Episodes
Feb. 19, 2025
The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories
Episode #300: The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories Overview In this episode, Molly explores how celebrity stories are crafted and shaped behind the scenes, examining the key players and mechanisms that drive celebr…
Feb. 12, 2025
299: Taylor Swift's PR Strategy: Distancing from Blake Lively
In this episode of 'The PR Breakdown,' Molly delves into the intricate PR maneuvers and power plays behind the rift between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. Taylor Swift reportedly feels used in the ongoing legal tussle betwee…
Feb. 5, 2025
298: Analyzing Power Dynamics: Trump, Reynolds, and Jay-Z Under the PR Microscope
Dissecting the public relations and power dynamics involving three high-profile men who were in the news recently: Donald Trump, Ryan Reynolds, and Jay-Z. Let's take an impartial but critical look at Trump's controversial ha…
Jan. 29, 2025
297: From Voicemails to PR Moves: The Battle Between Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds
In this explosive episode, we delve into a Hollywood controversy grabbing headlines after a simple voicemail reignited the full-blown power struggle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds. Molly reveals how …
Jan. 22, 2025
296: Takeaways from Trump's Inaugural Address: Key Highlights You Can't Miss
In this episode of The PR Breakdown , diving into Donald Trump’s second inaugural address and breaking down the PR strategies, rhetorical moves, and media messages woven throughout. From the decision to move the ceremony ind…
Jan. 15, 2025
295: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is Bad in a Crisis. Here's Why
The episode examines the mismanagement of communication during the recent LA wildfires, focusing on Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the crisis and the subsequent erosion of public trust. Key lessons in crisis communication…
Jan. 8, 2025
294: Behind the Spin: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the High-Stakes PR Showdown
Amid the glamorous yet ruthless world of Hollywood, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni find themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “It Ends With Us.” The epis…
Dec. 18, 2024
293: Year in Review: 2024's Disasters, Recoveries, and Lessons Learned
They’re back and ready to dissect the year’s biggest communications fiascos. I’m joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenack, my Candian colleagues in crisis behind the Reputation Town podcast, to break down 2024’s most cringe-…
Dec. 11, 2024
292: Breaking Down Jay-Z’s PR Strategy In His Statement Denying Allegations
Is Jay-Z truly a victim? Or is this a masterful PR strategy? This episode analyzes Jay-Z’s bold statement denying recent allegations and the strategy behind his fiery words. Hear how Jay-Z frames the accusations as absurd an…
Dec. 4, 2024
291: Top 5 Controversies Surrounding Wicked Movie and Their PR Lesson
When controversies swirl, smart PR can turn turbulence into triumph. In this episode, dive into how Universal Pictures and the Wicked team transformed five headline-grabbing challenges into opportunities to strengthen the fi…
Nov. 27, 2024
290: Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia's Breakup PR Battle
Send us a text The Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chicken Fry" LaPaglia breakup has become a masterclass in contrasting PR strategies, pitting traditional celebrity discretion against modern social media transparency. As country mu…
Nov. 20, 2024
290: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown
In this crossover episode of The PR Breakdown , a therapy session of sorts into the world of entitlement, both online and off. Starting with the TikTok pajama drama—where influencers Cecily and Samantha Bachman faced backlas…
Nov. 12, 2024
288: The Perfect Mess: Martha Stewart's Documentary Damage Control
Martha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her …
Nov. 5, 2024
287: Election PR Showdown: Campaign Predictions with the Guys from the Reputation Town Podcast
It's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked…
Oct. 30, 2024
286: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight This week’s PR Breakdown Live episode on Patreon takes a deep dive into celebrity relationships, loyalty, and the challenges …
Oct. 23, 2024
285: The 3 Questions You MUST Ask Before Speaking to Any Reporter
This episode of The PR Breakdown explores whether individuals and organizations should always respond to reporters' inquiries. She presents a nuanced view of media engagement, highlighting key considerations before agreeing …
Oct. 16, 2024
284: The Risks and Realities of a 100% Denial Strategy
In this episode of The PR Breakdown , we take a deep dive into the high-stakes PR strategy of a "100% Denial." This approach has long been used by celebrities, politicians, and public figures when facing serious accusations.…
Oct. 9, 2024
283: Low Places, High Stakes: Garth Brooks’ PR Crisis Amid Assault Allegations
In this episode of The PR Breakdown , digging into the PR crisis surrounding country music legend Garth Brooks. Two days before sexual assault allegations against him surfaced, Brooks posted a seemingly wholesome photo with …
Oct. 2, 2024
282: Scandal Season: Why September Sparks Media, Celebrity, and Political Firestorms
September marks the beginning of scandal season, when politicians, celebrities, and the media heat up with controversy. In this episode, we break down the crisis communication tactics used by high-profile figures, focusing o…
Sept. 25, 2024
281: Scandal, Power, and Abuse: RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed
What happens when high-profile figures like RFK Jr., Sean Combs, and Muhammad Al-Fayed find themselves at the center of public scandals? This episode unpacks the unsettling truths behind RFK Jr.'s sexting affair with politic…
Sept. 18, 2024
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 re…
Sept. 11, 2024
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. Howeve…
Sept. 4, 2024
278: Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
Courting Public Favor: Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake Summary: In this episode of The PR Breakdown , analyzing the recent PR moves surrounding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Following Timberlake’s arrest for a DWI in …
Feb. 7, 2024
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, 2023 Seeing my name next to the words 'viral' and 'TikTok' is nothing short of terrifying. In t…