your Brand on the Map in 2025 (ft. baby Aidan!) | Ep88
How to Put Your Brand on the Map: Top Tips for Visibility and Growth ft baby Aidan!!!
In this video, we’re sharing top tips to put your brand on the map and gain the visibility you deserve. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or creative looking to stand out, these proven strategies will help you amplify your reach, build credibility, and create buzz around your brand.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🤘 What It Means to "Put Your Brand on the Map": Discover the key components of visibility and PR -- why it’s cr...
Bridget's Back: What To Expect When Having Your First Baby As An Entrepreneur | Ep 87
Lydia and Bridget are back for their first conversation of the year together! If you've been following along with our journey, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, we dive into:
Bridget’s birth experience in late DecemberNavigating maternity leave while co-running a businessThe reality of balancing entrepreneurship and new motherhoodHow Bridget and her husband are adjusting to their new lifeThe uncertainty of what’s next—and why that’s okayHow Lydia is handling Visibility on Purpose while Bridget is awayTune in for an honest and heartfelt...
How Partnerships, Brand Deals, and Collaborations Can Transform Your Business | Ep 86
In this video, about How Partnerships, Brand Deals, and Collaborations Can Transform Your Business, we dive into the game-changing potential of teaming up with the right people and brands. Partnerships, brand deals, and collaborations each play a unique role in helping entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses reach new audiences, add credibility, and increase revenue.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🤘What They Are: Understand the differences between partnerships, brand deals, and collaborations—and how each can bring unique value to your brand.
🤘Key Benefits: From expanding your reach to boosting trust and generating revenue, we’ll cover why c...
Why Thinking Like an 'Artist' Can Skyrocket Your Social Media Success w/ Courtney Weimer | Ep 85
In this episode, Lydia chats with Social Media Manager and Content Creator Courtney Weimer, diving into the idea that we’re all artists in our own right! What started as a discussion about the nitty-gritty of work and navigating the pandemic naturally evolved into a beautiful conversation about how we should really approach our social media.
When we say “artist,” we don’t mean you need to be skilled in painting, singing, or sculpting. It’s about embracing the inner artist we all have access to—the creativity that drives authenticity and connection.
What we cover in...
Should You Start a Podcast or Focus on Being Interviewed? Here's What To Think About | Ep 84
Should you start your own podcast or focus on being a guest on other shows? 🎙️ In this episode, Bridget Aileen Sicsko dives into the benefits—and challenges—of each option, helping you decide which one best aligns with your goals (hint: it might be both!).
As the founder of Visibility on Purpose, Bridget shares insights on the creative control, audience-building potential, and brand authority that come with hosting your own show. She also explores how guesting can expand your reach and boost credibility without the commitment of managing a podcast.
Whether you’re considering launching your own po...
Starting a Digital Magazine—Is It Worth It? with Emily King | Ep83
Emily and I first met through an online community...as one does LOL!
I loved her multi-faceted background as a breathwork teacher & marketing consultant as well as her passion project...an online magazine called "The C Word."
In this episode, we talked about..
Em is a...
What 2024 Taught Us about Ourselves & Success | Ep 82
As the new year approaches, Lydia and Bridget reflect on the challenges they faced in 2024 – and how those very challenges became some of their biggest blessings.
In this episode, we dive into:
How 2024 taught us the power of trust – and why trusting each other 100% changed everythingThe $24k client we walked away from (and why it was the best decision for us)How embracing the art of not giving a F*** became our shining starRecognizing our habit of "pushing" and choosing a different pathThe plans that didn’t go as expected (shoutout to our NJ event snow-out and th...Earned Press, Scammy DM "PR" and Press Releases with Christina Nicholson | Ep81
Have you ever gotten one of those scammy DM "PR" pitches in your Instagram inbox? Well you're not alone. And in today's episode former TV Reporter/Journalist turned Publicity Expert, Christina Nicholson, pulls back the curtain on the media industry.
We talked about...
Thanks to https://www.instagram.com/lisasimonerichards/ for c...
How To Go Viral & Create a Multi-Million Dollar Brand w/ Strategist, Emily Davis | Ep80
In this episode, Lydia is joined by Emily Davis, a social media and branding expert! Emily is a coach inside Rebelle Nutrition, Amie Tollefsrud's brand (aka the @lazymillionaireofficial with 260K Instagram followers). Lydia and Emily connected through Amie’s membership, Selling Social, where Emily blew them away with her expertise. Today, she's spilling the tea on all things social media strategy—juicy, timely, and hot tips you won’t want to miss! What was meant to be a 35-minute chat turned into an hour because the conversation was just. that. good.
What we cover:
- Creating social me...
Building a Go-To Market Strategy for CPG Brands with Danielle Calabrese | Ep79
Have a product company? Maybe you're in the validation stage and wanting to understand more of what it really takes to get a brand off the ground. If Whole Foods and other major retailers are your major goals, this episode is a must-listen!
Danielle has been in the CPG F&B space for 16 years and has commercialized/launched several hundred products like De La Calle Tepache (literally one of Bridget's favs!), Green Juice Brands and even bakeries. She recently launched It's All Happening, an agency that helps brands launch and accelerate.
In this episode, we t...
Are Marketing & PR the same? It's Confusing! Tayler spills the tea! | Ep78
P.S. Black Friday Sale is HERE! https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/blackfriday
Today, we sit down with Tayler Cusick Hollman, founder of Enji—a marketing software for the small business owner to talk about the differences between Marketing & PR.
Are they the same? What's different? Hear what Tayler learned over the years!
- The difference between marketing and PR
- 2 PR Tactics that worked and 1 that failed miserably
- Why most business owners don't get steady leads
- How her SAAS marketing platform, Enji, came to be
Connect wi...
How One Press Feature Led to a HUGE Opportunity for This Business w/ Isaac Mashman | Ep 77
In last week's episode, we shared responses from business owners who answered our Qwoted request "how press has impacted their business." Well, Isaac Mashman's response truly blew us away, so we invited him on the show. In this conversation we discussed:
✨ How one press feature led to a speaking engagement in front of a huge crowd
✨ Isaac's journey of "following the breadcrumbs" in business
✨ Embracing the art of the career pivot
✨ How to position yourself and be a personal branding genius
✨ Why people are drawn to those "going somewhere" rather than those who’ve already made...
We Asked Businesses How Press Impacted Them & Heard AMAZING Stories | Ep 76
In today’s episode, we dive into real stories from small business owners who’ve experienced the powerful impact of press features firsthand. We asked them, "How a press feature impacted your business?"—and the responses were so freakin' inspiring.
Here’s a glimpse of what they shared:
Client bookings sold outSales increased dramaticallyBrand awareness skyrocketedInvitations for speaking gigs rolled in...And so much more. Tune in to discover what it really looks like to get featured and reap the benefits.
Sign up with Qwoted for FREE: https://app.qwoted.com/users/sign_up?signu...
How To Prepare for Maternity Leave as a Business Owner w/ Bridget | Ep 75
In this week’s episode, Lydia sits down with cofounder Bridget Aileen Sicsko to discuss a rarely talked about topic in the entrepreneurial world: maternity leave. Bridget shares her journey of preparing for this major transition and opens up with a candid reflection: "I told Eric, if I wasn't an entrepreneur, I probably would have had kids already."
Together, they cover:
✨ The mental and emotional preparations she’s navigating for this big life change
✨ Physical change, especially as a lifelong athlete
✨ Key financial strategies she’s putting in place at home
✨ How the team at Visibi...
Halloween Special: How to Use Your Astrological Sign for Business Success & Visibility w/ Jackie Tempera | Ep 74
This Halloween season, we’re thrilled to welcome back our dear friend and fellow astrology enthusiast, Jackie Tempera! Together, we explore the unique strengths and qualities of each zodiac sign and share how you can channel that energy to amplify your business, visibility, and PR strategy.
Get ready for an episode that’s as hilarious and fun as it is insightful and eerily accurate! Settle in with your favorite oracle cards and a cozy cup of tea, because this one’s a must-listen.
Want to jump straight to your sign? Here are the timestamps:
Arie...PR Secrets Revealed by Industry Leader of TaleSplash, Amy Jackson | Ep 73
Curious about how PR can elevate your business? This episode is a must-listen!
We had the pleasure of chatting with Amy Jackson, PR expert and founder of TaleSplash, a boutique firm that helps emerging tech, health, and lifestyle brands make their mark through powerful media exposure. With decades of experience growing global brands as storytellers and digital strategists, Amy's approach is like having an extension of your own team. Her clients regularly land coverage in top outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and NBC.
In this...
Sell Products? Here's everything you need to know about Affiliate PR with Liv Dellanno | Ep72
If you own a product company (CPG) in the beauty, lifestyle, health and wellness space—you have to be all ears.
Okay guys, this one is a DO NOT MISS episode of the Visibility Era podcast.
Liv Dellanno runs a boutique affiliate PR agency called Mystik PR. Her clients have been featured in publications like Buzzfeed, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Real Simple, Byrdie + more.
In this interview, I asked her everything about...
- Affiliate PR (What does that even mean and how does it work?)
- Best/Preferred Affiliate Platform fo...
Top TV Publicity Tips with Former TV News Anchor, Kerry Barrett | Ep71
This was a FUN one, it was like we were truly peeling back the curtain to newsroom life. Kerry Barrett, former TV News Anchor, used to spend her days waking up at 12:30am (yes you read that right!!) to start her work day at the station. She spent her 20 year career in the morning news for top stations that you likely know the name of.
Here's what we chatted about!
How To Get Featured on Top Publications with HARO & SOS founder, Peter Shankman | Ep 70
We had the pleasure of speaking with media legend, Peter Shankman. He is the original founder of Haro (help a reporter out), now SOS (source of sources), a very helpful tool that we use every day to pitch ...and teach inside our programs!
Peter is not only a media legend, but he's also someone who was diagnosed with ADHD later on in life. Learning this information gave him so much clarity on the way his brain naturally functions. In this episode, Peter opens up about how ADHD wasn’t always recognized as his superpower, and how embracing hi...
Bridget's Top 5 Business Lessons As An Entrepreneur for Almost a Decade | Ep69
Join Bridget on her own entrepreneurial journey and learn the things she's found most important over the years as an entrepreneur.
Here's a sneak peak of the 5 lessons....
JOIN THE MASTERMIND: www.visibilityonpurpose.com/pitchparty
Want a Personalized PR Plan? (includes: a custom PR pitch, curated list...