Stories and Strategies for Public Relations and Marketing

In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human emotions, a new frontier is emerging—artificial intelligence that can understand how we feel. Imagine an AI system that doesn’t just analyze data but senses our emotional state through the words we choose, the way we describe our experiences, and even how consistently we check in with ourselves.

This isn't science fiction. Advances in natural language processing, psychology, and machine learning are making it possible for AI to interpret human emotions with surprising accuracy. Researchers are now using AI-powered systems to classify mood states based on self-reported text, combining insights from neuroscience and behavioral psychology to enhance human decision-making.

But how does an AI system detect emotions through words? What psychological theories guide its ability to distinguish between stress, motivation, or disengagement? And could this technology reshape how we interact with machines—perhaps even with one another?

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9:46 AI Can Accurately Estimate YOUR Emotional State

12:34 AI Detects Emotions Before Humans Do

18:41 Is this Ethical?

22:48 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Greg Wasserman

Guest: Michelle Baty, Neuro Psychologist

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This episode originally published in May 2024.

At the end of 2023, PRSA assembled a group of 25 senior communicators from a wide range of industries, in-house and firms, for an additional meeting, with several follow-up meetings with subject matter experts, all spearheaded by Ray Day, 2024 PRSA Chair-elect. Three main actions emerged:

1. We need to champion honesty and transparency, recognizing the need to enhance message strategies to outpace misleading information (which will always exist)
2. We need to emphasize the importance of community-based listening and education, advocating for civil discussion to foster a more informed and respectful public
3. The PR industry needs to become a trusted entity by reinforcing integrity and reliability across all communication channels

Listen For
4:54 A Stakeholder Engagement Process for Addressing Misinformation
11:04 Community Level Education Strategies
14:56 Focus on Building Trust
19:26 Civility and Constructive Discourse

Guest: Ray Day, 2024 chair PRSA
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Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust, and create new opportunities. 

Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or freelancer, the way you present yourself can open doors or close them. 

In today’s digital world, people aren’t just hiring résumés—they’re hiring reputations. 

A strong personal brand can make you the go-to expert in your field, help you attract new clients, and even future-proof your career. But crafting a brand that feels authentic and powerful doesn’t happen by accident—it takes strategy, consistency, and a clear message.

It’s the business of being YOU.

Listen For

7:08 Why if You Fake it... You WON'T Make it

10:35 The Rise, and Risks, of Influencers

11:54 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Branding

16:58 How to Build a Personal Brand from Scratch

18:58 Your LinkedIn is your Resume – is it Working for You?

21:07 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Michelle Garrett 

Guest: Greg Wasserman

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Ever created a PR or communications plan, only to stash it away and forget about it? You’re not alone.  

Guest Michelle Garrett breaks down why so many businesses struggle to execute their PR strategies—and what they can do to fix it. 

You need to set clear goals, measure meaningful metrics beyond just media mentions, and ensure consistency in PR efforts instead of relying on one-off campaigns. 

Michelle also shares insights on the rising importance of personal branding, the evolving media landscape with AI-driven searches, and how companies can effectively identify and reach their target audiences. 

Listen For

06:02 The Wrong Metrics: What NOT to Track in PR
07:39 Common Mistakes in Evaluating PR Success
11:03 The Rise of Personal Branding in PR
13:06 How AI is Changing PR and Searchability
14:34 Finding Your Audience in a Fragmented Media Landscape
15:49 Why Trade Publications Matter More Than Ever
18:23 How Leaders Can Lend Their Voice to PR Without It Eating Up Their Time
19:34 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Kendall Breitman

Guest: Michelle Garrett

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Michelle’s book B2B PR That Gets Results 

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As brands seek to cut through the digital noise, a fascinating trend has emerged: recording conversations with CEOs and decision-makers to create authentic, shareable content that humanizes their leadership.

Kendall Breitman shares her insights on why this strategy is resonating with brands and audiences and how storytelling and transparency are becoming key drivers of brand trust in today’s world.

Listen For

5:25 Turning Internal Meetings into Public Content

8:26 The Shift from Logos to Personal Branding

20:30 Authenticity vs Message Control in CEO Storytelling

22:45 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest Jim Rudolph

Guest: Kendall Breitman

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Fractional Leadership is a growing, and possibly permanent, trend of fractional leadership and why it’s becoming a permanent shift in the business world. As organizations face leadership gaps, budget constraints, and rapidly evolving challenges, fractional leaders—experienced executives hired on a part-time basis—are stepping in to provide strategic guidance and stability.

What is the unique value they bring? How do they differ from consultants and full-time executives? And what does it take to succeed in these high-impact roles?

Listen For
4:02 Fractional Leadership as an Agile Solution
8:16 Building Trust Quickly as a Temporary Leader
16:14 Leadership Without an Agenda
20:50 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Farzana Baduel

Guest: Jim Rudolph, JGR Communications
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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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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. 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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