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.

Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Breakup PR Battle

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

11/27/24 • 18 min

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 control through cryptic messages and measured statements, Barstool Sports personality LaPaglia takes the opposite approach, sharing raw, emotional details about their relationship and its end.

Their public split crystallizes a pivotal moment in celebrity PR, where old-school privacy collides with new-age authenticity. The drama intensified with revelations about Bryan's presence on exclusive dating app Raya and LaPaglia's explosive claims about a potential non-disclosure agreement, sparking broader conversations about power dynamics in modern celebrity relationships.

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 Molly → @MollyMcPherson
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.

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246: Breaking the Paywall: A Free Membership Offering in the Cancel Culture Era

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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.

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271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

12/12/23 • 50 min

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 and PR pros - John Perenack and Warren Weeks. This episode covers everything from significant advertising blunders to historical corporate crises. It's a mix of the obvious stories you'd expect on this list as well as some surprises. We're discussing what went down, who got hit the hardest, and what it all means for their reputation and bottom line. This episode really digs into the nitty-gritty of PR and crisis management.

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277: The Inside Scoop: The Day I Became a Boston Globe Headline

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

02/07/24 • 52 min

‘Who’s holding those strings’: Molly McPherson goes viral on TikTok for decoding celebrity PR strategy. - Boston Globe, Dec. 25, 2023
Seeing my name next to the words 'viral' and 'TikTok' is nothing short of terrifying.
In this final episode, the tables are turned when I sit down for an interview with the Boston Globe's Dana Gerber for a feature story highlighting my work as a creator on TikTok. Judging by the comments that appeared alongside the story, I was a hit!
GoodBob

12/25/23 - 8:51PM

Congratulations to Molly on capitalizing on the ‘who could care less ‘ market - good for you!

Okay, maybe not.
This episode reveals the intricate balance of managing one's own public relations in the digital era, especially when personal and professional realms intersect.

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253: Lizzo's Legal Troubles: Analyzing the PR & Legal Challenges Amidst Harassment Accusations with Emily D. Baker

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

08/08/23 • 67 min

In the latest episode of the "Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson," the spotlight is cast on Lizzo. We're exploring the complex layers of her recent legal and reputation troubles. This in-depth analysis delves into allegations against the pop sensation, encompassing claims of coercion, weight-shaming, racial discrimination, and sexual harassment faced by her dancers.
With an expert perspective from internet's renowned legal analyst, Emily D. Baker, the episode dissects the contradiction between these allegations and Lizzo's public image, the nuances of the lawsuit, and the potential ramifications on her brand. The episode also emphasizes the importance of transparency in court proceedings and its role in shaping public perception. This podcast not only informs but equips listeners with tested PR strategies to navigate the tumultuous terrains of crisis management and brand reputation.
Mentioned in this episode:

Emily D. Baker
- "Analyzing Lizzo's PR Crisis Management Response" TikTok @mollybmcpherson

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Behind the Oscar Curtain: Scandals and Apologies

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

03/05/25 • 23 min

The 2025 Academy Awards weren’t just about golden statues—they were a golden opportunity to survive a PR crisis. From a rumored affair between two co-stars, resurfaced blackface performances to the growing debate over artificial intelligence in filmmaking, this year’s Oscars put the industry’s ethical dilemmas front and center.

How did major nominees handle the heat? Taking a closer look at how these Hollywood players navigated public backlash and owned—or avoided—their past decisions. These moments aren’t just about damage control; they’re reshaping how audiences view performance, ethics, and storytelling itself. So, can artistry exist without controversy in a world that’s always watching? Let’s unpack it in this episode.

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252: Behind Closed Doors: Unraveling the PR Spin of Celebrity Affairs

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

08/01/23 • 42 min

Ever wondered how celebrities handle allegations of infidelity and the intricate dance of public perception? This episode might just quench your curiosity. We journey through the scandalous world of celebrity affairs, from the rumored affair of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater to infamous cases like Tiger Woods, Brad Pitt, and former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer (with an unexpected e connection to a popular social media influencer you may know from TikTok.) Discover how these celebrities, with the help of their PR teams, maneuver through these crises, attempt to salvage their reputations, and sometimes even utilize these incidents for personal gain.
Throughout this episode, we'll also examine the historical context of celebrity affairs as we step back to that monumental and controversial relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Remember when they met on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" while Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston? Based on a controversal interview, Pitt likely would prefer you didn't.
As we wrap up this episode, we leave you with a thought-provoking perspective on the world of celebrity affairs. Unmask the truth behind these scandals, understand the role of power, fame, reputation, and money in relationships, and consider the importance of public apology and atonement. Navigate the messy world of celebrity affairs with us and get a unique insight into the strategies employed to manage public perception. Remember, this episode is not an endorsement of infidelity, but an exploration of its PR spin in the celebrity world.

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265: Setting the Record Straight: How Media Can Help You Move On From The Past

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

10/31/23 • 32 min

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 harnessing the power of social media platforms can be a double-edged sword. Done correctly, it allows you to share your perspective and control the story surrounding you, but improper use can perpetuate misunderstandings and escalate tensions.

Molly provides actionable steps and strategic advice on how to own your narrative responsibly. By understanding the implications and reach of different platforms, you can better craft your message to effectively communicate your truth. Molly’s insights make it clear that it is not just about what you say, but how and where you say it, that makes all the difference in how your story is understood and received.

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276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

01/24/24 • 40 min

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 after the release of her second album, “Fearless.” Since then she has been following Taylor from country pop-start to a dominated figure in our culture.

In this episode of the "Allegedly" series, Vanessa and Molly discuss Taylor’s PR from her early days of running her own Myspace to her and Travis Kelce’s full-on PR push, this episode has no blank spaces.

Links:

Follow Vanessa Grigoriadis:

https://twitter.com/vanessagrigor

Vanessa’s Rolling Stone Profile on Taylor Swift:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/the-very-pink-very-perfect-life-of-taylor-swift-107451/

Vanessa’s Podcast: Infamous:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/infamous/id1652941051

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260: Blind Gossip, Spin Tricks, and PR Ploys: The Murky Waters of Media Manipulation

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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.

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FAQ

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

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson currently has 416 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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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com

Top 10 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson Episodes

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FAQ

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

What topics does The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson cover?

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

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

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

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

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