Episode Summary The USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations 2026 Global Communications Report, titled A Quiet Shift, surveyed over 700 PR professionals, more than 1,000 members of the general public, and conducted one-on-one interviews with Fortune 500 chief communications officers. Karen and Michelle read it with the solo and independent…
The USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations 2026 Global Communications Report, titled A Quiet Shift, surveyed over 700 PR professionals, more than 1,000 members of the general public, and conducted one-on-one interviews with Fortune 500 chief communications officers. Karen and Michelle read it with the solo and independent practitioner in…
It's not AI versus human but AI + human! AI can do tasks but it does not replace human judgment and experience.
Kara Ryan left a 20-year corporate career to start her own PR agency. Leaving corporate also means you are leaving behind multiple departments, systems and workflows. This new Solo PR Pro used AI to deliver the same high-impact results without the big corporate structure
Episode Summary Kara Ryan spent 20 years of her career navigating corporate communications in some of the most regulated industries in the world - financial services, healthcare, and medical devices. In April of this year, she closed that chapter and opened Klyr Strategies, a solo communications advisory built upon the…
After 20 years in Corporate Communications, is it possible to become a Solo PR Pro? Kara Ryan is here to share her story of how she did just that. Weeks into her new venture, she takes us behind the scenes to share her journey.
Efficiency and agility are two of the many benefits of working with a Solo PR Pro.
The economy is bad, can I still succeed? Is leaving my job to start my own business risky? Episode Summary In this episode, Karen and Michelle deliver a timely reminder that periods of disruption are not just a challenge for solo PR pros — they are an opening. As larger…
Is this a good time to leave my corporate job and start my own PR consultancy? In this episode, Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane discuss why this is the moment to become a Solo PR Pro.
Way back in Episode 140, Chip Griffin addressed inflation and raising your rates. That was 4 years ago but the advice applies today! Check out the full episode for more of Chip's sage advice: https://www.youtube.com/live/a_xDjIGIiTk?si=t7bB1dNaltFjcJ45
Karen and Michelle are back with one of their favorite formats — a roundup of what's happening in the world right now and what it means for solo and small agency PR, communications, and marketing professionals. From the growing opportunities in internal communications to a telling shift in how and…
PR pros are asking questions about AI. What do I need to know? What do my clients want? Gini Dietrich, of Spin Sucks, has answers.
In this episode PR Pros will hear a roundup of what’s happening in the world right now and what it means for solo and small agency PR, communications, and marketing professionals. From the growing opportunities in internal communications to a telling shift in how and where people place their trust,…
In this exclusive YouTube edition of Behind the Mic, co-hosts of That Solo Life podcast, Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane discuss what they learned from their chat with Candice Smith of French Press Communications in Episode 338.
Running an independent public relations business requires more than just excellent communication skills. You need a solid strategy, a growth mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning. In episode 338 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane sit down with Candice Smith, MEd, to explore how educational…
Part 2 of a crossover episode. Part 1 aired on Chip Griffin's podcast, Chats with Chip. Episode Summary In this episode — Part 2 of a special crossover with returning guest Chip Griffin — hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane take a frank look at what the current landscape really…
Hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane return after a pause to launch a new season of That's Solo Life, exploring the realities of solo PR pros, marketers, and communicators. Episodes will cover burnout, reinvention, tech-driven disruption, caregiving responsibilities, and how to stay replenished while running your business. Expect practical…
In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane are joined by Cyndee Woolley, MBA, APR, President and Founder of C2 Communications. Together, they dive deep into the nuanced world of public information campaigns and crisis communications for local communities. While national headlines often grab…
Episode Summary In a world increasingly driven by data, frameworks, and efficiency, are we losing the human element in public relations? This week, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the critical need for brands to prioritize people over processes. They explore how the over-reliance on analytics, scripts, and rigid…
In this episode of That Solo Life, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the complex issue of corporate communication during times of social unrest and public crisis. They explore the critical difference between advocacy and activism, and why ignoring major events can sometimes be riskier than taking a stance. Episode…
In this episode, Karen and Michelle are joined by Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the public relations landscape. Doug shares invaluable insights on how AI is fundamentally changing content discoverability and why PR professionals, especially solo practitioners, must…
In this episode of That Solo Life, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle a common frustration for PR professionals: managing unrealistic client expectations. We have all heard the requests to "make it go viral" or "get us on the Today Show" immediately. While these aren't bad goals, they are often…
In this highly anticipated episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane welcome industry legend Gini Dietrich, founder of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO Model. Together, they dive deep into the current state of public relations and what lies ahead for 2026. The conversation…
This week, Karen and Michelle are joined by Catherine "Cat" Holt, a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience building major US brands. Cat shares her journey from the corporate world to founding her own company, driven by a desire to help businesses create purpose-driven cultures. She offers…