Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre reflect on their recent visit to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) conference, a gathering that brought together PR and communications professionals from across the globe. They share stories of connection and discovery, from the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people to the vibrant cultural pride that infused every interaction. What stood out most wasn’t just the prof...

Dishonesty and deceit have become the defining features of much communication today, in politics and business alike. What are public relations professionals to do?

Samantha Villegas joins Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre to talk about PR ethics in a post-truth era. She talks about the importance of ethical standards, the impact of misinformation, and strategies for discerning truth.

And perhaps most importantly, Sam touches on the impo...

The core principle of journalism is to "seek the truth and report it," a mission that is constantly challenged by those who don't want the truth to be told.

The First Amendment protects journalism in the United States, yet there is a growing concern about governmental restrictions on press freedoms. Journalists are facing unprecedented attempts to silence them through lawsuits and intimidation, raising alarms about the future of the...

The typical RFP process for hiring PR and communications firms produces sub-optimal outcomes for all parties. (That's the polite way of saying it's really bad.)

We believe it can be done better, but it will take increased transparency and trust between organizations and agencies.

In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss how the traditional RFP has become a barrier that stifles creativity. They provide insights to reshape the way RF...

Abbie and Adrian take a break from the very serious topics we've discussed on recent episodes to share our hot and Coldplay takes on a few of the stories that have been dominating the news lately.

From the kiss cam to Cracker Barrel—with rambling detours and digressions on Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift—there's something in this episode to interest or annoy almost anyone.

(We also say a few smart things about brands and community ...

Sandra Fink is a physical education teacher in Glendale, California, where she has taught for 36 years. For the past 10 years she has been the coordinator of a leadership program called WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) at Wilson Middle School.

The WEB leadership program is designed to help sixth graders transition to middle school with support from eighth graders. Sandra explains that leadership isn't just about authority; it’s also abo...

Dean Battinto Batts and Professor Julia Wallace from Arizona State University join us to talk about the recent launch of the Knight Center for the Future of News at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Knight Center for the Future of News focuses on creating sustainable models and innovative practices for the journalism industry through three core initiatives: the Journalism, Community & Democr...

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre talk about the crucial role that public relations professionals have a within a well-integrated communications team.

They discuss how PR has evolved in response to technological advances in AI and automation, highlighting its importance as a strategic component in modern business.

Abbie shares her journey from journalism to PR and reflects on the historical focus on press releases, while Adrian unders...

Nikki Little of Franco, a Detroit-based PR agency, joins us to talk about the importance of internal communications during times of crisis or rapid change—in other words, times like these.

Join Franco’s 5-Day Challenge and learn how to navigate uncertainty with strategic communication that builds trust, engagement and resilience.

Nikki shares tactical insights on building a culture where listening is prioritized alongside speaking, e...

There is an urgent threat facing public media in the United States: a proposed federal budget cut that would not only threaten its future, but also "claw back" funding that's already been awarded to public television and radio stations across the country.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Adrian McIntyre opens with a personal anecdote about the impact of public media on his family, setting the stage fo...

Local news is facing serious challenges everywhere, with more than half the counties in the United States lacking any source of community reporting.

Chris Kline, CEO of the Arizona Media Association, joins us to talk about the Arizona Community Collaborative and its efforts to revitalize local news in Arizona with a bold, statewide storytelling initiative focused on the topic of education solutions.

Backed by a coalition of nearly 4...

Abbie and Adrian discuss the value of postgraduate degrees, questioning whether formal education is necessary for success in today’s job market.

Abbie emphasizes that while she values her Master's degree for personal growth, she believes that education doesn’t always have to come from traditional institutions. She talks about the importance of trade skills, the evolving nature of professional qualifications, and the need for contin...

Abbie and Adrian discuss the perspectives of recent college graduates and the unique challenges they face in today's job market. In an era where technology has rendered remote work more accessible, new grads are asking critical questions about workplace culture and the boundaries of work-life balance.

Abbie shares her thoughts on the relevance of working "9 to 5" (and sings a little Dolly Parton in the process). Are outdated workpl...

Abbie and Adrian discuss the importance of showing appreciation through small yet impactful gestures. While many people recognize the importance of these actions, consistently putting them into practice can be a challenge amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Abbie shares a personal experience from a recent business trip, emphasizing how simple acts, like delivering handwritten notes to media contacts, can create lasting impressions an...

Abbie and Adrian talk about bridging the gap between what can be measured and what truly matters in communications and public relations.

They discuss how the phrase "what gets measured gets managed"—often wrongly attributed to Peter Drucker—can be misleading since not everything that truly matters can be quantified and counted.

Abbie shares her experiences from earlier in her career, reminiscing about the era of clip books, where ...

This episode explores how employees can become powerful brand ambassadors, influencing public perception and enhancing brand communication.

Abbie and Adrian discuss findings from a PR Week/Cision study showing that today's audiences increasingly trust employees' voices over paid celebrity endorsements.

This change marks a notable shift in consumer behavior and brand strategy, showcasing the critical role trust plays in modern marke...

The 2025 Comms Report by Cision and PRWeek highlights the significant impact of AI on the PR industry, touching on both the opportunities and concerns AI presents.

Abbie and Adrian discuss how AI is becoming an integral part of their workflows, while also addressing fears about job security and budget impacts. They emphasize the importance of adapting to these changes by equipping oneself with AI knowledge to enhance professional va...

Abbie and Adrian discuss the backlash against Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs amidst changing federal policies and ongoing cultural debates. They explore the tension between maintaining an inclusive workplace and the pushback against such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, factual evidence, and continuous learning.

The conversation touches on "merit," the value of diverse voices, a...

Abbie and Adrian talk about the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer report, which reveals rising global grievances and declining trust in institutions. They explore how businesses, governments, and NGOs can rebuild trust amidst economic and social challenges.

The discussion centers on the role of transparent communication, responsible leadership, how generational differences affect perceptions of trust and "hostile activism," as well as w...