• Episode 29 -- The Beat Down on Gen X
    Dec 27 2024

    Why is Gen X battling a beat down online currently?

    Join me today as we explore what's happening through the practice of stakeholder analysis.

    You'll learn how to "seek first to understand" about the smallest of the adult living generations, and you'll get to "know thy stakeholder" through the lens of historical, social and cultural shaping, and the insights lived experience provides.

    This exercise in stakeholder analysis is not only somewhat entertaining, but it's a best practice that will encourage respect for diversity and help your organization build relationships that build business.

    Come on! Let's dive in for some more PR learning love!

    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Episode 28 -- PR Mail Bag Q&A
    Nov 30 2024

    PR Mail Bag Q&A (with Bonus Recipes!)

    After that heavy helping of trust problems we've dished out over the past three weeks, today's episode is going light and a bit random with our mail-bag format.

    Today we dive into a cornucopia of common questions we get from clients, podcast listeners, new professionals, students and sometimes business leaders with no PR experience.

    We'll dig into which branch of PR is the Big Wheel of them all, what hiring leaders need to consider when scouting new PR talent, why PR pros leave organizations, and what do those letters "APR" mean.

    No notepad needed today. Just kick back, languish in your Thanksgiving Day foodie hangover and ponder the philosophies of public relations.

    RECIPES AS PROMISED:

    Roasted Butternut Squash with Sausage and Spinach

    https://www.crazyblondelife.com/blog/61sq2ztcdhdumwox53ea780xh7ui5b?rq=BUTTERNUT%20SAUSAGE%20

    Easy Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

    https://biteswithbri.com/garlic-rosemary-focaccia-muffins/

    Cranberry Brie Bites

    https://www.wellplated.com/brie-bites/

    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • Episode 27 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part III
    Nov 23 2024

    THE NATIONAL TRUST DEFICIT - PART III

    The U.S. trust deficit is permeating across all of our most-influential American institutions, from government to big business to public health to education and the news media.

    And there are some valuable lessons to learn in studying this wide-spread deficit.

    But throwing more storytelling, more messaging and more content creation at the problem is fruitless. In fact, following that advice may only dig the hole deeper.

    All of the above tactics add up to nothing more than a new verbal varnish on the same old mind set that got us where we are today.

    But there is a road to redemption. And while the strategy to get there may not qualify as rocket science, it apparently isn't common sense either.

    Join us today for the final episode in our National Trust Deficit series -- and learn what important steps lie ahead in restoring trust in our American institutions.

    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Episode 26 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part II
    Nov 15 2024

    Welcome to this episode of IT'S A PR THING, where we tackle Part II of our series on the U.S. National Trust Deficit.

    In Part I, we learned the data that's defining the national trust deficit, but this week we dive into the reasons why -- straight from the public -- and how their lack of trust is impacting and reshaping American life.

    And it boils down to one simple concept that appears to be missing in the public's relationship with all of these institutions.

    But the road to redemption is still in sight, yet the first step on that journey requires us to understand and act.

    And every organization that represents these U.S. institutions of influence can help to carry that banner.

    So hit that button and let's dive into some PR learning tough love.

    Show more Show less
    20 mins
  • Episode 25 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part I
    Nov 8 2024
    The National Trust Deficit - Part I

    Today we’re starting a series on TRUST.

    If you've have been following the public discussion, you know we have a trust deficit in high gear right now.

    It's actually a global issue, aggravated by the public’s perception of how the pandemic was handled.

    But we're going to cover the trust deficit from a U.S. perspective - and connect the dots so you can see this trust deficit is not simply due to a singular issue, or industry; or the presidential election or confined to either the public or private sector.

    It's a multi-faceted issue that runs the gamut across government, business, education, the healthcare field and the news media. And every PR professional needs to be awake and aware of how this is impacting society.

    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Episode 24 -- Anheuser-Busch: A Case Study in Corporate Activism
    May 15 2023

    The Anheuser-Busch recent marketing campaign stirred up a lot of conversation and action from consumers -- on both sides of the issue. Now company marketing executives are on "leave," consumers across the board are angry, a boycott is in progress, sales and stocks are down, and other Anheuser brands are feeling the impact as well.

    All of this begs the question: Should PR pros be pushing corporate activism? Today we play the game of Survey Says to get some insights on what consumers actually think about corporate engagement in political and social issues.

    Every PR pro should be in tune with this data.

    Grab a pen and paper, and take some notes today as we dig in to some more PR learning love.

    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • Episode 23 -- The Tougher Side of Being a New PR Professional
    Apr 19 2023

    Tanner tackles the tougher side of being a new PR professional

    Leading without authority, imposter syndrome, and more

    Tanner Sizemore hosts today's episode of IT'S A PR THING and tackles the hurdles and quandaries inherent in being a new PR pro who's working to grow personally and professionally.

    Today Tanner is asking the questions, and he's digging into how to lead without authority, how to handle that nagging feeling of imposter syndrome, how to survive micromanagement and how to work into more responsibility.

    Being a new professional in the PR field is no easy road. There are big expectations and high pressures. But, as Tanner draws out in today's interview, those honing experiences can help you become a sharp professional over time.

    Learn more about Tanner. Send Tanner an encouraging message about his debut in hosting the podcast: tanner@mcfarlandpr.com

    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Episode 22 -- East Palestine: How To Host an Arrest-free News Briefing
    Mar 9 2023

    EAST PALESTINE DERAILMENT

    How to host an arrest-free news briefing.

    On February 8, a NewsNation reporter was arrested at a news briefing in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment had occurred, resulting in the burning of toxic chemicals that created havoc for the small Ohio community.

    What led to this arrest, and how could frustrations and irritation on the ground escalate into something that went so wrong, so fast and in such a big way? Professionals who work crisis management often have to deal with tense media situations. So how can you keep that tension from escalating into confrontation? Today we’ll walk through five practices that can help to build relationships with reporters on site at a crisis news briefing, reduce tension, and create cooperation and even opportunity for collaboration.

    Lots to unpack here today, so grab a pen and your note pad — and let’s dive in for some more PR learning love.

    Show more Show less
    14 mins