Episodes

As we begin 2024, there are a lot of unsettling developments in the media industry. Layoffs and the shuttering of legacy media – it can cause a panic. But we know that change is constant and there is always a way forward. Axios article: "Challenger" firms rising: Top PR talent defect from big agencies Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, w...

There are seasons in every solo PR pro’s career. If you’ve built a successful virtual or micro agency but you’re feeling burnt out and considering paring down your practice to a solo endeavor, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. ...

Did you start the new year determined to keep a calm and purposeful pace? How’s that going so far? In this episode, Karen and Michelle talk about how it is – really, it is – possible to be as productive as ever and stay off the hamster wheel. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves. People like me, Michelle Kane with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR...

The data indicates the U.S. economy closed 2023 in a much healthier state than anticipated. So why do so many feel the opposite? Will this perception continue into 2024 and what can each of us do to remain resilient? Reference links: Weekly Workforce Newsletter Kyla Scanlon Instagram Transcript Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, my ever-steady co-...

This episode was inspired by a recent blog post on SoloPRPro.com – The PR Forecast for 2024. What can we expect in – and from – our industry? How can solos get the most out of our businesses this year and beyond? Let’s find out together. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, and my ever steady co-host, Karen Swim of the hive of PR, the fabulous...

PR pros and journalists share a lot of common ground, including stress levels. Sometimes communication breaks down. Sometimes, whether it’s beyond our control or not, we can’t give the other what they want or need. But what we can do is continue to do our best to work together. Let us know what you think of today’s episode at soloprpro.com. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themsel...

In this episode, Karen and Michelle provide some holiday hacks – from navigating client gifts to reducing stress, let’s make the most of this holiday season. Share your favorite holiday hack with us at soloprpro.com. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. How are you, Karen...

You make sure your clients are developing and working on their personal and corporate brands but when it comes to you and your solo practice, well, do as we say, not as we do. Does this sound like you? In today’s episode we dig in on personal branding and its value. Let us know what you think at soloprpro.com. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle K...

In this episode we cover the turmoil at OpenAI, AI vetting PR pitches, and the newly-released Guidelines, Tips, and Best Practices for using AI from PRSA. Let us know what you think at soloprpro.com. Transcript Karen Swim (00:04): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hi, Karen, how are you? Karen Swim, APR...

There are many challenges faced by DE&I practitioners in today's landscape, including the backlash against DE&I efforts. In this episode, we are joined by an expert in the field of DE&I communications, Bernadette Davis of Bernadette Davis Communications. Listen to hear her valuable insights on how communicators can navigate these challenges, emphasizing the need for inclusivity to be woven into the company's culture. Stay in touch with Bernadette on LinkedIn and at her website, bdaviscomm.com. ...

The social media landscape has changed drastically over the course of this year. What does that mean for our clients as we plan for 2024? Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That's Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my ever steady co-host, Karen Swim with Solo PR Pro. Hi Karen. How are you doing today? Karen Swim, APR (00:21): Hey, Michelle. I am very chi...

Don't let good intentions lead to unintended consequences in your PR efforts. In this episode, we discuss a recent well-meaning attempt by a CEO to address negative press that ended up creating more problems for the company. We highlight the dangers of speaking without consulting expert counsel and the need for CEOs to consider the impact of their words on both internal and external audiences. Read the article in TechCrunch: Carta’s CEO reaches out to customers about bad press, alerting them to...

Atrocities against innocents in the Middle East. Another mass shooting in the U.S. Every day, something new to absorb and process. Now more than ever, PR pros need to lead the way in communicating clearly in all of this uncertainty. Read Hope and the Hard Things on the Solo PR Pro blog. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatter...

We cover AI and PR in many of our episodes because we want our fellow PR pros to have the knowledge they need to stay on top of this technology. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the new “Warsaw Principles” unveiled earlier this month on the ethical use of AI in public relations by the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) at its Global Summit. Read the story courtesy of ProvokeMedia.com. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of Th...

PR pros, communicators, we work in a unique environment. In an industry where we feel compelled to always be “on” and available, it’s challenging to make the time to work on our mental health. Know that you are not alone and know that taking that time is not only worth it, it’s essential. Mental health is a topic we’ve addressed in a previous episode and in this Solo PR Pro blog post. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast f...

We just entered Q4 of 2023. How did we get here so quickly? If your energy and creativity are lagging, you need to listen to this episode. Here’s the link to the blog referenced in today’s episode, “How PR Pros Can Find Their Secret Sauce” Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers working for themselves. Like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my ever steady co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro....

The Writer’s Guild of America strike has come to an end with the approval of a deal effective September 25, 2023 through May 1, 2026. The writers secured significant gains in one of the major areas of concern, use of AI in their work. In this episode we talk about the implications of this deal for creatives and PR pros. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, M...

It’s time to check in on the latest in pop culture and PR. From recent missteps from the rock and roll world to shows trying to return to air during the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes, we talk about it. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane with VoiceMatters, and Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hello, Karen. It's another week and here we are. Karen Swim,...

In this episode, Karen and Michelle welcome Mary Ellen “Mel” Miller, APR, MBA. Mel is the founder and CEO of MarketingMel, a solo PR firm that strengthens relationships between organizations and the publics they serve. Mel draws on the breadth of her lifelong career as a professional communicator in her new book, “Fill the Dam Thing Up! Building Connections: Communicating throughout the Lifecycle of Infrastructure Projects.” It’s a discussion you won’t want to miss. Buy the Book: “Fill the Dam...

Book Clubs start with the best of intentions, don’t they? In today’s episode, Karen and Michelle turn their book club fail into an opportunity to amp up your business development for a great Q4. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane with VoiceMatters and my ever steady captain of the ship over at Solo PR Pro, Karen Swim. Hey Karen, how are you? ...

The media landscape is constantly changing, making it harder on journalists. Naturally this affects how PR pros do our jobs. In this episode we talk all about it, including some points from recent survey results from Cision and MuckRack. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:03): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my ever steady co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pr...

If you’re thinking of diversifying your PR practice or pivoting away from day-to-day client work, this episode is for you. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hello, Karen. How are you doing this week? Karen Swim (00:34): I'm doing great, Michelle. How are you doing? M...

From Gen Z to Millennials, Generation X to the Silent Generation, all the way to Boomers – has there ever been a time when members of so many generations shared space in the workforce? In this episode we talk about how the generations and work together and learn from each other. Transcript Talking About My Generation That Solo Life Episode 211 Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves lik...

No matter where you are in your career, we hope you are always seeking to learn something new, whether it’s sharpening your existing skillset, meeting with other professionals, or taking on an entirely new challenge. Join us for this episode when we talk about honing your PR skills in any season of your professional life. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:01): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves like me, Mich...