• Episode 30 -- Is DEI Ending or Evolving?
    Feb 19 2025

    DOES DEI HAVE A FUTURE?

    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

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    7 mins
  • Episode 29 -- The Beat Down on Gen X
    Dec 27 2024

    Why is Gen X battling a beat down online currently?

    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!

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    22 mins
  • Episode 28 -- PR Mail Bag Q&A
    Nov 30 2024

    PR Mail Bag Q&A (with Bonus Recipes!)

    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/

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    13 mins
  • Episode 27 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part III
    Nov 23 2024

    THE NATIONAL TRUST DEFICIT - PART III

    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.

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    12 mins
  • Episode 26 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part II
    Nov 15 2024

    Welcome to this episode of IT'S A PR THING, where we tackle Part II of our series on the U.S. National Trust Deficit.

    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.

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    20 mins
  • Episode 25 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part I
    Nov 8 2024
    The National Trust Deficit - Part I

    Today we’re starting a series on TRUST.

    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.

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    14 mins
  • Episode 24 -- Anheuser-Busch: A Case Study in Corporate Activism
    May 15 2023

    The Anheuser-Busch recent marketing campaign stirred up a lot of conversation and action from consumers -- on both sides of the issue. Now company marketing executives are on "leave," consumers across the board are angry, a boycott is in progress, sales and stocks are down, and other Anheuser brands are feeling the impact as well.

    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.

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    5 mins
  • Episode 23 -- The Tougher Side of Being a New PR Professional
    Apr 19 2023

    Tanner tackles the tougher side of being a new PR professional

    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

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    14 mins