PRSSA National Headquarters periodically publishes podcasts for our members. These podcasts cover a variety of topics including internships, career advice, industry news, current events and much more. See below for podcasts available.
Student Stories
Chapter Best Practices with Pacesetter Award Winners
Oakley Weddle, PRSSA national vice president of chapter development, interviews three winners of the Pacesetter Award that recognizes a Chapter's success in the areas of membership, national participation and Chapter development. The three guests from Marist University, Kennesaw University and Ohio State University share their tips and strategies of developing their chapters and keeping their Members engaged.
Organizing a District Conference
Milagros Orcoyen, 2023-2024 vice president of events and fundraising interviews two committee members from the PR eLevated District Conference team: Sarah Thaman from DePaul University and Ksymena Pawlowicz from Columbia College Chicago. They share their experience with co-hosting a district conference and everything that goes into it. If you're considering hosting a PRSSA District Conference, tune in for some insights and first-hand tips!
Oakley Weddle
PRSSA member Oakley Weddle and Nicole Steele — PRSSA 2022-2023 vice president of brand engagement — discuss Oakley's story, how to launch a PR firm while in college, ways to use one's PR skills to make an impact, and more. This podcast is also part of a giveaway, so be sure to use our Instagram story template to share one takeaway from this podcast by March 8, 2023, for a chance to win one of three $20 Amazon gift cards.
A Podcast About Podcasting with Brady Wills
2021—2022 Vice President of Brand Engagement, Cat Kalogeros, interviews Brady Mills, podcast host of PR Hangover for Grand Valley State University's PRSSA Chapter. Brady chats about all things podcasts, from PR Hangover production to his favorite podcasts to listen to. If your Chapter is interested in starting a podcast, you'll definitely want to take a listen!
A Year in Review
2020—2021 Vice President of Brand Engagement Zach Ferenchak is joined by 2020-2021 Vice President of Digital Communications Katy Belanger and 2021—2022 National President Rachel Meltzer to discuss a PRSSA year in review. The three talk about some of their personal highlights from the past year, share favorite memories, and offer advice for students as we welcome the start of a new PRSSA year.
International Student Perspectives on Public Relations
Vice President of Brand Engagement Zach Ferenchak interviews Yunjing Zhang in the second episode of Student Stories. Zhang is an international student originally from Xian, China who now studies public relations at Penn State University. She serves as the diversity chair for Penn State PRSSA and as a PRoud Council member for PRSSA National. In this episode, Zhang discusses her experience as an international student, her interests in public relations and PRSSA, and some pieces of advice for fellow international students interested in Public Relations.
The ICON Experience: Why It Matters and How To Make It Happen
Tune into a brand-new episode of PRSSA's Student Stories podcast. During this episode, "The ICON Experience: Why It Matters and How To Make It Happen," you'll hear Oakley Weddle, PRSSA's 2023-2024 vice president of Chapter Development and 2023 ICON Conference coordinator, discussing ICON with Milagros Orcoyen, PRSSA's 2023-2024 vice president of events and fundraising. They share the Conference agenda, personal insights and tips. Milagros also outlines proven fundraising practices and examples that Chapters can implement to help get students to ICON 2023 in Nashville, Tenn., next month!
Hosting a District Conference with Kynsay Hunt
Kynsay Hunt, conference coordinator for last year's University of South Carolina’s District Conference, shares her experience hosting a PRSSA District Conference with 2022-2023 Vice President of Events and Fundraising, Milagros Orcoyen. They discuss the benefits of hosting a District Conference, advice to others hosting, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, and more. If you're considering hosting a PRSSA District Conference, you'll definitely want to give it a listen!
A District Conference Conversation with Erin Lewis
PRSSA National publications sub-committee member Kimberly Hurd interviews Erin Lewis, vice president of events and fundraising. Erin talks about her role coordinating the 2021 Stories of the Sunshine State District Conference, how COVID-19 threw the event for a twist and gives advice to future conference coordinators. You won’t want to miss this Student Story brought to you by PRSSA Podcasts.
Highlighting the Black Student Experience
Vice President of Brand Engagement Zach Ferenchak interviews Kiki Hartmann, a senior at Southern Illinois University and Chapter president of SIU PRSSA. In this episode, Hartmann discusses her student journey, her thoughts on representation in public relations, and offers advice for fellow students on their career journeys. This episode is part of PRSSA’s celebration of Black History Month that takes place throughout the month of February.
Conference Planning in a Virtual World
The inaugural episode of Student Stories, a PRSSA podcast, focuses on conference planning in a virtual world. Join vice president of brand engagement Zach Ferenchak as he interviews Rachel Meltzer, vice president of events and fundraising, and Kix Patterson, Memphis PRSSA Conference Planning Committee member as they discuss the future of conference and event planning. Topics such as cross-Chapter collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and new virtual experiences are all discussed. Also, get a sneak peek of what members can expect from PRSSA’s 2021 District Conferences.
PR With the Pros
This PRSSA national podcast series takes students into the minds of public relation professionals to discuss the field, receive career advice and learn more about the Society. Hosted by PRSSA student leaders, PR With the Pros started in 2017. Since then, each episode is focused on a different theme.
Dianne Danowski-Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA
Dianne Danowski-Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA is interviewed by Barbara Stachurska, PRSSA National Vice President of Brand Engagement. Danowski-Smith shares her professional journey leading to owning a PR agency - Publix Northwest and provides insight into how PRSA membership impacted her life and career.
Dr. Maria Elles Scott
Dr. Maria Elles Scott, PR professional and educator is interviewed by Barbara Stachurska, vice president of brand engagement at PRSSA. Dr. Scott shares her career journey and insights of working in sports and entertainment PR, as well as advice for students hoping to pursue careers in those industries.
Paula Phelan
Paula Phelan, COO at Intelligent Relations, an innovative AI-enhanced PR company, is interviewed by Barbara Stachurska, vice president of brand engagement at PRSSA. Phelan shares her insight about new technologies, the use of AI and its impact on the future of the PR field.
Dr. Caroline Heldman
Dr. Caroline Heldman, executive director at The Representation Project, chats with 2022-2023 vice president of brand engagement Nicole Steele. Dr. Heldman discusses some of her favorite campaigns, how to successfully include representation in media, tips for public speaking, and more.
Gina Laughlin
Gina Laughlin, director of global employee engagement & recognition for Delta Air Lines and past national PRSSA president, chats with 2022-2023 vice president of brand engagement Nicole Steele. Gina discusses how PRSSA has impacted her career, successful internal communications campaigns, how to leverage PRSSA Champions, and more.
Matt Prince
On this episode of PR With the Pros, PRSSA National's 2021-22 VP of Professional Development, Kayla Holley, interviews Taco Bell's Sr. Manager of Public Relations & Brand Experience, Matt Prince. The two talk about Prince's Net Net Synergy networking website and LinkedIn group for young professionals, the importance of mentors and the types of mentorships, the attributes he looks for when hiring new grads, and how to keep a good work-life balance when working from home.
Ron Culp
Vice President of Member Services Alyson Hoffman interviews Ron Culp, instructor and professional in residence public relations and advertising for the graduate program at DePaul University. Culp discusses his agency and corporate experiences, his blog Culpwrit, his current role and advice for students as they explore the public relations field academically and professionally.
Sean Greenwood
PRSSA National publications sub-committee member Kimberly Hurd interviews Erin Lewis, vice president of events and fundraising. Erin talks about her role coordinating the 2021 Stories of the Sunshine State District Conference, how COVID-19 threw the event for a twist and gives advice to future conference coordinators.
Jamie Frumusa
PRSSA National’s Vice President of Professional Development Kayla Holley interviews Tipping Point Communication’s Vice President of Client Strategy and Relations Jamie Frumusa. The two talk about the importance of mentors, the value of APR certification, what Frumusa looks for when hiring a new grad and more! Tipping Point is an award-winning public relations and media agency. Founded in 2005, they’ve delivered public relations and media services to a wide range of clients, specifically in the hospitality and education fields. They specialize in helping brands find their voice by creating authentic connections and memorable experiences that help build lasting relationships with clients and customers.
Rebecca Ann Owen
In this episode of “PR With the Pros,” Vice President of Career Services Zane Landin interviews Rebecca Ann Owen, a recent graduate of Boston University who now works for BCW as an account coordinator in the firm’s health care practice. Owen gives insights into how she landed her dream job out of college, what the role has been like so far and offers tips for students who are graduating this May.
Adrienne Wallace, Ph.D.
This episode features Adrienne Wallace, Ph.D., the Faculty Adviser for the Grand Valley State University PRSSA Chapter and a recipient of the 2019 Dr. F. H. Teahan Outstanding Faculty Adviser Award. She discusses what she thinks of the Adviser role, mentorship, and what makes an outstanding Adviser. Courtney Fougle, the student who nominated Dr. Wallace, is also featured to discuss why she nominated Dr. Wallace and her outstanding characteristics. Hosted by McQue Wilson, PRSSA 2019–2020 vice president of member services.
Steve Radick
During this podcast, Radick, vice president of public relations and content integration at Brunner, discusses his experience in crafting the most buzzed-about 2017 Super Bowl commercial, agency life and why every public relations student/professional should join PRSSA/PRSA.
Michael DiSalvo
During this podcast, DiSalvo, vice president of health care at Ogilvy Public Relations, discusses what sets Ogilvy apart from other media companies, the unique challenges of public relations in the health care sector and how his involvement in PRSSA/PRSA influenced the course of his impressive career.
Pat Ford
During this podcast, Ford, professional in residence at the University of Florida, discusses agency life, mentorship and why he is passionate about PRSSA and education.
George Huff
Hear firsthand from George Huff, CEO of Opal, an innovative MarTech platform, as he's interviewed by Barbara Stachurska, the recently elected PRSSA vice president of brand engagement, in the latest episode of PRSSA's podcast series "PR With the Pros." Huff shares his story of bringing Opal to life, his keys to success and some advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Plus, if you'd like to give Opal a try, its team has created a unique link so that you can access a free trial: opal.show/prssa.
Mallory Blair
In the latest PR with the Pro's podcast episode, Mallory Blair, CEO of Small Girls PR, shares with 2022-2023 PRSSA vice president of brand engagement Nicole Steele about the public relations firm she co-founded in college. As she talks about what it took to start a firm, work culture, successful campaigns, and more, Mallory shares great advice and insights for aspiring PR professionals.
Donna LaVoie
In our latest PR with the Pro's podcast episode, Donna LaVoie, founder and CEO of LaVoieHealthScience, tells 2022-2023 PRSSA vice president of brand engagement Nicole Steele about her company and tips for students entering the public relations industry.
Dr. Felicia Blow, APR
This year, we celebrate PRSA's 75th Anniversary. Listen in as the 2022-2023 Vice President of Brand Engagement, Nicole Steele, interviews PRSA National Chair Dr. Felicia Blow, APR about PRSA and PRSSA. Dr. Blow talks about everything from past PRSA milestones, to PRSSA, to recent PRSA announcements.
Elliott Potter
Vice President of Brand Engagement Cat Kalogeros interviews Elliott Potter, co-founder and CEO of digital business card company Linq. Elliott discusses the evolution of Linq, working at startups and how students can set themselves apart when networking.
Alexis Woody
Vice President of Brand Engagement Cat Kalogeros interviews Alexis Woody, CEO of Ren Public Relations. Ren Public Relations is a public relations firm in Columbus, Ohio that specializes in marketing consulting, social media strategy, public relations, and influencer management. Woody discusses the founding of Ren PR, her experiences in the field, and advice for students looking to excel in public relations and beyond.
Tamarra Thal
In this episode of “PR With the Pros,” Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Haniya Shariff interviews Tamarra Thal, an external relations specialist at IBM. Thal discusses her experience as a Black woman in tech public relations, her thoughts on how brands and organizations are celebrating Women’s History Month and advice for students trying to navigate the industry. Thal also offers some of her favorite apps and more in a public relations lightning round
Tina McCorkindale, Ph.D., APR
This episode features McCorkindale, president and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, who discusses her work on the IPR signature study, “Mind The Gap: Women’s Leadership in Public Relations,” and offers leadership advice for aspiring practitioners. Hosted by Ashleigh Kathryn, PRSSA 2019–2020 Immediate Past President.
Heather Whaling
During this podcast, Whaling, CEO and founder of Geben Communication, shares insights on gender gaps, social media and doing good.
Natalie Asorey
Anthony D’Angelo
This podcast features an interview between Anthony D’Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA, PRSA chair, and Ashleigh Kathryn, vice president of professional development for PRSSA National. The conversation is about ethics in the public relations industry.
Gini Dietrich
During this podcast, learn from Spin Sucks founder and author Gini Dietrich.
Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA
During this podcast, Dvorak, PRSA 2018 immediate past chair, talks about her involvement in PRSA and PRSSA, what inspired her to join the industry, why mentoring students is so important to her and the joys of life.
Elise Mitchell
During this podcast, Mitchell, an accomplished strategic communications professional, talks about having a good work-life balance, the need for public relations professionals to be open to collaboration and more.
Harold Burson
This episode features the notable Harold Burson who discusses his extensive career, current outlook of the public relations industry and his legacy.
Marlene Neill, Ph.D., APR
During this podcast, Neill, assistant professor at Baylor University, touches on topics such as Accreditation in Public Relations, ethics and PRSA/PRSSA.
The Process
On each episode, host Joe Dunay — former PRSSA vice president of professional development — looks to uncover the processes and experiences that build great communicators, while guests tell the story of how they work, navigate their careers and stay on top of rapidly changing industry trends.
How To Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
with TR Straub
In this episode of “The Process” from PRSSA, TR Straub, a corporate affairs and diversity and inclusion executive search and leadership advisory consultant at Russell Reynolds Associates, provides insight on how emerging communications professionals can navigate job searching and building a personal brand during COVID-19 and beyond.
Leveraging Your Network and Experience
with Alex Ebanks
On this episode of “The Process” from PRSSA, Alex Ebanks, manager of brand public relations at the Coca-Cola Company provides insight into building relationships, experiences and opportunities as a new professional. Once networks are built and experiences had, Ebanks explains the importance of leveraging what you’ve built to unlock even greater success.
The Process of Understanding Audiences
with Mike Fernandez
On this episode of “The Process” from PRSSA, self-proclaimed American Nomad Mike Fernandez — senior vice president and chief communications officer at Enbridge — provides insight into understanding audiences, why context outweighs content and how to build sustainable processes through diverse educational experiences.
Changing the future of Public Relations & Communications
with Ray Day
On this episode of “The Process,” Ray Day — vice chair of integration and innovation of Stagwell Group’s marketing and communications agencies — gives advice about changing the future and being a leader.
PRSSA Hidden Gems
This PRSSA national podcast series highlights the multitude of exclusive member benefits of the Society. Hosted by the National Committee, PRSSA “Hidden Gems” started in 2017.
Internship Center
During this podcast, 2017–2018 Vice President of Career Services Demi Wolfe discusses the numerous benefits and opportunities students can utilize through the PRSSA Internship Center.