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The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com
Crisis Communication
Public Relations
Colleen Ballinger
Matt Rife
Eulogy Writing
Matthew Perry
Taylor Swift
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes352Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureBusiness

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Artwork for The PR Breakdown

Latest Episodes

This week’s episode kicks off Part One of The Top PR Wins and Fails of 2025 by pulling straight from the headlines and social media feeds that dominated the year. Instead of rehashing scandals, it digs into the decisions behind them: who understood t... more

This week’s episode gives you a front row seat to my Friday live sessions, where culture, crisis, and community collide in the best possible way. Think of it as a sampler plate of reputational highs and lows. Some hits. Some misses. A few absolute di... more

YouTube

A close look at Tatiana Schlossberg's viral New Yorker essay, A Battle with My Blood. It is an emotional piece that blends grief, legacy, and quiet fury, and it signals a deeper shift inside the Kennedy family. The episode walks through the layers of... more

YouTube

This week’s episode dives into a crowded lineup of public figures who all managed to confuse PR maneuvering with actual accountability: President Trump’s “quiet piggy” moment on Air Force One and the broader pattern behind his attacks on women in the... 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 453 ratings
  • Insightful Analysis

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blah!_Blah!
    Australiaa month 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 States5 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 Kingdom7 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 States10 months ago
  • Love the PR secrets

    Amazing podcast. Found you on TikTok. Super happy this info is avail! I'll be tuning in.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    asdftrewchyrd
    United States10 months 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

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#242
Ireland/Society & Culture

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.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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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. Deux U
2. I've Had It
3. Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
5. Be There in Five

How many episodes of The PR Breakdown are there?

The PR Breakdown launched 7 years ago and published 352 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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