'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.'

An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from.

In this episode on the golden rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the importance of crisis planning - and why it's very common for those plans to go out the window the moment the crisis actually hits.

You might not be able to rehearse exactly what's going to happen but you can take steps to prepare for the worst.

David and Simon explain why it's vital to know who you can trust BEFORE the crisis hits -and why just turning your phone off and hoping everything will be ok probably isn't a smart move.

There's also talk of Simon hiding in a nuclear bunker.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It's not quite two tribes going to war but it can feel like that.

In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the complicated relationship between PR and the media. You know what story you want to tell but a journalist might have another idea entirely.

David and Simon examine the mistakes that even the top CEOs make when talking to reporters. And they explain the conflicting nature of the two worlds and how to navigate between them.

Top tip: Even if you've known a journalist for years - don't assume they're going to be on your side when things hit the fan.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in.

But it doesn't have to be like that.

In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why growing your network is vital to success - and the best time to start is right now.

Whatever your background, they look at how you can start to increase your contacts - even if it's just asking for a phone number. And they explain how asking for advice can be a great ice-breaker.

And if you still think networking is something that only the rich and powerful can do, follow David's advice - 'Don't mock the elite, copy them'.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you?

In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When it Hits the Fan.

First up, they explain why reputation really is everything. You might be flying high now but if you fall, you might find it very hard to climb back to the top without having a good reputation.

David and Simon explain why it can be very healthy - if not a little daunting - to seek out the dreaded 360 degree feedback.

Also, they look at how your social media posts can affect your chances of recruitment - but insist businesses are getting it wrong by only seeking out candidates with a vanilla profile.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

The idea of a secret meeting is just that - it stays secret. So what happens when that meeting becomes front page news?

It's time to call in the PR detectives.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the curious case of a clandestine meeting between the senior staff of both Prince Harry and the King. Someone tipped off the press. But who - and why?

David and Simon sift through the evidence to establish what might have been going on behind-the-scenes and which PR team - if any - has most to gain from the meeting being made public.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they'll look at the fallout from all this - and ask where this leaves the attempts at reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father.

They'll also take a deep dive into the secret PR world of secret meetings - how to arrange them, where to have them and the awkward moments that can follow if someone gets the wrong end of the stick.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in business.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at a huge fan hitter in the business world that you may not even have heard of - but one that goes to the very heart of reputational risk.

And never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It appears the much-loved book and now film, The Salt Path may not be quite what it seems. Does it matter? And if so, who is this a crisis for?

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Siblings at war, power struggles, a well-earned reputation in need of protection - who doesn't love a family dynasty drama?

As Eric Trump hints he could try and run for President, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how you PR a dynasty, in both business and politics. How do you build momentum and create an inevitability about succession?

And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the world of PR loves an anniversary. As Keir Starmer marks a year in power, David and Simon explain why it can be great (not to mention easy and lazy) to celebrate notable dates - but how it can also leave you a total hostage to fortune.

Plus whether the PR rules applied to big multinationals can also be used in the smallest of settings.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Just be your best authentic self. That's supposedly what we should all be striving for. But is it good advice and in public life, is it even possible?

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at creating the illusion of authenticity and why the public can sniff out a fake a mile off.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon celebrate the PR holy grail that is the word-of-mouth smash. And with new statues being announced for the late Queen and Sir Andy Murray, they'll look at the tricky issue of legacy PR.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Sure, who wouldn't want a wedding snap with Venice's Grand Canal in the background? But what if there were also dozens of banners showing your face on a rocket being blasted into space?

As Jeff Bezos and his multimillionaire guests prepare to descend on Venice for his Big Day, David and Simon look at how the lavish bash is set against a backdrop of protests against mass tourism across Europe. And why AirBnB is trying to mount a fight back.

Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, it seems rumours of the demise of X might have been exaggerated. David and Simon discuss why it's still the go-to platform for having a PR argument.

And emerging from shadows, what does the announcement of the new head of M16 tell us as about the secret service's communications game?

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Arise Sir Goldenballs. With David Beckham all set to receive a knighthood, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at whether it's possible to use PR to get yourself a major honour.

Whisper it quietly, but there might be things you can do to, let's say, maximise your chances.

Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at how to spin a change of direction after a week of high-profile U-turns.

And they discuss what other campaigners could learn from Jamie Oliver as he sets his sights on how the education system treats kids with dyslexia.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

What do you get if the designer of the iPhone teams up with the founder of OpenAI? Unbelievable hype, that's what.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the huge buzz created by the news that Jony Ive and Sam Altman have joined forces to create 'the coolest bit of tech the world will have ever seen'. The claims don't end there - even though we have no idea what their new product will be. So how do you PR something that doesn't yet exist?

Also, on the extended version on BBC Sounds, we all saw it but did it even happen? The bizarre attempt to blame President Macron being shoved by his wife on AI fakery. How the best laid PR plans can dissolve in a moment.

And from golden keys to black eyes, Simon and David break down the Trump/Musk press conference.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It's that moment when a boss, a CEO or football manager goes all Peggy Mitchell and screams: 'You're Barred'. It might work in EastEnders but is it sensible in the world of PR?

In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the motivations behind banning journalists. Is a ban just one big power play and does it ever achieve anything? And more importantly, are there darker arts that can be more effectively employed to freeze someone out?

Also, in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, they'll be answering your burning PR questions - including how to fight back against cuts and what you should really tell your client in the moments before a big interview.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

How do you PR the future? That's the question David Yelland and Simon Lewis are wrestling with this week. As Uber says it's 'ready to go' with driverless cabs, can the British public be persuaded to jump in?

How do you sell a vision?

Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC and the PR rules around staying silent or speaking out. And when is a gift not just a gift? Possibly when it's a $400m plane. David and Simon pull back the covers on the world of freebies.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Spying tends to be a fairly secretive game, for obvious reasons. So eyebrows have been quizzically raised (a bit like Roger Moore's 007) following the naming of the woman apparently favourite to become the new chief of MI6.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explore the murky world of leaks. Who benefits from them, why are they done and just how damaging can they be?

They'll explain why leaking is far from victimless and reveal their own experiences of turning on the news and realising someone is out to get you.

And in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, have the Beckham's lost control of their PR? With pages of newspaper coverage devoted to their supposed family rift, David and Simon look at when two PR tribes go to war.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

As far as royal interviews go, it'll take some beating.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis sift through Prince Harry's BBC interview - and discuss whether it's a PR disaster. They discuss what sort of advice Harry is being given and why, when it comes to doing a big interview, the golden rule is 'never go in hot'.

Listen to the full extended version on BBC Sounds, where David and Simon also look at how Marks & Spencer responded to a cyber attack - and why saying nothing can sometimes be the best policy. Plus, what everyone in PR could learn from two of the great master communicators, Michelle Obama and Sir David Attenborough.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

What if your profession is to blame for almost everything? This week, David Yelland is joined from Washington by PR guru Phil Elwood - who thinks the industry needs to take a long hard look at itself.

Accusing PR of being like a virus, Phil says the tricks of the trade that have been used for decades to influence, mislead and cajole have been co-opted by both the media and by governments.

And the results aren't pretty.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss the global battle for hearts, minds and reputations between the US and China. Following JD Vance calling the people of China peasants, how far is China's retaliatory social media PR strategy seeking to embarrass America, or is the United States damaging its own reputation all by itself?

Plus - Birmingham's rat problem, Signal chat leaks and what's been dubbed 'the biggest PR disaster in the universe' - it's Jeff Bezos's rocket launch and why all great PR crises are self-made.

Producers: Eve Streeter and Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time.

In this episode, they share their advice on how to avoid being taken for granted at work. If you feel like you're the office dogsbody, David and Simon have some great advice for boosting your profile and proving you're capable of so much more

Producer: Duncan Middleton Executive Producer: Sarah Teasdale Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time.

In this episode they share their advice on how bosses and HR departments should best deal with making people redundant. Managing expectations and compassion are key. And remember, if it happens to you, a little bit of defiance goes a long way.

Producer: Ella Blaxhill Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

In this special episode David Yelland and Simon Lewis answer PR questions sent in by When It Hits the Fan listeners. First off, they are just two little words but they carry a lot of meaning... why 'no comment' can be both a good and bad thing to say - and what you might be able to say as an alternative.

Also, they have some great tips for how to deal with a boss who's demanding national coverage despite having nothing newsworthy to report.

There's advice for small charities on how to get your message out there in a very crowded marketplace. And David and Simon reveal the character traits they believe are vital for being a great PR pro.

Producer: Eve Streeter Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4