The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson pulls back the curtain on the PR moves driving today's biggest stories. Join Molly each week as she decodes the strategy behind the headlines, revealing the hidden tactics at play. With her insider perspective, you’ll learn why these PR moves matter, who’s calling the shots, and whether they’re a success or a crash-and-burn moment. Expect sharp insights, straight talk, and an insider look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Episodes
289 episodes since 2021
280: The Hidden Meanings Behind Kate Middleton's Cancer Journey Video
In this episode of The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson, Kate Middleton’s health update video is more than just an announcement. It’s a masterclass in PR, packed with hidden symbolism and subtle storytelling designed to reshape the pu...
September 18, 2024
•
25:08
279: How Travis Kelce’s PR Team Turned A Fake Breakup Into A Win
In this episode of The PR Breakdown, we'll delve into the fascinating world of celebrity PR and dissect one of the most strategic PR moves we've seen lately: the rumored breakup between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. However, as Molly ...
September 11, 2024
•
26:40
278: Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin TimberlakeSummary:In this episode of The PR Breakdown, analyzing the recent PR moves surrounding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Following Timberlake’s ar...
September 04, 2024
•
26:40
277: The Inside Scoop: The Day I Became a Boston Globe Headline
‘Who’s holding those strings’: Molly McPherson goes viral on TikTok for decoding celebrity PR strategy. - Boston Globe, Dec. 25, 2023Seeing my name next to the words 'viral' and 'TikTok' is nothing short of terrifying.
February 07, 2024
•
52:51
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Journalist and host of the Infamous podcastt, Vanessa Grigoriadis joins Molly as they dive deep into the life, career, and public image of global pop star, Taylor Swift. Vanessa profiled Taylor Swift for Rolling Stone in 2009 right aft...
January 24, 2024
•
40:22
275: Allegedly Series: Behind the Headlines Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
This is the inaugural episode of the Indestructible PR podcast series called, Allegedly. In this series, I take a critical look at the PR moves, media narratives, and survival tactics that celebrities use to circumvent a PR nightmare.<...
January 17, 2024
•
48:22
274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
An episode about the profession of public relations for the practitioners who make it one of the most exciting fields to work in. In this episode, a discussion about the future of the public relations industry with Michelle Egan, APR, Fellow PR...
January 09, 2024
•
43:09
273: 2023's Unforgettable Celebrity Scandals: A Year in Review
First episode for 2024! Hey there, PR pros and dedicated listeners! You won't want to miss this special episode where I dive deep into the year that left jaws on the floor with never-ending celebrity drama and crisis. Let's hit the ...
January 02, 2024
•
30:17
272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview
Let's go behind the scenes of broadcast television, where a former producer joins us to reveal the tricks of the trade. Our guest David McAlpine takes us inside the world of anchors, reporters, producers, and bookers to find out what it takes t...
December 18, 2023
•
1:09:14
271: 2023's Biggest Public Relations Fiascos: A Year in Review
Prepare to step back in time to revisit the top PR fiascos of 2023. Diving into the recent and semi-recent mishaps of the year and their enduring impacts. Joining Molly this week to breakdown the top crises of the year are two seasoned media an...
December 12, 2023
•
50:32
270: Thin Ice: When Personal Conduct Comes Into Play - Navigating Crisis and Rumors in the Chicago Blackhawks Organization
The Chicago Blackhawks are in the process of terminating Corey Perry's contract due to unacceptable conduct, as part of addressing broader questions about the organization's culture. This episode examines their approach to managing rumors and c...
December 05, 2023
•
39:41
269: The Fine Line Between Apology and Denial: A Case Study of Colleen Ballinger and Matt Rife
Apologies, denials, and online disasters. Molly is breaking down the Matt Rife and Colleen Ballinger PR crisis. This episode is all about perception management. As soon as the backlash starts, every subsequent step needs to be calcu...
November 28, 2023
•
35:14
268: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors - My Definitive Take
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Dissecting the PR Relationship Rumors explores the theory that their relationship might be a strategic PR move (or not) by comparing it with previous relationships Swift has had, and discusses the mutual benefits ...
November 21, 2023
•
41:49
267: Blind Gossip: PR Trick or Truth? With guest, TikTok's Kyle Marisa Roth
Let's dive deep into the deceptive world of celebrity PR strategies, anonymous gossip, with special guest, the fascinating and hugely entertaining Kyle Marisa Roth- one of TikTok's favorite Blind Gossip creators.Here are three things yo...
November 14, 2023
•
1:30:30
266: How to Write an Unforgettable Public Statement Honoring Someone's Life and Legacy
In the latest episode, we explore the delicate art of crafting heartfelt tributes. Motivated by Matthew Perry's passing and the notable silence from the "Friends" cast, we delve into the significance of memorializing individuals and the impact ...
November 07, 2023
•
38:48
265: Setting the Record Straight: How Media Can Help You Move On From The Past
In today's episode, Molly delves into the nuanced process of reclaiming your personal narrative in the aftermath of betrayal, without resorting to revenge tactics. Utilizing Britney Spears' memoir as a case study, Molly emphasizes how harnessin...
October 31, 2023
•
32:38
264: How to Get Your Story Right from the Start: Jada Pinkett Smith and the Cost of Inconsistent Storytelling
In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast, we delve into two critical aspects of public communication that often trip up those in the spotlight.First, we explore the case of Jada Pinkett Smith and her "Today" show interview...
October 24, 2023
•
32:41
263: Celebrity Unplugged: Magazine Writer Vanessa Grigoriadis on Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, & Justin Timberlake
Dive into the captivating world of celebrity journalism with renowned magazine writer Vanessa Grigoriadis. Get ready to go behind the scenes as Vanessa shares her experiences interviewing some of today's biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Jus...
October 17, 2023
•
56:50
262: Unraveling Internet Culture: A Conversation with Taylor Lorenz
Taylor Lorenz discusses her new book 'Extremely Online' and delves into the untold story of fame, influence, and power on the Internet, exploring internet culture and societal impacts. Taylor unravels the complexities and trends of online commu...
October 09, 2023
•
59:18
261: Flipping the Script: How WGA Outmaneuvered Hollywood Studios in the Strike - A Conversation with Michael Jamin
In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson, long-time TV writer and Writers' Guild of America (WGA) writer, Michael Jamin, takes us behind the scenes of the recent strike and shares insight that helped the WGA negotia...
October 03, 2023
•
52:35
260: Blind Gossip, Spin Tricks, and PR Ploys: The Murky Waters of Media Manipulation
In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast with Molly McPherson, diving into the intriguing world of media manipulation and celebrity PR tactics. The Power of Oprah: Despite her success as a businesswoman, Oprah Winfrey is ...
September 26, 2023
•
26:59
259: In the Hot Seat: Analyzing Fallon and NBC's Reactions to Damaging Exposé
Delving into the aftermath of the damning Rolling Stone article that uncovered a hostile work environment at "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon." We analyze the responses of Fallon and NBC to this damaging exposure and navigate the intrica...
September 19, 2023
•
42:22
258: Behind the Words: Unveiling the Spin and Subtext in the Jonas-Turner Divorce
Join Molly in the PR Confidential community on Five: Don’t miss out on joining in the chats where we dissect this episode’s topic further and engage in intriguing discussions on various subjects of s...
September 12, 2023
•
45:33
257: Web of Fury: The Hidden Forces Fueling Online Anger and Viral Vengeance
Why are social media platforms increasingly becoming the battleground for public apologies and brand backlashes? This episode sheds light on the psychology behind it all. Starting from the Bud Light fiasco in April to a TikTokker rant about a p...
September 05, 2023
•
31:55
256: Meghan Markle: Decoding Recent Moves & PR Decisions
In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast, host Molly McPherson delves into the recent moves and PR decisions of Meghan Markle. Molly shares her insights and analysis on the infamous Duchess, discussing her journey, challenges, and the l...
August 29, 2023
•
18:23