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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
296 episodes
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
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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
272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview
Let's go behind the scenes of broadcast television, where a former producer joins us to reveal the tricks of the trade. Our guest David McAlpine takes us inside the world of anchors, reporters, producers, and bookers to find out what it takes t...
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1:09:14
271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review
Prepare to step back in time to revisit the top PR fiascos of 2023. Diving into the recent and semi-recent mishaps of the year and their enduring impacts. Joining Molly this week to breakdown the top crises of the year are two seasoned media an...
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50:32
270: Thin Ice: When Personal Conduct Comes Into Play - Navigating Crisis and Rumors in the Chicago Blackhawks Organization
The Chicago Blackhawks are in the process of terminating Corey Perry's contract due to unacceptable conduct, as part of addressing broader questions about the organization's culture. This episode examines their approach to managing rumors and c...
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39:41
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife
Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis. This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calcu...
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35:14
268: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors - My Definitive Take
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors explores the theory that their relationship might be a strategic PR move (or not) by comparing it with previous relationships Swift has had, and discusses the mutual benefits ...
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41:49
267: Blind Gossip: PR Trick or Truth? With guest, TikTok's Kyle Marisa Roth
Let's dive deep into the deceptive world of celebrity PR strategies, anonymous gossip, with special guest, the fascinating and hugely entertaining Kyle Marisa Roth- one of TikTok's favorite Blind Gossip creators.Here are three things yo...
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1:30:30
266: How to Write an Unforgettable Public Statement Honoring Someone's Life and Legacy
In the latest episode, we explore the delicate art of crafting heartfelt tributes. Motivated by Matthew Perry's passing and the notable silence from the "Friends" cast, we delve into the significance of memorializing individuals and the impact ...
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38:48
265: Setting the Record Straight: How Media Can Help You Move On From The Past
In today's episode, Molly delves into the nuanced process of reclaiming your personal narrative in the aftermath of betrayal, without resorting to revenge tactics. Utilizing Britney Spears' memoir as a case study, Molly emphasizes how harnessin...
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32:38
264: How to Get Your Story Right from the Start: Jada Pinkett Smith and the Cost of Inconsistent Storytelling
In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast, we delve into two critical aspects of public communication that often trip up those in the spotlight.First, we explore the case of Jada Pinkett Smith and her "Today" show interview...
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32:41
263: Celebrity Unplugged: Magazine Writer Vanessa Grigoriadis on Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, & Justin Timberlake
Dive into the captivating world of celebrity journalism with renowned magazine writer Vanessa Grigoriadis. Get ready to go behind the scenes as Vanessa shares her experiences interviewing some of today's biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Jus...
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56:50