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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, revealing the hidden tactics at play. With her insider perspective, you’ll learn why these PR moves matter, who’s calling the shots, and whether they’re a success or a crash-and-burn moment. Expect sharp insights, straight talk, and an insider look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Episodes
306 episodes
297: From Voicemails to PR Moves: The Battle Between Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds
In this explosive episode, we delve into a Hollywood controversy grabbing headlines after a simple voicemail reignited the full-blown power struggle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds. Molly reveals how Reynolds' carefully ...
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43:52
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296: Takeaways from Trump's Inaugural Address: Key Highlights You Can't Miss
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, diving into Donald Trump’s second inaugural address and breaking down the PR strategies, rhetorical moves, and media messages woven throughout. From the decision to move the ceremony indoors to Trum...
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26:52
295: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is Bad in a Crisis. Here's Why
The episode examines the mismanagement of communication during the recent LA wildfires, focusing on Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the crisis and the subsequent erosion of public trust. Key lessons in crisis communication emphasize the need ...
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21:49
294: Behind the Spin: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the High-Stakes PR Showdown
Amid the glamorous yet ruthless world of Hollywood, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni find themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “It Ends With Us.” The episode explores the tan...
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45:45
293: Year in Review: 2024's Disasters, Recoveries, and Lessons Learned
They’re back and ready to dissect the year’s biggest communications fiascos. I’m joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenack, my Candian colleagues in crisis behind the Reputation Town podcast, to break down 2024’s most cringe-worthy PR disasters....
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1:01:15
292: Breaking Down Jay-Z’s PR Strategy In His Statement Denying Allegations
Is Jay-Z truly a victim? Or is this a masterful PR strategy?This episode analyzes Jay-Z’s bold statement denying recent allegations and the strategy behind his fiery words. Hear how Jay-Z frames the accusations as absurd and meritless while...
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22:32
291: Top 5 Controversies Surrounding Wicked Movie and Their PR Lesson
When controversies swirl, smart PR can turn turbulence into triumph. In this episode, dive into how Universal Pictures and the Wicked team transformed five headline-grabbing challenges into opportunities to strengthen the film’s buzz and audien...
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17:38
290: Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Breakup PR Battle
The Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chicken Fry" LaPaglia breakup has become a masterclass in contrasting PR strategies, pitting traditional celebrity discretion against modern social media transparency. As country music star Bryan maintains careful co...
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18:32
289: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown
On this revealing episode of The PR Breakdown, diving deep into the psychology of entitlement and its impact on both social media and real-world interactions. The analysis begins with the recent TikTok controversy surrounding influence...
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23:34
288: The Perfect Mess: Martha Stewart's Documentary Damage Control
Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her empire, the document...
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16:32
287: Election PR Showdown: Campaign Predictions with the Guys from the Reputation Town Podcast
It's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked-about PR moves and ...
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51:18
286: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the SpotlightThis week’s PR Breakdown Live episode on Patreon takes a deep dive into celebrity relationships, loyalty, and the challenge...
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14:03
285: The 3 Questions You MUST Ask Before Speaking to Any Reporter
This episode of The PR Breakdown explores whether individuals and organizations should always respond to reporters' inquiries. She presents a nuanced view of media engagement, highlighting key considerations before agreeing to an interview. The...
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21:23
284: The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we take a deep dive into the high-stakes PR strategy of a "100% Denial." This approach has long been used by celebrities, politicians, and public figures when facing serious accusations. But is it s...
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27:18
283: Low Places, High Stakes: Garth Brooks’ PR Crisis Amid Assault Allegations
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, digging into the PR crisis surrounding country music legend Garth Brooks. Two days before sexual assault allegations against him surfaced, Brooks posted a seemingly wholesome photo with his wife, Tr...
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17:00
282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms
September marks the beginning of scandal season, when politicians, celebrities, and the media heat up with controversy. In this episode, we break down the crisis communication tactics used by high-profile figures, focusing on New York City Mayo...
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31:26
281: Scandal, Power, and Abuse: RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed
What happens when high-profile figures like RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed find themselves at the center of public scandals? This episode unpacks the unsettling truths behind RFK Jr.'s sexting affair with political reporter Olivia N...
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26:39
280: The Hidden Meanings Behind Kate Middleton's Cancer Journey Video
In this episode of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson, Kate Middleton’s health update video is more than just an announcement. It’s a masterclass in PR, packed with hidden symbolism and subtle storytelling designed to reshape the pu...
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25:08
279: How Travis Kelce’s PR Team Turned A Fake Breakup Into A Win
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we'll delve into the fascinating world of celebrity PR and dissect one of the most strategic PR moves we've seen lately: the rumored breakup between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. However, as Molly ...
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26:40
278: Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin TimberlakeSummary:In this episode of The PR Breakdown, analyzing the recent PR moves surrounding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Following Timberlake’s ar...
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26:40
277: The Inside Scoop: The Day I Became a Boston Globe Headline
‘Who’s holding those strings’: Molly McPherson goes viral on TikTok for decoding celebrity PR strategy. - Boston Globe, Dec. 25, 2023Seeing my name next to the words 'viral' and 'TikTok' is nothing short of terrifying.
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52:51
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Journalist and host of the Infamous podcastt, Vanessa Grigoriadis joins Molly as they dive deep into the life, career, and public image of global pop star, Taylor Swift. Vanessa profiled Taylor Swift for Rolling Stone in 2009 right aft...
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40:22
275: Allegedly Series: Behind the Headlines Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
This is the inaugural episode of the Indestructible PR podcast series called, Allegedly. In this series, I take a critical look at the PR moves, media narratives, and survival tactics that celebrities use to circumvent a PR nightmare.<...
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48:22
274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
An episode about the profession of public relations for the practitioners who make it one of the most exciting fields to work in. In this episode, a discussion about the future of the public relations industry with Michelle Egan, APR, Fellow PR...
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43:09
273: 2023's Unforgettable Celebrity Scandals: A Year in Review
First episode for 2024! Hey there, PR pros and dedicated listeners! You won't want to miss this special episode where I dive deep into the year that left jaws on the floor with never-ending celebrity drama and crisis. Let's hit the ...
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30:17