PR Style Guide Podcast

Danielle and Robin, Co-hosts of the PR Style Guide, celebrate and discuss their favorite moments from season two of The PR Style Guide Podcast! Reminiscing is Oh-So-Sweet as our hosts look forward to season three!

 In this episode of The PR Style Guide podcast, we sit down with Michelle Vessels, a powerhouse in sales and marketing with a career spanning broadcast media, real estate, and strategic brand partnerships. From her start in radio sales to her leadership at Urban One, Michelle shares how she built a reputation for creating powerful connections, exceeding sales goals, and turning strategic ideas into revenue-driving success.We discuss the secrets to building strong relationships, navigating career pivots, and balancing multiple business ventures—including her award-winning real estate career. Michelle also shares insights on the importance of adaptability, persistence, and leveraging connections to open new doors in media, marketing, and beyond.Don’t miss this masterclass in relationship-building, strategic sales, and making things happen! 🎙️Connect with Michelle Vessels on LinkedInRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!

In Season 2, Episode 18 of The PR Style Guide podcast, we sit down with Shannon Cross, a senior media relations specialist with over 20 years of experience in sports, news, and entertainment media. Shannon shares the best piece of advice she received early in her career—the power of knowing that you belong—and how embracing that mindset fueled her confidence, opened doors, and encouraged her to take bold steps in her career.We dive into her journey from ESPN, FOX5 DC, and TV One—where she interviewed sports legends like Magic Johnson, Serena Williams, and Tiger Woods—to leading PR efforts at Children’s National Hospital. She discusses the importance of pivoting in the industry, staying confident in high-stakes situations, and managing crises with poise.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on stepping into your power, navigating career transitions, and thriving in media relations. Whether you're an aspiring PR pro or a seasoned communicator, Shannon’s insights will leave you feeling empowered to take on your next big move!Connect with Shannon on Instagram & LinkedInRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

On this episode of The PR Style Guide podcast, we sit down with Jonelle Henry, a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years in news and television, now serving as the inaugural director of the University of Florida’s CJC x DC program. Jonelle shares her incredible journey—from moving to Florida after graduating from the University of Florida to work in the office of the late Senator Bob Graham to covering historic political events as a senior producer at C-SPAN during the Bush and Obama administrations.We discuss her passion for mentorship, her creation of Districtly Speaking to foster emerging media professionals, and her commitment to expanding opportunities for students in Washington, DC by shaping the next generation of journalists and communications professionals through her newest career path, a full circle moment and opportunity as the Director of Communication for the new DC campus of her alma mater, the University of Florida. Plus, Jonelle dives into a transparent discussion on the importance of discovering your voice and what it means to Jonelle to show up confidently and proudly as a professional woman of color in today’s world. Of course, we touched on one of our favorite topics to chat about with our guests: fashion! Tune in to hear how Jonelle blends journalism, public relations, and leadership to create lasting impact, and what advice she has for aspiring media professionals navigating today’s evolving landscape!Connect with Jonelle Henry on LinkedInRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!

In Season 2: Episode 16 of The PR Style Guide podcast, we’re joined by Amore Philip, CEO and founder of Apples & Oranges Public Relations. Amore’s inspiring journey began in 2008 when she turned unemployment into an opportunity to launch her own PR agency. Drawing from her background in Fashion Merchandising at LIM College and her experience across the fashion, entertainment, and design industries, Amore grew her agency from a one-woman operation to a thriving boutique firm.Amore shares the lessons learned from her entrepreneurial journey, the power of authenticity in storytelling, and the resilience that shaped her path to success. With media placements in outlets like Forbes, CBS Mornings, and ELLE, plus noteworthy campaigns like Statues for Equality and TEDx Water Street, Amore offers invaluable insights into navigating the ever-evolving world of PR.Tune in to hear about her remarkable achievements, the personal challenges that defined her, and her reflections on surviving a car accident in 1994 and building a business with unemployment checks. This is a story of perseverance, innovation, and the power of lived experiences to create impactful brands.Connect with Amore Philip on LinkedInCheck out and connect with Apples & Oranges Public Relations at www.applesandorangespr.comRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

In this episode of The PR Style Guide podcast, we sit down with Deja Cromartie, an award-winning communications professional and dynamic publicist based in New York, to delve into her inspiring journey in public relations. Deja shares how she fell in love with PR, the determination and work ethic that fueled her rise in the industry, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.We also discuss the best advice she’s ever received, the importance of mentorship, and how she’s leveraging her expertise to elevate social impact brands. With over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the NAACP, Harvard's Willam Monroe Trotter Institute, and Blackdoctor.org, Deja offers invaluable insights for aspiring PR professionals and seasoned pros alike.As a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University and La Salle University, Deja embodies the motto “Find a Way or Make One” in both her work and her philanthropic endeavors. When she’s not making headlines for her clients, you can find her exploring NYC or searching for the perfect matte lipstick.Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom, determination, and a passion for storytelling!Connect with Deja on InstagramCheck out and connect with The Kredo Group at www.thekredogroup.comRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

In this episode of the PR Style Guide podcast, we’re joined by a trailblazer reshaping the creative industries—Mia Davis, founder of Color Vision and a dynamic force in global marketing. Mia’s visionary leadership has cultivated a global community of over 20,000 members, fostering fairness and equity in the creative world while collaborating with industry titans like Uber and Warner Bros. through her consultancy, The Agency by Color Vision.Recognized by Vice President Kamala Harris, Radio One, and other influential organizations, Mia shares her journey of creating opportunities for people of color, her insights on impactful marketing strategies, and the power of leveraging community to drive meaningful change.Tune in as we dive into:🎨 The story behind Color Vision’s global impact📈 How to design campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences🌍 The importance of equity in creative industriesWhether you're a PR pro, a marketer, or someone passionate about diversity, Mia’s story and actionable advice will leave you inspired and empowered.👉 Listen now to learn how to amplify voices, foster inclusivity, and elevate your marketing game!Connect with Mia on LinkedInCheck and connect with Color Vision at www.colorvisioncreates.comRate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Hey Friends, You are in for a treat! Are you familiar with National Publicist Day? In this episode, we sat down with National Publicist Founder Jordanna Stephen. Considering that this podcast was launched last year on October 30th, National Publicist Day, this was a full-circle moment for our hosts, Robin & Danielle! In this interview, we dived into everything from fashion, including how she landed a PR internship at People's Revolution, started her own PR Agency right outside of college, worked at Lucky Magazine, the path and importance to her founding National Publicist Day, and more. Get out your pen and paper! This episode is packed with numerous resources and loads of gems. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an industry newbie, this episode will provide value to you.Connect with Jordanna: Instagram @livingmyjoecalledlifeLinkedIn: @jordannastephen

Season 2, Episode 12 is here! This episode was packed with gems as we sat down with PR It-Girls Founder, Sharon B. Mills. We talked fashion, the importance of personal branding in today's landscape, leaning into strategic partnerships, and lessons learned as a growing PR professional. Sharon dives into her path to PR and how a group chat with other females in the PR, Comms & Marketing space led to the launch of PR It-Girls, a non-profit professional community organization tailored for young, minority female professionals specializing in public relations, marketing, and related disciplines within the media and communications industry.Connect with Sharon on Instagram Rate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you! PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Hey Friends, We are excited to return with Season 2 of the PR Style Guide Podcast!To kick us off this season, 2 we had the pleasure of sitting down with Raven Robinson. As we are in the thick of election season it was great to talk with Raven about all things PR & Politics including her journey to starting her company PR2Politics, how she fell in love with PR in college after not being a PR major, but becoming the President of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), experiencing challenges finding work out of school, betting on yourself, defying obstacles, landing her spot of the national advisory council of Forbes BLK Initiative and more, including writing and publishing her first book, Your Campaign: A Business Owner’s Guide to Understanding Public Relationships. Last, of course, we talked fashion with Raven as well!Hearing Raven’s story and journey will encourage and inspire you as you continue to make space for yourself to create and pursue opportunities as a professional in this industry. Connect with Raven on Instagram Rate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you! PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguideCheck out www.experienceprocon for opportunities to attend events and build community with other PR, Marketing & Comms professionals. The PR Style Guide attended their recent PRocon conference experience in August 2024 and interviewed some of the ladies in attendance. Check out that content on our PR Style Guide Instagram Page and tap on the highlight labeled, PRocon. 

In this episode, hosts Danielle Williams and Robin Newton are celebrating Season 1 of the PR Style Guide podcast and community. Below are some of the highlights discussed: Honoring Women's History Month and & paying homage to a woman trailblazer in this industry- Ida B. Wells. Reviewing our favorite moments and segments with guests from this season. Sharing personal stories of how they fell in love with PR/Comms and sharing their perspectives on other topics of conversation with guests. What's in store next for the podcast and community.To all of our listeners, Thank you for your support this season! We will be back for Season 2. In the meantime, be sure to go back and listen to all the episodes and phenomenal guests from this past season.  Connect with Us:PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguideEmail us your guest suggestions and feedback at [email protected] & Review the show. We would love to hear from you!

Hey Friends, Episode 9 is here!We can't say enough about this episode and our guest, Keisha Brewer! This episode was stacked with great takeaways and gems. So much so, that you will probably need to pause, rewind, and repeat this episode a few times to soak up all the goodness that Keisha is sharing with us. Keisha is a millennial making a great impact in the PR & Comms space. Just check out her career highlights and resume....it speaks for itself! As the CEO of The PR Alliance and founder of PRoCon, a conference and community to help other current and aspiring public relations, marketing, media, and communications professionals connect, learn, and grow in their industries Keisha knows all about bridging the gaps for the clients she has served and had placements in both local and national major outlets, while also being a bridge builder and connector to those within her industry. Our conversation with her was so rich. This is a legit masterclass in all things media, pitching, mentorship & community building, and more! Career Highlights: Keisha Brewer is a strategic communications professional with a passion for storytelling obtained her bachelor’s degree in English, from theUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore.Following college, Keisha moved on to be an Advertising Specialist at Sinclair Broadcast Group, supporting news stations like FOX News with effective commercial placements. In December 2016, Keisha created her agency, The PR Alliance --- a full-service public relations and strategic communications agency that supports clients with gaining visibility for their brands. She has had client placements in outlets  such as ABC, Fox, Forbes Magazine,Essence, Black Enterprise, 92Q, 93.9, and many more. In 2022, Keisha launched a conference called PRocon to help other current and aspiring public relations, marketing, media, and communications professionals connect, learn, and grow in their industries.Keisha is also a highly regarded speaker known for her TED Talk on Strategic Communications which has generated over 1 million views on YouTube. Connect with Keisha on  Instagram to learn more about her, The PR Alliance & Procon. Resources: Check out the replay of the virtual event titled. "The State of Black Journalism" presented by Procon diving deep into the heart of the industry's current landscape. And stay current with their events and join the community.  Rate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you! PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Hey Friends, Episode 8 is here!We had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Augustus. She currently serves as the Press Secretary and Media Relations Manager for the League of Women Voters, a 103- year-old organization that advocates for women's voting rights. Her resume is pretty stacked and we discussed her time working as a White House Producer at C-SPAN, the amazing people she got to meet including Kerry Washington while working there and more! Coming off the heels of her trip back from the New Hampshire Primary we had a great time chatting about all things PR, politics, fashion, her role in making an impact for women all over country for the work she does and more! Career Highlights: Shannon Augustus serves as Press Secretary of the League of Women Voters of the United States, where she is responsible for the League’s press outreach and media requests.Prior to joining the League, Shannon served as a strategic marketing manager for a state government affairs firm. There, she led the firm's strategic marketing, communications, and brand messaging.Shannon’s professional career started in the television industry, where she worked at C-SPAN for several years as a producer. Her stints included coverage of the White House and multiple presidential elections. She also held roles on C-SPAN’s marketing and communications team for the C-SPAN Bus program. In that role, Shannon served as spokesman and was tasked with the network's corporate and community relations activities.  Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn Rate & Review the show. We would love to hear from you! PR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Hey Friends, Episode 7 is here!We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with our second Gen-Z podcast guest, 25-year-old, Lindsay Francois. A multifaceted Media Manager and creative director out of Miami, FL. The conversation was so rich discussing her childhood growing up in Haiti, why anything PR & Media related was not a profession learning English after moving to Miami 12 years ago, and how being a self-starter has helped her to continue to grow, thrive and create a space and place for herself in this industry. Career Highlights: Lindsay Francois is a multifaceted media professional passionate about creating engaging stories that inspire meaningful and impactful conversations in the digital landscape. As an aspiring author, she founded Power Room Magazine, exploring mental health, productivity, and self-improvement, and has been featured in publications like YesGurl UK, Just Begin Magazine, and Politics4Her, notably contributing an article titled 'Reclaiming “Go Back to Your Country”'.  Her expertise in Public Relations and Advertising, coupled with a background in the arts and non-profit sector, empowers her to create compelling narratives that deeply resonate with diverse audiences, drawing inspiration directly from her personal experiences and reflections. Beyond her work, Lindsay enjoys fashion, content creation, and immersing in thought-provoking podcasts.Connect with Lindsay on Instagram @thatssolindsay_Check out her new website & portfolio at www.officiallindsayf.comPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Welcome back to episode 6 of the PR Style Guide podcast!In this episode, Robin sits down with Lanetra King, an accomplished PR agency owner, seasoned senior publicist, and distinguished Director of Communications at IndieKater PR. We discussed how investing in a business coach and surrounding herself with a community of driven individuals has exponentially helped her to grow herself and her business. In addition to the power of leaving behind perfectionism, just getting started, taking that right next step above all giving yourself grace along the journey. It’s a value-packed episode that will leave you with some key takeaways that will help to enhance your professional and personal toolkit. Career Highlights: She has been recognized as one of US Reporter Magazine's '30 Under 30' alongside notable figures like Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott. With nearly two decades of rich-history in the public relations field, Lanetra has propelled clients into the spotlight of both local and national media contributing to transformative campaigns from industry experts to corporate renowned giants like AT&T. Through her masterful strategies, Lanetra has orchestrated brand collaborations, managed red carpet events, overseen award shows, and orchestrated movie premieres for esteemed networks like MTV, TV One, and BET. She has secured impressive media features including Tamron Hall Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, Yahoo!, Good Day LA, The Roland Martin Show and more. Connect with Lanetra on Instagram and LinkedInPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Welcome back to episode 5 of the PR Style Guide podcast!In this episode, we sit down with Janay Tyson, a vibrant Gen-Z fashion girl out of NYC who carries many titles including brand consultant, advertising manager, event host & curator. We discussed how she found her calling in the Comms & PR space as a student at Elon University, the journey and struggles of transplanting to NYC after graduating, how she has built community in a new city that she now calls home and is using her gifts to elevate and connect brands to resources and people for the exposure they deserve. Career Highlights: Janay Tyson is a class of 2019 graduate from Elon University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications and a minor in African, African-American Studies.She was an adfellow in Verizon’s unique fellowship program -- an intensive, 10-month marketing and advertising rotational program.As a Verizon Adfellow, Janay continued her advocacy in diversity and inclusion and broadened her strategic marketing skills at agencies and brands like Weber Shandwick, Walmart Corporate Office, and Publicis NY. Janay currently works as a Senior Account Executive at Havas on a major HIV drug managing the brand’s social/digital creative.  Janay currently serves as Head of Production for @Swapsacon, a unique sustainable shopping experience in Brooklyn as well as Membership & Outreach Manager for @GirlCodeNYC, a social networking group for women of color dedicated to finding their tribe across NY/NJ.Connect with Janay on Instagram and TikTok @justjanayyyyyPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: @prstyleguide

Welcome back to episode 4 of the PR Style Guide Podcast!In this episode, we sit down with Samantha McCoy, Founder & CEO at Mission Key Communications for a great chat! We discussed her first job in PR which included a lot of self-teaching and on-the-job training, how she turned her PR first job into her company's first client, and how she intentionally used social media to build her personal brand and business while adding value to others and connecting with new clients. This episode is empowering, inspiring, and packed with personal brand-building and professional gems that you won't want to miss! Career Highlights: Samantha McCoy is the founder & CEO of MissionKey Communications, LLC. Her company transforms organizations and individuals into visibility magnets who attract their ideal audiences through the power of public relations and personal branding. Samantha has over 15 years of experience in communications and loves to amplify the stories of innovative and transformative industry leaders. Connect With Samantha on Instagram and LinkedInPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM:   / prstyleguide  Grab the FREE 10 Steps To A Winning Pitch Resource by visiting the resources tab at theprstyleguide.com

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Young, a PR and Internal Communications Specialist who has shared her talents with a variety of organizations and agencies within the DMV area over her 15+ year career! We discuss her first PR experience working the red carpet for BET Honors and the moment she knew that the PR industry was for her. We also dive into her journey through college and how she learned to network and find internship opportunities at a young age when they were not readily available to her at that time, how she has been able to touch all facets of the PR industry, her go-to fashion staple as a woman in this space and so much more. Career Highlights: Tiffany Marie Young has more than 15 years of experience in Communications handling media relations, internal communications, special events, crisis communications, and social media.She currently is a communications specialist managing internal communications for the Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Office within the National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce. Tiffany is also a Communications & Events Manager at te Prince George's Chamber of Commerce.In her spare time, she works as a Freelance Writer for The Prince George’s Suite Magazine. Connect With Tiffany on LinkedInPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/prstyleguideGrab the FREE 10 Steps To A Winning Pitch Resource by visiting the resources tab at theprstyleguide.com

Welcome back to episode 2 of the PR Style Guide Podcast!In this episode, we sit down with Loni Cannon, Senior Media Relations Manager at Target for a great chat! We discuss how she fell in love with PR & those who have impacted her along her journey. We also dive into her fashion faves as a woman in this industry, how she has been able to make an impact at the national brands she has worked for in PR over the years, some of her highlights now working at Target, the value of taking a break, and more!  Career Highlights: Producing and hosting Metro Focus, a television series that highlighted WMATA’s metro-accessible businesses throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.Leading crisis communications for over 1,000 McDonald’s restaurants throughout the U.S.Representing Amazon’s U.S. operations in emerging international communities seeking to create similar operation models.Supporting Target’s media relations for major selling moments throughout the year and community-specific Heritage Month celebrations.Connect With Loni on LinkedInPR STYLE GUIDE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/prstyleguideGrab the FREE 10 Steps To A Winning Pitch Resource by visiting the resources tab at theprstyleguide.com

It's the first official episode of the PR Style Guide podcast! Our hosts Danielle Williams and Robin Newton are excited to create this space for conversations to happen with women working in the PR/Communications/Marketing industry. We are kicking off the show by talking with Candice Adkins-Wilson about her impact on the development and launch of the start of this podcast. She also shares about her journey from St. Louis to attending Howard University in Washington, DC. to starting and coming up the ranks at WHUR. We discuss her fashion favorites, finding a mentor in this space, and the best advice she has been given. Candice Adkins currently serves as the News Producer for the radio show, The Daily Drum and Reporter,” which airs on WHUR Howard University Radio Network. In her role, she has worked with various celebrities, including actress Taraji P. Henson, reality star Kenya Moore of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” musician Dawn Robinson of En Vogue, music super group Kool & Gang, the family of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, the family of esteemed actor Dick Gregory, and other newsmakers & dignitaries. She has also covered several conferences and national platforms, to include the Republic and Democratic National Conventions. Her vast experience and expertise are in the areas of talent booking, field producing, event planning, stage production and education. Prior to joining WHUR, she worked at Sister2Sister Magazine coordinating promotional events, booking interviews, and assisting the publishing editor Jamie Foster Brown. We're talking to some of the coolest, and most stylish women in the industry! Tune in Tune in bi-weekly on Wednesdays for gems worthy of your professional toolkit! Connect with us: PR Style Guide's IG: https://www.instagram.com/prstyleguide

 Welcome, to the PR Style Guide podcast where two PR professionals are living and learning in the communications industry. I’m Danielle Williams, a growing public relations and partnerships professional who was on a mission to find a mentor in this space.  And I’m Robin Newton, a seasoned PR professional who believes one should never stop learning and growing.We share the latest trends in the PR industry and discuss tips for success with other comms folks. The PR Style Guide is for professionals making strides in a crowded landscape. Robin: New episodes drop bi-weekly on all platforms where you listen to podcasts.We're excited to share what we've learned and learn from others. Our guests are cool and have knowledge to share. Tune in for gems worthy of your professional toolkit. Connect with us at theprstyleguide.com