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PODCAST

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

www.mollymcpherson.com

The PR Breakdown reveals the moves behind the mess. Crisis communication expert Molly McPherson dissects the viral scandals, celebrity meltdowns, and corporate disasters dominating headlines to show you the strategic mistakes and desperate moves that destroy reputations - so you never make them yourself.

society & culture

All Episodes

14:00

The Reputation Cliff: Why Some Celebrities Never...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/05/21

This episode examines the sharp edge of celebrity scandal and why some reputations teeter over the cliff while others, against the odds, manage a comeback. With Sean Combs (Diddy) serving as the case study, this episode reveals PR moves public figure make when they are close to the edge of the “reputation cliff.” Comparing a trio of notorious comebacks and collapses—Robert Downey Jr., Tiger Woods, Ellen DeGeneres—the episode shares how two made it through the crisis while one fell victim to i...

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25:44

What No One Tells New Grads About Crisis...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/05/14

Last week, my daughter graduated from Loyola University Chicago. After years of watching her build a life—on the field, on the sidelines, in the center of the action—she’s stepping into the real world. And like so many graduates right now, she’s walking in with drive, uncertainty, and a digital footprint that started long before her first job offer.This episode is a message to her—and to every graduate who needs a little direction that’s not sugarcoated. It’s a life list. The same one I’ve given my

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17:39

Bill Belichick’s Girlfriend Has Main Character Energy...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/05/07

Bill Belichick has always been a master of control—on the field, in the press, and with his own narrative. But this episode examines how that carefully crafted reputation is unraveling, not because of a fumbled statement, but due to the outsize influence of his much-younger girlfriend, Jordan Hudson. A viral CBS interview, public statements blaming the media, and confusion about her expanding “professional” role—all illustrate a pattern where the desire to squash uncomfortable questions...

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22:27

When Silence Backfires: Belichick, Blake & the Draft...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/04/30

A football legend avoids the one question everyone’s asking. A Hollywood power couple frames advocacy through a lens that feels just a little too curated. And a trusted draft analyst unravels on-air when his favorite prospect freefalls. This episode covers three high-profile figures—Bill Belichick, Blake Lively, and Mel Kiper Jr.—each caught in a reputational storm of their own making. The instinct to protect ego is understandable—but it’s also where most people go wrong. When public figures ...

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21:06

Houston, We Have a PR Problem (And the Delicate Art...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/04/16

A rocket full of high-profile women launched into space, but the real spectacle might’ve been the PR machine that sent it there. From Katy Perry floating with a daisy to Oprah crying on the ground, every moment of Blue Origin’s all-women flight felt like it was choreographed to go viral. It looked empowering on the surface, but the optics raised a bigger question: when the narrative feels off, who gets to push back—and how?This episode is a smart, strategic walkthrough of how to correct the record

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17:06

Behind the Music: Unraveling 'The White Lotus'...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/04/09

In this episode the spotlight is on the unexpected exit of Cristobal Tapia de Vere, the brilliant mind behind the haunting score from the hit HBO series, The White Lotus. This episode examines the emotional and professional tensions that simmer beneath the surface of creative collaborations. Shifts in tone and style aren't just about art—they're about personal identity and control. When those elements clash, trust and communication often become the collateral damage.Gain insight into how

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26:47

Inside the Messaging Meltdown of the Signal Chat:...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/04/02

The SignalGate fallout isn’t just about an accidental group chat. It’s about the unraveling that happens when powerful people panic, deny, and deflect—all while trying to hold onto credibility in real time. This episode unpacks how a single journalist ended up in a military planning thread with top Trump officials, and why the aftermath says more about the communication breakdown inside the administration than it does about the strike itself. From strategic missteps to ethical high-wire acts,...

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25:41

From Fairytale to Firestorm: Disney's Snow White...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/03/19

The controversy swirling around Disney’s live-action Snow White runs the gamut from casting backlash to political tension. Rachel Zegler’s modern spin on the iconic princess ignited debates over “wokeness,” while leaked photos of diverse actors playing dwarfs gave way to CGI stand-ins, triggering questions about authenticity. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance and Zegler’s pro-Palestine comments added extra fuel to the fire, turning a simple fairytale remake into a cultural flashpoint. ...

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21:18

Breaking Down the One Word Fueling This Week's Headlines

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/03/12

In this episode, Molly McPherson takes you behind the scenes of crisis management, starting at SXSW. She reveals how this one single word came up in a week of speaking engagements. A word that can strip away layers of trust, ignite public outrage, and transform everyday moments into high-stakes dramas. Listen to real-world examples that reveal this word—from the controversial campaign to save a beloved local beaver to the corporate shakeup at Target over shifting DEI commitments. Tune in for ...

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23:43

Behind the Oscar Curtain: Scandals and Apologies

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/03/05

The 2025 Academy Awards weren’t just about golden statues—they were a golden opportunity to survive a PR crisis. From a rumored affair between two co-stars, resurfaced blackface performances to the growing debate over artificial intelligence in filmmaking, this year’s Oscars put the industry’s ethical dilemmas front and center. How did major nominees handle the heat? Taking a closer look at how these Hollywood players navigated public backlash and owned—or avoided—their past decisions. ...

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38:17

The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/02/19

Episode #300: The Invisible Machine Behind Celebrity Stories Overview In this episode, Molly explores how celebrity stories are crafted and shaped behind the scenes, examining the key players and mechanisms that drive celebrity narratives in media. Key Topics Covered The Three Key Players in Celebrity Stories 1. The Gatekeepers Publicists, managers, and legal teams who control accessControlling the timing of story releases and media exclusivesExample: Tree Paine (Taylor Swift's publicist)...

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22:34

299: Taylor Swift's PR Strategy: Distancing from...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/02/12

In this episode of 'The PR Breakdown,' Molly delves into the intricate PR maneuvers and power plays behind the rift between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. Taylor Swift reportedly feels used in the ongoing legal tussle between Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni. The episode covers the strategic leak by Swift's team to distance her from the drama, involving lawsuits over defamation, sexual harassment, and privacy invasion. McPherson explains why timing and reputation management are...

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37:14

298: Analyzing Power Dynamics: Trump, Reynolds, and...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/02/05

Dissecting the public relations and power dynamics involving three high-profile men who were in the news recently: Donald Trump, Ryan Reynolds, and Jay-Z. Let's take an impartial but critical look at Trump's controversial handling of a tragic plane crash and his divisive politics, Ryan Reynolds' suspected staged paparazzi event amid legal drama with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and Jay-Z's recent PR moves amidst serious legal troubles coinciding with Beyonce's Grammy

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28:05

296: Takeaways from Trump's Inaugural Address: Key...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/01/22

In this episode of The PR Breakdown, diving into Donald Trump’s second inaugural address and breaking down the PR strategies, rhetorical moves, and media messages woven throughout. From the decision to move the ceremony indoors to Trump’s subdued, teleprompter-driven delivery, the address was a masterclass in image-conscious storytelling. He leaned heavily into his narrative as the avenging hero, divinely chosen to save America—rhetoric that fires up his base but leaves communicators with ple...

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21:49

295: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is Bad in a Crisis. Here's...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2025/01/15

The episode examines the mismanagement of communication during the recent LA wildfires, focusing on Mayor Karen Bass's absence during the crisis and the subsequent erosion of public trust. Key lessons in crisis communication emphasize the need for transparency, empathy, and accountability from leaders facing critical situations. • Analysis of Mayor Bass's timeline during the wildfires • Discussion on the impact of her international travel • Examination of communication failures...

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22:32

292: Breaking Down Jay-Z’s PR Strategy In His...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2024/12/11

Is Jay-Z truly a victim? Or is this a masterful PR strategy?This episode analyzes Jay-Z’s bold statement denying recent allegations and the strategy behind his fiery words. Hear how Jay-Z frames the accusations as absurd and meritless while directly aiming at attorney Tony Buzbee in a battle of wits and egos. It also looks at Beyonce’s PR strategy and speculates on how the couple might handle high-profile events like the Grammys. The episode includes exclusive clips from Molly’s recent interv...

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18:32

290: Silent vs. Vocal: Zach Bryan and Brianna...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2024/11/27

Send us a textThe Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chicken Fry" LaPaglia breakup has become a masterclass in contrasting PR strategies, pitting traditional celebrity discretion against modern social media transparency. As country music star Bryan maintains careful control through cryptic messages and measured statements, Barstool Sports personality LaPaglia takes the opposite approach, sharing raw, emotional details about their relationship and its end.Their public split crystallizes a pivotal moment ...

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23:34

289: TikTok's Pajama Drama and Entitlement: A PR and...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2024/11/20

Send us a textOn this revealing episode of The PR Breakdown, diving deep into the psychology of entitlement and its impact on both social media and real-world interactions. The analysis begins with the recent TikTok controversy surrounding influencers Cecily and Samantha Bachman, whose launch of $98 holiday pajamas sparked intense public criticism and led to a problematic apology that only fueled further backlash.Joining Molly is renowned relationship expert Dr. Abby Medcalf, who illuminates the

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16:32

288: The Perfect Mess: Martha Stewart's Documentary...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2024/11/12

Send us a textMartha Stewart's Netflix documentary unpacks her biggest PR battles and delivers a masterclass in reputation repair. From that infamous CBS salad interview to the $45,000 ImClone stock trade that sent shockwaves through her empire, the documentary reveals the real story behind Martha's headlines. Learn how her lawyers' tight-lipped strategy backfired, why she stopped dating Anthony Hopkins, and how she's transformed her perfectionist reputation from a liability into an asset. Ge...

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51:18

287: Election PR Showdown: Campaign Predictions with...

The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson ·

2024/11/05

Send us a textIt's a special episode featuring Molly's conversation with Canadian PR experts Warren Weeks and John Perenack from the Reputation Town podcast. Just days before the 2024 presidential election, they break down the most talked-about PR moves and media strategies shaping this historic race.Episode HighlightsAnalysis of Trump's McDonald's publicity stunt in PennsylvaniaThe "garbage" rhetoric war between campaignsJeff Bezos and the Washington Post's controversial no-endorsement decis...

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335 results

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