In this Halloween edition of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack some of the most infamous PR nightmares in history, from the Tylenol poisonings and Pepsi syringe scare to Exxon’s oil spill, New Coke’s backlash, and Peloton’s treadmill crisis.
Each story reveals what happens when brands face their worst fears and how transparency, empathy, and quick action can turn even the darkest headlines into redemption stories.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Sandra Myers, President and Co-founder of Select Date Society, to explore what it really takes to build a luxury matchmaking brand from the ground up.
With nearly three decades of experience, Sandra has turned her instinct for connection into a business rooted in trust, authenticity, and results. She shares how a life-changing moment inspired her to launch Select Date Society in 2020, how the brand grew to serve high-achieving professionals nationwide, and why staying values-driven is key to lasting success.
From cultivating a referral-only model to creating the exclusive million-dollar Founders Club, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and the business of love.
🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
From finance to the beverage aisle, Jennifer Ross turned a personal need into a national zero-sugar brand. As the co-founder of Swoon, she shares how she went from Harvard Business School to seeing her drinks on the shelves of Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.
In this episode, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship — building a company from scratch, staying authentic to your mission, and navigating the highs and lows of leadership. Jennifer opens up about her journey as a female founder, her lessons from early pivots, and the collaborations that helped Swoon stand out in a crowded industry.
If you’ve ever dreamed about turning an idea into something bigger, this one’s for you.
Watch and listen to learn:
How Jennifer turned a childhood craving into a modern beverage brand
The importance of authenticity in partnerships and branding
Why perfection can hold you back from starting
What it’s really like to scale a consumer product in today’s market
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with longtime JMG PR client Frank Kabatas, the owner of East Village Pizza and one of New York City’s most recognizable entrepreneurs.
Frank shares how he came to the U.S. from Turkey with no English, learned the art of pizza from the ground up, and eventually bought the very shop that once fired him. His story is one of hard work, courage, and curiosity—the key ingredients that helped him build a viral brand with over 1.7 million followers and national press features on Good Morning America and The New York Post.
You’ll hear how Frank approaches business, community, and social media with authenticity, and how staying true to his craft made East Village Pizza a New York staple.
What does it take to turn a vision into a 170-location reality? Dr. John Gallucci Jr., Founder and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, sits down with Call Your Publicist to share the story of how he manifested his dream as a teenager and built one of the largest physical therapy networks in the tri-state area.
From working with professional sports teams like the Knicks, Devils, and Red Bulls, to publishing multiple books (including his latest on pickleball injuries), Dr. Gallucci has lived a career defined by resilience, mentorship, and relentless goal-setting.
In this episode, he opens up about:
The early hustle that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
How manifestation guided his path from Staten Island to CEO
The culture philosophy that keeps JAG’s 2,000 employees engaged
Why leaders must "learn to learn" and pass it forward to the next generation
What success really means beyond revenue and growth
This is a conversation about grit, vision, and building something bigger than yourself.
🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
This week on Call Your Publicist, bridal designer and founder Kelly Faetanini shares how she sold her first gown at 19, became one of the youngest designers to show at New York Bridal Fashion Week, and built a brand brides ask for by name.
We get into the founder mindset behind the beauty: blocking true “design days,” shifting from fear to flow, and building customer-obsessed systems. Kelly breaks down smart pivots too, from launching QR code product intel for retail stylists during COVID to bringing production in-house to navigate tariffs and raise quality.
If you lead brand and need to balance storytelling with operations, this conversation is a clear playbook.
Sydney Sweeney, KATSEYE, RushTok: PR and branding are changing fast.
This week, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack why American Eagle’s celebrity gamble fell flat, how Gap struck gold with a viral girl group, and what Skims’ RushTok-inspired campaign reveals about the new era of marketing.
We cover:
Why not all PR is good PR
The risks and rewards of controversy
The shift from A-list endorsements to authentic voices
Tips for business owners on knowing when to jump on trends
🎧 Tune in to hear why connection (not controversy) is the future of brand storytelling.
This week on Call Your Publicist, we’re talking about the power of team bonding and why in-person connections matter. From retreats in the Hamptons to virtual happy hours, Jenna and Alexandra share how JMG PR creates space for culture, collaboration, and connection.
Tune in to hear:
• Why retreats build stronger teams• Tips for planning meaningful events (no matter your budget)• How to measure success beyond the fun factor
Got a favorite team bonding idea? Share it with us, it might inspire our next retreat!
In this weeks episode of Call Your Publicist, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses his journey from accounting to real estate, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and creating a positive employee culture. He explores the evolution of the American dream, particularly the rise of the build-to-rent model, which offers flexibility and modern living options. Ross shares insights on leadership, hiring practices, and the significance of leaving a meaningful legacy in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:02 Transitioning from Accounting to Real Estate
05:58 Work-Life Balance and Employee Culture
09:01 Mentorship and Leadership Lessons
11:50 The Evolution of the American Dream
14:42 The Build-to-Rent Model Explained
17:51 Flexibility and Modern Living
20:41 Future of Build-to-Rent in Urban Areas
23:39 Hiring and Leadership Philosophy
26:50 Legacy and Impact
Having a business isn’t the same as building a brand.
In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down what truly separates a business from a brand — and why the difference matters for long-term success.
From Buc-ee’s cult following to Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign to Airbnb becoming a household name, they explore how great brands create emotional connections, loyalty, and culture that go far beyond products or services.
Tune in to learn:
The key elements of brand identity (voice, values, visuals)
How consistency builds trust and recognition
Why emotion and storytelling drive loyalty more than sales tactics
Actionable tips to start shaping your own brand today
🎧 Subscribe to Call Your Publicist for weekly conversations on PR, branding, and media strategy.
Purpose-driven PR is more than a trend, it’s the future of brand storytelling. In this episode, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore how brands that prioritize values over profits are creating deeper connections with their audiences.
From Patagonia’s billion-dollar climate pledge to Tilt Beauty’s accessible, ergonomic products, the hosts unpack how authenticity, empathy, and storytelling fuel loyalty and impact.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or PR professional, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how purpose shapes brand identity.
In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we’re going behind the scenes of celebrity coverage with Rande Iaboni, Supervising Producer at Entertainment Tonight.
From morning rundown meetings to red carpet premieres and breaking news, Rande shares how he’s spent over a decade shaping stories that keep audiences engaged. We talk about how the industry has changed since COVID, why in-person interviews still matter, and the simple rule he uses to make sure everyone from publicists to viewers, walks away happy.
Whether you’re a publicist, entrepreneur, or media pro, this conversation offers real insight into how to pitch, produce, and build the kind of relationships that get results.
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio welcome Thomas Shields, founder of The Dink, a media company focused on pickleball. The conversation explores the rise of pickleball, the entrepreneurial journey of starting The Dink, the challenges faced in building a business, the importance of branding and podcasting, and reflections on legacy and future vision in entrepreneurship.
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio delve into the recent controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney's advertising campaign for American Eagle. They explore the implications of celebrity endorsements, the importance of brand alignment, and the potential crisis management strategies that may be necessary in light of public reaction. The conversation also draws parallels to historical advertising controversies, emphasizing the evolving landscape of public relations in the age of social media.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to PR and the Sydney Sweeney Controversy
03:01 Analyzing the American Eagle Campaign
06:01 Crisis Management in PR
08:49 Comparisons to Historical Campaigns
11:52 Audience Engagement and Final Thoughts
Welcome back to “Call Your Publicist” for Part Two of “The DIY PR Playbook for Small Businesses.” Join hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio as they continue to explore essential PR strategies. In this episode, learn how to effectively frame your narrative, tackle imposter syndrome, and discover your unique angle in a competitive market. Hear inspiring success stories like East Village Pizza and gain valuable insights into building authentic media relationships. Don’t miss out on these practical tips to boost your brand’s visibility. Subscribe and leave a review to stay updated
Chapters
00:00 Framing Your Narrative
08:14 Finding Your Unique Angle
14:00 Building Genuine Relationships
22:48 Networking for Success
Summary
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio discuss how small businesses can effectively gain media coverage without a large budget. They emphasize the importance of understanding the media landscape, creating a targeted media list, personalizing pitches, and building relationships with journalists. The conversation also covers the significance of crafting compelling subject lines, utilizing research and monitoring tools, and organizing PR efforts to enhance brand visibility and awareness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to DIY PR Strategies
01:59 Understanding the Media Landscape
04:38 Creating a Target Media List
08:55 Personalizing Your Pitch
11:30 Crafting Compelling Subject Lines
13:56 The Five W's of PR Pitches
16:35 Building Relationships with Journalists
19:16 Research and Monitoring Tools
22:45 Organizing Your PR Efforts
25:38 Conclusion and Next Steps
From Side Hustle to Neighborhood Staple: Building Little Chef Little Café with Diana Manalang
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, we’re joined by Diana Manalang—founder, head chef, and the heart behind Little Chef Little Café in Long Island City. Diana opens up about her journey from resisting the restaurant industry to creating a business rooted in passion, purpose, and community. We talk about leaving corporate life behind, surviving (and thriving) through the pandemic, the power of self-taught entrepreneurship, and why authenticity and boundaries matter in business.
Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring business owner, or just love a good success story with heart, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and biscuits.
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore the power of personal branding for entrepreneurs and business owners. They break down what it means to show up authentically, why visibility matters, and how to craft a message that resonates.
From media training and thought leadership to social media strategy and overcoming fear, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you align your personal identity with your business goals.
Whether you're building a brand from scratch or leveling up your presence, this conversation will help you show up with confidence and clarity.
Jessica Serrano, CMO of DIG, on Brand Storytelling, Motherhood, and Owning Your Voice
In this episode of Call Your Publicist, co-hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer at DIG, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that connects.
From launching Taco Bell’s value menu to reshaping DIG’s brand voice, Jessica shares the power of listening, vulnerability, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. She opens up about motherhood, mentorship, and why she’s done playing small when it comes to sharing her story. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
What makes brand messaging actually stick
Why DIG shares all their recipes — yes, really
Motherhood and losing yourself (then finding your voice again)
The importance of women talking openly about money + mentorship
How to stay in alignment and know when to pivot
This one’s for the brand builders, storytellers, and working moms who need a reminder that slow growth still counts.
In this engaging conversation, Rosella Rago, founder of Cooking with Nonna, shares her journey of blending her Italian heritage with her passion for cooking. She discusses the importance of family, authenticity, and the challenges of content creation. Rosella reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the evolution of her brand, and the emotional complexities of caregiving. The discussion emphasizes the value of vulnerability, taking risks, and staying true to oneself in both personal and professional realms.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cooking with Nonna
01:25 Finding My Niche: The Birth of Cooking with Nonna
07:02 The Importance of Family and Heritage in Cooking
11:17 The Journey of Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
16:55 Building a Brand: Evolution and Reinvention
21:49 The Reality of Content Creation: Misconceptions and Challenges
24:59 Sharing Personal Stories: Vulnerability and Connection
30:01 Navigating Caregiving: The Emotional Journey
33:54 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: New Creative Ventures
40:01 Embracing Fear and Taking Risks