The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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

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

Show notes

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 following an alt-right playbook

"Media Manipulation and Misinformation Online"

Parler

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

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

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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Confidence/dp/1954801084

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book
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208: Hurricane Ian: How Social Media Has Changed the Way We Experience Disasters Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

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 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

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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"

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

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

Show notes

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: