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 ...
…
continue reading
It’s challenging to balance a passion project with the realities of life. Each Tuesday, join Melissa Williamson, CEO of the Collective Impact Center and active participant of the social entrepreneur generation, as she interviews guests who are managing their own entrepreneurial venture while attempting to maintain a healthy work life balance. If you have a passion project, or just want to hear how others are navigating a purpose driven life, this is the podcast for you.
…
continue reading
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
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Producing Your Own Talk Show with Ernie Zuniga
39:22
39:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:22
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Creating Content for Niche Audiences with April Monterrosa
27:07
27:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:07
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
B2B Communications and Events with Erika Bradbury
36:03
36:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:03
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Magic of Authorship with Jacqueline Ruiz
38:30
38:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:30
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tickets on Sale Now: Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World
4:02
4:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:02
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus: Creating a Conscious Public Relations Strategy with Shannon Weinstein & Melissa Vela-Williamson
49:54
49:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:54
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
39. Taking Leaps in Your Career with Jennifer R. Hudson, APR
40:38
40:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:38
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
38. Crisis Communications and TikTok Engagement with Molly McPherson
26:52
26:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:52
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
37. Uplifting Your Community with Bernice Chao
38:11
38:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:11
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
36. Coaching and Consulting with Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP
43:51
43:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:51
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
35. The Path to Entrepreneurship with Julie Livingston
42:26
42:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:26
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus: Inclusive Communication Musts with Gini Dietrich & Melissa Vela-Williamson
52:48
52:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:48
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…
…
continue reading
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 - …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
33. From Journalism to Public Relations with Melissa Monroe-Young, APR
28:43
28:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:43
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
32. Relationships and Being a True Client Counselor with Moon Kim
33:45
33:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:45
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
31. Becoming a News Source with Vincent T. Davis
23:07
23:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:07
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
30. Prioritizing Your Health as a PR Pro with Mark Mohammadpour
42:06
42:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:06
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
29. Why Mentoring Matters with Anais Biera Miracle
30:21
30:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:21
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
27. Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know
18:16
18:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:16
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
24. Creating An Inclusive Communications Agency with Audrey Ponzio
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
23. Health Equity and Public Relations with Thomas Bennett
36:08
36:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:08
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
22. The Evolution of Public Relations with Robert Dilenschneider
23:52
23:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:52
Even in an evolving field like public relations, sticking to the fundamentals is a strategy you can always bet on. This week, Melissa talks to Robert Dilenschneider, the founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group about his trailblazing journey through the changing world of public relations. About Robert: Robert Dilenschneider is the founder and CE…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
21. The Power of Hispanic Marketing with Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia
26:28
26:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:28
When you leverage your heritage in your marketing strategy, you create new opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections with your consumers. Melissa sits down with Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia, Founder and CEO of MarketVision to talk about her groundbreaking career in Hispanic marketing. About Yvonne: Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia founded MarketVision in 1…
…
continue reading
Paving a new path can be difficult, especially when people are resistant to change. This week Melissa talks to Gini Dietrich, the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, to discuss how she pioneered a new way to look at communication integration with the PESO Model™. About Gini: Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of t…
…
continue reading
Taking on an uncharted path alone can be as challenging as it is rewarding. This season, we're focusing on Communication Trailblazers who followed their calling into unexplored territory and left a trail for those behind them to follow. Join Melissa as she kicks off season four by discussing her evolution from a solo pioneer to a professional trail…
…
continue reading
Season finale! For the last episode of season three, Melissa is joined by a surprise guest: STS Producer Jennifer Navarrete! About Jennifer: Jennifer Navarrete has been podcasting since 2005, believes everyone has a story to share, and that podcasting is the perfect platform to share it! Whether she’s founding an annual podcasting movement like Nat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
17. Multicultural Marketing and PR with Stephen Macias
26:51
26:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:51
Don't be performative, strive to be transformative. This week, Stephen Macias, President of MulitCultural Comms & PR at Rogers & Cowan PMK, joins Melissa to discuss the necessity and impact of multicultural communications. About Stephen: For almost 20 years, Stephen Macias created communication and public relations strategies that connect brands to…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
16. Public Speaking with Pastor Jonathan Mussett
37:48
37:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:48
No matter what career field you work in, being a strong public speaker is an asset. This week, Melissa talks to Pastor Jonathan Mussett about how to be an impactful public speaker and specializing in faith communication. About Pastor Jonathan: Jonathan Mussett is the Assistant Lead Pastor at Westover Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has a PhD…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
15. Teaching PR and Social Media with Karen Freberg
43:08
43:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:08
Interested in teaching PR or social media? There's a niche for that! Learn more about educating tomorrow's professionals in today's episode with Strategic Communications Professor Karen Freberg. About Karen: Karen Freberg (@kfreberg) is a Professor in Strategic Communications at the University of Louisville, where she teaches, researches, and consu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
14. Digital Public Relations with Sarah Evans
23:40
23:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:40
In an increasingly digital world, the strategies we use to effectively communicate must evolve to keep up. Learn more about those strategies and other best practices from today's guest, Digital PR Strategist Sarah Evans. About Sarah: Sarah Evans, founder of Sevans Strategy and Sevans Digital PR, is a digital PR strategist, consultant, global brand …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
13. Considering Communications Specialties
11:43
11:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:43
In the communication field, there are two categories that most professionals fall under: generalist or specialist. This season, we're focusing on Communication Specialties. Join Melissa as she starts season three reviewing the pros and cons of specializing and how you can find your specialty areas over time. Topics covered: - Generalists vs. specia…
…
continue reading
Season finale! Join Melissa as she wraps up Season 2 by sharing her top three principles for being a socially responsible professional. Topics covered: - How to fix root issues by moving upstream - The importance of doing more good than harm - What being an ally means Actions to take: - Know and do better - Serve people where they - Make your impac…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
11. Socially Responsible HR Practices with Christina Stokes
29:13
29:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:13
The pandemic left a lasting impact on countless industries. As hybrid work models solidify and job listings start to multiply, the HR industry is settling into its new mode of operations. This week, Melissa is joined by Christina Stokes, the Senior Vice President, Director of Talent Acquisition at RUBENSTEIN. About Christina: Christina Stokes is th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
10. Social Responsibility & Event Planning in a Pandemic World with Janet Holliday
27:51
27:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:51
2020 was the year of virtual events. 2021 is a bit more complicated. How does what we know now about tech and safety standards inform event planning in a world that's going back in-person? This week, Melissa talks with Janet Holliday, the President and CEO of The CE Group, about event planning in a pandemic world. About Janet: Janet Holliday embodi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
9. Going Deeper into DEI with Cedric Brown
35:22
35:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:22
Digital strategy can influence minds and drive behaviors towards making a change. So, what happens when marketers use those tools to bring awareness to social issues? This week, Melissa is joined by Cedric F. Brown to dive deeper into diversity, equity, and inclusion. Follow Cedric on Twitter: @abrothanamedCed Connect with Cedric on LinkedIn: /in/c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
8. Social Responsibility: Mobilize and Invest in Your Community with Brittany Pratt
36:39
36:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:39
It takes a village to support a great cause and make a difference. From matching donations to getting over 200,000 people vaccinated, WellMed is an expert in utilizing their community to make a positive impact. This week, we hear from Brittany Pratt, the Vice President of Social Responsibility at WellMed Medical Management, on mobilizing and invest…
…
continue reading
Corporate social responsibility has many definitions, but no matter how you define it, most take into account: ethics, trust, responsibility, service, and societal impact. After learning how to navigate through turbulent times in Season One, let's learn how to responsibly build a better future. In the first episode of Season Two, Melissa introduces…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
6. How to Have Real and Difficult Conversations
22:41
22:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:41
Season finale! In the final episode of Season 1, Melissa shares the value of real talk conversations and offers tips on how to facilitate those often awkward, or difficult discussions. She also shares lessons learned from this season’s guests as they explored how to communicate during turbulent times. Topics covered: - How to assess your mindset - …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5. Internal Communications with Amanda Todd
33:40
33:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:40
Internal communications is about people. If done well, it can drive your organization to achieve top results, even during a pandemic. In this week's episode, Melissa talks to Amanda Todd, the Executive Communications Officer at Cisco, about the importance of internal communications. About Amanda: Amanda Todd is an Executive Communications Officer t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4. Redefining Emergency Management with Michael Morlan
33:34
33:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:34
Communication comes after actions. In a crisis, communicators are often preoccupied by the messaging of actions taken, but how often do we think about the actions themselves? This week, Melissa is joined by Michael Morlan, President of Two Rivers Emergency Management, to discuss how to close the gap between communications and actions in a crisis. A…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
3. Powering through the Pandemic with Meals on Wheels San Antonio
32:10
32:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:10
When COVID-19 hit San Antonio, Meals on Wheels San Antonio (MOWSA) jumped into crisis response mode. New needs and disruptions strained the nonprofit which was already strapped for resources. This week's guests Chief Development Officer Forrest Myane and Communications and Marketing Director Ariana Barbour share the challenges they faced to stay in…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
2. Managing Crisis Communications with Chris Talley
32:21
32:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:21
This week, Melissa is joined by seasoned PR professional and leader of Talley Communication Strategies, Chris Talley. His PR experience comes from working at USAA, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, and FleishmanHillard, one of the world’s most prestigious public relations agencies. Today he volunteers in the community and devotes time to speaking at colleges …
…
continue reading
After a year as turbulent as 2020, there is one word Melissa has in mind: Restoration. In the inaugural Smart Talk Series episode, Melissa reflects on the lessons learned in 2020 and how communicating during tough times challenges professionals. Topics covered: - Silver linings from 2020 - How to communicate with your audience - Adaptable crisis ma…
…
continue reading
Welcome to the Smart Talk Series, hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson -- an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur and national columnist. Each week, Melissa will dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using her 360-degree approach.By Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR
…
continue reading