Stories and Strategies for Public Relations and Marketing

Brand Management

"Stories and Strategies for Public Relations and Marketing," hosted by Doug Downs.

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FLASHBACK SUNDAY - How a Ban on TikTok Might Impact PR and Marketing Pros

TikTok is a powerful social media tool in the United States. About 170 million Americans use the platform and for many marketing and PR agencies it’s the preferred go to tool.

The average time on TikTok in 2024, per user, is estimated to be 58 minutes per day.

But several governments have banned TikTok from being used on Government devices – including the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. In India, TikTok is banned altogether.

In late April 2024, President Biden signed a bill into law that has bipartisan support. It’s called the National Security Act, 2024. Under the new law, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has until late January 2025 to divest itself of TikTok and find new ownership for the social media company.

TikTok is fighting back saying the law is unconstitutional.

What does the potential ban mean for marketing and PR pros?

Listen For

5:10 The Impacts a Ban on Tiktok Will Have on Different Sectors

6:07 Platform Contingency Plans

21:12 Regulation and Market Dynamics

Guest: Cayce Myers, PhD, LL.M., JD, APR

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Why Communication is a Navy SEAL’s Greatest Asset

Communication is the most important weapon a Navy SEAL can carry—more vital than physical strength, endurance, or even firepower.

I was in Salt Lake City recently at a conference and saw former Navy SEAL William Branum speak. He served for 26 years with the US Navy and 23 of those years was a Navy SEAL. In his presentation he talked about how clear, concise, and often nonverbal communication plays a critical role in high-stress, life-or-death situations—whether underwater, in a firefight, or clearing a house. He broke down the lessons SEALs learn on the battlefield that can be applied to leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

So, when I had a chance to sit down with him in the lobby, I grabbed my mobile phone, and we recorded an episode together. This is a conversation about the power of communication and how simplifying your message can lead to greater impact.

Listen For
4:26 The Power of Nonverbal Communication
6:36 Simplicity is Key in High-Stress Environments
10:33 Self-Communication Shapes Success
12:24 Adaptability in Crisis Situations

Guest: William Branum, former Navy SEAL
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Soft Power in Public Relations: Persuasion over Pressure

Soft Power. It’s the concept of influence… not control – and it can shape global perceptions, drive brand loyalty, and create lasting impact.

In this episode we learn what soft power really means, how it differs from traditional PR, and how companies can use it to build trust, foster connections, and stand out in a competitive market (or even world order).

Through storytelling, cultural identity, and corporate responsibility, discover how your organization—or personal brand—can expand its reach and impact… all done softly.

Listen For
6:24 Defining Soft Power
7:48 Soft Power in Nation Branding and Campaigns
9:42 Psychological Impact of Familiarity in Marketing
14:21 Building a Corporate Soft Power Strategy
22:16 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Jason Cercone

Guest: Farzana Baduel, Curzon PR, President CIPR
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Hawk Tuah: Meme Queen – Crypto Scheme. Fame in the Age of Absurdity

She made the internet howl with one absurd phrase. Haliey Welch, the self-proclaimed “Hawk Tuah Girl,” turned a bizarre street interview viral fame almost overnight.

What started as a joke spiraled into a full-blown phenomenon, with memes, merchandise, and her very own cryptocurrency. But it was the viral cry that became a crypto crash.

In this episode, we unpack the wild story of Haliey Welch’s meteoric fame. Her viral catchphrase to the lawsuits surrounding her failed crypto venture, the absurdity of meme culture, the dangers of influencer hype, and what it all says about us as a society.

Listen For
1:46 Virality is Unpredictable
5:07 Leverage Authenticity and Quality Content
12:51 Influencer Responsibility Matters
14:35 Sustainability of Fame Requires
21:28 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest Karl Mawhinney

Guest: Jason Cercone
Website | Email | LinkedIn | YouTube
Listen to Jason’s podcast Let’s Blow this Up

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Reimagining School Marketing: Partnering, Not Promoting

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In today’s crowded digital landscape and with marketing budgets tighter than ever, brands are looking for fresh, innovative ways to connect with younger audiences. One emerging frontier? K-12 schools. These classrooms are no longer just hubs of learning—they’re evolving into powerful spaces where brands can make a meaningful impact while building long-term affinity.

Whoa… you mean vending machines for soft drinks and chips?

No.

From sponsoring STEM programs to supporting arts initiatives and even helping address teacher burnout, brands are finding creative, value-driven ways to engage.

But how can marketers navigate this opportunity ethically, ensuring their efforts genuinely support students and educators? Let’s explore how to strike the right balance in this delicate but promising space.

Listen For
6:45 Kleenex’s “Heroes of the Classroom” Campaign
9:12 Key Metrics and Emotional Engagement
12:16 Core Principles: Jersey Mike’s Community Engagement
19:16 Recognition Programs: Kroger’s High School Initiative
21.42 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest Frank Strong

Guest: Karl Mawhinney

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Campaigns Karl mentioned

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SUNDAY FLASHBACK - Harnessing the Influence of Wikipedia for Your Brand

Wikipedia is one of the top the most-visited websites in the world. Additionally, it has influence. The information on Wikipedia is also disseminated across the web on Google’s Knowledge Graph and associated search page components, quick summaries of topics on Siri and Alexa, and even into news articles, podcast discussions, and government websites.

Wikipedia is also of interest for SEO practitioners, heavily influencing Google search results and now impacting outputs from generative AI software like Chat-GPT.

Everyone from journalists, investors, and your customers are using Wikipedia to understand your company. Do you understand how it works and what you can do about it?

Guest: Rhiannon Ruff
Email | LinkedIn | Lumino Digital’s website | Rhiannon’s book Managing a Crisis on Wikipedia

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Is AI a Hero or a Villain for Public Relations and Marketing in 2025?

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Time to explore predictions for the coming year in public relations, marketing, and the evolving role of AI. There are conflicting views on AI's future, its role in content generation, and whether the hype has peaked or we're still climbing the AI rollercoaster.

But there’s no arguing with the importance of transparency and authenticity rising to the challenges of disinformation. Frank Strong of Sword and Script conducted an industry survey and shares the results with us.

Listen For
6:43 Is the Future of AI Utopian or Dystopian?
9:31 Tough of Disillusionment: Are we There Yet?
10:06 Transparency as a Competitive Advantage
12:12 Why Differentiation Matters in an AI World
17:21 Trust in Influencers: Hollywood vs Niche Experts
21:22 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Brian Porter

Guest: Frank Strong, Sword and the Script Media LLC
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Read the survey results
Subscribe to Frank’s blog

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AI Written Poetry is SHOCKINGLY Better Than Human Writers

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We think we can tell when bots take the pen,
When AI spins words again and again.
"Deep dives" and "delves" in their usual tone,
The cadence, the phrasing, they’re not quite our own.

But the line’s getting blurred, it’s harder to see,
Is this human or machine-crafted poetry?
The last bastion, they said, where humans excel,
Was poetry’s heart, its unbreakable shell.

Yet now a new study has shattered the view,
At Pittsburgh, they’ve found something striking and new:
When placed side by side, the verdict is clear,
AI’s verses are what we hold dear.

From Chaucer to Whitman, and Dickinson’s art,
AI poems are stealing the heart.
So the boundary fades, as the data suggests,
The machine's taken hold in humanity’s text.

Listen For
3:42 Why AI Poems are Preferred
4:48 Straightforward Nature of AI Poetry
8:06 Impact of Cognitive Bias
18:42 Potential of AI in Broader Art Forms
19:39 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest Jess Jensen

Guest: Brian Porter, University of Pittsburgh
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Read the Abstract by Brian and his team

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Why is My CEO so BORING on Social Media?

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Executives are finally beginning to understand the power of participating in digital channels.

“What if I mess up?”

“Why would anyone want to hear from ME?”

Those WERE the common excuses until about five years ago when the trend lines changes and it was more common for executive leaders to BE on social media than not.

Still, most sound like cheerleaders for their company don’t they? We aren’t REALLY getting to know them, just where they work and a less-than-subtle message about why we should support or even patronize their organization.

How to help them sound more authentic? More real? Maybe there is a way.

Listen For
08:12 Playing it Safe: Executives “Dipping Toes” in Social Media
09:11 Frank Cooper’s LinkedIn Masterclass
10:30 Sarah Blakely’s Authentic Instagram Approach
14:05 Injecting Personality Into Executive Communication
15:42 Connecting Through Emotion, Humor, and Value
22:20 The Professional-Authentic Balance for Executives
23:18 Crafting a Narrative Framework for Digital Success
24:35 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Dr Karen Hills Pruden

Guest: Jess Jensen
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Bio of Stories and Strategies for Public Relations and Marketing

"Stories and Strategies for Public Relations and Marketing," hosted by Doug Downs, is a podcast that explores the world of communication and its role in shaping our daily lives. In today's interconnected world, effective communication is essential for success, and this podcast delves into the various facets of public relations and marketing that contribute to effective communication strategies.

Through insightful conversations and interviews, the podcast delves into topics such as marketing, public relations, government relations, media relations, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, advertising, and strategic communications. The host, Doug Downs, provides valuable insights and practical advice for professionals working in these fields, as well as for individuals who hire communication experts.

From crafting compelling press releases to leveraging social media campaigns, from managing crises to engaging stakeholders, the podcast covers a wide range of communication-related topics.

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