GRC PR 360

Laura Hutfless is co-founder of FlyteVu, a full-service entertainment marketing and creative strategy agency in Nashville. Laura started FlyteVu in 2015 following a 15-year career as a talent agent at WME and CAA. Under her leadership, FlyteVu has created culture-shifting campaigns that have earned an Emmy, a GRAMMY, multiple Clio Awards, and a spot on the Cannes Lions shortlist. On this episode, Laura shares insights on scaling a company, focusing on the human and emotional challenges, implementing new systems, and changing organizational soundtracks to foster growth and unity.

Key Takeaways:

- Challenges of scaling a...

Steve Weintraub is the Chief Strategy Officer at Vet Tix and a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel with more than 30 years of service. He is responsible for marketing the Veteran Tickets and 1st Tix brands, with work spanning public and community relations, campaigns with teams and bowl games, OHH efforts, and events and shows. In this episode, we explore how Vet Tix is making a significant impact by providing free event tickets to veterans, active service members, and first responders, highlighting the importance of community support and effective communication.

Key Takeaways:

- How...

Sharon Toerek is a marketing and intellectual property attorney who helps independent marketing, digital, PR, and creative agencies protect their assets and turn their ideas into revenue. She is the founder of Toerek Law, a firm dedicated to marketing agencies, where she focuses on intellectual property, smart contracts, and regulatory compliance. Sharon also hosts The Innovative Agency podcast and serves as a trusted legal partner to agencies and communities across the United States. In this episode, Sharon Toerek shares insights on how agencies can leverage legal strategies to protect their assets, increase profitability, and navigate the evolving landscape of...

Samiha Fariha is the senior associate at Golin Ketchum, where she supports clients including Staples Canada, Schneider Electric, ADP Canada, Specsavers, and the LEGO Group. In addition to her agency work, she serves as Communications Chair on the Canadian Public Relations Society’s Toronto board, where she leads member engagement and communications strategy. She also teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Chang School as a professor, where she designed the Media Relations course to reflect the evolving communications landscape. In this episode, Samiha shares expert insights on crafting compelling media pitches, building effective media lists, and navigating emerging trends in p...

Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Podcast Solutions, the powerhouse agency behind podcasts for Amazon, Deloitte, Cirque du Soleil, and The Wharton School. Jen’s background spans journalism, radio, fiction, and theater—and she now helps brands tell meaningful stories that move audiences and shape perception. In this episode, Jen shares expert insights on creating compelling branded podcasts. Discover how to craft authentic stories, engage niche audiences, and leverage creative formats to elevate your brand through podcasting.

Key Takeaways:

- How brands can expand how they think about podcasts

Sarah Cullen is the founder of SideCar Public Relations, a nationally recognized full-service communications firm based in Denver. Founded in 2011, the firm works at the intersection of economic development, commercial real estate, and placemaking, offering in-house expertise in public relations, social media, stakeholder engagement, events, digital communications, and more. In this episode, Sarah shares insights on the power of specialization in commercial real estate PR, the importance of human connection in communication, and how the industry is evolving in good (and questionable) ways through AI.

Key Takeaways:

- The importance of specialization in PR<...

Julie Lilliston is Founder & President of Julie Lilliston Communications, an award-winning, nationally certified woman-owned public relations firm in Nashville. It helps businesses enhance their reputation, build their brand, and grow market share. Her firm specializes in executive visibility and thought leadership programs for small businesses. On this episode, Julie discusses how businesses can build their reputations through executive visibility campaigns and the state of women in PR.

Key Takeaways:

- How Julie helped save the Treasury Department $450 million

- The power of thought leadership campaigns

- The current state of...

Rich Boerner is an award-winning audio creator, producer, voice talent, and best-selling author whose career has taken him from a pirate radio station on Long Island to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more. Along the way, he's worked alongside A-list talent and with major networks including Spotify, Audacy, FOX, and CBS. From 2001 to 2007, he worked with Tod at 97.1 KLSX Los Angeles, the home of "The Howard Stern Show" and "The Adam Carolla Show." These days, he's the co-founder of The Sandbox, a private podcast network and curriculum program designed to help middle school students...

Rich Boerner is an award-winning audio creator, producer, voice talent, and best-selling author whose career has taken him from a pirate radio station on Long Island to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more. Along the way, he's worked alongside A-list talent and with major networks including Spotify, Audacy, FOX, and CBS. From 2001 to 2007, he worked with Tod at 97.1 KLSX Los Angeles, the home of "The Howard Stern Show" and "The Adam Carolla Show." These days, he's the co-founder of The Sandbox, a private podcast network and curriculum program designed to help middle school students find their voices...

Lauren Kwedar Cockerell is the founder and president of Kwedar & Co. and host of "The Impatient Entrepreneur" podcast. She's a PR strategist who helps entrepreneurs and business leaders turn their expertise into credible, visible brands through thoughtful public relations and clear communication. She works with founders across industries to uncover the stories inside their businesses and turn them into meaningful visibility, thought leadership, and long-term trust. On this episode, she shares the art of storytelling in the manufacturing space, why PR is all about saving jobs, and the lessons she's learned as a podcast host.

Key...

Dorie Klissas is the Founder & President of Dorie Klissas Media and the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at LiveOnNY. Over her career in PR and as a producer on "The Today Show," Dorie has vetted over 100,000 pitches and knows what makes a story pitchable. In this episode, Dorie Klissas shares the art of creating pitchable stories, the importance of well-organized reporting, and how to manage crisis communications in healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

- Crafting pitchable stories

- Crisis communication strategies in healthcare

- Turning press officers into reporters

...

Becky Lawlor is the Founder & Principal at Redpoint Insights. She partners with B2B tech firms to elevate their market presence and brand recognition by producing original research and authoritative insights. With over a decade of experience, her approach has helped scale pipeline growth and enhance industry authority for top-tier tech companies such as Adobe, Samsung, IBM, and Fivetran. In this episode, Becky shares how she uses research-based content creation, original data, strategic research planning, and storytelling to help brands build authority. 

Key Takeaways:

- How original research builds credibility

- Why d...

David Barkoe is the Founder & CEO of Carve Communications, and with over 25 years of experience as a PR and digital marketing executive, he has developed, managed, and executed strategic communications and consumer engagement campaigns for some of the world’s most influential brands and innovative startups. In this episode, David shares insights on the virtuous cycle of media relations, the importance of earned media in the AI era, and effective executive communication strategies.

Key Takeaways:

- How David worked with clients in God, sports, drugs, and education simultaneously

- The Virtuous Cycle of...

Vince Galloro is the Principal at Sunrise Health Communications, where he creates media relations, thought leadership, and corporate communications strategies for companies partnering with healthcare providers. In this episode, Vince shares insights into how healthcare companies can leverage press releases to generate earned media, his transition from journalism to healthcare PR, effective storytelling strategies, and the importance of data-driven press releases.

Episode Timeline:

1:40Vince's Transition from journalism to healthcare PR

4:00Vince's favorite stories that he's covered

6:15How journalism skills benefit PR strategies

8:25Overview of Sunrise Health Communications

Josh Inglis is the founder and principal of Propllr, a PR and content marketing firm that helps B2B technology companies build trust to more effectively increase sales, attract talent, and raise capital. He’s also been named by Business Insider as one of the top people in Tech PR. In this episode, Josh shares insights on building credibility in the AI era, effective strategies for thought leadership in B2B tech, and how to stand out on AI search. 

Key Takeaways:

- Building B2B credibility

- The Trust Engine Framework 

Matt Hurst is the Head of Global Corporate Communications at Quest Software. He’s a data-driven, results-oriented tech and AI communications professional who’s been described as "a triple threat" for leading work across external, internal, and executive communications. On this episode, Matt shares insights on communicating complex tech and AI concepts to the public and internal teams, his unique journey from sports writing to tech PR, and his appearance on "Wheel of Fortune."

Key Takeaways:

- Communicating complex tech and AI ideas

- What it's like to be on "Wheel of Fort...

Scott Braswell is a Public Relations Associate at Launchpad Creative. Launchpad partners with financial services firms on tailored marketing, branding, and social media initiatives, helping them launch into their next phase of exponential growth. Before entering the PR world in 2021, Scott spent 6-plus years in the broadcast media as a reporter and play-by-play announcer. In this episode, Scott shares his journey from sports journalism to PR, highlighting how broadcast skills translate into effective public relations strategies. 

Key Takeaways:

- The transition from sports journalism to PR

- How to build credibility

Chris Jones is the Senior Vice President at Pierpont Communications. Chris partners with clients to craft strategic communications supporting major transactions, internal initiatives, and crisis management. With 25 years of experience and an engineering background. In this episode, Chris shares expert insights on crisis management, including FEMA-certified communication strategies, and the importance of message discipline.

Key Takeaways:

- Message discipline and trust in crisis

- Developing crisis communication plans

- FEMA crisis communications certification 

Episode Timeline:

1:45What's it like to be the calmest person in the r...

Ryan Bowling is the head of two global agencies, THRILL Communications and the newly launched Local Action Marketing, providing on-the-ground marketing services to international sporting associations and brands looking to navigate and activate around major LA global sporting events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. In this episode, Ryan shares insights on leveraging global sporting events to create impactful brand stories, navigating international markets, and crafting emotional thrills. 

Key Takeaways:

- Strategies for on-the-ground activation during the 2028 Olympics

- Building international partnerships and navigating cultural nuances

...

Apurva Sarkar is head of AI strategy at DKC Analytics, where he develops and executes comprehensive technical page optimizations, content creation strategies, and online brand-building opportunities for multiple clients. On this episode, he discusses the how brands can adapt their strategies to stay visible in a rapidly changing AI-driven search environment.

Key Takeaways:

- Strategies for brand visibility in AI search

- The role of social media and user-generated content in AI visibility

- AI search market share and trends

Episode Timeline:

1:25The evolution of...

Erin Dolin is the Executive Vice President of The Fletcher Group, a PR and content marketing agency that drives action and long-term impact. As a former journalist and reporter, she has a unique view of the current media landscape, which she recently discussed in a compelling blog post titled "Earned Media's Moment Comes with a Responsibility,” which she discusses on this episode.

Key Takeaways:

- The role of PR in supporting journalism

- The future of journalism

- Challenges in online publishing and content distribution

Episode Ti...

David Dickey is the CEO of the Patriot Group, a high-end executive and senior engineer search firm for aerospace, defense, and drone talent. With over 30 years of experience in aerospace and defense, David brings a rare blend to the executive search world: part founder, part operator, part coach, and 100% committed to helping companies hire elite leadership talent. In this episode, David shares insights into hiring trends in aerospace and defense, the importance of leadership, and the impact of stealth-mode startups. 

Key Takeaways:

- Current hiring needs in aerospace and defense

- Stealth m...

Stephen Francy is a Vice President at Rubenstein Public Relations, where he leads national and global campaigns across technology, defense, AI, aviation, finance, culture, and emerging industries. He works with founders, CEOs, and public figures to shape narratives at key inflection points—launches, breakthroughs, crises, and category shifts. In this episode, Stephen shares insights on storytelling, humanizing technology, and staying ahead in emerging tech fields like AI, quantum computing, and flying cars. 

Key Takeaways:

- Humanizing complex technology through storytelling

- The advent of quantum computing 

- Taking a stand in t...

Adam Belmont is the founder of A to B Strategies, a communications consultancy where he merges his big-agency experience with the nimbleness of a solopreneur. He’s also “The Podcast Guy” who helps his clients get booked on top-tier shows. In this episode, Adam recounts his journey from agency work to creating his own consultancy. He also shares how to craft compelling brand stories, the art of podcast pitching, and the importance of authenticity in social media content.

Key Takeaways:

- Adam's transition from agency life to independent consulting

- Crafting compelling brand st...

Jodi Holzband is the founder of Classic Bart PR + Communications. A 20-plus-year PR veteran, Jodi started her company to help B2B technology companies cut through the noise, tell stories that appeal to their target audiences, and increase brand recognition. In this episode, Jodi shares her insights on effective B2B PR strategies, the importance of storytelling, and how startups can leverage research and awards to build credibility.

Key Takeaways:

- B2B PR strategies for tech companies

- Working with high-growth companies

- Using awards to showcase growth

Jason Flack is the CEO and Founder of Collective OS, which connects firms with vetted partners so they can win more opportunities, offer more services, and capture more revenue—without hiring or more overhead. He's a serial entrepreneur, focused on helping agencies foster real, meaningful connections that create win-win scenarios for all. In this episode, Jason discusses how trusted partner networks are reshaping agency operations, enhancing flexibility, and leveraging AI for competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

- The rise of collectives and trusted partner networks

- How AI is changing the agency landscape

Yury Molodtsov is the COO & Partner at MA Family, leading communications for tech companies such as Miro and Flipper Zero. He's also the creator of Five Finds, a weekly newsletter about the interesting things he discovers at the edge of the Internet. In this episode, Yury shares how startups should approach PR, crisis communication, and how to build a successful newsletter.

Key Takeaways:

- How to create a successful newsletter

- Why AI is no longer a differentiator

- Effective crisis communication strategies

Episode Timeline:

1:30...

Rodrigo Schmitt holds a PhD in Space Systems Engineering from Purdue and leads Stellerian’s commercialization strategy as Chief Commercial Officer. He specializes in translating complex mission needs into clear offerings, building partnerships across defense and commercial space, and driving customer discovery, pricing, and go-to-market strategy for on-orbit operations. He's also the co-founder of RocketPy, a widely used Python-based rocketry simulation library. In this episode, Rodrigo shares the latest on space exploration, rocket simulation, and his unique experiences from backpacking the Grand Canyon to analog Mars training missions. 

Key Takeaways:

- Developments in space exp...

Matt Levinson is a seasoned communications strategist with over 30 years of experience in public relations and journalism. Since joining O'Connell & Goldberg PR in 2000, Matt has brought his expertise to a variety of agency clients, including national real estate companies, celebrity resort and restaurant openings, and universities. Matt is also the current Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Florida Retail Development Council and serves on the Board and Governance Committee for Path to College, a nonprofit dedicated to helping driven, low-income students achieve their college dreams. In this episode, Matt shares insights on crisis communication, community engagement, and the evol...

Kenyada Meadows is the founder of the Executive Parent Company and has over 25 years of experience leading risk and compliance teams on Wall Street. As an executive coach, he teaches how to maintain high performance without becoming a "Hollow Man," a leader who looks successful on the outside but feels empty on the inside. On this episode, he discusses his new book: The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance, the importance of work-life balance, and the tell-tale signs that someone is likely to commit fraud. 

Key Takeaways:

- W...

Danielle Mileno is a seasoned communications executive with over 20 years of experience driving brand equity and reputation for premier global companies, and is currently the Managing Director and Head of Consumer PR at M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment North America. On this episode, she discusses the rising popularity of Formula 1 among luxury consumers, the importance of building authentic relationships in micro communities, and the role of cultural power in effective PR strategies. 

Key Takeaways:

- F1's appeal to luxury consumers

- Cultural power is about shaping what people care about

Kody Gurfein is the Chief Marketing Officer at Exiger, where she leads an award-winning marketing team that drives revenue growth, educates commercial and government stakeholders on critical supply chain issues, and transforms how the market thinks about risk management and AI. In this episode, she discusses Exiger's growth, mission, and innovative tools, such as ForcedLabor.ai, aimed at addressing forced labor in supply chains. Kody emphasizes the importance of clear communication in marketing, as AEO grows in importance, and offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the field. 

Key Takeaways:

- Mentorship and sponsorship a...

Pete Gosling, Founder of Gosling Media, LLC. is a technology-driven marketing leader with 20 years of experience, specializing in combining strategic vision with hands-on execution. In this conversation, Pete discusses his new book 'Relentless Impact' and the significant changes brought about by AI in the marketing and PR industries. He focuses on the historical context of today's advancements, why everyone is a bit ADHD these days, and why leadership is lacking in the AI era.

Key Takeaways:

- AI's effect on the comms world

- Keeping up at a time of rapid change

Barret Wertz, the New York Post Group's Senior Editorial Director of Commerce, is a lifestyle media veteran with over 15 years of experience in editorial, branded content, and celebrity collaborations. In this episode, he shares insights on building a personal style, the role of gift guides in commerce, and the challenges of navigating Google’s algorithm. He also provides a perspective on current economic trends and consumer behavior, with a focus on value-driven purchasing.

Key Takeaways:

- How a sense of style can help you with personal branding

- The current state of th...

Aaron Berger is the Co-Founder and Principal of A/M Partners, a boutique communications consultancy helping companies tell stories that move markets. In this episode, Aaron discusses the evolving landscape for startups in the AI era. He also emphasizes the importance of cohesive messaging, the role of PR in building brand awareness, and the challenges startups face in navigating the media landscape. 

Key Takeaways:

- Why PR is essential for startups

- The key pivot startups need to make

- Why personal relationships are important in the AI era 

Brooke Kruger, the founder of KC Partners, a leading communications search firm, has a deep grasp on what’s happening in the job market, what skills are in demand, how hiring is evolving, and what both companies and job seekers need to succeed. On this episode, she discusses current communications hiring trends, the impact of AI on the job market, the importance of emotional intelligence, and common interview mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

- Why comms hiring is back post-COVID

- How AI is affecting the comms job market

- How to...

Mike Harris, COO & Partner, UPRoar PR by Moburst, has helped hundreds of brands—from early-stage startups to global enterprises—launch products, build credibility, and navigate today’s fast-moving media landscape. In this episode, Mike shares how he helped grow UPRoar PR from a boutique startup into a nationally recognized, award-winning agency now partnered with Moburst. He also discusses how he helped Hyperice grow from a Kickstarter campaign to a $2 billion company and how AI is changing brand management. 

Key Takeaways:

- Mike's past work as an NFL field producer

- The importa...

Tim Gray is the Strategic Communications Advisor at Intelligent Relations, an AI-powered PR agency that helps brands earn meaningful media coverage. Before moving into PR, Tim spent more than two decades as a business and technology journalist, writing for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, VentureBeat, and CNN. In this episode, he shares insights into how Intelligent Relations’ Preston AI platform enhances PR workflows and simplifies pitch creation—while emphasizing the importance of balancing AI with human intelligence. Tim also explores the art of storytelling in PR and outlines his approach to thought leadership.

Key...

G.C. Murray II, Esq., is an acclaimed attorney, executive coach, and the author of A Greater Change: A Nonprofit Guidebook. Honored by the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association for his integrity and leadership, he offers a unique blend of legal insight and communication strategy. In this conversation, G.C. shares how his background in law gives him unique insights into PR, how to manage your reputation in the AI era, and the loneliness problem in the C-suite. 

Key Takeaways:

- How law and PR are related

- The p...

Lilly Cortes Wyatt is the visionary founder of SociosPR, an innovative integrated communications firm renowned for its cultural competence expertise. With a diverse team, SociosPR collaborates with private enterprises and public agencies, forging meaningful connections with varied communities. On this episode, Lilly shares why cultural competence is so important in 2025 and the dead giveaways that PR agencies are missing the mark. Also, a look at the competitive world of voice-over acting and Lilly's thought-leadership philosophy. 

Key Takeaways:

- Keys to cultural competence

- A look inside the world of voice-over acting