What happens when an influencer goes way off the rails?
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down a recent viral clash between a local bakery and an influencer. From miscommunication to public callouts, Whitney unpacks where things went sideways and what both sides can learn from the fallout.
Whitney also tackles the difference between media and influencers (they’re not the same), how to handle criticism without burning bridges, and the art of keeping your cool when the comments section catches fire.
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PR is changing and if you’re still pitching like it’s 2015, you’re already behind.
In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Gloria Chou, a former U.S. Diplomat turned PR powerhouse, to talk about how small businesses can actually get seen in the new media landscape.
They dig into what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to earning real visibility, standing out in an AI-driven world, and pitching your story with purpose.
🎙️ Whether you’re DIY-ing your PR or just trying to figure out where to start, this convo is packed with insights that’ll make you rethink your entire approach to getting noticed.
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About Gloria:
A former U.S. Diplomat turned small business advocate, Gloria has been featured on more than 100 podcasts, was named “Pitch Writing Expert of the Year” in 2021 by the Influential Businesswomen Awards, and is a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. Beyond PR, she’s passionate about creating spaces where founders feel seen, supported, and celebrated. You can often find her on Instagram @gloriachoupr speaking unapologetically about her values, her healing journey with psychedelic plant medicine, and sharing resources for building visibility that removes gatekeeping and breaks outdated rules.
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Important Links:
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💸 Think advertising is dead? Think again.
In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee breaks down where smart business owners are putting their marketing dollars right now—and why old-school tactics might be making a serious comeback.
From budget strategy to creative execution, Whitney shares the kind of insight that’ll make you rethink how you’re getting in front of your audience.
🎧 Tune in for a reality check on what’s really working in advertising today—and how to make sure your money’s actually doing its job.
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From the classroom to the comms room—this week’s guest knows a thing or two about getting a message across.
Whitney sits down with Bobby Parker, founder of Parker Gene Creative, who went from teaching lessons to teaching schools how to actually communicate. They dive into the wild world of education marketing—where every message has to speak to parents, students, teachers, and sometimes the whole town.
Bobby shares how crisis comms can make or break a school’s reputation, what most schools get wrong about storytelling, and how his TEACH framework is changing the way education pros think about PR.
🎤 Spoiler: great communication doesn’t just fill seats—it shapes futures.
Whether you’re in education, nonprofit work, or just love a good brand rescue story, this episode will make you see school PR in a whole new light.
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🚨 Hot take: not running ads might be the most expensive mistake your business is making.
In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney cuts through the noise on paid advertising—calling out the four boneheaded moves that are draining wallets and stunting growth. (Don’t worry, if you’ve made one of these mistakes… you’re in good company.)
From why “dabbling” in ads is a total waste, to how negotiation can change the game, Whitney dishes out some tough love every brand needs to hear.
⚡ Spoiler: ads aren’t just about quick sales—they’re about building something bigger, longer, and way more profitable.
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🎙️ Buckle up, because Whitney’s sitting down with a guy who basically went from running a marketing agency to steering two media powerhouses you’ve definitely heard of: Featured.com and the newly revived HARO (yep, that HARO).
Brett Farmiloe drops into Brand Rescue to talk about what it’s like breathing new life into a platform that connects journalists with sources, why trust in media is more important than ever, and how AI is both shaking things up and holding the door open for new opportunities.
But it’s not just all SaaS talk and buzzwords. Brett keeps it real about the messiness of transitioning from agency life to building a tech platform, finding that elusive product-market fit, and why sometimes success comes down to doing one thing really, really well.
👉 Curious about where journalism, AI, and media are headed? Or maybe just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run two big-name platforms without losing your mind? This episode’s got your name on it.
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Here’s the deal: people don’t want to buy from faceless logos anymore—they want to buy from humans. In this episode, we're breaking down why thought leadership isn’t just some fluffy buzzword, but the make-or-break factor for connecting with millennials and Gen Z.
We’ll get into how to humanize your brand (without cringey corporate-speak), how to actually build trust in a world of nonstop scrolling, and why aligning your values with your audience isn’t optional anymore—it’s survival.
From hospitality to tech, retail to real estate, this episode is your no-BS guide to making thought leadership work for your business.
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Big things are happening around here. Whitney is pulling back the curtain on a brand-new chapter — one that’s all about growth, evolution, and helping more businesses thrive. And yes, there are a few surprises you won’t want to miss.
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Why did we skip an episode this week? Whitney’s got something new up her sleeve, and this episode gives you just enough of a peek to get curious.
Be sure to tune in next week for the big reveal!
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Think strategy is just a buzzword? Think again.
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down why strategic planning deserves its own line item in your business budget—and how skipping it can seriously stunt your growth. She shares real talk from her own experience investing in coaching and the powerful perspective that comes from bringing in outside experts.
You’ll learn:
Why strategy, goals, and tactics are not the same thing
How to build long-term plans that stay flexible in a changing world
The ROI of investing in strategic support (yes, it’s worth it)
How to stop reacting and start leading your business with intention
If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure where to go next—this episode is your roadmap to thinking bigger and budgeting smarter.
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What does it really take to grow a successful PR agency—and keep it thriving through the ups, downs, and plot twists?
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessy Klein-Fafana, founder and CEO of LaRue PR, for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the industry. From the early days of building her agency to leading a team through the chaos of COVID-19, Jessy opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity, navigate client dynamics, and stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
You’ll hear:
How LaRue PR has evolved—and what’s stayed the same
The lessons Jessy learned about leadership, team building, and client management
What the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinvention
Her honest take on the ever-changing PR landscape
Whether you're in PR, running a business, or just love a good entrepreneurial story—this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.
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Running a restaurant takes grit, heart, and hustle—and when it comes to filling seats and staying relevant, smart marketing is a key piece of the puzzle.
In this episode, Whitney Lee shares insights from years in the restaurant industry, diving into the real work of building a brand that goes beyond just great food. From defining your unique identity to leveraging PR, events, and digital strategy, she breaks down what it takes to grow a loyal following and keep guests coming back.
You’ll learn:
Why a strong digital presence is non-negotiable
How to use PR to boost visibility and credibility
Tips for creating events that actually move the needle
What consistency and creativity look like in a successful strategy
Whether you're behind the pass or behind the scenes in marketing, this episode is full of actionable advice to help your restaurant thrive.
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Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and trying to force it can lead to stress, burnout, and frustrated clients.
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with marketing strategist Lauren Peachie for a candid conversation about what really goes into building strong client relationships and marketing systems that actually work. Lauren shares her journey through the industry, the lessons she’s learned about strategy, communication, and why flexibility is one of the most underrated skills in marketing.
You’ll hear about:
How to navigate tricky client expectations with confidence
Why a rigid proposal might be hurting your results
The power of perspective—and how to meet clients where they are
What it means to truly guide a client, not just “do marketing” for them
If you’ve ever felt caught between a client’s vision and what you know is right—this one will hit home.
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Ever feel like you're throwing money at marketing and just hoping something sticks? You’re not alone—and it’s time to change that.
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the difference between doing marketing stuff and actually having a strategy. She shares why data should drive your decisions (not just gut feelings), and how building trust with clients starts with showing you know what’s working—and what’s not.
You’ll hear about:
The difference between tactics vs. true strategy
How to read your data without getting overwhelmed
Why course correction isn’t failure—it’s smart marketing
How to stop the "spray and pray" mindset for good
If you're ready to tighten up your budget, get more out of your marketing efforts, and build client confidence in the process—hit play.
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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your agency’s numbers—or just kind of guessed your way through profitability—this episode is your wake-up call.
Whitney Lee sits down with Louise Hipperson, CEO of The Finance Agency, to unpack what’s really going on behind the spreadsheets. Louise shares her own journey into finance, then dives into what every agency owner needs to understand: how to use financial data to make smart decisions and actually boost profitability.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why team utilization and project scoping are make-or-break metrics
How to use billable rates strategically
The power of niching down (yes, even when it feels scary)
What most agency owners get wrong about money—and how to fix it
If you're ready to shift from flying blind to making confident, data-backed moves in your business, this one’s a must-listen.
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Ever seen a killer ad for a product or service… only to try it and think, “Wait, what?”
That is the disconnect between marketing and operations—and it’s more common (and costly) than you think.
In this episode, Whitney Lee gets real about the tension that can bubble up between the teams promising the dream and the ones delivering it. She shares personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical ways to build better collaboration across departments—so your customer experience doesn’t fall flat.
You’ll also hear about:
The power (and pitfalls) of user-generated content
Why authenticity is more than a buzzword
How consumer expectations are shifting—and what that means for your business
If you’ve ever felt stuck between what’s being sold and what can actually be delivered, this one’s for you.
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What if landing podcast interviews wasn’t just about pitching yourself—but about showing up with purpose, strategy, and a little storytelling magic?
In this episode, Whitney sits down with Carrolee Moore, founder of The Podcast Pitching Society, to talk all things visibility, authenticity, and how to actually get results from being a guest on podcasts. Carrolee shares how she went from storytelling pro to podcast pitching queen—and why she believes guesting is one of the most underrated marketing moves out there.
They cover everything from overcoming the weird mental blocks that keep us playing small, to building real relationships (not just one-and-done appearances), to why email might just be your secret weapon.
If you've ever thought about putting yourself out there through podcasting—or helping your clients do the same—this one's for you.
What You’ll Hear About:
Why visibility is everything in today’s content-saturated world
What makes a great podcast guest (hint: it’s not just a polished pitch)
How to push past perfectionism and actually show up
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Should you hire in-house or bring in an agency?
In this episode, Whitney breaks down one of the biggest questions business owners face when it comes to marketing. She walks through the pros and cons of both approaches—and how to know what’s right for your business.
From the role agencies can play in strategy, to why communication (not just contracts) makes or breaks a partnership, Whitney keeps it real about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make smart decisions in a post-2020 world.
You’ll hear about:
The key differences between in-house and agency support
How to assess what kind of marketing help you actually need
What to expect from a good agency partner
Why outsourcing can be a game-changer for growing businesses
The mindset shift every business owner needs to make
If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your marketing team for real results—this one’s for you.
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What is the truth anymore—and who gets to tell it?
In this episode, Whitney chats with political communicator Mike Barco about what it’s really like to work in the world of politics, where the news never sleeps and the stakes are sky high. From his early days in journalism to navigating the ever-changing winds of public opinion, Mike shares what it takes to communicate clearly in a world full of noise.
They get into:
What it’s like working in political PR behind the scenes
How shifting administrations can derail long-term strategy
The rise of AI and its role in misinformation
The importance of media literacy (and how to sharpen it)
Tips for anyone curious about a career in political comms
It’s honest, eye-opening, and full of insight into a world most people only see from the outside.
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Some things in business are worth saving on. These five? Not so much.
In this episode, Whitney breaks down the top five places where you shouldn't try to save a buck when it comes to marketing. From branding and atmosphere to strategy and customer experience, she explains why skimping in the wrong spots can cost you more in the long run.
If you’re trying to grow a business that lasts—and actually looks good doing it—this one’s packed with the kind of advice you’ll wish someone told you sooner.
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