Episodes
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In this live edition of The PR Breakdown, Molly McPherson is joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenak, the hosts of the Reputation Town podcast, to explore the widening gap between journalism and public trust. The conversation centers on CNN’s Jake Tapper and his new book with Alex Thompson, Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.
The reputation strategy behind Tapper’s timingWhether journalists should profit from stories they once protectedHow media control is shifting from legacy outlets to podcasters and independent creatorsWhy access journalism is losing public trustThe pressure journalists face when reporting truth conflicts with institutional loyalty
Is this book a mea culpa? A career pivot? Or a strategic move to rebuild credibility?This episode is not just about one book or one anchor. It’s about the changing role of journalism, the rise of independent media, and the challenge of earning trust in today’s media environment.
If you work in communications, follow the news closely, or just want to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines, this conversation is for you.Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
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Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million sexual harassment lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon—and his legal team wasted no time calling it a “scam” and “shakedown.” That move may work in court. It won’t hold up in the court of public opinion.
In this episode, I break down:
How aggressive legal statements create reputational damageWhy pattern recognition is the biggest risk to Perry’s brandThe Christian Keyes video circulating online and its unspoken implicationsWhat Perry’s team should have said instead—and why it mattersFrom the “Lizzo Effect” to the gap between legal and reputation risk, this is a classic case of what happens when a billion-dollar brand forgets that beloved status is earned—and easily revoked.
Strategic Takeaway: Defensive desperation destroys trust faster than the allegation itself.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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Missing episodes?
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Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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A $400 million defamation lawsuit, a full dismissal from a federal judge, and reputations still in question. This week, we’re breaking down the legal loss—and PR fallout—of It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni’s case against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their team. Spoiler: no one comes out clean.
This episode goes beyond the legal headline to unpack what really happens when public figures weaponize defamation law to manage backlash. We cover:
Why most defamation suits failWhat the law protects—and what it doesn’tThe reputational risks of suing to “fix” a storyAnd what Blake Lively’s post-verdict statement didn’t say out loudIf you’ve ever asked, “Should I sue for defamation?”—this episode is your answer. (And I’ve got a resource for you if you’re still not sure.)
Mentioned in the episode:
Should You Sue for Defamation? (Fillable Decision Tree for paid subscribers): PRBreakdown.MediaSocial Media Hints At Reasons Behind 'It Ends With Us' Cast Rift, Forbes.com (Aug. 12, 2024) Molly McPhersonWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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This week delivered a crash course in reputational damage. From a celebrity divorce to a DOGE(Y) dodge, and newsroom blowback, this episode highlights five real-time PR failures that exposed deeper internal fractures.
Mentioned in this episode:
Hugh Jackman & Deborra-Lee Furness: When a “conscious uncoupling” narrative veers into betrayalJeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez: The media quote provided about their pre-wedding press tour. Previous episode for context: (Houston, Gayle King and Crew Have a Problem: Blue Origins PR Free Fall)Elon Musk: His pivot away from Trump raises eyebrows. Jake Tapper: CNN’s anchor (and one crisis communicator) faces the heat from the release of Original Sin. Delta Airlines: A viral in-flight moment that struck the wrong chord.Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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Jake Tapper’s new book Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again is making headlines; not just for what’s in it. The backlash, the omissions, the PR fallout—it’s all part of a larger failure in messaging that started long before the first leak.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the five communication sins at the core of the Biden cover-up. It’s not about politics. It’s about power, spin, and what happens when leaders forget that concealment is not strategy.
You’ll hear:
The five sins: from silencing to muting the messengerThe Tapper media tour misfireWhy crisis spin can’t beat truth—even with a teleprompterHow these same mistakes show up in boardrooms, campaigns, and C-suitesThis isn’t about politics or who you voted for. It’s about what not to do when people are watching...and when they’re not.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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This episode examines the sharp edge of celebrity scandal and why some reputations teeter over the cliff while others, against the odds, manage a comeback. With Sean Combs (Diddy) serving as the case study, this episode reveals PR moves public figure make when they are close to the edge of the “reputation cliff.”
Comparing a trio of notorious comebacks and collapses—Robert Downey Jr., Tiger Woods, Ellen DeGeneres—the episode shares how two made it through the crisis while one fell victim to it.
In this episode:
The three signals a brand or person is beyond repairWhy apologies and silence aren’t equalThe harsh truth about when it's too little, too late.Sources:
How allegations can impact Combs' Reputation, NBC News, May 14, 2025Brands! Take a Stand! But Do So With Caution, You.Gov, Deepa Bhatia - December 18th, 2018Poll: Tiger Woods Hits a Record Low, NY Post, 2009Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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Last week, my daughter graduated from Loyola University Chicago. After years of watching her build a life—on the field, on the sidelines, in the center of the action—she’s stepping into the real world. And like so many graduates right now, she’s walking in with drive, uncertainty, and a digital footprint that started long before her first job offer.
This episode is a message to her—and to every graduate who needs a little direction that’s not sugarcoated. It’s a life list. The same one I’ve given my own kids (sometimes more than once). The same one I use with clients in crisis.
In this episode:
The top three questions students (and parents) ask me after every keynoteWhy your degree matters less than how well you can read a roomThe habits and mindsets that actually keep reputations intactWhat to say in your first “I don’t know what to do” moment at workAnd the one thing every Gen Z grad needs to hear—especially those shaped by the pandemic yearsThis is not motivational filler. It’s a real list for the real world. Send it to your grad. Save it for your kid. Or come back to it when your own clarity runs low.
Read the entire list here on my PR Breakdown Substack: What No One Tells New Grads About Crisis Communication (And Life)Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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Bill Belichick has always been a master of control—on the field, in the press, and with his own narrative. But this episode examines how that carefully crafted reputation is unraveling, not because of a fumbled statement, but due to the outsize influence of his much-younger girlfriend, Jordan Hudson.
A viral CBS interview, public statements blaming the media, and confusion about her expanding “professional” role—all illustrate a pattern where the desire to squash uncomfortable questions only fuels more curiosity and suspicion for the current UNC football coach.
Using the latest PR missteps as a case study, the episode spotlights the danger of losing control over the story to someone whose only real credential is main character energy. When boundary issues and amateur crisis management collide, even New England legends risk getting steamrolled by bad optics. The tension between protecting privacy and inviting chaos gets put under the spotlight, challenging listeners to recognize when a message stops being strategy and starts becoming farce.
In this episode:
The real cost of outsourcing reputation management to someone with minimal experience and maximum influenceWhy blaming the media—and the audience—always backfires, no matter how famous you areHow losing internal boundaries blurs personal and professional roles, turning even legacy brands into tabloid fodderWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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A football legend avoids the one question everyone’s asking. A Hollywood power couple frames advocacy through a lens that feels just a little too curated. And a trusted draft analyst unravels on-air when his favorite prospect freefalls. This episode covers three high-profile figures—Bill Belichick, Blake Lively, and Mel Kiper Jr.—each caught in a reputational storm of their own making.
The instinct to protect ego is understandable—but it’s also where most people go wrong. When public figures refuse to adapt or acknowledge the obvious, they don’t protect their image—they invite scrutiny. Whether it’s personal relationships, unresolved legal issues, or professional misfires, the damage isn’t just in the mistake. It’s in pretending the mistake doesn’t exist.
Silence isn't strategy—it’s speculation fuelDoubling down rarely works when credibility’s at stakeThe Streisand Effect is still undefeatedWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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This episode examines Harvard University’s April 2025 letter rejecting sweeping demands from the Trump administration—an act of resistance that was principled, measured, and strategically precise.
The statement didn’t chase headlines or play defense. It outlined the stakes, drew a legal and ethical line, and delivered a message that stood on mission—not fear.
Listeners will hear a breakdown of how the letter was structured, why it worked, and what it signals for anyone responsible for high-stakes communication. The episode explores how transparency, when guided by values, creates reputational resilience—even under political and public pressure. Essential listening for leaders, communicators, and institutions preparing to face conflict—and determined to do it without flinching.
Key Themes:
Framing a public statement when the pressure is highAvoiding vague language and moral compromise in moments of riskWhy clarity and conviction are more protective than silenceLessons in structure, tone, and timing from Harvard’s strategyMentioned in this Episode:
How Legal Counsel Doomed Leadership At Harvard and UPenn, Molly McPherson (Forbes.com) This Is Not Normal: What Harvard's Bold Statements Can Teach Every Leader, Molly McPherson (Substack.com | PRBreakdown.Media)Your Guide to Writing a Bold Statement When the Stakes Are High, Molly McPherson (Substack.com | PRBreakdown.Media)Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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A rocket full of high-profile women launched into space, but the real spectacle might’ve been the PR machine that sent it there. From Katy Perry floating with a daisy to Oprah crying on the ground, every moment of Blue Origin’s all-women flight felt like it was choreographed to go viral. It looked empowering on the surface, but the optics raised a bigger question: when the narrative feels off, who gets to push back—and how?
This episode is a smart, strategic walkthrough of how to correct the record without igniting a firestorm. Using a therapist-backed framework from relationship expert Dr. Abby Medcalf, this breakdown lays out the emotional and tactical roadmap to tell someone they’re wrong in a way they’ll actually hear. Because calling out the spin doesn’t have to burn everything down—if you know how to land the message.
What You'll Learn:
The three-step framework for correcting someone without causing a blow-upWhy even seasoned communicators get stuck defending bad storiesHow to separate honest feedback from ego-driven pushbackWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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In this episode the spotlight is on the unexpected exit of Cristobal Tapia de Vere, the brilliant mind behind the haunting score from the hit HBO series, The White Lotus. This episode examines the emotional and professional tensions that simmer beneath the surface of creative collaborations. Shifts in tone and style aren't just about art—they're about personal identity and control. When those elements clash, trust and communication often become the collateral damage.
Gain insight into how personal grievances can mutate into public challenges, especially in high-stakes environments. This episode serves a lesson about defaulting to raw emotion in times of conflict while offering the key to maintaining strong, resilient relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Ego and Emotional Decisions: Personal emotions can heavily influence professional outcomes, especially in creative endeavors.Private vs. Public Disputes: Addressing disagreements internally before they become public spats is crucial for maintaining professionalism.Identity and Compromise: Balancing artistic integrity with audience expectations can lead to creative clashes and severed partnerships.Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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The SignalGate fallout isn’t just about an accidental group chat. It’s about the unraveling that happens when powerful people panic, deny, and deflect—all while trying to hold onto credibility in real time. This episode unpacks how a single journalist ended up in a military planning thread with top Trump officials, and why the aftermath says more about the communication breakdown inside the administration than it does about the strike itself. From strategic missteps to ethical high-wire acts, this one’s a case study in what not to do when a digital leak turns into a national headline.
There’s also a deeper layer at play: the psychological and political reasons behind denial, the misuse of secure platforms, and how blame is conveniently passed down the chain. For communicators and leaders, the fallout becomes a cautionary tale—a chance to stress-test your own crisis readiness and rethink what accountability should actually look like when power is on the line.
In this episode:
Why denial is a weak (but often used) PR strategy in high-stakes situationsThe specific missteps that turned a comms error into a reputational messHow secure communication isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a leadership oneWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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This episode explores the calculated timing and emotional storytelling behind Meghan Markle’s latest media rollout. With a new Netflix series and curated social media posts emerging alongside headlines about Prince Harry’s visa status, the episode lays out how strategic vulnerability is being used as a crisis communication tool—and why it might not be landing. The episode breaks down the disconnect between brand aspiration and emotional authenticity, and how perceived relatability doesn’t always translate to real connection.
Through the lens of self-disclosure theory and shifting favorability ratings, the episode also points out the risks of manufactured intimacy in the influencer era. Listeners are challenged to consider whether Markle’s approach reflects genuine strategy or reactive PR gloss. And, as always, the conversation expands into the personal: when life feels messy, is being selectively vulnerable helping—or just a way to dodge the harder truths?
In this episode:
Strategic vulnerability vs. authentic connection—what’s the difference?
Why Meghan’s content may be polished but still feels emotionally distant
A lesson from Ina Garten on how humility builds trust better than beige brandingWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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The controversy swirling around Disney’s live-action Snow White runs the gamut from casting backlash to political tension. Rachel Zegler’s modern spin on the iconic princess ignited debates over “wokeness,” while leaked photos of diverse actors playing dwarfs gave way to CGI stand-ins, triggering questions about authenticity. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance and Zegler’s pro-Palestine comments added extra fuel to the fire, turning a simple fairytale remake into a cultural flashpoint.
Disney’s cautious marketing approach suggests an attempt to manage the uproar, but critics wonder if transparency and proactive engagement might have quelled the blowback. The movie itself is drawing early praise, which raises the question: does good storytelling prevail over controversy, or do larger social debates overshadow the final product?
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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In this episode, Molly McPherson takes you behind the scenes of crisis management, starting at SXSW. She reveals how this one single word came up in a week of speaking engagements. A word that can strip away layers of trust, ignite public outrage, and transform everyday moments into high-stakes dramas.
Listen to real-world examples that reveal this word—from the controversial campaign to save a beloved local beaver to the corporate shakeup at Target over shifting DEI commitments. Tune in for an incisive look at how one word is fueling headlines and reshaping public perception in today’s backlash-centric media landscape.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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The 2025 Academy Awards weren’t just about golden statues—they were a golden opportunity to survive a PR crisis. From a rumored affair between two co-stars, resurfaced blackface performances to the growing debate over artificial intelligence in filmmaking, this year’s Oscars put the industry’s ethical dilemmas front and center.
How did major nominees handle the heat? Taking a closer look at how these Hollywood players navigated public backlash and owned—or avoided—their past decisions. These moments aren’t just about damage control; they’re reshaping how audiences view performance, ethics, and storytelling itself. So, can artistry exist without controversy in a world that’s always watching? Let’s unpack it in this episode.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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This is the only thing you have to fear in a crisis. Listen as crisis and reputation strategist Molly McPherson explains what is at the heart of every crisis.
Recorded late on a Friday— moments after her meeting with a client in crisis— Molly checked out the national news headlines looking for a Friday news dump. She wanted to find the common theme between what she heard on that client call and what that headline story revealed.
She found it.
Learn what the secret trigger of every client crisis.
Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories
Overview
In this episode, Molly explores how celebrity stories are crafted and shaped behind the scenes, examining the key players and mechanisms that drive celebrity narratives in media.Case Studies Discussed
Meghan Markle's Brand RelaunchTaylor Swift/Blake Lively SituationRyan Reynolds & Blake Lively
Vanity Fair article "American Hustle" (February 2025 edition)Previous episode (#299) on Taylor Swift distancing from Blake LivelyPR Breakdown Substack: prbreakdown.media
Additional Resources MentionedWant More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.
Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.mediaNeed a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.
This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Learn more at https://muckrack.com
https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...
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