When did our profession start calling every little flare‑up a crisis? A TikTok trend, a snarky comment thread, a logo people don’t like — suddenly everyone’s acting like the business is melting down. But most of these moments aren’t crises at all. They’re upstream matters that are manageable, or a faux pas with a short life span and a valuable learning opportunity.

In this episode, we get into why PR keeps over‑labeling everything a crisis -- and how that habit distracts us from identifying the issues that could be tomorrow’s emergencies at best.

Today we’ll walk through the spectrum of incident categories — the harmless creative misstep that gets a couple of days of flareup, the issue that starts quietly and grows over the decades until the industry is in decay, the emergencies that hit daily operations hard and fast, and the rare, true crises that actually reshapes a business for years.

Buckle up and take a roller coaster ride today through real stories and case studies about the spectrum of incidents that can either make us or break us – and learn how to tell the difference.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT 

Struggle no more to tell your leadership what your value is to the organization.  Join the movement to help change the conversation inside our organizations about public relations (a.k.a - communications, corporate comm, marcom, public-information office, etc.). We've heard you, seen your frustration on LinkedIn -- being disregarded, left out, treated like an afterthought. But we sometimes are creating our own headaches by how we talk about our profession. So we've designed some items we think you'll like -- and these "tools" will start the conversation for you. Check them out here! 

NEW RESOURCE PAGE (a.k.a FREE STUFF)  Visit our new resource landing page to check out free downloads and tools to help you lead, manage and implement top-notch PR in your organization. Click here

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO (a.k.a. Who is this crazy woman who can't stop talking about PR?)  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

What Consumers Said. Why the FCC Is Acting on It. 

Today's episode is a case study in the progress that demonstrates why it's important for companies to regulate themselves -- or else they'll invite regulation to be imposed on them.

Consumers have been signaling their frustration with offshore call centers for years — and companies didn’t simply miss those warnings; they dismissed and disregarded them. Now they're facing the real possibility of federal intervention later this month.

This development represents more than mere compliance. The FCC may very well be forcing companies to rebuild a stronger, more reliable U.S. customer service industry.

Listen in and learn what can happen when companies repeatedly ignore consumer feedback. 

JOIN THE MOVEMENT 

Struggle no more to tell your leadership what your value is to the organization.  Join the movement to help change the conversation inside our organizations about public relations (a.k.a - communications, corporate comm, marcom, public-information office, etc.). We've heard you, seen your frustration on LinkedIn -- being disregarded, left out, treated like an afterthought. But we sometimes are creating our own headaches by how we talk about our profession. So we've designed some items we think you'll like -- and these "tools" will start the conversation for you. Check them out here! 

NEW RESOURCE PAGE (a.k.a FREE STUFF)  Visit our new resource landing page to check out free downloads and tools to help you lead, manage and implement top-notch PR in your organization. Click here

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO (a.k.a. Who is this crazy woman who can't stop talking about PR?)  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Consumers are officially hitting the wall.

Five recent studies all point to the same thing: people are drowning in brand content, tuning out messages, and walking away from companies that won’t give them a break. In this episode, we break down what that overload is doing to the brain—fatigue, anxiety, decision paralysis—and why it’s eroding brand connection instead of strengthening it.

Then we get to the proven and practical solution as we walk through the four stages of relationship development, what actually influences people in each one, and how to shift from pushing content to creating real connections that builds relationships that build business. 

And we've posted the links to the five studies we mention in today's episode on our Resource Page. (So check that out.) 

Lots to cover today, so . . . let's go! 

NEW RESOURCE PAGE (a.k.a FREE STUFF)  Visit our new resource landing page to check out free downloads and tools to help you lead, manage and implement top-notch PR in your organization. Click here

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO (a.k.a. Who is this crazy woman who can't stop talking about PR?)  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

In this episode of IT’S A PR THING, we’re circling back to customer experience — not the buzzword version, but the kind that actually builds relationship capital. Today, we’ll cover a recent customer experience that demonstrates how much it matters when organizations make things easy, give people a way out of technology when they need it, and create moments that become memories.

We’ll walk through what happened, why it stood out, and what it says about how we treat the people we work so hard – and invest so much -- to attract.

We’ll also touch on what some of the pros — including the C-suite at Taco Bell — are saying about customer experience in a high‑tech world. Spoiler: even the most automated companies know that human touch is still the biggest differentiator.

This episode is well worth a listen and a share!

************************************************************************

Struggle no more to tell your leadership what your value is to the organization.  Join the movement to help change the conversation inside our organizations about public relations (a.k.a - communications, corporate comm, marcom, public-information office, etc.). We've heard you, seen your frustration on LinkedIn -- being disregarded, left out, treated like an afterthought. But we sometimes are creating our own headaches by how we talk about our profession. So we've designed some items we think you'll like -- and these "tools" will start the conversation for you. Check them out here! 

Bonus Resources Also, check out these bonus free resources to help you manage the PR function inside your organization, and deliver the value that earns you that seat at the table. 

10 STRATEGIES TO TRANSFORM YOUR PR FUNCTION 

FREE GUIDE - 8 STEPS TO MEASURE CUSTOMER EFFORT 

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

PR pros are always being pulled in different directions. We are expected, as the nature of the job, to be on-call, to be available to respond to breaking news, to crisis, to bend and flex with urgent deadlines, and to spend much of our day in meetings gathering info and intel – and then finding time to get the work done. That’s all on top of responding to media inquiries and sundry minor fires that happen across a week. And that leaves little time for strategic reflection, planning and the crucial relationship building needed to build business. How in the world can we steward our time, when we often don’t have claim to it?

Meet Lissa Figgins, a time-stewardship coach who counsels CEOs, Christian businesses and solopreneurs. (Notice I did not say “time management”.) Lissa is also the host of REDEEM HER TIME podcast.

I heard Lissa as a guest on a different podcast months ago, and I thought about how as PR pros our time is rarely our own – because so many things can change the trajectory of our day. And the concept of time stewardship just seems to fit much better for us. So I reached out and asked Lissa to talk to us about this approach – and I’m delighted she said yes.

Join me today as Lissa walks us through the difference between time management and time stewardship, how to measure our ROTI (she'll explain the acronym), and why it's so important to both our profession, our home life and our personal character.  LEARN MORE, DOWNLOAD THE FREE "IMPACTFUL DAY GUIDE"  Listen to Lissa on her podcast: https://redeemhertime.com/tune-in-redeem-her-time-podcast/ Download the free IMPACTFUL DAY GUIDE: https://redeemhertime.com/day

LISSA'S BACKGROUND https://redeemhertime.com/about-me/

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IT'S A PR THING PODCAST RESOURCES & INFORMATION 

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE - 8 STEPS TO MEASURE CUSTOMER EFFORT 

BONUS RESOURCE:

If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Today we focus on Customer Effort Scoring — a practical way to see where people are running into friction and operational hurdles long before they turn into a reputational issue.

CES helps teams see the incremental operational hurdles that show up in aggregate as overall poor customer satisfaction. When organizations use CES well, they can help reduce customer effort and create a smooth and positive customer experience. And that generates return business, referrals and revenue generation.

Listen in today and learn how CES is an excellent tool to add to your relationship radar system.

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE - 8 STEPS TO MEASURE CUSTOMER EFFORT 

BONUS RESOURCE:

If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

The urgent reputation risk PR must face in 2026

In this first episode of 2026, we take a clear look at a growing issue shaping the year ahead for PR professionals: customer frustration has reached a breaking point, and new data from 2025 shows just how widespread the problem has become. Customers are dealing with broken processes, confusing systems, and automated tools that create more work instead of solving problems. Companies are trying to cover these issues with messaging, storytelling and AI, but the numbers show that approach is backfiring. People want ease and peace, and instead they’re getting noise, delays, and unnecessary friction.

We walk through the latest national research on customer frustration, including record levels of anger, wasted time, financial loss, and emotional strain. We also look at how customers are responding — from ghosting brands to walking away after one or two bad experiences. At the same time, many executives believe their customer experience is strong, creating a dangerous perception gap.

This episode lays out what PR pros need to understand as they guide their organizations through 2026. Join me as we break down the data, the trends, and the real reputational risks shaping the year ahead.

EPISODE STUDY SOURCES: 

Forbes Technology Council (2024). Breaking the Cycle of “Doom Loops” in Automated Customer Service. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/09/23/human-centered-cx-breaking-the-cycle-of-doom-loops-in-automated-customer-service/

CSG International (2025). 2025 State of the Customer Experience Report. https://www.csgi.com/resources/2025-state-of-customer-experience/

National Customer Rage Survey (2025). CCMC & Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business. https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20251202dc36248/new-national-customer-rage-survey-reveals-civility-in-freefall-across-americas-marketplace

Emplifi (April 2025). The Social Pulse: State of Consumer‑Brand Engagement on Social Media in 2025. https://emplifi.io/press/emplifi-reveals-70-of-consumers-will-abandon-a-brand-after-just-two-negative-experiences/

PwC (2025). 2025 Customer Experience Survey: The Loyalty Illusion. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/2025-customer-experience-survey.html

BONUS RESOURCE:

If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

In today’s show, we’ll talk about a framework to help you read the signals stakeholders give off in real time, and how those behaviors reveal whether your strategy is progressing or stalling.

You'll learn clear, actionable ways to measure momentum as it happens, so you can refine your approach and achieve stronger results. And here’s the proof: campaigns that consistently apply this framework outperform those campaigns that fail to use it. 

Too often, evaluation happens only at the end of a campaign, when the chance to adjust has already passed. Don't be those guys! 

You’ll want to share this with your team, your division leaders and use it as a basis for strategy development and management in the future.

BONUS RESOURCE: If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

If you’re a PR professional tired of being seen as just the company’s messenger service or the cleanup crew after a crisis, this episode is for you.

PR pros in numbers are crying out to be rightly recognized as strategic-management professionals  — yet too often, we’re left out of the early conversations where our knowledge, experience and insights can make the biggest difference.

In this episode, we dive into a pivotal true story and share five crucial strategies from the PR Pro’s Reframe Playbook to change the conversation about what you do.

These are real, applicable approaches you can use in your job every day to transform the way your organization views and leverages you, your team and your public-relations expertise.

Listen today -- and start changing the conversation about what PR truly brings to the table.

BONUS RESOURCE: If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Today’s episode is straight talk for PR pros who want to do the work better. We’ll cover 10 strategies that help retool your thought process, load you up with practical approaches and transform your PR function into a relationship-building machine!

This is a mini-course – building from the basics while escalating to the more expert skills that drive you and your team beyond the “stay-on-message” culture. Each strategy hits the highlights with cut-to-the-chase, real-world experience.

And we finish off with access to an audio book that takes a deeper dive into each strategy, and we provide recommendations on how to use the chapters to transform your PR function.

Whether you’re working as the one-man-band PR pro in your organization, or you’re managing a multi-division PR operation, this episode is for you!

BONUS RESOURCE: If you’re new to IT’S A PR THING or if you’re looking for a proven path to make your PR team more effective, check out the free resource: 10 Strategies to Transform Your PR Function. It’s a collection of deeper-dive episodes organized to help you rethink how you implement PR in your job everyday. Click the link above and download the free resource.

GOT TOPIC IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! 

Send topic ideas and mailbag questions for a future episode to podcast@prthing.com We would love to hear from you! 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

In today's episode we challenge the idea that public relations is about telling your story. Instead, the stories that matter most come from the people you serve.

Today you’ll learn how to shift focus from pushing messages and content to creating experiences that develop and maintain relationships across your organization's stakeholder spectrum. We’ll walk through how to ask better questions, listen with purpose, and design interactions that reflect what your stakeholders actually need. You’ll also learn how to treat relationships as hard assets—the real proof of value that can stand up to crisis, change, and public scrutiny. Whether you’re leading a small business or a large organization, this episode gives you practical tools to help others tell the story of how your work made a difference. Because the most powerful PR isn’t authored—it’s cultivated through the stakeholder experience.

OUR CASE STUDY ORGANIZATION  Plahaus Tourist Home

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

THE ISRAEL / GAZA DEAL: A MASTER CLASS IN GLOBAL RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL

The peace deal between Israel and Gaza isn’t just a diplomatic headline—it’s a global master-class in relationship capital. As the remaining 20 living hostages are now released and reuniting with their families, we break down the five ways this moment proves that building relationships is not a soft skill. It’s power – power through people and connection.

Whether in the PR industry, politics, or any space where outcomes depend on people, the Israel/Gaza deal is a glaring reminder that developing, accessing and leveraging relationship capital can move mountains in geopolitical circles – and in our own communities and organizations.

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Today’s episode breaks down this point into four key areas where freedom of speech is vital to the existence of our profession – and in how PR is effectively practiced.

We’ll also cover insights from international students studying PR in the United States, and tackle the question about recent employee firings and what they signal for anyone representing an employer’s brand or responsibility to the community.

Finally, we'll wrap up with a relevant book recommendation that anyone in PR leadership should read.

There’s a lot to unpack in this episode, so get ready to take some notes.

Join me today as we learn what a logo flop can cost you in hard dollars and cents, the lessons from Cracker Barrel’s recent experience, and most importantly, an alternative approach that could have involved customers in the change – and let everyone own the new brand look together.

Let’s all dive into some PR learning love, and explore why this great Cracker Barrel controversy is a glaring demonstration of why we must seek first to understand, to know our stakeholders, and to strive to build that all-important relationship capital.

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Join me today as we hear what studies and experts have to say, and how a U.S. culture of poor customer service and experiences is damaging the public's mental health in several ways. 

As we wave our banners about being compassionate, empathetic, kind and caring -- we as a U.S. business culture across all industries are missing the opportunities to show these behaviors in our customer interactions every day. 

Are you ready for this kind of truth? 

Of course you are -- you're a PR pro! Let's dive in for some more PR learning love! 

GILES CROUCH: "HOW TECHNOLOGY FAILED CUSTOMER SERVICE" 

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Today we celebrate the upcoming Mother's Day weekend with a tribute to Franny J, the OG relationship builder.

Franny J came from northern Alabama, knew no one of influence in Indianapolis, but her relationship-building skills earned her a client list that included some of the most prominent names in Central Indiana.

And she's my mom. The start-up queen before start ups were a thing!

She started two businesses, grew them exponentially, and never advertised. But she has some old-school relationship-building skills that our flash and splash today can't match.

In today's episode you'll learn the backstory about Franny J, and the Franny J four rules of relationship building.

Enjoy!

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Houston, we have a problem! And waking up to it is our first step to resolving it.

Today IT'S A PR THING looks at some of the data points on what C-suite leaders think about their PR divisions and what they deem of value from the PR team.

And we give you five tips on how to inspire confidence from your CEO and the C-suite team, deliver value back to the organization, and help your company masterfully manage your public relationships. 

You'll definitely want to grab a pen and paper to take notes today. PR field, we've got work to do.

STUDY MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE

NEED HELP IMPLEMENTING A STAKEHOLDER AUDIT? 

We can advise you, implement the process, or help your comms team facilitate the process across your organization. We'll help you create a relationship-capital dashboard, and map out a plan to improve, maintain and grow your relationship capital.

Visit us at MCFARLANDPR.COM

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

This is another next level PR management practice that helps you know the relationship landscape across your organization, know what your relationship radar system is signalling, and help you to advise your C-suite leaders -- so they can decide how to invest time, energy, resources in building relationship capital. And it can be instrumental in helping your C-suite to pivot and swerve to avoid trouble before it takes root.

Interestingly, it's the CEO who most often gets this need to have a pulse on the company's stakeholder relationships. And when trouble raises its ugly head, it's the often comms team that is pulled into question as to how the company could have avoided the threat.

Follow today's five steps to become the trusted advisor who is managing the organization's relationship capital actively and effectively.

And avoid being the "fixer" that's expected to manage the mischief and clean up the mess.

NEED HELP IMPLEMENTING A STAKEHOLDER AUDIT? 

We can advise you, implement the process, or help your comms team facilitate the process across your organization. We'll help you create a relationship-capital dashboard, and map out a plan to improve, maintain and grow your relationship capital.

Visit us at MCFARLANDPR.COM

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

EPISODE 33 - SUMMARY Today we dive into the five practices that can take your PR efforts from a content-creating, output-producing function to a value-creating, outcome-delivering operation.

This episode hits the high notes of which practices separate the tactical from the strategic, and the outputs from results. 

From the CEO to the new professional, this episode plays up and down the corporate scale -- and tells you exactly how to transform your PR work into Next Level PR.

Get ready to take some notes, because this episode packs a lot into a small space of time!

HOST BIO  https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-McFarland/B00YNFH16E

Yes, you read today's title right. Don't "stay on message".

We hear it a lot in our field, the directive to "stay on message". And, for the most part, it's bad advice. 

Today you'll hear for yourself what it actually sounds like put into practice. And we talk about what those receiving the "message" think about its delivery.

Of course, we don't leave you with a "do not" without also giving you a new "do".

Make sure you listen to the end for a special message that will stay with you all day long!

*******************************************

SOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Clip 1: Minnesota DFL - A Simple  Question: Yes or No?

https://youtu.be/VySnpLoaUrI

Clip 2: Tuesday Tip 2: Audience vs. Stakeholder: It's not Tomato Tomahto

https://itsaprthing.podbean.com/e/audience-vs-stakeholder-it-s-not-tomato-tomahto/

Clip 3: Walmart is Closing - @cowboy_fred_425 (TikTok)

https://www.tiktok.com/@cowboy_fred_425/video/7189098351571340586?lang=en

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HOST BIO: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00YNFH16E/about

SPOILER ALERT: This new survey confirms our own briefing whitepaper titled The State of DEI: A Reflection Point.

HOST BIO: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00YNFH16E/about

Today I share the highlights from our latest market-voice briefing whitepaper on the current state of DEI in the United States. Have DEI programs in the workplace come to the end of the road, or will DEI evolve and endure?

Tune in today to catch the highlights of what we found in our briefing whitepaper titled The State of DEI: A Reflection Point.

This briefing whitepaper is a compilation of information, facts, market voices and resources to help businesses understand the current state and future of DEI. This publication compiles a wide range of input and perspectives from business leaders, legal analysts, HR professionals, and DEI consultants and managers, whose collective input makes it clear that DEI is at a reflection point, rather than an inflection point. Following the insights, advice and suggestions from these sources, corporations and entities throughout the U.S. can help organizations reflect on their DEI programs, ensuring legal compliance, good management practices and clear communication.

To get a copy of The State of DEI:  A Reflection Point, click here.

HOST BACKGROUND

Check out the host's bio @ https://www.amazon.com/author/stephaniemcfarland

Join me today as we explore what's happening through the practice of stakeholder analysis.

You'll learn how to "seek first to understand" about the smallest of the adult living generations, and you'll get to "know thy stakeholder" through the lens of historical, social and cultural shaping, and the insights lived experience provides.

This exercise in stakeholder analysis is not only somewhat entertaining, but it's a best practice that will encourage respect for diversity and help your organization build relationships that build business.

Come on! Let's dive in for some more PR learning love!

After that heavy helping of trust problems we've dished out over the past three weeks, today's episode is going light and a bit random with our mail-bag format. 

Today we dive into a cornucopia of common questions we get from clients, podcast listeners, new professionals, students and sometimes business leaders with no PR experience. 

We'll dig into which branch of PR is the Big Wheel of them all, what hiring leaders need to consider when scouting new PR talent, why PR pros leave organizations, and what do those letters "APR" mean. 

No notepad needed today. Just kick back, languish in your Thanksgiving Day foodie hangover and ponder the philosophies of public relations. 

RECIPES AS PROMISED:

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sausage and Spinach

https://www.crazyblondelife.com/blog/61sq2ztcdhdumwox53ea780xh7ui5b?rq=BUTTERNUT%20SAUSAGE%20

Easy Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia Muffins

https://biteswithbri.com/garlic-rosemary-focaccia-muffins/

Cranberry Brie Bites

https://www.wellplated.com/brie-bites/

The U.S. trust deficit is permeating across all of our most-influential American institutions, from government to big business to public health to education and the news media.

And there are some valuable lessons to learn in studying this wide-spread deficit.

But throwing more storytelling, more messaging and more content creation at the problem is fruitless. In fact, following that advice may only dig the hole deeper.

All of the above tactics add up to nothing more than a new verbal varnish on the same old mind set that got us where we are today.

But there is a road to redemption. And while the strategy to get there may not qualify as rocket science, it apparently isn't common sense either.

Join us today for the final episode in our National Trust Deficit series -- and learn what important steps lie ahead in restoring trust in our American institutions.

In Part I, we learned the data that's defining the national trust deficit, but this week we dive into the reasons why -- straight from the public -- and how their lack of trust is impacting and reshaping American life. 

And it boils down to one simple concept that appears to be missing in the public's relationship with all of these institutions.

But the road to redemption is still in sight, yet the first step on that journey requires us to understand and act.

And every organization that represents these U.S. institutions of influence can help to carry that banner.

So hit that button and let's dive into some PR learning tough love.

If you've have been following the public discussion, you know we have a trust deficit in high gear right now.

It's actually a global issue, aggravated by the public’s perception of how the pandemic was handled.

But we're going to cover the trust deficit from a U.S. perspective - and connect the dots so you can see this trust deficit is not simply due to a singular issue, or industry; or the presidential election or confined to either the public or private sector.

It's a multi-faceted issue that runs the gamut across government, business, education, the healthcare field and the news media. And every PR professional needs to be awake and aware of how this is impacting society.

All of this begs the question: Should PR pros be pushing corporate activism? Today we play the game of Survey Says to get some insights on what consumers actually think about corporate engagement in political and social issues.

Every PR pro should be in tune with this data.

Grab a pen and paper, and take some notes today as we dig in to some more PR learning love.

Leading without authority, imposter syndrome, and more

Tanner Sizemore hosts today's episode of IT'S A PR THING and tackles the hurdles and quandaries inherent in being a new PR pro who's working to grow personally and professionally.

Today Tanner is asking the questions, and he's digging into how to lead without authority, how to handle that nagging feeling of imposter syndrome, how to survive micromanagement and how to work into more responsibility.

Being a new professional in the PR field is no easy road. There are big expectations and high pressures. But, as Tanner draws out in today's interview, those honing experiences can help you become a sharp professional over time.

Learn more about Tanner. Send Tanner an encouraging message about his debut in hosting the podcast: tanner@mcfarlandpr.com

How to host an arrest-free news briefing. 

On February 8, a NewsNation reporter was arrested at a news briefing in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment had occurred, resulting in the burning of toxic chemicals that created havoc for the small Ohio community. 

What led to this arrest, and how could  frustrations and irritation on the ground escalate into something that went so wrong, so fast and in such a big way?  Professionals who work crisis management often have to deal with tense media situations. So how can you keep that tension from escalating into confrontation?  Today we’ll walk through five practices that can help to build relationships with reporters on site at a crisis news briefing, reduce tension, and create cooperation and even opportunity for collaboration. 

Lots to unpack here today, so grab a pen and your note pad — and let’s dive in for some more PR learning love. 

Are you spouting the word "inclusion" but actually delivering exclusivity? Or does your organization unintentionally set up barriers so only a select or limited segment can truly connect and interact with you? 

Today we're going to apply an "inclusion check" to your company conversation and content -- from how you talk in your website copy to your social media posts to your product packaging information to product instructions to how your customer service representatives talk to customers, to your customer-service correspondence, etc. 

And we'll walk you through crucial questions you can apply as you look around your organization over the next week and informally assess what you can do to improve your company's efforts to be truly inclusive.

Or is it our collective behaviors and actions that make up the real answer?

Today we share five New Year's resolutions to help you become part of the solution by doing five things that enhance your own personal PR brand.

These resolutions are good advice for anyone anywhere, holding any position in any organization.

Grab a pen and some paper, and join in today for some more PR learning love!

Today, Sam Sims, PRSA incoming board member and Fellow, podcast host of PR for the Rest of Us and president of the Sims Group, chats with our host Stephanie McFarland about PR strategic planning.

Together, Sam and Steph talk about the key components of a good PR strategy, best practices, and how to manage the planning process and collaborate across the organization, and tips on how to implement the plan and measure success.

This is a real and sincere Friday afternoon chat between two experienced PR pros who give some valuable food for thought on the PR strategic planning process.

Grab a pen and paper -- and let's all dive in for some more PR learning love!

Don't let this business culture invade your organization and invite crisis or controversy. Be the radar system for your organization -- help keep it in a healthy place with the four tips in our final installment.

Grab a pen, grab a pad of paper, and let's dive in for some more PR learning love!

Did you know that Harvard and Berkley have some great data on what gratitude can do for your business? Well, we're going to hit the highlights of that data today -- and focus on how to integrate gratitude across your stakeholder relationships and use it to create true wealth in your business.

And don't miss the preface, because I have a special message for all of you who have been listening for the past year. I am so grateful for your time and interest in this show, and love having the opportunity to share PR love with you each week.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and know that you are greatly appreciated!

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Email address mentioned in the show preface: admin@mcfarlandpr.com

Thank you for joining us today for IT'S A PR THING -- where today we're on Part III of a four-part series on Corporate Cultures That Court Crisis. Again, these are business cultures that invite crisis and controversy, putting the organization at risk.

Today's episode focuses on the "Hair on Fire" culture, and gives us a robust taste of what operating in a constant state of urgency and emergency does to an organization's people and its stakeholders. You may even find some hints of Trump, Musk, Biden, Ye -- and even the FTX crew in this culture.

You'll also learn some tips and strategic tactics to help organizations course correct, if they're heading in this direction.

Lots to cover today, so let's all dive in for some more PR learning love.

Is your company culture putting you on this trajectory? And if so, how do you course correct? Today's episode focuses on a business culture that is one of the most difficult to change, but . . . if there is a will, there is a way!

Join us today for some solid food for thought, and let's all dive in for some more PR learning love!

Is your culture Too Big for Its Britches? Is it All About the Bennies? Is it operating Cowboy Style, or Blissfully Oblivious?

Join us today as we focus in on our first culture category, and learn the behaviors, characteristics and the risks these organizations face -- and how to course correct if you're heading in the wrong direction.

This is going to be an interesting episode today, and an excellent one to pass on to your leadership. So get ready to take some copious notes, and let's all dive in for some more PR learning love!

Today we're talking with Tanner Sizemore, who gives us insights into what it's like for a new professional entering the PR field, how it's different from the world of academia, how relationships play into a new professional's experience, and what kind of culture new PR pros are looking for today.

While my end of the audio is low and a bit muffled (sorry -- a little technical hiccup), Tanner is loud and clear as the star of today's episode. And he has some standout thoughts for us all to consider, and to pass along to students, incoming professionals, our own kids, and others.

So grab a pad of paper, grab a pen - and let's dive in for some more PR learning love!

So get ready to listen and learn, and ultimately save you time and money, and your team from the wear and tear of unnecessary stress and frustration.

Grab that pad of paper, grab a pen, and let's dive in for some more PR learning love today!

In today's episode, we get all up in these questions. And we lay some hard reality on you in the form of three crucial tips to help you get ahead of the news story -- and who has the biggest burden in the organization in keeping you out of the negative headlines.

So grab that pad of paper, grab a pen, and let's dive in for some more PR learning love!

These tools and resources come from a breadth of organizations and experts AND many of them are free or accessible at a very low cost. 

So get ready to take copious notes today as we dive into some more PR learning love! 

RESOURCES REFERENCED IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Our Podcasts — FREE

• EPISODE #3 -- THE FIVE LIMITING BELIEFS ABOUT PR 
• TUESDAY TIP #2 -- AVOIDING THE SCRAMBLE, HERDING THE CATS 
• TUESDAY TIP #4 -- BLT + PICKLE and the CEO 
• TUESDAY TIP #9 -- THE 10 TOOLS TO BUILD BETTER MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS
• EPISODE #8 -- THE MEDIA INTERVIEW: FOUR PRO-TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE AND MANAGE IT

Books -- Under $20 each

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-- Steven Covey 
• Damage Control: The Essential Lessons of Crisis Management -- Eric Dezenhall & John Weber 
• Left Turn -- Dr. Tim Groceclose

More podcasts -- from other people -- FREE 

• School PR Drive Time Podcast
• The CX Leader Podcast 

• Case Study Library @ MCFARLANDPR.COM 

We see a lot of information floating around about how content is king, and categorizing content creation as communication. But is it really? If it's not generating dialogue or interaction with you, is it really communication -- or just costly eye candy and clutter?

Output doesn't equate to outcome. They are different - yet also interrelated . . . and one can help you measure the other.

Tune in today and get a quick mindset check, and use it to reevaluate your own PR efforts and coach your team on how to produce PR outcomes from your content output.

And when you're finished, check out Tuesday Tip 4 -- BLT + Pickle and the CEO to learn the formula to measure your PR outcomes.

Today we're going to cover four pro tips that are crucial regarding any media interview.

Most people go into a media interview thinking they just need talking points. But there's a lot more you need to think about than parroting messages.

First and foremost, you need to have a strategy, you need to have something prepared that helps you deliver that strategy, you need some support to help you be successful in the interview and you want to make sure that your bases are covered in case you are misquoted or information is reported inaccurately.

If you've never done a media interview before, this is going to be some great starter information for you to get off on a good foot.

If you're someone who has done interviews here and there in the past, today's episode will give you new considerations and tools to strengthen your interview process.

And if you're someone like myself who has been the spokesperson and/or coaches people on media-interview practices, this is going to give you some good reminders of the discipline and techniques that we need to be using every time we're doing those media interviews

So grab a pad of paper and a pen, and let's dive into some more PR learning love!

Building a relationship with the news media takes more that just a solid contact list and blasting out news releases. You need to not only help journalists know about stories, but you must also give them opportunities and materials to help build and package those stories — and you must also be timely, relevant and responsive to help them do their job.

These 10 tools will help you build credibility and good working relationships across your media contacts. 

So grab a pen and a pad of paper, and let's dive into some more PR learning love!

CORRECTION: True confession all -- I got so into talking about the details of each tool that I mixed up the number order, and didn't realize it until we were fully produced. My apologies -- but you know what they say . . . "imperfect action is better than no action." Thank you for your grace.

YES! Public relations tactics and techniques played a major role in the birth of the United States as a nation.

• Today you're going to learn about the first-viral share in American history -- before Facebook or Twitter.
• You're going to learn about the first branding campaign -- before the first ad agency existed.
• And you'll learn about the crucial influencers of the time -- who did it all without social media, the Internet, network television or even electricity.  

Come on! Let's take a walk down history lane!

Well, today we're going to dive into the practice of "decrease to increase" -- where sometimes pulling back and doing less IN THE RIGHT WAY will actually gain you more in the long run in influencing those stakeholder relationships.

Join me today for some more PR learning love in this Tuesday Tip, and get the insider advantage of knowing how to decrease to increase.

And, as always, if you liked this episode, please give it a review and share the PR learning love!

Today everyone wants to be an influencer -- and with all of the channels listed above, it's really easy to set up your own "network" to get your opinion, reactions, and agendas out into the public square.

BUT SHOULD YOU? Should your focus be on influencing -- or should you be focused on something even more important, and of greater service to your industry, cause and community?

Today's brief but pointed tip dives into the trend of being an influencer and if it's the right path.

Join me today for some more PR learning love!

Well, today we're going to talk about what spin is, how it is very different from ethical PR practice, and how to politely and professional reject and correct the label of spin.

Tune in today, and let's share the PR learning love!

If you want to explore your issue or initiative with experienced PR pros to test your ideas, get some additional insights or strategic counsel, then check out our Advising & Coaching sessions at McFarlandpr.com. No contract or retainer needed. Just schedule a time from any of our three daily slots open per day, and we'll jump on a call or Zoom session and help you confidentially carve out a path for success!

BONUS: I've purposely shared somethings out of order to test your listening skills. If you find it, share your find in the comments!

I'll also tell you at the end of the show where you can get more info on how to create this tool for yourself and your organization -- and use it to help you build relationships that build business!