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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com
Crisis Communication
Public Relations
Taylor Swift
Colleen Ballinger
Matt Rife
Matthew Perry
Eulogy Writing
Tiktok
Travis Kelce
Grief
Public Statements
Netflix
Chicago Blackhawks
Social Media
Forbes
Crisis Management
Friends
Domestic Violence
Media Preparation
Blind Gossip

The PR Breakdown reveals the moves behind the mess. Crisis communication expert Molly McPherson dissects the viral scandals, celebrity meltdowns, and corporate disasters dominating headlines to show you the strategic mistakes and desperate moves that destroy reputations - so you never make them yourself.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes359Founded7 years ago
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Artwork for The PR Breakdown

Latest Episodes

Breaking down Peter Attia’s public PR response after his name appears more than 1,700 times in recently released Epstein-related documents. The documents include emails and calendar references tying Attia to Jeffrey Epstein over multiple years. While... more

YouTube

Most leaders hide behind surprise when disaster strikes. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara did the opposite.

In a January 2025 interview with The New York Times' Michael Barbaro, O'Hara said the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent was "predict... more

YouTube

Brooklyn Beckham just torched his parents on Instagram, and the timing? Impeccable. Devastating. Strategic.

In this episode, breaking down the Beckham family crisis as it unfolded in real time (Literally! Molly was doing a live BBC interview about t... more

YouTube

When Renee Goode was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, two completely different stories emerged from the same event. One side called her a domestic terrorist who weaponized her Honda Pilot, while the other saw a mother trying to escape. As a cri... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Greg Gallant
CEO and co-founder of MuckRack
MuckRack
Episode: PR in the Age of GEO: How to Make Sure AI Gets Your Story Right
John Pernick
Co-host of the Reputation Town podcast.
Reputation Town
Episode: When Journalists Become the Story: Who Really Controls the Narrative?
Michael Jammin
Emmy-nominated writer and screenwriter, author of A Paper Orchestra.
Episode: Takeaways from Trump's Inaugural Address: Key Highlights You Can't Miss
Dr Abbey Metcalf
Expert on relationships and emotional well-being
Episode: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and Psychology Breakdown
Dr. Abby
Therapist and psychologist with a PhD
Episode: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Abby: Celebrity Relationships, Loyalty, and Reputation in the Spotlight
Vanessa Grigoriadis
Renowned journalist and award-winning author, known for her interviews with celebrities.
Episode: 276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Dr. Abby Metcalf
Relationship maven and psychologist
Abbymetcalf.com
Episode: 275: Allegedly Series: Behind the Headlines Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez
Michelle Egan
Chair of the Public Relations Society of America
Public Relations Society of America
Episode: 274: The Future of Public Relations: A Conversation with PRSA's Michelle Egan
David McAlpine
Global Head of External Communication for Illumina, and former network news producer with significant experience in media.
Illumina
Episode: 272: Behind the Broadcast: Expert Tips for a Memorable Media Interview

Host

Molly McPherson
Crisis communication expert and host, known for dissecting scandals, celebrity meltdowns, and PR strategies in the media.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 454 ratings
  • Useful tools

    Molly really does “break down” actionable tips for responding to communications crises. She uses her own experience and teaches her audience how to ferret out the nuggets of truth in a muddled media landscape.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marge Inovera
    United Statesa month ago
  • Insightful Analysis

    Brilliant analysis of events and behaviours happening in politics and pop culture today.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blah!_Blah!
    Australia3 months ago
  • Got the ick

    Guests were bad enough that I’m just finished listening altogether and unsubscribed. Exposed bad judgement and taste.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    omp19
    United States7 months ago
  • Exceptional insight

    The Jan 29 episode in particular was filled with true insider knowledge. Grateful for the inside access

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    elleshoe
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • My favorite!

    I found you on insta and am now following you- love your perspective, love this podcast it is my new favorite! Thanks!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JMJ 22
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, there is a strong, positive community response that emphasizes the quality of content, particularly in relation to the host's background and insights.
Some reviews express disappointment over certain episodes featuring guests that were perceived negatively, impacting overall enjoyment.
The show is praised for its sharp commentary on the intersection of media and reputation management, often highlighting academic perspectives on current events.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and engaging breakdowns of PR crises and scandals, finding Molly's expertise invaluable.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Michael Wolff’s Messy Attempt to Explain Why He Was Helping Epstein
Q: Were you his media advisor?
Wolff insists he was not Epstein's media advisor, though his actions suggest otherwise.
When Sports and Scandal Collide: Inside the Biggest Controversies and Comebacks
Q: What advice would you give if you had the ear of a new athlete, someone who's a big college star?
Focus on building a good reputation, which helps withstand negative situations. Be conscious that everything you say can be fodder for the media and avoid sending controversial messages late at night.
When Sports and Scandal Collide: Inside the Biggest Controversies and Comebacks
Q: So looking back at all these cases from Aaron Rogers to Brett Favre to Tom Brady, what's the common thread you see in sports crises or sports issues that make or break a response?
A lot of the regular crisis rules apply, such as timeliness and gathering all the facts. The first response is usually bungled, and navigating through social media is crucial.
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Q: Was there any sense of maturity stunted due to her fame at a young age?
There is a theory that you get stuck at the age you become famous, which may apply to her.
276: Before the Fame: Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Taylor Swift's Early Years
Q: When you interviewed her, did you see her as someone who would become this big star?
I believed she was driven and talented, but her rise was beyond what she expected herself.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The PR Breakdown

What is The PR Breakdown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on crisis communication and public relations, this show offers insights into the strategic missteps and successes behind major reputational events in media, from celebrity scandals to corporate failures. The host dissects high-profile cases, often featuring community discussions that prompt listener engagement and reflection. Frequently connecting current events with lessons learned, it emphasizes understanding the nuances of public perception and the complex dynamics of accountability across various sectors. Unique in its blend of academic analysis and real-world relevance, it aims to equip listeners with knowledge to navigate their own PR challenges, enhancing their skills in crisis management.

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Which podcasts are similar to The PR Breakdown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The PR Breakdown:

1. The Daily
2. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
3. Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
4. What Next | Daily News and Analysis
5. Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

How many episodes of The PR Breakdown are there?

The PR Breakdown launched 7 years ago and published 359 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The PR Breakdown?

Recent guests on The PR Breakdown include:

1. Greg Gallant
2. John Pernick
3. Michael Jammin
4. Dr Abbey Metcalf
5. Dr. Abby
6. Vanessa Grigoriadis
7. Dr. Abby Metcalf
8. Michelle Egan

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