The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Episodes

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 politica...
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 res...
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. However...
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 J...
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 th...
Jan. 24, 2024

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...
Jan. 17, 2024

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 ...
Jan. 9, 2024

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 E...
Jan. 2, 2024

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 h...
Dec. 18, 2023

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 ...
Dec. 12, 2023

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 tw...
Dec. 5, 2023

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 ma...
Nov. 28, 2023

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 b...
Nov. 21, 2023

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 t...
Nov. 14, 2023

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 thr...
Nov. 7, 2023

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 individu...
Oct. 31, 2023

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 empha...
Oct. 24, 2023

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 in...
Oct. 17, 2023

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, includ...
Oct. 10, 2023

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 tre...
Oct. 3, 2023

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 hel...
Sept. 26, 2023

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 Winfre...
Sept. 19, 2023

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 n...
Sept. 12, 2023

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 spin, aiming to uncover the...