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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com

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.

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Top 10 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

This episode delves into a legal and PR showdown that's making headlines. The unfolding drama between NFL veteran Michael Oher and the two families famously depicted in the film "The Blind Side" takes center stage.
Episode Highlights:
The Blind Side Revisited
The episode begins by revisiting the heartwarming yet controversial film "The Blind Side" and its portrayal of the real-life story of Michael Oher. The core of the episode delves into the legal intricacies surrounding Michael Oher's lawsuit against the Tuohy family. The episode analyzes the claims, counterclaims, and potential consequences for both sides as they navigate this complex legal landscape.
Behind Closed Doors: PR Maneuvers and Media Strategies
A detailed exploration of the PR strategies employed by both parties emerges as they wage not only a legal battle but also a battle for public opinion. From crisis communication tactics to reputation management, the episode dissects each side's strategic moves to sway public sentiment in their favor.
Media and PR Lessons: From Crisis to Resilience
This segment draws parallels between the unfolding events and the broader realm of crisis communication. The episode raises questions about the PR lessons that can be gleaned from this case and how individuals and organizations can construct a reputation that withstands challenges in turbulent times.
Beyond the Headlines
As the episode concludes, reflections on the intricate legal battle and the interplay of PR strategies come to the forefront. Valuable insights are provided to empower listeners to confront their own PR challenges head-on and emerge stronger in the face of adversity.
Don't forget to subscribe to the "Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson" on your preferred podcast platform, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
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01/09/24 • 43 min

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 PRSA, and Immediate Past Chair of PRSA. Boasting over three decades of communication experience, Michelle brings a substantial depth of understanding to the evolving PR landscape.
Our conversation covers the significant changes currently shaping the industry, delves into the critical role of PRSA in steering professionals through these dynamic times, and examines the strategic plans that are charting the path forward. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the field of public relations, from those just starting their journey to seasoned veterans. Join us as we explore the future of PR, discussing how to effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities within this ever-changing industry.
Learn more about the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the nation's leading professional organization serving the communications community.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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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 interviews. Her inconsistent narrative about her marriage serves as a striking example of the potential repercussions of failing to align public statements with the truth. The episode offers a comprehensive look at the complexities of managing both a personal life and a public persona. It draws invaluable lessons on the importance of factual, consistent storytelling, particularly when under public scrutiny.
Building on that, the episode also features an in-depth discussion with an industry insider who recently spoke to The Wrap, a renowned Hollywood publication. This segment uncovers the weighty moral and ethical responsibilities celebrities carry when they comment on complex geopolitical matters. Through a personal experience involving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, our guest reveals the dangers and pitfalls of speaking on topics one may not be entirely educated on. The conversation serves as a cautionary tale emphasizing the importance of due diligence before taking any public stances, especially on polarizing issues.
Together, these discussions provide actionable strategies and penetrating analyses that are useful not just for celebrities, but also for politicians, social media influencers, and business leaders. As all of these groups must navigate the perilous tightrope of public expectations while maintaining personal integrity, this episode serves as an essential guide for anyone interested in mastering the art of public communication.

Jada Pinkett Smith Interviews: The Cost Of Inconsistent Storytelling Molly McPherson, (2023, October 18) Forbes.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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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, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. From the glitz and glamour to the challenges and controversies, this conversation is packed with juicy insights and fascinating stories from the world of celebrity culture.

Highlights from this episode include:

  • Vanessa's firsthand accounts of interviewing Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift, and the fascinating dynamics behind the scenes.
  • Learn about the art of celebrity image management, from strategic PR tactics to the role of entourage members in shaping an artist's career.
  • The evolving landscape of celebrity journalism in the age of social media, and the new challenges and opportunities it presents for both celebrities and the media.

In our "Behind the Headlines" segment, the big takeaway from this episode is the delicate balance between maintaining control over one's public image and navigating the perils of internet scrutiny. As we explore the world of celebrity journalism with Vanessa Grigoriadis, we uncover the complexities of fame, reputation management, and the ever-changing media landscape. Join us as we peel back the curtain and reveal the fascinating truth behind the glossy magazine covers and star-studded interviews.
For more info on Vanessa Grigoriadis: http://www.vanessagrigoriadis.com
Listen to Vanessa's podcast, Infamous: Inside America's Biggest Scandals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/infamous/id1652941051

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 256: Meghan Markle: Decoding Recent Moves & PR Decisions
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08/29/23 • 18 min

In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast, host Molly McPherson delves into the recent moves and PR decisions of Meghan Markle. Molly shares her insights and analysis on the infamous Duchess, discussing her journey, challenges, and the lessons we can learn from her.

Highlights:

1. International Interview: Molly begins the episode by recounting her recent appearance on Australia's longest-running morning breakfast news program, the National Today Show. She talks about the nerves and tech issues that come with live interviews and shares her positive experience interacting with the hosts.

2. PR Missteps: The interview focused on Meghan Markle's PR decisions and perceived missteps. Molly addresses the notion that Meghan has made one bad PR decision after another and highlights the importance of maintaining a relatable and approachable narrative for public figures. She mentions incidents like the security incident and the end of Meghan and Harry's Spotify deal, which have contributed to the perception of inconsistency and vulnerability.

3. Power Move: Molly discusses Meghan Markle's recent move to talent agency WME and the significance of being connected to high-profile talent manager Ari Emanuel. She explains how this move can raise Meghan's profile and potentially pave the way for strategic opportunities. Molly also touches on Meghan's podcast endeavors and the challenges she faced in securing high-profile guests, making a case for why a different approach might suit her better.

Beyond the Headlines: One of the key takeaways from this episode is the impact of media scrutiny and social media judgment on public figures like Meghan Markle. Molly emphasizes the need for a coordinated PR strategy to counter these challenges and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public perception.

Don't forget to subscribe to the "Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson" on your preferred podcast platform, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 273: 2023's Unforgettable Celebrity Scandals: A Year in Review
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01/02/24 • 30 min

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 rewind button and explore the twists and turns of 2023's scandalous celeb behavior that kept publicists on their toes and the rest of us following along closely.
Here are your top five most popular episodes of the year. (Thank you, listeners!)

Top Five Episodes:

  • Episode 1: This episode was a favorite of mine as well.
  • Episode 2: All aboard.
  • Episode 3: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors
  • Episode 4: Apologies, denials, and online disasters.
  • Episode 5: An end-of-year favorite with two of my favorite media guys.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 246: Breaking the Paywall: A Free Membership Offering in the Cancel Culture Era
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06/20/23 • 18 min

What if you could connect with your audience and experts like never before? Discover the incredible new platform called Five that's backed by big names like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. I'm your host, Molly McPherson, and I'm thrilled to share how this game-changing app allows me to engage with my audience and answer your burning questions about public relations, crisis management, popular culture, news, and more. Join me in the Five community and let's dive into some valuable discussions!
But wait! There's more!
We're also tackling the complex world of cancel culture and crisis management, using Jessica Mulroney's recent return to Good Morning America as a prime example. Who gets to decide when someone is truly "canceled?" Explore different types of crises, from predictable events to those that spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. Learn how intense scrutiny from the press, online communities, or even strangers can lead to a loss of control over a narrative, ultimately sparking a crisis. Listen in as we navigate these challenging topics and share invaluable insights to help you become indestructible in your PR endeavors.
[00:01:36] Community engagement through Patreon on industry changes.

[00:04:35] Free membership removes content paywall pressure.

[00:08:40] Favorite content shared on Patreon platform.

[00:10:36] Brands and celebrities face constant crises.

[00:15:06] Unexpected events impact businesses and individuals.

[00:16:50] Scrutiny escalates quickly, reporter digs deeper.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - From Fairytale to Firestorm: Disney's Snow White Under Scrutiny
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03/19/25 • 24 min

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 diverse actors playing dwarfs gave way to CGI stand-ins, triggering questions about authenticity. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance and Zegler’s pro-Palestine comments added extra fuel to the fire, turning a simple fairytale remake into a cultural flashpoint.

Disney’s cautious marketing approach suggests an attempt to manage the uproar, but critics wonder if transparency and proactive engagement might have quelled the blowback. The movie itself is drawing early praise, which raises the question: does good storytelling prevail over controversy, or do larger social debates overshadow the final product?

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - 260: Blind Gossip, Spin Tricks, and PR Ploys: The Murky Waters of Media Manipulation
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09/26/23 • 26 min

In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson, diving into the intriguing world of media manipulation and celebrity PR tactics.
The Power of Oprah: Despite her success as a businesswoman, Oprah Winfrey is still closely associated with her talk show roots. Discussing how Oprah's relatability and ability to connect with women made her show incredibly popular and how that has shaped her public image. But...what's behind the sudden interet in weight shaming and rapid weight loss?
Beyond the Headlines: Molly takes a deep dive into some timely and intriguing PR stories, such as the dispute between Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas over their children's residence. She discusses the release of court papers, the planting of stories, and the impact it has on Joe Jonas' public image. She also touches on a journalist's coverage of weight loss drugs and the surprising lack of attention on this topic in news outlets.
Don't miss out on Molly McPherson's expert analysis and insights as she unravels the complexities of media manipulation and PR ploys in this thought-provoking episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast. Stay tuned for more "Beyond the Headlines" stories and the next "indestructible PR tip" to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of public relations.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson - Behind the Spin: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the High-Stakes PR Showdown
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01/08/25 • 45 min

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 tangled web of celebrity relations, PR strategies, and serious allegations of misconduct that threaten to overshadow their professional endeavors and alter the public's perception of both stars.
• Overview of the legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
• The role of social media in shaping public opinion
• Ryan Reynolds’ impactful presence in the narrative
• Analysis of the sexual harassment claims made by Lively
• Discussion on PR tactics and their ethical implications
• The fallout from the New York Times article detailing the smear campaign
• Exploring themes of power dynamics and accountability in Hollywood
• Reflection on whether lawsuits can salvage deteriorating reputations
Do you think lawsuits solve reputation problems? Will the reputation problems of Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively be solved by these lawsuits, or do they just pour gasoline on the fire?

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow me on Substack → Molly McPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

Follow & Connect with Molly:

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FAQ

How many episodes does The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson have?

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson currently has 412 episodes available.

What topics does The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson cover?

The podcast is about News, Tiktok, Society & Culture, Media, Leadership, Public Relations, Podcasts, Ceo, Business and Communications.

What is the most popular episode on The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson?

The episode title '245: Crisis Control: Unraveling Breaking News Stories for Tips on Mastering Public Relations Blowback' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson?

The average episode length on The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson is 29 minutes.

How often are episodes of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson released?

Episodes of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson?

The first episode of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson was released on Nov 13, 2018.

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