The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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235: Turning Scandal into Opportunity: How Celebrities Can Leverage Their Time in the Spotlight Apr 11, 2023

In this episode, discussing how celebrities can turn scandal into opportunity and leverage their time in the spotlight to create positive change. We will explore different ways in which celebrities have used their platform to redeem themselves and make a positive impact on society.
Key Points From This Episode: The Anatomy of a Scandal

What are the different types of scandals that celebrities may find themselves in and how these scandals can affect their public image.
We will also explore how scandals can be a double-edged sword and how they can be turned into opportunities for growth and redemption.
Examples of celebrities who have turned scandal into opportunity
Discussed examples of celebrities who have successfully turned their scandals into opportunities for positive change: Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Ricky Martin.
Exploring how these celebrities were able to use their platform to redeem themselves and create a positive impact on society.

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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234: Sorry, Not Sorry: Exploring How CEOs Apologize During Employee Layoffs Apr 04, 2023

Sweeping layoffs were big news in 2022, and this shows no sign of slowing down in 2023. From Amazon to Salesforce, Twitter, Google, and more, major tech companies are making large numbers of employees redundant. Recently, Meta announced that it would be cutting 10,000 jobs (or roughly 10% of its workforce) in response to what CEO Mark Zuckerberg describes as “challenging market conditions.”
While layoffs can be challenging and emotional for both the employees affected and the leaders of those companies, the language used by CEOs in their statements can make a major difference in how these dismissals are perceived.
This week’s podcast addresses the language commonly used by CEOs in their layoff announcements, the importance of displaying empathy and humanity, and which terms leaders should avoid. Also covered is a handy framework to follow when crafting a statement regarding any changes that impact the future of a company and those who work there. Ultimately, the more information CEOs can provide to explain layoffs and what steps the company is taking to mitigate the impact on employees, the better!
Thanks to social media, disgruntled employees are now able to tell the world how they feel about being laid off, whether fairly or unfairly, and it’s your job as a leader to mitigate those outcomes. People are paying attention, and as you’ll learn from this episode, CEOs should see this as an opportunity to show some humanity.
Key Points From This Episode:

Why displaying empathy and understanding for dismissed employees is important.
Terms to avoid, including redundancies or cutbacks.
Corporate pet names, blaming outward, and other insights from The Washington Post about “how tech CEOs talk when they lay off workers.”
Victim-blaming language that tech CEOs use in statements and memos regarding layoffs.
Accountability, apologies, and vulnerability: why there needs to be less ego in the C-suite.
What you can learn from the missteps of “robotic” leaders who lack compassion.
Placing blame on broader economic factors rather than employees.
Own it, explain it, promise it: a framework for statements regarding changes in a company.
How CEOs can communicate a sense of hope and optimism for the future of the company.
Why the most basic requirement for any layoff announcement is showing humanity.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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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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233: PR Distraction and the Power of Goop: How Gwyneth Paltrow Shifted the Focus Ahead of Her Ski Crash Trial Mar 28, 2023

The Academy Award-winning actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow recently made headlines for a comment she made on a podcast about her daily wellness routine. This episode explains how information taken out of context is often the biggest obstacle faced by PR professionals and how this controversy seems to be an example of this. It then uncovers the potential reason why Gwyneth may have made this particular comment in the first place.
Find out about Gwyneth Paltrow’s current legal battle for her role in a 2016 skiing crash and how her PR team may be trying to divert attention away from it. Listen in for a better understanding of how this relates to keywords and SEO, and how you can use this tactic too!

Key Points From This Episode:

Hear the viral clip of Gwyneth Paltrow on the podcast The Art of Being Well.
How the TikTok clip was taken out of context.
Why information taken out of context is often the biggest obstacle faced by PR professionals.
How this was a well-timed, strategically placed interview.
Other controversial statements that Gwyneth Paltrow has made in her career.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Instagram story response to the controversy.
Why this seems to be an attempt to detract attention away from the story of her standing trial for a 2016 skiing crash.
Distraction as a tactic and how this relates to keywords and SEO.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about using this SEO tactic.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
#qwynethpaltrow shares her daily wellness routine on The Art Of Being Well
Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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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232: Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using AI to Write Your Press Release Mar 21, 2023

As AI continues to advance and become more accessible, the question of using it to write press releases is becoming more relevant. After a tweet posted by Molly on the topic of using AI for this purpose received almost 19,000 views, this episode breaks down the pros and cons of doing this. You’ll learn about how these tools can be helpful to you and what safeguards you can use to limit the damage you can cause through them. You’ll also learn about the legal, copyright, and privacy implications of using them. The fact that the PR industry is rooted in truth raises ethical concerns about using AI to generate its content. This podcast explores both sides of the argument to help you decide whether AI is the right choice for you when you write your press releases.

Key Points From This Episode:

The viral tweet that inspired this episode’s topic on using AI to write press releases.
The fact that the tweet was written by AI and thoughts on the ethics of this.
The fact that the PR industry is rooted in truth and the ethical concerns of using AI to generate its content.
Some of the benefits of using AI to write press releases.
Some of the risks of using AI to write press releases.
Why you should consider your needs and goals when you choose whether or not to use AI to write a press release.
Some of the responses Molly got to her tweet.
The legalities of using ChatGPT to write your press releases.
Questions of privacy when it comes to the use of ChatGPT or AI.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about why you should never try to pass off AI content as original.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Molly’s viral tweet about using AI to write press releases
220: What is ChatGPT and Why Is Everyone Obsessed With It? - Molly McPherson
© 2023 Indestructible PR® Podcast

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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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231: The Social Dilemma 2.0: Navigating the Next Generation of the Social Media Crisis Mar 14, 2023

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and consume information, and will continue to do so. The world of social media is ever-changing and, as we enter the next generation of social media, we need to adapt and learn new ways to respond to social media crises. In this episode, you’ll learn about the ways in which social media is changing, with the predicted proliferation of deep fakes and the ever-increasing influence of bots.
You’ll discover how to determine the best platform to target and how to respond to a crisis, as well as the ultimate key to navigating social media. Tune in to find out the appropriate crisis response for the new bot-driven world.

Key Points From This Episode:

Today’s topic: How to navigate the next generation of the social media crisis.
The challenge of navigating the ever-changing world of social media.
Axios writer Eleanor Hawkins’ take on the evolution of social media crises.
The unique nature of social media crises on different channels.
The move to short-form video on all social media platforms.
How to determine how to respond to a crisis.
The proliferation of deep-fake technology.
The algorithm challenge and the influence of bots.
The future of the social media crisis and the appropriate crisis response for the bot-driven world.
How to determine the best platform to target.
The key to navigating social media: using it.

Keywords/Tags:

The social dilemma, social media crisis, bots, algorithms, deep-fake,

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Social Dilemma Program

Axios: Global Twitter conversation around mis- and dis-information by Eleanor Hawkins.

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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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230: Dilbert Done: Creator Scott Adams Dropped After Racist Rant Mar 06, 2023

Context is everything.
February 22nd, 2023, cartoonist Scott Adams aired an episode of his nightly podcast that would turn his career on its head. The creator of the beloved character, Dilbert Done, surprised us all with the heavily racist remarks he made in the video entitled, “It’s Okay to Be White,” which very quickly went viral.
As a result, Scott Adams has been canceled, not only figuratively by society, but also literally through the loss of his newspaper contracts. Nobody is immune to the risk of losing their reputation or their livelihood through something that they post online, so let this episode be a lesson that you can use to protect yourself against being canceled like Scott Adams.

Key Points From This Episode:

Who is Scott Adams?
The Rasmussen poll that formed the basis of the video leading to Scott being canceled.
Why Scott’s video, “It’s Okay to Be White,” went viral.
The controversial nature of Rasmussen polls.
How Scott has responded to the uproar around his video.
Scott’s self-proclaimed political views.
The problem with Scott’s approach to airing his opinion.
Why context is everything.
Indestructible PR® tip: know your audience and know your medium.

Keywords/Tags:
Canceled, cancel culture, racism, Rasmussen poll, human behavior, context
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dilbert by Scott Adams
Scott Adams Interview - It’s Okay to Be White
Tap water connoisseur on Twitter
Molly McPherson
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - AudioBook Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Molly McPherson on Patreon

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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229: When a Disliked Staff Member Causes PR Chaos: Don Lemon and CNN Feb 28, 2023

Recently, Don Lemon, co-anchor of CNN This Morning, went off script and made news by stating that presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her prime at the age of 51. This episode covers the things you should do immediately when an employee causes a PR crisis of this nature. Hear the full exchange of exactly what was said by Don Lemon and how he doubled down on his mistake, before learning how CNN responded. Hear about the importance of acting quickly, the difference between an effective apology and a non-apology, whether or not your company may need to terminate the employment of that staff member, and additional things you may need to do to mitigate further damage to its reputation. The Indestructible PR® tip for the day includes a helpful resource that you may want to keep on hand for the event of a crisis like this one.

Key Points From This Episode:

The details of the PR crisis caused by Don Lemon on CNN This Morning.
Recent PR crises on other morning television news shows.
Cohosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins’ responses to Don Lemon’s statement.
The full exchange of what Don Lemon said.
A breakdown of where he went wrong and how he continued to make it worse.
The things you should do immediately when an employee causes a PR crisis.
What CNN did directly following this incident.
The training that Don Lemon was forced to do.
The importance of a public statement.
Don Lemon’s initial apology and what was wrong with it.
Why your company may need to consider terminating the employment of that staff member.
The importance of transparency.
Additional things you may need to do to mitigate further damage to the company’s reputation.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about where you can find a helpful tool for handling a crisis like this.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

'DON LEMON RIPPED FOR SAYING NIKKI HALEY NOT IN 'HER PRIME' AT 51'

Molly's Don Lemon TikTok

Why Southwest is melting down | CNN Business

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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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228: Grieving for a Social Media Influencer: Exploring Parasocial Relationships on Reddit with Emily Rose Feb 21, 2023

The rise of social media influencers means it is easier than ever to form parasocial relationships with celebrities or online influencers. Although parasocial relationships are one-sided and don’t involve any contact in the real world, the death of someone whose life you have been closely following online can cause a visceral reaction.
In the case of Dave Hollis, his sudden death at the age of 47 sent a subreddit community of over 13,000 people into an emotional freefall. In this conversation with Emily Rose, digital creator and host of the It’s Become A Whole Thing podcast, you’ll hear about the dynamics of parasocial relationships, how celebrities leverage these types of relationships, and the coping mechanisms that people employ when the other side of a one-way relationship experiences a life event.

Key Points From This Episode:

The tragic event that shook a 13,000-person-strong Reddit community and how they expressed their grief.
The story of how Dave Hollis and his ex-wife Rachel Hollis turned their once rabid fans into disenfranchised ex-fans.
The abrupt emotional shift that often accompanies a person’s death.
The definition of a parasocial relationship.
The spectrum of celebrity-focused communities that can be found online.
Emily’s thoughts on the worst thing that can happen to a celebrity.
Examples of how celebrities leverage parasocial relationships to their advantage.
Reddit communities can be a double-edged sword - they can offer amazing support and resources, but also attract trolls who can make the experience unbearable.
Aspects of the Hollis brand that make them so relatable.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Emily Rose on Instagram

It’s Become A Whole Thing Podcast
How Rachel and Dave Hollis Destroyed Their Million-Dollar Brand (YouTube)
How Rachel and Dave Hollis Destroyed Their Million-Dollar Brand (Podcast)

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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227: How to Write the Crisis Communication Plan You Need Right Now Feb 14, 2023

No matter the scale of your business, you need to have a strategy in place in case of a PR crisis. If someone takes it upon themselves to attack you on social media, or you experience an actual operations meltdown, you need to be prepared.
This episode tackles the ins and outs of creating an effective and comprehensive crisis communication plan to keep your business afloat if ever you find yourself in the line of fire. Discover what you need to ascertain before creating your crisis communication template, and what to include in the template itself. A post-crisis communication plan is equally as important, and in this episode, you’ll find out why. Tune in for an overview of how to communicate effectively in a crisis, reassuring stakeholders and the public alike.

Key Points From This Episode:

A CNN excerpt outlining Southwest Airlines’ operations crisis and subsequent crisis communication.
Why it’s essential for every business to have an effective and comprehensive crisis communication plan.
Why it’s important to identify and define what constitutes a crisis in your business.
The difference between disaster communication and a PR crisis.
What to include in your crisis communication template.
Identifying your stakeholders and crisis response team.
How to identify the most impactful social media channel for communicating with stakeholders.
The role of monitoring and evaluation in crisis management.
Strategies versus tactics.
What a post-crisis communication plan involves.
Sign up for the live Indestructible PR® workshop, "How to

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Crisis Communication Plan Workshop (Click to register)

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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226: PR Disaster: How A Woman's Stand Against Inappropriate Company Chat On TikTok Went Viral Feb 07, 2023

When Boston-based staff executive, Whitney Sharpe, outlined the actions she took to address her disturbing experience of sexual harassment on TikTok, she had no idea that it would become viral overnight and be viewed by over 14 million people. The original incident had taken place while on a work call with potential vendors, during which, Whitney captured a profoundly unprofessional incident. Thanks to the ill-advised (and highly consequential) misuse of the screen-share function, Whitney was exposed to a company chat wherein staff members had made crude sexual remarks about her. Whitney’s recent TikTok demonstrates how one company was completely unprepared to handle a massive vulnerability within their organization and the fallout that is taking place as a result. Hear about the company’s lack of response online, what was missing from their apology email, how to ensure that your company is prepared for this type of exposure, and the importance of honoring your values as a company.

Key Points From This Episode:

How Whitney Sharpe, a Boston-based executive at a large staffing firm, took a stand against sexual harassment and went viral on TikTok.
The inappropriate company chat that Whitney was exposed to.
How Whitney captured the interaction and went viral on TikTok.
What happens when an HR crisis collides with a PR crisis.
The key vulnerabilities that Whitney’s viral TikTok exposes within the company she is confronting.
The email Whitney received from the company in response to her complaint.
Why the email fell short and felt like an ‘insincere’ apology.
The company’s choice not to respond to Whitney’s viral TikTok.
The growing trend of companies not responding to public outcry.
How to ensure that your company is ready for this type of exposure.
Recommendations on the social media guidelines that companies should be implementing.
An Indestructible PR® tip on honoring your values as a company.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Whitney Sharpe: It’s Rough Being a Woman in a Male Dominated Field

Whitney Sharpe: How Not To Apologize in Corporate America 101

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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225: The Gwen Stefani Allure Interview: Public Relations Backlash Jan 30, 2023

Gwen Stefani recently made headlines after an interview with Allure magazine in which she claimed to be Japanese. The pop star received a lot of backlash for these comments and has been accused of cultural appropriation. The controversy raised a lot of questions about what it means to be respectful when engaging with other cultures.
This week’s episode unpacks the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. In order to do this, it draws on the expertise of Melissa Vela-Williamson, an award-winning PR practitioner, national PR columnist, author, and podcast host, who has a rich and deep background in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and how this relates to communication. Tune in to find out whether Gwen is guilty of cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation and hear an important list of some of the dos and don’ts of multicultural practices for anyone in communication.

Key Points From This Episode:

What Gwen Stefani said about her Harajuku era in an Allure interview that caused such a backlash.
How Molly’s recent workshop with guest Melissa Vela-Williamson relates to the question of cultural appropriation.
The difference between the full context of the entire article and the pull-quote.
Molly’s definition of culture and how it relates to her work of drawing lessons from pop culture.
How Molly hopes that this episode will help people gain cultural competence.
Melissa’s definition of the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.
Where Gwen Stefani falls in light of this definition.
A list of some of the dos and don’ts of cultural appreciation for those in communication.
How Gwen should have handled the question.
The Indestructible PR® Tip regarding cultural appropriation and awareness.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Molly's TikTok about Gwen Stefani

Allure - "Gwen Stefani: "I Said, 'My God, I'm Japanese'""

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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224: Analyzing the Apology Statement: the Andrew Callaghan example Jan 24, 2023

A powerful public relations strategy can help you recover from a crisis and build an indestructible reputation. Restoring your reputation after a serious allegation is a circumstance that everyone should be prepared for.
This week's episode uses the recent sexual misconduct allegations surrounding Andrew Callaghan as a real-world example of dealing with a crisis and analyzes his response from a PR lens. Hear about the allegations made against Andrew from TikToker Caroline Elise, his response to the allegations, and the outcome. This episode unpacks how he said it, why he said it, and how it was accepted by the public. Hear about writing apologies to the public and not your critics, the framework to navigate a public relations crisis, what not to do in a video response, and what an appropriate apology is.
Tune in to find out if Andrew’s response was suitable and if he will recover his career and reputation.

Key Points From The Episode:

Introduction to today’s topic, the allegations made, and the response.
The impact of video and why it is more powerful than words.
Outline of Caroline Elise’s allegations and the video she made.
Find out why the allegations made were so believable.
The steps to take when faced with serious allegations made against you.
Analysis of Andrew’s video response and apology.
The definition of a genuine and appropriate apology.
Important legal considerations regarding apologies in a PR crisis.
The Indestructible PR® Tip

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Andrew Callaghan on Instagram

Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan

All Gas No Brakes with Andrew Callaghan

Andrew Callaghan allegations made by TikToker Caroline Elise

Andrew Callaghan response

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

223: Who are the Biggest Golden Globe PR Losers of 2023? Jan 16, 2023

Today, the Golden Globes 2023 edition of the Indestructible PR® Podcast takes a look at the people and the brands that haven’t successfully overcome their PR crises of the past and examines what the ceremony reveals about their failings. Tune in to find out why these brands still haven’t recovered a year later and discover some helpful tips to avoid becoming a PR loser.

Key Points From This Episode:

Today’s topic: How the Golden Globes sheds light on the brands that haven’t successfully overcome their PR crises.
Why Will Smith was still the biggest PR loser of the night.
The backstory of what happened between Will Smith and Chris Rock last year.
What Will Smith should have done immediately after last year’s incident.
The current state of Will Smith and his brand and what this indicates about his PR response.
Why Will Smith’s video apology wasn’t enough.
Why the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was also a PR loser.
Tom Cruise as a PR loser and the backstory behind this.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about managing PR crises.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Molly's TikTok about the Golden Globes

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audiobook Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

"She was an ABC News producer. She also was a corporate operative"

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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222: To Catch a Corporate Operative: The "Network News" Hit Piece Jan 09, 2023

Today’s podcast sheds light on a new dirty trick used by special interest groups and people who are activist-minded. It takes a look at an article by NPR, “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and reveals how Kristen Hentschel used her previous work experience as a journalist to challenge Toby Overdorf, a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, while working as an advocate for a political consulting firm.
This episode covers a brief overview of the story, why you need to be aware of this dirty trick if you work in communication, media, news, or a leadership-related position, and what you should bear in mind if facing an activist-minded foe. A second twist follows...

Key Points From This Episode:

Insight into the article “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and why it’s relevant to listeners of this podcast.
A brief overview of the story.
How this story reveals a new tactical strategy used by activists.
The statement released by ABC denying that Kristen Hentschel worked for them.
The twist of Kristen Hentschel working as a journalist while simultaneously working as an advocate.
How this relates to a situation faced by one of Molly’s clients with an activist-minded foe.
An interesting twist relating to Kristin’s previous career as a journalist under a different name.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day for identifying or dealing with fake or former journalists.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristen Hentschel on LinkedIn

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Molly

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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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221: Top 10 Public Relations Crises of 2022 Jan 02, 2023

In this episode, discussing some of the worst PR crises that happened in 2022 based on an informal poll on Twitter.
It's no secret that 2022 was a year full of PR disasters. From celebrities getting caught up in scandals to brands making massive mistakes, here are some of the worst PR crises that happened last year.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

What are some of the worst PR crises that happened in 2022? - Twitter 12/27/22
The Top 10 PR Crises in 2022 - Tik Tok 1/2/2023
212: Why The Term Cancel Culture is Dangerous And How It Can Hurt Your Brand: Kanye West Explains

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

220: What is ChatGPT and Why Is Everyone Obsessed With It? Dec 27, 2022

ChatGPT is here and is making waves globally for its ability to generate human-like written text. This episode of the Indestructible PR® Podcast delves into some of the risks and benefits of using this new platform. It provides a bit of background into what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how it’s different from other IA programs. It also explains how it can be especially useful to those in communications and public relations before providing a list of some of the many things it can be used for, including content creation, language translation, copywriting, and others. You’ll learn what to consider if you are using ChatGPT for external communications and how to harness its benefits without jeopardizing your reputation.

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to what ChatGPT is and how it works.
What makes ChatGPT different from other IA programs.
The limitations of ChatGPT.
How it can be useful to you in terms of communications and public relations.
A list of the many things you can use it for including responding to customer inquiries, content creation, language translation, etc.
How this can be used by students to cheat and evade plagiarism.
What to consider if you are using Chat GPT for external communications.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day regarding your reputation and ChatGPT.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

ChatGPT

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

219: How to Give a Good Answer to Any Question Dec 19, 2022

Everyone has been in a situation where they’re asked a question and don’t know how to answer it. Whether it be during an interview, a meeting, or a media interview, being able to provide clear, concise answers can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you give good answers to any question:
Mastering the art of giving good answers takes time and practice; however following these tips should help ensure that no matter what type of question is put forth, you can confidently provide an effective response.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

YouTube: "#Tampa #Police Chief Resigns After Flashing Badge To Get Out Of Golf Cart Stop"

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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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218: Unethical Leadership in Action: The Tampa Police Chief Who Flashed a Badge Dec 12, 2022

After body cam footage emerged showing Mary O’Connor, the Police Chief of Tampa, Florida, trying to get out of a traffic violation by showing her badge and the internal affairs investigation that followed, she was ultimately forced to resign.
This episode takes a look at this incident to see what can be learned from a PR perspective, and breaks down three easy choices in ethical leadership that can save your reputation. Hear the entire body cam clip and learn what guilt sounds like, how guilty people behave, and how this sheds light on unethical leadership. Also covered is the statement that was released when the truth came out and how Mary tried to protect the lie instead of taking responsibility for her actions. Hear more about what it means to be an ethical leader in any organization and how to build an indestructible reputation.

Key Points From This Episode:

The traffic stop incident that resulted in Mary O’Connor’s resignation as Police Chief of Tampa, Florida.
What guilt sounds like and how this relates to a media interview.
How this sheds light on unethical leadership.
Assessing the ethical ramifications of her actions
A sense of relief, and insight into how guilty people behave.
The statement that was released when the truth came out and how she tried to protect the lie.
How the first statement tells you the intent of the person.
A previous incident and speculation that she may be driving under the influence of alcohol.
What it means to be an ethical leader and how this relates to an organization’s core values.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about taking responsibility.\

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Official statement: "Incident involving chief of police"

"Tampa police Chief Mary O’Connor resigns amid traffic stop controversy"

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

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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217: My Public Relations Strategy That Got Two Clients Out of Crises Dec 05, 2022

These days news happens in milliseconds and with the social media algorithms functioning the way they do, a negative comment can result in a disruption that can damage your public image in a very short space of time.
This episode takes a look at the public relations strategy that effectively got two of Molly’s clients out of crises. It breaks down the three elements of the 'Social Media Checklist' and covers why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you or your brand, the different intentions someone may have for attacking you, and whether you should delete a post or reply to it.
You’ll learn what to consider when responding to a post like this, why you want to reply early, and why you should build your statements around key messaging. It also explains exactly how the Indestructible PR® response framework can be implemented into your response to make for an indestructible reputation.

Key Points From This Episode:

Patreon and other platforms where Molly engages with her followers.
A question from one of Molly’s Patreon subscribers about what Molly does behind the scenes.
How what Molly talks about on TikTok translates into her work.
The definition of a social media disruption and how this is different from a crisis.
The social media disruption checklist that Molly created for one of her clients.
How she applied this same checklist to the disruption faced by another client.
The three elements of the Social Media Checklist.
Why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you before replying.
The different types of people who may attack or challenge you on social media.
Why Molly’s belief that you should never delete anything on social media has changed.
What to delete and what to respond to.
Other things to consider when responding to a post like this.
Why you want to reply early and what to consider as you draft your response.
Why you should build your statements around key messaging.
How to implement the Indestructible PR response framework into your response.
The importance of monitoring all your social media channels when navigating a disruption.
The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about not taking things personally.

More from Molly:

Indestructib

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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216: The 3 Mistakes Most Spokespeople Make in their Media Interviews (and how to avoid them) Nov 29, 2022

If you say the wrong thing in front of the press, it could live online for years to come and greatly damage your reputation. This episode takes a look back at a previous podcast episode and webinar with media trainer extraordinaire Warren Weeks, where he broke down the three mistakes that most spokespeople make in media interviews, why these faux pas can be so damaging, and how to avoid them. From not treating an interview like it’s a conversation to identifying and avoiding the traps set by reporters, learn how to perfect the art of the media interview and protect your brand. Also covered are some helpful tips for the preparation of “quotable quotes” to ensure that you don’t just avoid saying the wrong thing, but also get the right message across.

Key Points From This Episode:

The challenges faced by spokespeople in media interviews and how they are based on fear.
The practice and patience required to craft the right messaging to protect yourself in a media interview.
Why you should never treat a media interview as a conversation and why people do this.
The awkward pause, what it is, and how journalists use this against spokespeople.
How to avoid falling into the trap of the awkward pause.
Why spokespeople often avoid repeating themselves and why they shouldn’t.
Why you shouldn’t repeat the reporter’s words in your answer and how to avoid this reflex.
The importance of discipline and control.
The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day regarding the preparation of “quotable quotes.”

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Warren Weeks

Media Training Toronto

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

215: It's (Not) The Most Wonderful Time of the Year For Layoffs Nov 22, 2022

How a leader handles layoffs can have a major impact on the future success and reputation of their company. This episode takes a look at some of the recent layoffs that have made the news before breaking down five tips on how to handle layoffs during this time of year. It unpacks how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs differently from how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs and what we can learn from both these situations. From managing expectations to supporting your employees, and ongoing communication, this episode will help you to mitigate unnecessary distress and protect your reputation in the unfortunate event of corporate downsizing.

Key Points From This Episode:

Some of the companies that have been in the media for layoffs recently.
Why it’s so important to a company’s future success and reputation for its leader to handle a layoff well.
Today’s topic: How to handle layoffs during this time of year.
The difference between how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs and how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs.
Why, as a leader, you should be clear about the situation upfront.
How to support both the employees who are being laid off and those who are staying.
Why this process should be followed whether you’re laying off many people or only a few.
The value of ongoing communication and updates.
How to manage expectations by answering questions.
The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day about framing the bad news.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Molly's TikTok video about the Meta Layoffs

"Mark Zuckerberg Said He Cut Meta Jobs Better Than Elon Musk"

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

214: The Anger Algorithm: Why People Are Being Attacked Online and How to Protect Yourself Nov 14, 2022

This week’s podcast discusses the anger algorithm and why social media platforms favor aggression, enraged behavior, and the shaming of people. It looks at the 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America,” what it reveals about the combative ecosystem of social media, and why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication.
Our Indestructible PR Tip discusses how you might be able to hack the social media algorithm to stop the negative commentary.

Key Points From This Episode:

The 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America” and what it revealed about the social media algorithm.
Why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication.
The concept of shaming people online and how it relates to anger.
Why you should factor in that people may not watch the whole video.
Thoughts on when it’s okay to shame someone and when it is not.
The Indestructible PR tip for the day about hacking the algorithm.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

213: How I Prepped for a Last-Minute TV Interview: 5 Tips For Going Live on Short Notice Nov 07, 2022

While you may think it’s unlikely that you will end up on a live television interview, with webinars, streaming, short-form videos, and other channels, there are so many opportunities for you to find yourself on screen.
This episode breaks down five tested prep tips for appearing on camera for a live interview on very short notice, from the perspective of someone who understands this experience well.
Hear about how Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice, and how she prepared herself for this. This podcast explains why you should keep it simple and interview with three talking points. It also covers how to dress, how to frame yourself, why you should smile, tips on how to overcome your nerves and everything you should keep in mind if interviewed on screen.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why this episode is relevant to you, even if you think you’re unlikely to be on a television interview.
How Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice.
Why you should keep it simple when prepping for an interview like this.
How to dress for a broadcast interview.
Why you should interview with three talking points.
Why you should always prepare and never wing an interview like this.
The importance of remembering to smile when you are on camera.
Why you should keep framing in mind if you’re being interviewed online.
The importance of thinking quickly on your feet.
A tip to overcome your nerves.
The Indestructible PR tip for the day about the one thing Molly forgot in her live interview.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson - Oct. 25 | NBC News NOW

Room Rater tweet on Molly

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

212: Why The Term Cancel Culture Is Dangerous And How It Can Hurt Your Brand: Kanye West Explains Nov 01, 2022

Kanye West (better known simply as Ye) has always been a contentious figure, but after his latest string of racist and anti-Semitic remarks, major brands like Adidas are dropping their endorsements with the rapper.
This episode delves into this controversy to explain what happened, how Ye redefined the term 'cancel culture' and how the use of it can actually damage your brand. You’ll hear about Adidas’ termination of their partnership of Ye, as well as what they did wrong and what they did right, plus you’ll discover a possible strategic motivation behind Ye’s recent actions. You’ll also learn more about the ‘alt-right playbook’ that Ye seems to be following, and the elements of it that can be seen in his behavior, before hearing how he and the alt-right have attempted to weaponize cancel culture, and why you may never want to use the term in a defensive response again.

Key Points From This Episode:

The story behind the controversy surrounding Ye.
The statement released by Adidas and why it’s a good example of how to respond to a crisis.
Blowback Adidas has received for taking its time to sever its partnership with Ye.
Why silence is so damaging and what Adidas should have done in the interim.
Netflix’s decision not to drop Ye’s documentary, Jeen-Yuhs.
The idea that Ye is following a playbook that is commonly used by the alt-right.
How the alt-right is using this situation to further its cause.
Insight into the ‘alt-right playbook’ and what it entails, including deliberately offensive speech.
The preservation of ambiguity and Poe’s law as a tactic of the alt-right.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Press release: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately'

Molly’s TikTok post: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately'

'Netflix will not remove Kanye West’s doc ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ amid anti-Semitic rants'

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

Molly’s TikTok post: Ye fol

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

211: The 3 Biggest Reasons for Hockey Canada's Crisis Oct 24, 2022

Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for sexual assault.

After a long series of other troubling accusations, including one by a woman sexually assaulted by eight hockey players, and cover-ups, secrecy, and poor leadership, the reputation of Hockey Canada is severely tarnished.
This week’s podcast breaks down the three reasons why the crisis has been so deadly for the brand and so devastating for the victims and the stakeholders. This episode sheds light on how long this crisis has been going on, some of the attempts to cover it up, and the lack of transparency on the part of Hockey Canada when it came to the media. Hear about how the problem of leadership not backing down fed the scandal and the additional crisis caused when the entire board stepped down at the same time. Listen in for some key takeaways to consider to prevent a future crisis at your organization.

Key Points From This Episode:

A clip from TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead breaking the story about Hockey Canada. TW: For listeners who wish to avoid his account of an incident involving sexual assault, please skip audio between [00:17] and [00:44].
The framing of this story for the purpose of this podcast, and why it feels so American.
TW: For listeners who wish to avoid further details about the sexual assault, please skip audio from [05:24] to [08:00]
The masculine nature of the sport and the risky behavior that accompanies it.
Other Canadian PR crises from recent times.
Insight into how long this crisis has been going on and some attempts to cover it up.
The stepping down of President and CEO Scott Smith, as well as the entire board, and how it caused an additional crisis.
The problem of lack of transparency and the company’s silence towards the media.
How leaders not backing down fed the scandal.
The survey Hockey Canada sent to supporters and how this can be seen as a doubling down tactic.
The Indestructible PR Tip

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - on Audible

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

210: 5 Things Not To Do in a Social Media Crisis Oct 18, 2022

You can unleash a full-blown PR crisis on social media with one bad move against someone with a social media platform.

To handle these situations, companies and brands need a plan.

Who didn't prepare for her social media crisis? Bethenny Frankel.

The "Real Housewives of New York City" alum has gained popularity on TikTok for her beauty product reviews and sometimes harsh criticism of other celebrities like Meghan Markel. However, when Frankel appeared to silence two creators on TikTok for critiquing her brand, users of the app took notice.

She effectively destroyed her reputation by sending legal notices to two TikTok creators who criticized her brand. First, for being a bully. Second, for botching her social media response.

Avoid these mistakes when dealing with a social media PR crisis.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #1
Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #2
Molly McPherson on YouTube
Molly McPherson on Instagram
Molly McPherson on Twitter
Indestructible PR on Facebook
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book
Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
© 2022 Indestructible PR Podcast

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

209: PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian Backlash Oct 10, 2022

This episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast looks at the public relations crisis created by Joy Gendusa, CEO of PostcardMania in Clearwater, Florida, when she claims she underestimated the severity of Hurricane Ian and insisted her staff continue to work through the storm.
This podcast unpacks exactly what was communicated in that Zoom meeting when Gendusa addressed her staff before the arrival of Hurricane Ian and the media crisis that resulted, before it delves into Gendusa’s response.
We cover why issuing a press release was wise, but also dissecting the not-so-wise moves in a corresponding YouTube video. Listen in to learn how to respond to a natural disaster, and not create one with your staff.
Key Points From This Episode:

How having a healthy amount of ego comes with the territory when it comes to being a CEO
What Joy Gendusa said in the Zoom call when she addressed her staff before the hurricane.
The difference between hype and legitimate danger.
Three reasons why this situation made headlines.
Why issuing a press release was a good move.
Mixed feelings about the setting of Gendusa’s video and why it should have been shot at the office.
What the hard edits in the video tell us about the subtext.
Questions related to the truth of some statements she made in the video.
The takeaway from this response is about the importance of owning up to your mistakes.
The Indestructible PR Tip

Press release: "PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful”

YouTube Video: PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful

Andrew Cuomo on “What’s Next?”

Molly's PostcardMania TikTok post

Molly's Hurricane Ian TikTok post

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

208: Hurricane Ian: How Social Media Has Changed the Way We Experience Disasters Oct 03, 2022

Anyone who lives in Florida will have heard a hurricane warning recently, well today’s episode is a hurricane content warning. At the time of this podcast’s recording, Hurricane Ian was close to making landfall. This episode looks at President and CEO of the Red Cross Gail McGovern’s warning to those in Florida, why some people did not heed her advice, and what social media has to do with the problem.
Discover why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane and how both ordinary citizens and federal and local authorities are creating content around it. Tune in to hear a breakdown of three concerning social media trends related to the hurricane and people’s safety, as well as a warning and some key takeaways related to communication about crisis situations like this one.

Key Points From This Episode:

Today’s topic: Why people did not heed Gail McGovern’s warning to Floridians about Hurricane Ian and what social media has to do with this problem.
The current status of the hurricane at the time of this episode’s recording.
Three concerning social media trends related to Hurricane Ian and people’s safety.
Why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane.
Thoughts on how federal and local officials are using social media.
The value of live video and why organizations need to use social media to reach people.
How younger generations use social media as a search engine.
The Indestructible PR tip for the day about remote workers in crisis situations.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Molly's Hurricane Ian TikTok post
Molly McPherson
Molly McPherson on Twitter
Molly McPherson on TikTok
Molly McPherson on YouTube
Molly McPherson on Instagram
Indestructible PR on Facebook
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Conf

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

207: Adam Levine's PR Response: What Went Right and What Went Wrong Sep 26, 2022

In today's digital age, with the constant posting, sharing, and posts going viral, PR crises can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye.
This week’s Indestructible PR Podcast shares some key takeaways from how Adam Levine responded to his PR crisis in the aftermath of the video posted by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh.
You’ll learn more about the one big mistake he made, a mistake you never want repeated in a PR crisis. Also discussed are the details released by Sumner and the importance of going further to understand the why behind her actions. Don’t miss out, tune in now.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How a PR crisis can spiral out of control thanks to the digital age we live in.

• More about Levine’s response to the spilling of more sordid details of his personal life.

• Details released by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh.

• A closer look at his one, colossal, mistake.

• Why it’s important to understand the why behind the other person’s actions.

• Why showing remorse plays a role in handling a PR crisis.

• A look at the statement released by Adam Levine and his PR team.

• The grand takeaway from Levine’s post.

• The Indestructible PR tip.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sumner Stroh on TikTok

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book
Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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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206: How to Avoid Saying Something You'll Regret In Your Next Media Interview Sep 19, 2022

Recently, Rudy Giuliani, formerly known as ‘America's Mayor,' sat down for a media interview with Newsmax, and likely it did not go as intended.
One unprepared quote later, and the resulting gaff ended up all over social media. This type of thing can happen to anyone, and this week’s podcast looks at why this interview was such a train wreck. Tuning in, you’ll find out how Giuliani started off on the wrong foot, why the biggest mistake he made was treating a media interview like a conversation, and you’ll hear the soundbite of the shocking faux pas that rocked headlines as a viral pull quote.
This episode also includes five important things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in a media interview, as well as tips on how to handle mistakes, difficult questions, and tough reporters! You won’t want to miss it.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Thoughts on the 21st anniversary of 9/11 and how much has changed.

• Rudy Giuliani, his unofficial title of 'America's Mayor,' and his subsequent downfall.

• The Newsmax interview with Giuliani and why it was such a train wreck.

• How a pull quote is different from a soundbite.

• The importance of preparing for a media interview.

• The soundbite where Giuliani got off on the wrong foot.

• Five things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in your next media interview.

• Why conducting an interview 'off the cuff ' is one of the most dangerous things you can do.

• What to do if you make a mistake in an interview.

• Tips for answering difficult questions and dealing with tough reporters.

• The Indestructible PR tip.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

"Rudy Giuliani to Newsmax: US 'in More Danger' Than Before 9/11"

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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205: Why Olivia Wilde's Recent Talking Point Should Never Be Used as a Quote Sep 12, 2022

Today’s Indestructible PR podcast episode discusses the trending TikTok drama surrounding the Don’t Worry Darling Venice Film Festival premiere. Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Did Olivia and Harry break up? What’s the deal with Florence Pugh? As the cast of the upcoming American psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, hit the Venice Film Festival, they brought plenty of behind-the-scenes drama. Covered in this episode is Olivia’s statement at a press conference regarding the fallout with Miss Florence Pugh, the press junket, and more comments surrounding the drama. And as always, tune in for an indestructible PR tip at the end of the episode.

Key Points From This Episode:

Scene: Venice Film Festival. Topic of discussion: Olivia Wilde’s second directorial effort.
The crazy thing about the TikTok platform: mashing together public relations crisis management and pop culture.
A quick digression about Shia LaBeouf and his rebranding to Catholicism.
A deeper look at the press conference with Olivia Wilde.
A red flag: a quote or line that should never be used in a PR situation.
The cascading consequences of Olivia Wilde’s statement.
Looking at Flo’s diva behavior and how that’s working for her.
Is any PR really good PR?
Indestructible PR tip: Be prepared!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book
Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts —

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

204: Decoding the Recent Meghan Markle Profile in The Cut: What She Said; What She Likely Meant Sep 06, 2022

In a recent exclusive interview with The Cut, Meghan Markle opened up about her new life in California, the struggles of her past, and her plans for her future. This was partly done as part of a promotion effort for Meghan’s new podcast, Archetypes.
This week, we examine and decode this article to analyze what she said and what she meant. Hear how Meghan and Harry’s PR has perpetually let them down, why their campaigns always feel like plan Bs, and discover examples of their many PR missteps. This episode explains why this article feels like another plan B in trying to reshape their reputation, and breaks down some framing attempts in it and the agenda behind them.
Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for suicide and depression.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The Cut’s article about Meghan Markle and how it’s part of a promotion effort for her new podcast, Archetypes.

• Today’s topic: The major takeaway from how this article has been framed.

• Framing attempts in the article and the agenda behind them.

• Harry's suspicious absence from this profile and why this might be.

• The relatable aspects of Meghan and Harry’s lives versus the unrelatable aspects.

• The message she sends to the royal family and the tricky nature of navigating hypocrisy in media relations.

• TW: To avoid references to suicide, skip audio from 29:34 to 30:03.

• The key takeaway from this article and the message Meghan is sending to the royal family.

• The Indestructible PR tip for the day, relating to hypocrisy in media interviews.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

‘Meghan of Montecito She’s left the Firm behind. Harry’s found a polo team in Santa Barbara. The kids are doing great. Now she’s ready for her next act.’ —

Archetypes

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Molly McPherson on Twitter

Where in the World is Matt Lauer’s Reputation?

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

203: Beloved CTV Anchor Lisa LaFlamme's Botched Firing by Bell Media Aug 30, 2022

Ageism, sexism, bad management, and incredibly poor messaging, today’s PR crisis has it all!
This week’s podcast focuses on Bell Media’s ousting of Lisa LaFlamme and her replacement by a younger male, shortly after the beloved CTV Anchor allowed herself to go gray.
Let's discuss Lisa’s PR masterpiece of a response video and Bell Media’s well-written but completely inadequate response statement. While a private company has the right to hire and fire whomever they choose, decisions like these affect the public, and if not handled correctly, this could be detrimental to a company’s continued support and ultimately their bottom line. This podcast looks at the importance of truth and transparency in a PR response, and when a statement should be replaced by an apology. Tune in to hear the statement Bell Media put out, why it was a bad statement, why it created such a blowback, and how the statement should have been written to avert a PR crisis.

Key Points From This Episode:

Today’s topic: the PR nightmare associated with Bell Media’s firing of CTV anchor Lisa LaFlamme and why their statement was inadequate.
Some previous examples of anchors being let go and the resulting PR crises.
The implications of how Lisa LaFlamme was fired shortly after allowing herself to go gray.
The problem of the lack of transparency on the part of Bell Media regarding why they fired Lisa.
Lisa LaFlamme’s video response and why it’s a PR masterpiece.
Why does a situation like this call for an apology, not a statement?
Who was hurt by Bell Media’s decision.
The biggest problem with Bell Media’s statement.
The legal implications of making an apology or accepting responsibility.
How an apology can help you regain trust, reduce liability, and be an effective business decision.
How Bell Media’s apology should have been written.
The Indestructible PR tip for the day relating to the importance of the first line in any response statement.
Closing words on why you should never fire women of a certain age.

173: How Jeff Zucker's Resignation from CNN Signals a Shift in Crisis Communications

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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202: Can Ezra Miller's Public Apology Save The Flash Movie? Aug 23, 2022

Movie actor Ezra Miller recently issued an apology for a series of legal issues and assault and abuse allegations, published as an exclusive in Variety Magazine. With the DC Comics film The Flash opening in theaters next summer, there's a lot riding on this apology.
This week’s episode takes a look at Ezra Miller’s apology to evaluate whether the elements of the perfect public apology are present in it. It also includes speculation on how Warner Bros. may be trying to approach the situation and what choices they may be considering. Tune in to learn from Ezra Miller’s apology and gain a better understanding of how to write the perfect response when faced with a crisis.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Today’s topic: Whether Ezra Miller’s apology is enough to save their reputation and the movie The Flash that they are associated with.

• The question of whether trust is at risk, and how to determine what to do if it is.

• An analysis of Ezra Miller’s (or Warner Bros.’) statement and whether the five elements of the perfect response are present.

• Why euphemisms shouldn’t be used in a statement like this.

• The vagueness of the term past behavior.

• Thoughts on Ben Affleck and Robert Downey Jr. and how they came back from similar situations.

• The Indestructible PR Tip

Keywords/Tags:

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ezra Miller

‘The Flash’ Star Ezra Miller Seeking Treatment for ‘Complex Mental Health Issues’ (EXCLUSIVE)

The Flash

How to Write the Perfect Public Apology - Molly McPherson/TikTok

‘Warner Bros. Weighing Fate of ‘The Flash’ as Its Ezra Miller Problem Grows’

Public Speaking Tip on TikTok

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly:

201: 10 Tips for Public Speaking Without Fear Aug 16, 2022

Ever wondered how to deliver a knock-out public speaking performance?
Well, this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast is all about 10 tips for overcoming fear and how, by doing this, you’ll be able to give a great speech. Molly uses her own public speaking experiences to give simple, meaningful, and applicable advice on how to feel confident and prepared.
From the power of constant practicing, feeling confident with your speaking material, understanding the audience and keeping them engaged, through to how to manage gestures, breathing, and filler words on stage, this episode covers it all. Keeping your nerves in check, tailoring your messages to meet the needs of your audience, and having the perfect visual resources have never seemed easier.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: