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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
Ever wonder what's really happening behind those viral headlines and celebrity PR disasters? Step into the war room with crisis communications expert Molly as she dissects the week's biggest reputation battles, media meltdowns, and brand controversies.
Each week, Molly peels back the curtain on headline-making moments to reveal the strategic chess moves that shape public perception. From corporate crises to celebrity comebacks, she breaks down what works, what fails, and what it means for the future of reputation management.
Whether you're a PR professional, business leader, or simply fascinated by the art of reputation management, join Molly every week for the conversation everyone in PR is talking about. Subscribe now to master the strategies shaping modern reputation—one breakdown at a time.
Episodes
318 episodes
How Harvard Said No—and Made It Stick
This episode examines Harvard University’s April 2025 letter rejecting sweeping demands from the Trump administration—an act of resistance that was principled, measured, and strategically precise.The statement didn’t chase headlines or p...
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23:28
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Houston, We Have a PR Problem (And the Delicate Art of Proving You're Right)
A rocket full of high-profile women launched into space, but the real spectacle might’ve been the PR machine that sent it there. From Katy Perry floating with a daisy to Oprah crying on the ground, every moment of Blue Origin’s all-women flight...
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21:06
Behind the Music: Unraveling 'The White Lotus' Composer's Dramatic Exit
In this episode the spotlight is on the unexpected exit of Cristobal Tapia de Vere, the brilliant mind behind the haunting score from the hit HBO series, The White Lotus. This episode examines the emotional and professional tensions that simmer...
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17:06
Inside the Messaging Meltdown of the Signal Chat: From Denial to Damage Control
The SignalGate fallout isn’t just about an accidental group chat. It’s about the unraveling that happens when powerful people panic, deny, and deflect—all while trying to hold onto credibility in real time. This episode unpacks how a single jou...
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26:47
Strategically Vulnerable? Inside Meghan Markle’s Latest PR Move
This episode explores the calculated timing and emotional storytelling behind Meghan Markle’s latest media rollout. With a new Netflix series and curated social media posts emerging alongside headlines about Prince Harry’s visa status, the epis...
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21:03
From Fairytale to Firestorm: Disney's Snow White Under Scrutiny
The controversy swirling around Disney’s live-action Snow White runs the gamut from casting backlash to political tension. Rachel Zegler’s modern spin on the iconic princess ignited debates over “wokeness,” while leaked photos of diver...
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24:03
Breaking Down the One Word Fueling This Week's Headlines
In this episode, Molly McPherson takes you behind the scenes of crisis management, starting at SXSW. She reveals how this one single word came up in a week of speaking engagements. A word that can strip away layers of trust, ignite public outra...
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Episode 303
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21:18
Behind the Oscar Curtain: Scandals and Apologies
The 2025 Academy Awards weren’t just about golden statues—they were a golden opportunity to survive a PR crisis. From a rumored a...
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Episode 302
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23:43
The Secret Trigger Behind Every Crisis
This is the only thing you have to fear in a crisis. Listen as crisis and reputation strategist Molly McPherson explains what is at the heart of every crisis.Recorded late on a Friday— moments after her meeting with a client in crisis— M...
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Episode 301
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17:24
The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories
The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories OverviewIn this episode, Molly explores how celebrity stories are crafted and shaped behind the scenes, examining the key players and mechanisms that drive celebrity narratives i...
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Episode 300
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38:17
Taylor Swift's PR Strategy: Distancing from Blake Lively
In this episode of 'The PR Breakdown,' Molly delves into the intricate PR maneuvers and power plays behind the rift between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. Taylor Swift reportedly feels used in the ongoing legal tussle between Blake Lively, Ryan...
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Episode 299
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22:34
Analyzing Power Dynamics: Trump, Reynolds, and Jay-Z Under the PR Microscope
Dissecting the public relations and power dynamics involving three high-profile men who were in the news recently: Donald Trump, Ryan Reynolds, and Jay-Z. Let's take an impartial but critical look at Trump's controversial handling of a tragic p...
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Episode 298
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37:14
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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Episode 291
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17:38
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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Episode 290
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18:32
TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown
Molly breaks down the TikTok drama everyone is consumed with at the moment - two creators and their pajamas. Cecily and Samantha Bachman, whose launch of $98 holiday pajamas sparked intense public criticism and led to a problematic apology that...
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Episode 290
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23:34
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
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
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
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