The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or pe ...
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The extremes have it all wrong. Naturally. On every issue, they only see half the picture. The ideologues always lead to a dead-end. You need to travel the middle of the road. That’s where the action is — in the center. On the basketball court, the chessboard, or the boxing ring, the center is where you want to be. Now more than ever, our country needs to be centered. While other journalists lurch to the right or left, nationally syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette keeps it one hundred by ...
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CEO of Sweet Talk Social, Claudia Duran, discusses social media tips, trends, and advice for your social media marketing. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweettalksocial/support
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EP 132 | Melissa Vela Williamson, San Antonio-based Public Relations Specialist and author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Melissa Vela Williamson, a San Antonio-based public relations specialist. She is the author of “Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Need to Know.” They discuss the science of communications, the Latino community, and how to get America talking again.…
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Producing Your Own Talk Show with Ernie Zuniga
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Season finale! Celebrate the end of Season 7 with an insightful discussion between host Melissa Vela-Williamson and Ernie Zuniga the host of "Pickup Lines". Ernie shares about taking the leap from being a TV morning news anchor on traditional media, to developing a self-produced show with a unique format. About Ernie: For almost 18 years, Ernie Zun…
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Creating Content for Niche Audiences with April Monterrosa
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27:07
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When you see a lack of representation in media, sometimes the best way to address it is to create the type of publication you're craving. In today's episode, Melissa sits down with April Monterrosa, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, to talk about creating content for a niche audience and an insider's look into b…
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B2B Communications and Events with Erika Bradbury
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You don't have to be a subject matter expert to help create an engaging event for professionals in a certain sector. You just have to be an expert at creating events. In this episode, Melissa talks with Erika Bradbury, an editorial and event content strategist about creating successful events and communications for business-to-business (B2B) audien…
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No matter what field you're in, there's probably a publication that is created for professionals like you and covers stories that are relevant to your area of work. This is called trade journalism. In today's episode, Melissa is joined by John Elsasser, the editor-in-chief of PRSA's Strategies & Tactics for a discussion about the evolution and impo…
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The Magic of Authorship with Jacqueline Ruiz
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As PR pros, we excel at helping clients tell their stories, but when it comes to telling our own, we sometimes find it difficult to "land that plane". Melissa talks to Jacqueline Ruiz, a social entrepreneur (and a real-life pilot) about how the magic of hybrid publishing can help you tell your story. Thought about becoming an author? Listen in! Abo…
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Join us this season as we focus on The Future of Mass Communication! Melissa kicks off this season with nationally syndicated columnist, Ruben Navarrette. Listen as they discuss the importance of thought leadership in comms, the role of opinion editorials (op-eds), and how to navigate controversial issues as communicators. About Ruben: Ruben Navarr…
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EP 131 | Dr. Yasmin Davidds, CEO & Founder of the Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds, a Los Angeles-based organizational psychologist with additional certification in emotional intelligence. A popular speaker, negotiating specialist, and expert on women and leadership, Davidds is the author of several books including, most recently, the forthcoming: "Graciously Assertive: How Beco…
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EP 130 | Veronica Navarrette, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Montessori-trained Teacher
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Veronica Navarrette -- his Mexican-born wife, and better 7/8 -- about her long career helping kids on the margins as a bilingual Montessori-trained, certified academic language therapist, dyslexia specialist and speech & language pathologist.By Cloudcast
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EP 129 | David Telisman, communications and marketing specialist, founder and CEO of David Telisman Communications, LLC
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews David Telisman -- his cousin through marriage -- about branding, messaging, and storytelling about issues ranging from mental health awareness to the experience of being Jewish in America post Oct 7.By Cloudcast
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EP 128 | Jean Twenge, PhD, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and Author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews fellow Generation X'er Jean Twenge, PhD -- a renowned national expert, speaker, and consultant on the generations -- about some of what she has learned over 30 years of looking at generational differences, her new book, and what it's like to be a Gen X'er raising three Gen Z'ers.…
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EP 127 | Julio Ricardo Varela, writer, journalist, founder of LatinoRebels.com and MSNBC Opinion Columnist
59:21
59:21
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Julio Ricardo Varela -- a Harvard-educated Latino journalist, with roots in Puerto Rico -- about the media, politics, the Latino community and the issues surrounding the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay.By Cloudcast
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Tickets on Sale Now: Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World
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Learn Copyright Law do's and don'ts of AI from public relations author Melissa Vela-Williamson and media law attorney Alicia Calzada on January 18. Tickets are on sale now! Resources mentioned: - Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear…
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EP 126 | Jeff Hall, Sam Taylor, and Tania Ruedas-Ortiz from "Our National Conversation" -- a digital media organization run by Generation Z
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Jeff Hall, Sam Taylor, and Tania Ruedas-Ortiz from "Our National Conversation" -- a new digital media organization run by Generation Z that aims to fix what's broken in the Fourth Estate and get Americans talking in a civilized way.By Cloudcast
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EP 125 | Nely Galan, independent TV producer/former TV network executive/podcast host/author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Nely Galan -- a Latina powerhouse who he first met 29 years ago, and whose remarkable life and career he has followed ever since. Born in Cuba, Galan arrived in the United States at age 5. She's been striving and achieving ever since. As a TV producer, network executive, author, real estate investor, and podcast hos…
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EP 124 | Wendy Patrick, attorney, TV commentator, speaker and author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Wendy Patrick -- a prosecutor, TV commentator, speaker and author -- about the topic of her new book: how to use the Bible's teachings to make better choices in life, love and friendship.By Cloudcast
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Bonus: Creating a Conscious Public Relations Strategy with Shannon Weinstein & Melissa Vela-Williamson
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Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Shannon Weinstein on the Keep What You Earn! podcast where they discuss creating a conscious public relations strategy. Thanks to Shannon for having Melissa on her show to talk about PR and money matters. Resources mentioned: - Keep What You Earn! - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Shou…
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EP 123 | Russell Contreras, Race & Justice Reporter for Axios.com
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Host Ruben Navarrette has a conversation with his friend, veteran reporter Russell Contreras about how he sees digital media. race, justice, Latino culture, politics and journalism from his unique perch -- Albuquerque, New Mexico.By Cloudcast
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39. Taking Leaps in Your Career with Jennifer R. Hudson, APR
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Making the leap from a steady corporate job to the chaos of owning your own business is not easy. In today's episode, Melissa talks to Jennifer R. Hudson, APR about her path to owning her own firm. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a strategic communications advocate, trainer, mentor, consultant and speaker. Her superpowers are helping PR leaders step bo…
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38. Crisis Communications and TikTok Engagement with Molly McPherson
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Social media is a powerful tool every PR professional needs to know how to use. But what happens when that power gets out of your control and creates a crisis? Today, Melissa discusses the importance of understanding crisis communication in every part of your career evolution with crisis comms and TikTok strategist Molly McPherson. About Molly: Pub…
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37. Uplifting Your Community with Bernice Chao
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How do you make a difference when you see a lack of support for your community? In today's episode, Melissa talks to Bernice Chao, an award-winning creative whose career evolution led her to creating Asians in Advertising and writing a book about visibility. About Bernice: Bernice Chao is an award-winning creative who's worked on campaigns for nota…
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EP 122 | Jimmy Sengenberger, Denver-based radio host and columnist for the Denver Gazette
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41:42
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Host Ruben Navarrette has a conversation with his friend, Jimmy Sengenberger about his experience as a veteran of talk radio and the world view it gives him as a young independent-minded conservative who prefers Reagan to Trump.By Cloudcast
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36. Coaching and Consulting with Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP
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It takes a village to build a career you can be proud of. In this episode, Melissa talks to former PR agency pro turned coach Ken Jacobs about the importance of great coaching and consulting in your career evolution. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! About Ken: Ken Jacobs is one of the few cert…
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35. The Path to Entrepreneurship with Julie Livingston
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When you start your career, you never know where life will take you. Today's guest, Julie Livingston, embraced the unknown by letting curiosity guide her throughout her career. Listen as she talks with Melissa about her path and how it ultimately led to starting her own firm. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season …
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Listen as Melissa kicks off Season Six by asking questions to get you thinking about you how to evolve your career. Join us this season as Melissa talks with experts in various disciplines about their career evolution stories. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! Topics covered: - Career evolution…
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EP 121 | Angel Mendez, corporate board member and former c-suite executive
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Angel Mendez, a member of several boards and former c-suite Silicon Valley tech executive about his unique upbringing as a Cuban raised in Puerto Rico, how corporate America sees Latinos, and the various opportunities that lie ahead for both.By Cloudcast
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EP 120 | Kristina Lopez, PhD, Associate Professor of Social Work, Arizona State University
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Kristina Lopez, a trained psychologist based in Arizona who specializes in autism, especially in Latino and other at-risk children.By Cloudcast
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EP 119 | Julia Clasby, Lieutenant, Seal Beach Police Department & "Cop Mom"
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews cop mom & police lieutenant Julia Clasby about the challenges of juggling the separate worlds of law enforcement and motherhood.By Cloudcast
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EP 118 | Alberto Gonzales, Former U.S. Attorney General
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Al Gonzales, the dean of the Belmont University School of Law and former U.S. Attorney General about the crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border, the legal back-and-forth over Title 42, and whether Donald Trump is likely to be indicted by current Attorney General Merrick Garland.…
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EP 117 | Rudy Carrasco, Program Director, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, Rudy Carrasco, about racking up a lifetime of achievements, succeeding against the odds, following God's path, and using charitable giving to make a difference in people's lives.By Cloudcast
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EP 116 | Linda Lopez, PhD in Policy and Political Science & CEO of Impact Strategies
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Linda Lopez, CEO of Impact Strategies, a consulting firm providing advice to foundations, government and corporate sector on social and economic investments. She is a former Associate Dean at USC, former Chief of the Office of Immigrant Affairs for the City of Los Angeles, and former Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric…
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EP 115 | Kathy Murillo Cano, aka "The Crafty Chica"; entrepreneur, author, speaker, creator and successful self-made brand
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, and former co-worker at the Arizona Republic, Kathy Murillo Cano, aka "The Crafty Chica" about personal branding, building a successful business and her lifelong love affair with creativity and glitter.By Cloudcast
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Bonus: Inclusive Communication Musts with Gini Dietrich & Melissa Vela-Williamson
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Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Gini Dietrich of Spin Sucks about effectively communicating across diverse audiences. Topics covered: - Being conscious of how you communicate - DEI communication musts - Tactics to include in your communications programs - Integrating intersectionality - Habits for more inclusive communication - Q&A A…
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Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know Audiobook is now available! Actions to take: - Download your copy of the Smart Talk audiobook on Amazon, Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk Audiobook on Amazon - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - …
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33. From Journalism to Public Relations with Melissa Monroe-Young, APR
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28:43
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Season finale! Listen in as Melissa wraps up season five by passing the mic to Melissa Monroe-Young, APR to speak on transitioning careers from journalism to public relations. About Melissa: Melissa has worked as a journalist for over 15 years and transitioned into PR in 2008. She works in the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at Northwest …
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32. Relationships and Being a True Client Counselor with Moon Kim
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In public relations, relationships are everything. This week, Melissa passes the mic to communications executive, Moon Kim, for advice on creating authentic connections through networking and becoming a true client counselor. Tune in for great tips on building strong relationships in your field. About Moon: Moon Kim is a seasoned communications exe…
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31. Becoming a News Source with Vincent T. Davis
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23:07
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As a PR pro, some of the most important relationships you will form are with the media. In this episode, Melissa passes the mic to Vincent T. Davis, a reporter and columist at the San Antonio Express-News, for advice on cultivating beneficial and meaningful relationships with the media. About Vince: Vincent T. Davis is a general assignments reporte…
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30. Prioritizing Your Health as a PR Pro with Mark Mohammadpour
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Public relations pros have a lot to worry about in their day-to-day. This means that most of the time, personal well-being falls to the bottom of the list. This week, Melissa passes the mic to Mark Mohammadpour to teach us how to healthfully manage the demands of a career in PR. About Mark: Mark Mohammadpour is the owner and Chief Well-being Office…
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29. Why Mentoring Matters with Anais Biera Miracle
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This week, Melissa passes the mic to Anais Biera Miracle, the Chief Communications Officer for Southwest Key Programs to give us a masterclass in mentorship, emotional intelligence, and adaptive leadership. About Anais: Anais Biera Miracle is the Chief Communications Officer for Southwest Key Programs, one of the largest, Latino-led nonprofit organ…
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Join Melissa as she kicks off Season Five by discussing the importance of representation and cultural competency. This season, we're passing the mic by interviewing industry specialists who shared their expertise in Melissa's new book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know". Topics covered: - The importance of representation…
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EP 114 | Arnold Torres, California-based policy analyst and political consultant
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend Arnold Torres about the 2022 midterm elections, the future of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a leading Democrat, and what happened with the Latino vote.By Cloudcast
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EP 113 | Carlos Sanchez, Texas-based journalist, editor and commentator
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend Carlos Sanchez about the path forward from the 2022 midterm elections and what the future may hold for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, one of the nation's most prominent Republican elected officials.By Cloudcast
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, Rep. Joaquin Castro D-Texas, about the lack of Latino representation in media and Hollywood and the Latino vote in the 2022 midterm elections.By Cloudcast
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Episode 111 | Enrique Morones, Activist, CEO/Founder of Gente Unida, & Author of "The Power of One: The Story of The Border Angels"
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend and compadre, Enrique Morones, about the San Diego's advocate's quest to change the name of the Texas Rangers and about the Latino vote in the 2022 midterm elections.By Cloudcast
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27. Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know
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Season finale! For the last episode of season four, Melissa reads the introduction from her book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know." Topics covered: - Recap of the season - Melissa's journey to becoming an author - The introduction of "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know” Actions to take: - Get …
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Marketing takes on a lot of definitions, but at its core, it's all about promoting something positive. In this week's episode, Melissa talks to Sherí Barros, Vice President of Global Sports Brand Alliances for the American Cancer Society, about her trailblazing career in cause marketing. About Sherí: Sherí Barros is an award-winning brand executive…
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The operating system for being human is a lot simpler than you'd imagine. We are all driven by our values. But what are these values? And how do we use this information to better understand each other? This week, Melissa talks to David Allison, the trailblazing founder of the Valuegraphics Project. About David: David Allison is the Global Values Le…
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24. Creating An Inclusive Communications Agency with Audrey Ponzio
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What do you consider the "general market"? As a country, our marketing needs are as complex as our identities. This week, Melissa talks to the CEO and founder of APC Collective, Audrey Ponzio, about her communications agency's groundbreaking work in mindful marketing. About Audrey: Audrey Ponzio is the CEO & Founder of APC Collective where she and …
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23. Health Equity and Public Relations with Thomas Bennett
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What is public relations' role in achieving health equity? Listen as Melissa discusses diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry with Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard and health equity trailblazer, Thomas Bennett. About Thomas: Thomas is an MBA-educated, military veteran with over 20 years of combined experience in Public Relation…
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Episode 110 | How Mexicans & Italians Got To Be Paisanos | Rick Amato
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Host Ruben Navarrette talks with his friend, Rick Amato, a longtime San Diego-based conservative TV/radio/podcast host about his upbringing in Pittsburgh, his early work in finance, his Italian-American heritage, and the lessons learned from his decades of media work. Guest: Rick Amato, Media Personality…
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