The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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, e…

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 em…

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 rea…

This episode explores the calculated timing and emotional storytelling behind Meghan Markle’s latest media rollout. With a new Netflix series and curated social media posts emerging alongside headlin…

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 “wok…

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 st…

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 g…

This is the only thing you have to fear in a crisis. Listen as crisis and reputation strategist Molly McPherson explains what is at the heart of every crisis.

Recorded late on a Friday— moments after …

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 dr…

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 on…

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…

In this explosive episode, we delve into a Hollywood controversy grabbing headlines after a simple voicemail reignited the full-blown power struggle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Rey…

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 …

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 lesson…

Amid the glamorous yet ruthless world of Hollywood, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni find themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “I…

They’re back and ready to dissect the year’s biggest communications fiascos. I’m joined by Warren Weeks and John Perenack, my Candian colleagues in crisis behind the Reputation Town podcast, to break…

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 …

When controversies swirl, smart PR can turn turbulence into triumph. In this episode, dive into how Universal Pictures and the Wicked team transformed five headline-grabbing challenges into opportuni…

The 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 …

Molly breaks down the TikTok drama everyone is consumed with at the moment - two creators and their pajamas. Cecily and Samantha Bachman, whose launch of $98 holiday pajamas sparked intense public cr…