Call Your Publicist

The red carpet looks effortless. It is anything but.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down the layers of PR strategy behind Hollywood's biggest nights, from the Oscars to the Met Gala, and what founders and entrepreneurs can take from it. They get into how celebrities campaign for awards months before the show, why the carpet is the single biggest PR moment of the year for up and coming designers, how the rise of digital creators is reshaping who gets access, and what it really means to build a visual story around your brand.If you've ever wondered what's actually being orchestrated behind those red carpet moments, this one pulls back the curtain.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Most chefs think their food is enough to sell their restaurant. But Chef Aarthi Sampath has been proving otherwise long before her restaurant opens its doors in NYC's East Village.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with Chef Aarthi to unpack the immigrant drive that brought her to New York, the scrappy pandemic hustle that taught her the real cost of running a business, and how beating Bobby Flay on national TV became the launchpad she never saw coming. Plus, why personal storytelling might matter just as much as the menu when it comes to building a restaurant brand from scratch.If you've ever wondered how to build an audience before you even open your doors, this one is for you.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In a world where everyone is selling something, the founders who win aren't the loudest. They're the most real.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio get into why authenticity isn't just a buzzword. It's a business strategy. They break down what thought leadership actually looks like for entrepreneurs, why your audience can tell when you're all over the place, and how staying consistent over time is what builds real authority. They also get into why founders are the new influencers, what the McDonald's CEO moment got wrong, and the one shift that turns followers into clients.If you're a founder trying to figure out how to show up online without losing yourself in the process, this one's for you.This episode is sponsored by Event Tickets Center. Use code CYP10 for 10% off any ticket order over $150 at eventticketscenter.com.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In a crowded market, standing out isn't just about having a better product. It's about building trust, owning your narrative, and making every move count.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with Ben Kruger, CMO of Event Tickets Center, to talk about what it actually takes to market a brand in a competitive space. From his time advising hundreds of eCommerce brands at Google to running growth on the operator side, Ben gets into how ETC builds customer trust, why most partnerships fail to move the needle, and what proactive storytelling looks like before the noise starts. He also breaks down his Washington Post op-ed challenging assumptions about ticket resale pricing and what it taught him about shaping your own narrative.If you're building a brand in a space where everyone looks the same, this episode is the playbook.This episode is sponsored by Event Tickets Center. Use code CYP10 for 10% off any ticket order over $150 at eventticketscenter.com.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Every April, Coachella takes over the cultural conversation. But while everyone's watching the performances, the biggest PR moves happening in the desert have nothing to do with the stage.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down the PR machine behind Coachella and how brands use the festival to generate visibility, cultural relevance, and media coverage that traditional advertising can't replicate. From the Revolve Festival to brand activations built specifically for TikTok and Instagram, they get into why Coachella has become one of the most strategic marketing stages of the year.If you've ever wondered how brands turn a music festival into a PR moment, this one breaks it all down.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Most founders spend months, sometimes years, writing a book. And then they publish it and hope the visibility follows. It doesn't always work that way.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna and Alexandra pull back the curtain on book PR, what it actually is, why it's one of the most underutilized tools in a founder's brand strategy, and what happens behind the scenes when you do it right. Jenna shares her own experience launching her bestselling book, the lessons learned, the surprises, and how she continues to leverage it today.If you've ever thought about writing a book, or already have one and aren't sure what to do next, this one's for you.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down performative PR, why brands keep getting called out for it, and how to make sure your message actually matches your reality. From the internal alignment test every brand should run before a campaign goes live, to why audiences are more brand-literate than ever, they get into what separates a one-month post from a brand platform that actually holds up. They also explore why silence can sometimes be smarter than surface-level support, and what the comment section reveals about a brand's credibility.If your company is thinking about showing up for a cultural moment, this one's worth hearing first.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Artem Manilov, Founder and CEO of Tending, the first national service dedicated to headstone restoration and grave maintenance in the United States.Artem and his brothers built Tending after realizing something surprising. Nearly every part of modern life has moved online. Groceries, transportation, healthcare, even financial planning. Yet caring for the physical places that hold our memories has remained inconsistent, outdated, and difficult for families to manage, especially when they live far away.In this episode, Artem shares how they turned that realization into a tech-enabled service helping thousands of families preserve and care for the places connected to their loved ones. We talk about building a mission-driven company, scaling a service-based platform across the country, and what it takes to create a business around something as personal as memory.This conversation is about identifying overlooked problems, building infrastructure around compassion, and using technology to modernize services people quietly rely on.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Sarah Mack to talk about turning cultural insight into a consumer brand.While living in Barcelona during her MBA program, Sarah noticed something different about how people interacted with everyday products. The experience felt social, approachable, and free of intimidation. When she returned to the U.S., she saw a gap between how a category was presented and how modern consumers actually wanted to engage with it.In this episode, Sarah shares how she and her sister Emily translated that insight into Offline Wine, a sister-founded brand focused on simplifying a traditionally overcomplicated space. We talk about building alongside family, rebranding with intention, transitioning out of tech, and creating representation in a legacy industry.This conversation is about positioning, clarity, and building a brand that reflects the people it serves.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Derek Gwaltney, founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, the company behind high value incentive trips, million dollar game show challenges, luxury yacht experiences, and once in a lifetime prizes designed for brands and organizations.Derek’s entrepreneurial story did not begin in a boardroom. It began at age ten, collecting loose golf balls and reselling them to invest in baseball cards. Years later, after serving four years in the Air Force and being stationed in Korea, he launched Atlas Experiences in 2019 with a small team and a bold belief: it’s never too late to win big.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Justin Baer, Founder and CEO of Collars & Co., the menswear brand known for reinventing the modern dress shirt with its signature structured collar.What started as a personal frustration with floppy collars under sweaters turned into a Shark Tank backed business. Justin secured a $1 million deal from Mark Cuban, $300,000 in cash and a $700,000 line of credit, in exchange for 10 percent equity. But the journey didn’t begin on television. It began with solving a real problem and paying attention to demand.In this episode, Justin shares the moment he realized the opportunity was bigger than one shirt, how a TikTok video created by his then seven year old daughter went viral, and what it feels like to make a life changing investment decision in minutes.We also talk about scaling during a pandemic, expanding into collegiate partnerships, managing investor relationships, and building a brand that feels elevated but accessible.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Hala Shamas did not set out to join the liquor business. Her family had been in it for 40 years and she was building her own path in tech, startups, and scaling digital businesses. Then she spotted a gap no one was solving. Alcohol delivery was charging consumers a 30 to 50 percent premium, without delivering real value back to the customer or the store.In this episode, Hala shares how she turned an analog legacy business into Sipsy, built demand before having the perfect setup, and scaled based on customer feedback. She breaks down why founders waste time over planning, how she learned directly from customers by doing deliveries herself, and why her content strategy is built on education and trust, not constant selling. We also talk about building a business with her brother, navigating partnership dynamics that are never truly 50 50, and what it is like being a female founder in a male dominated spirits industry.Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Jamie Weeks, founder and investor behind some of the most recognizable names in boutique fitness and recovery, including Orange Theory and Sweathouse. Jamie has helped scale multiple businesses from early traction to major exits, with more than $110M in total enterprise value across three deals.In this episode, Jamie breaks down what it really takes to grow from one location to three, then three to ten, then ten to forty, and why that first stage is always the hardest. We talk about the hiring philosophy he swears by, the risks founders underestimate when scaling, and why leading with empathy is not soft. It is strategy.Jamie also shares what inspired him to launch Founders Row, his founder first approach to investing, and why he believes the private equity playbook needs an update.The story behind Founders Row and what founder first partnership actually looks like🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.New episodes drop every Monday. This is your weekly reminder to Call Your Publicist.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Mark Perkins, host of The Necessary Entrepreneur, for a real conversation about resilience, leadership, and what it actually takes to build something long term.Mark breaks down why your personal philosophy matters more than motivation, how to keep moving when things go sideways, and why the fastest way to grow your own life is to make your day about other people. We talk about service, self awareness, and the discipline of taking action even when the day still sucks.We also dig into the reality of feedback, reputation, and why PR and brand building are never overnight plays. They are built through consistency, curiosity, and showing up fully, even before you feel ready.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.New episodes drop every Monday. This is your weekly reminder to Call Your Publicist!

This week on Call Your Publicist, we’re sitting down with Rebecca Leigh West-Remmey of Devour Power, the NYC born food content powerhouse known for turning over the top menu moments into scroll stopping social.Rebecca shares how a casual date night hobby with her now husband Greg became a full scale business, what it really took to land early restaurant clients before social media was “a career,” and why reputation and boundaries are everything when your brand lives online.We also talk about what actually makes content perform, why they turn down clients on purpose, and the proud moments that reminded her just how far they’ve come.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Amber Gilormo, founder of The Boutique Lawyer, to talk about the legal decisions that protect founders as they grow.Amber shares how her background in personal injury law shaped the way she helps business owners today, why contracts and boundaries matter more than people realize, and how legal strategy can become a competitive advantage instead of a roadblock.This episode is a practical conversation about risk, confidence, and building a business that feels safe, sustainable, and built to last.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we’re sitting down with Haley Pavone, founder of Pashion Footwear, the brand that created the original convertible heel that transforms from heels to flats in seconds.Haley shares the real story behind building an entirely new product category, from cutting up shoes in her college apartment to turning live demos into viral growth. We also talk about what it takes to market a product people have never seen before, why founder-led storytelling builds trust faster than ads, and the Shark Tank moment where she trusted her instincts and walked away from a deal.This episode is a conversation about scrappy execution, authentic community building, and turning a pain point into a platform.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

As the year winds down and inboxes finally slow, we’re pressing pause to reflect.In this episode of Call Your Publicist, we’re reacting in real time to a year-end recap put together by our team, covering JMG’s biggest milestones, PR wins, and moments of growth from the past year.From celebrating JMG’s 10-year anniversary to major client wins, new service launches, podcast milestones, and over 900 pieces of media coverage secured, this episode is an inside look at what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a modern PR agency.We also talk about mentorship, education, team growth, and what we’re carrying into 2026.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we’re sitting down with Emily Brickel Edelson, co founder of Chic Sketch, the fashion illustration platform turning live moments and photos into custom works of art.Emily shares how a lifelong love of drawing evolved into a scalable business, why emotional connection is the real driver behind experience-based brands, and how Chic Sketch grew from live event sketching into a tech-forward platform with multiple revenue streams.This episode is a conversation about creativity, confidence, and building something that makes people feel seen.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Monica Elias, CEO and founder of Elias World Media, a global production company known for helping brands create powerful stories that come to life on screen.From her early days tagging along on her father’s hospital rounds to building a company trusted by some of the world’s most influential luxury brands, Monica shares how curiosity, integrity, and a love for storytelling shaped every step of her career.Monica’s story is a reminder that great storytelling starts with genuine curiosity and that the most meaningful careers are built on purpose, passion, and a commitment to elevating others.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.New episodes drop every Monday. Consider this your reminder to Call Your Publicist.

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Jamie Giovinazzo, Founder of Eat Clean Bro, the meal-delivery company he launched in 2013 with just $300 and a vision to help people eat better without overcomplicating their lives.What started as a 19-year-old bodybuilding competitor cooking for friends evolved into a fast-growing operation serving customers across the East Coast. Jamie shares how he built the business from the ground up, why he still prioritizes quality and customer care above everything else, and how focusing on community over competition helped him stand out in an industry dominated by giants.This conversation dives into the realities of growing a product-based business, the niche strategies that allow small companies to outmaneuver major brands, and the personal side of entrepreneurship—from navigating marriage and partnership to staying grounded while leading a dedicated team.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

In this Thanksgiving edition of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down the PR machine behind one of America’s biggest traditions, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and how it seamlessly feeds into the frenzy of Black Friday.From the parade’s origins as a retail stunt to the crisis planning behind every balloon, they unpack how nostalgia, emotion, and perfectly timed storytelling turn a feel-good holiday into a masterclass in marketing. They also explore how Black Friday evolved from a negative nickname into a multi-billion-dollar brand moment, and what today’s consumers expect from retail PR in 2025.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna and Alexandra dive into one of the biggest questions in PR right now: is AI here to replace us… or to make us better at what we do?What started as an email about AI and PR quickly turned into a real-time roundtable, with tech founder and investor Anthony Shook joining the conversation to share how he uses tools like ChatGPT to support brainstorming, strategy, and content without losing the human touch. From treating AI like “the best intern you’ve ever had” to building prompts that actually sound like you, this episode is a grounded, non-technical look at how communications pros can collaborate with AI instead of competing with it.Together, they explore how PR teams can train their staff on AI, use it to streamline research and media lists, and still protect what makes this industry so powerful: trust, relationships, and authentic storytelling. If you’ve ever worried that AI might take your job, this conversation will help you reframe it as a creative partner, not a threat.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Kristina Fitzpatrick Thomas, CEO and Founder of Paper & Flowers, the creative studio behind large-scale, sustainable paper installations for Dior, Valentino, Netflix, and New York Fashion Week.What started as one bold DM turned into a career-defining opportunity, a commission for NYFW that pushed Kristina to teach herself the art of paper flower design in just two months. Now, she leads a thriving creative business that blends luxury craftsmanship with operational precision, empowering a team of moms, women, and immigrants to bring each project to life.This conversation explores the systems behind scaling creativity, the power of saying yes before you’re ready, and the mindset that turns passion into partnership.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

In this Halloween edition of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack some of the most infamous PR nightmares in history, from the Tylenol poisonings and Pepsi syringe scare to Exxon’s oil spill, New Coke’s backlash, and Peloton’s treadmill crisis.Each story reveals what happens when brands face their worst fears and how transparency, empathy, and quick action can turn even the darkest headlines into redemption stories.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we sit down with Sandra Myers, President and Co-founder of Select Date Society, to explore what it really takes to build a luxury matchmaking brand from the ground up.With nearly three decades of experience, Sandra has turned her instinct for connection into a business rooted in trust, authenticity, and results. She shares how a life-changing moment inspired her to launch Select Date Society in 2020, how the brand grew to serve high-achieving professionals nationwide, and why staying values-driven is key to lasting success.From cultivating a referral-only model to creating the exclusive million-dollar Founders Club, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and the business of love.🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

From finance to the beverage aisle, Jennifer Ross turned a personal need into a national zero-sugar brand. As the co-founder of Swoon, she shares how she went from Harvard Business School to seeing her drinks on the shelves of Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.In this episode, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship — building a company from scratch, staying authentic to your mission, and navigating the highs and lows of leadership. Jennifer opens up about her journey as a female founder, her lessons from early pivots, and the collaborations that helped Swoon stand out in a crowded industry.If you’ve ever dreamed about turning an idea into something bigger, this one’s for you.Watch and listen to learn:How Jennifer turned a childhood craving into a modern beverage brandThe importance of authenticity in partnerships and brandingWhy perfection can hold you back from startingWhat it’s really like to scale a consumer product in today’s market

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with longtime JMG PR client Frank Kabatas, the owner of East Village Pizza and one of New York City’s most recognizable entrepreneurs.Frank shares how he came to the U.S. from Turkey with no English, learned the art of pizza from the ground up, and eventually bought the very shop that once fired him. His story is one of hard work, courage, and curiosity—the key ingredients that helped him build a viral brand with over 1.7 million followers and national press features on Good Morning America and The New York Post.You’ll hear how Frank approaches business, community, and social media with authenticity, and how staying true to his craft made East Village Pizza a New York staple.

What does it take to turn a vision into a 170-location reality? Dr. John Gallucci Jr., Founder and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, sits down with Call Your Publicist to share the story of how he manifested his dream as a teenager and built one of the largest physical therapy networks in the tri-state area.From working with professional sports teams like the Knicks, Devils, and Red Bulls, to publishing multiple books (including his latest on pickleball injuries), Dr. Gallucci has lived a career defined by resilience, mentorship, and relentless goal-setting.In this episode, he opens up about:The early hustle that shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetHow manifestation guided his path from Staten Island to CEOThe culture philosophy that keeps JAG’s 2,000 employees engagedWhy leaders must "learn to learn" and pass it forward to the next generationWhat success really means beyond revenue and growthThis is a conversation about grit, vision, and building something bigger than yourself.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

This week on Call Your Publicist, bridal designer and founder Kelly Faetanini shares how she sold her first gown at 19, became one of the youngest designers to show at New York Bridal Fashion Week, and built a brand brides ask for by name. We get into the founder mindset behind the beauty: blocking true “design days,” shifting from fear to flow, and building customer-obsessed systems. Kelly breaks down smart pivots too, from launching QR code product intel for retail stylists during COVID to bringing production in-house to navigate tariffs and raise quality.If you lead brand and need to balance storytelling with operations, this conversation is a clear playbook.

Sydney Sweeney, KATSEYE, RushTok: PR and branding are changing fast.This week, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio unpack why American Eagle’s celebrity gamble fell flat, how Gap struck gold with a viral girl group, and what Skims’ RushTok-inspired campaign reveals about the new era of marketing.We cover:Why not all PR is good PR The risks and rewards of controversyThe shift from A-list endorsements to authentic voicesTips for business owners on knowing when to jump on trends🎧 Tune in to hear why connection (not controversy) is the future of brand storytelling.

This week on Call Your Publicist, we’re talking about the power of team bonding and why in-person connections matter. From retreats in the Hamptons to virtual happy hours, Jenna and Alexandra share how JMG PR creates space for culture, collaboration, and connection.Tune in to hear:• Why retreats build stronger teams• Tips for planning meaningful events (no matter your budget)• How to measure success beyond the fun factorGot a favorite team bonding idea? Share it with us, it might inspire our next retreat!

In this weeks episode of Call Your Publicist, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses his journey from accounting to real estate, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and creating a positive employee culture. He explores the evolution of the American dream, particularly the rise of the build-to-rent model, which offers flexibility and modern living options. Ross shares insights on leadership, hiring practices, and the significance of leaving a meaningful legacy in the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:02 Transitioning from Accounting to Real Estate05:58 Work-Life Balance and Employee Culture09:01 Mentorship and Leadership Lessons11:50 The Evolution of the American Dream14:42 The Build-to-Rent Model Explained17:51 Flexibility and Modern Living20:41 Future of Build-to-Rent in Urban Areas23:39 Hiring and Leadership Philosophy26:50 Legacy and Impact

Having a business isn’t the same as building a brand.In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down what truly separates a business from a brand — and why the difference matters for long-term success.From Buc-ee’s cult following to Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign to Airbnb becoming a household name, they explore how great brands create emotional connections, loyalty, and culture that go far beyond products or services.Tune in to learn:The key elements of brand identity (voice, values, visuals)How consistency builds trust and recognitionWhy emotion and storytelling drive loyalty more than sales tacticsActionable tips to start shaping your own brand today🎧 Subscribe to Call Your Publicist for weekly conversations on PR, branding, and media strategy.

Purpose-driven PR is more than a trend, it’s the future of brand storytelling. In this episode, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore how brands that prioritize values over profits are creating deeper connections with their audiences. From Patagonia’s billion-dollar climate pledge to Tilt Beauty’s accessible, ergonomic products, the hosts unpack how authenticity, empathy, and storytelling fuel loyalty and impact.Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or PR professional, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how purpose shapes brand identity.

In this week’s episode of Call Your Publicist, we’re going behind the scenes of celebrity coverage with Rande Iaboni, Supervising Producer at Entertainment Tonight.From morning rundown meetings to red carpet premieres and breaking news, Rande shares how he’s spent over a decade shaping stories that keep audiences engaged. We talk about how the industry has changed since COVID, why in-person interviews still matter, and the simple rule he uses to make sure everyone from publicists to viewers, walks away happy.Whether you’re a publicist, entrepreneur, or media pro, this conversation offers real insight into how to pitch, produce, and build the kind of relationships that get results.

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio welcome Thomas Shields, founder of The Dink, a media company focused on pickleball. The conversation explores the rise of pickleball, the entrepreneurial journey of starting The Dink, the challenges faced in building a business, the importance of branding and podcasting, and reflections on legacy and future vision in entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio delve into the recent controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney's advertising campaign for American Eagle. They explore the implications of celebrity endorsements, the importance of brand alignment, and the potential crisis management strategies that may be necessary in light of public reaction. The conversation also draws parallels to historical advertising controversies, emphasizing the evolving landscape of public relations in the age of social media.Chapters00:00 Introduction to PR and the Sydney Sweeney Controversy03:01 Analyzing the American Eagle Campaign06:01 Crisis Management in PR08:49 Comparisons to Historical Campaigns11:52 Audience Engagement and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to “Call Your Publicist” for Part Two of “The DIY PR Playbook for Small Businesses.” Join hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio as they continue to explore essential PR strategies. In this episode, learn how to effectively frame your narrative, tackle imposter syndrome, and discover your unique angle in a competitive market. Hear inspiring success stories like East Village Pizza and gain valuable insights into building authentic media relationships. Don’t miss out on these practical tips to boost your brand’s visibility. Subscribe and leave a review to stay updatedChapters00:00 Framing Your Narrative08:14 Finding Your Unique Angle14:00 Building Genuine Relationships22:48 Networking for Success

SummaryIn this episode of Call Your Publicist, hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio discuss how small businesses can effectively gain media coverage without a large budget. They emphasize the importance of understanding the media landscape, creating a targeted media list, personalizing pitches, and building relationships with journalists. The conversation also covers the significance of crafting compelling subject lines, utilizing research and monitoring tools, and organizing PR efforts to enhance brand visibility and awareness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to DIY PR Strategies01:59 Understanding the Media Landscape04:38 Creating a Target Media List08:55 Personalizing Your Pitch11:30 Crafting Compelling Subject Lines13:56 The Five W's of PR Pitches16:35 Building Relationships with Journalists19:16 Research and Monitoring Tools22:45 Organizing Your PR Efforts25:38 Conclusion and Next Steps

From Side Hustle to Neighborhood Staple: Building Little Chef Little Café with Diana ManalangIn this episode of Call Your Publicist, we’re joined by Diana Manalang—founder, head chef, and the heart behind Little Chef Little Café in Long Island City. Diana opens up about her journey from resisting the restaurant industry to creating a business rooted in passion, purpose, and community. We talk about leaving corporate life behind, surviving (and thriving) through the pandemic, the power of self-taught entrepreneurship, and why authenticity and boundaries matter in business.Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring business owner, or just love a good success story with heart, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and biscuits.

In this episode of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore the power of personal branding for entrepreneurs and business owners. They break down what it means to show up authentically, why visibility matters, and how to craft a message that resonates.From media training and thought leadership to social media strategy and overcoming fear, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you align your personal identity with your business goals.Whether you're building a brand from scratch or leveling up your presence, this conversation will help you show up with confidence and clarity.

Jessica Serrano, CMO of DIG, on Brand Storytelling, Motherhood, and Owning Your VoiceIn this episode of Call Your Publicist, co-hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio sit down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer at DIG, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that connects.From launching Taco Bell’s value menu to reshaping DIG’s brand voice, Jessica shares the power of listening, vulnerability, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. She opens up about motherhood, mentorship, and why she’s done playing small when it comes to sharing her story. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, this episode is for you.Topics covered:What makes brand messaging actually stickWhy DIG shares all their recipes — yes, reallyMotherhood and losing yourself (then finding your voice again)The importance of women talking openly about money + mentorshipHow to stay in alignment and know when to pivotThis one’s for the brand builders, storytellers, and working moms who need a reminder that slow growth still counts.

In this engaging conversation, Rosella Rago, founder of Cooking with Nonna, shares her journey of blending her Italian heritage with her passion for cooking. She discusses the importance of family, authenticity, and the challenges of content creation. Rosella reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the evolution of her brand, and the emotional complexities of caregiving. The discussion emphasizes the value of vulnerability, taking risks, and staying true to oneself in both personal and professional realms.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cooking with Nonna01:25 Finding My Niche: The Birth of Cooking with Nonna07:02 The Importance of Family and Heritage in Cooking11:17 The Journey of Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome16:55 Building a Brand: Evolution and Reinvention21:49 The Reality of Content Creation: Misconceptions and Challenges24:59 Sharing Personal Stories: Vulnerability and Connection30:01 Navigating Caregiving: The Emotional Journey33:54 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: New Creative Ventures40:01 Embracing Fear and Taking Risks

John Hussey — NFL referee and CEO of CUDDLY, shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching a courier company to building a mission-driven platform for animal welfare. He talks about product-market fit, building authentic connections, and how empathy and strong culture drive CUDDLY’s impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Fraggis, CEO of Filterless Era, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand rooted in authenticity, service, and connection. Sarah shares how launching her business during the pandemic was both a risk and a calling, a way to empower women to feel beautiful at home and beyond.From the early challenges of entrepreneurship to growing a loyal audience online, Sarah opens up about the power of showing up genuinely on social media, writing her upcoming book The Last Paycheck, and launching her new health supplement brand, Viva La Vida.This episode is about trusting your voice, taking risks, and embracing the chaos that often leads to clarity.

In this episode of 'Call Your Publicist', hosts Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio explore the intricacies of public relations, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, media training, and building authority in the industry. They share personal anecdotes about celebrity interviews, the evolution of PR in a post-COVID world, and the significance of team dynamics in achieving success. The conversation aims to demystify PR for business owners and provide actionable insights for effective brand strategies.

Call Your Publicist is a podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and brand builders who want to understand how media really works. Hosted by Jenna Guarneri, CEO and founder of JMG Public Relations, and Alexandra Anastasio, journalist and Head of Content at JMG Public Relations, this show shares the stories, strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights that help people and businesses get noticed.Each episode features honest conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to help you build your brand, land press, and create a lasting public presence.If you're ready to grow your business and show up with purpose, you're in the right place.New episodes every Monday starting June 2, 2025.