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- The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
16 episodes
The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
by www.mollymcpherson.com · English
Every mess has a move behind it. Crisis communication expert Molly McPherson takes apart the viral scandals, celebrity meltdowns, and corporate disasters dominating the headlines, showing you exactly where they went wrong so you never do. She's the historian of the moves, and once you can name the play, you can see it coming.
Latest episodes
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Trump After the Midterms: Chasing Headlines, Not Voters
The episode argues that since the midterms, Trump has shifted from trying to win voters to chasing headlines—using spectacle, staffing changes, and attention-grabbing appearances to dominate the news…
13 Nov 2026 · 19m · 9 chaptersSpot the Spin: 2026 Election Edition
Post-election analysis of “spotting the spin” in 2026 U.S. election messaging, focusing on how officials and media figures deflect blame (calendar/history, commentators, networks, fraud claims) and…
7 Nov 2026 · 29m · 10 chaptersSpot the Spin: Ramaswamy, Vance and Amy Griffin
“Spot the Spin” analyzes campaign and culture messaging, focusing on how framing and “double downs” shift attention away from allegations of abuse; then it covers high-profile memoir/abuse disputes…
30 Oct 2026 · 23m · 9 chaptersMel Robbins and Prince Harry: Spot the Spin
“Spot the Spin” episode critiquing how public figures frame narratives to build trust and manage backlash, using Mel Robbins and Prince Harry as case studies.
23 Oct 2026 · 31m · 12 chaptersKelly Clarkson vs Art of Play: Why I Believe Her
The host analyzes the viral social-media dispute after Kelly Clarkson tweeted that she was treated rudely while visiting Brooklyn toy store Art of Play to see a mechanical bird named Molly; the…
16 Oct 2026 · 36m · 12 chaptersEmily Gellis's Court-Ordered Apology and Mikayla Nogueira on Jay Shetty
Online criticism vs “hate,” and how influencer disputes can escalate into legal action and reputational backlash.
9 Oct 2026 · 41m · 17 chaptersCornell 7: Every Statement Made It Worse but One
The host analyzes crisis-communications “moves” and spin across multiple public statements about a Cornell fraternity sexual assault allegation, arguing that institutions and lawyers often hide…
2 Oct 2026 · 43m · 18 chaptersKing Charles and Charles Spencer: Name the Move
PR/reputation analysis of Earl Charles Spencer’s new Diana-related book and the Buckingham Palace response, framed as “moves” in a modern media environment (especially around grief, memory, and…
25 Sep 2026 · 46m · 20 chaptersEd Sheeran Stood In The Middle of Macklemore and Kraft And Became The Headline
Crisis communication analysis of the backlash after Macklemore said “Free Palestine” during Ed Sheeran’s tour stop(s), leading to venue/promoter actions and public statements from Macklemore, Ed…
18 Sep 2026 · 51m · 16 chaptersAmanda Hirsch: The Notes App Apology Era Is Done
A PR breakdown of Amanda Hirsch’s “Notes app” apology after she posted a sponsored Polymarket-related reel about the Lindsay Clancy trial; the host argues the real crisis is Dear Media’s and…
11 Sep 2026 · 31m · 13 chaptersCallaway Approved the Good Good Ad. Then It Spoke Like a Bystander.
The episode dissects a controversy over a Good Good ad for Callaway equipment that appeared to parody domestic violence.
28 Aug 2026 · 36m · 13 chaptersHayden Panettiere: Neutrogena Said Nothing. Jay Shetty Said Too Much
Communication breakdown after actress Hayden Panettiere’s death, focusing on (1) Neutrogena’s silence despite her 10-year role as a spokesperson, (2) Jay Shetty’s Instagram-style “letter” that…
21 Aug 2026 · 29m · 13 chaptersBrad Pitt Owns This Article
Molly McPherson dissects Esquire’s profile “A Monday with Brad Pitt” (writer Ryan D’Agostino) and argues it’s a “reputation reset” focused on Brad Pitt’s sobriety framing, lifestyle details, and PR…
14 Aug 2026 · 27m · 8 chaptersNicole LaPera's Crisis Is Not The Throuple
The host breaks down a New York Times story about self-help/therapy influencer Nicole LaPera (“The Holistic Psychologist”), arguing the “crisis” is a trust/authenticity gap between her public brand…
7 Aug 2026 · 30m · 13 chaptersCracker Barrel CEO's Downfall: A Masterclass in What NOT to Do
Crisis communication and brand backlash at Cracker Barrel after a 700M rebrand/logo change; the episode argues CEO Julie Fels-Massino was removed because leadership didn’t address customer pain and…
3 Aug 2026 · 25m · 10 chaptersDid Taylor Farms Handle the Crisis Correctly? Here's What Happened
The episode critiques crisis communications around a cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, arguing the company’s messaging was “muddled” and too focused on…
27 Jul 2026 · 31m · 15 chaptersWe use cookies.They keep VO running smoothly and help us improve it. Privacy policy