The Brandinc PR Podcast

Tyla’s debut EP didn’t hit the Billboard 200—and the internet wasted no time calling it a flop. But here’s the twist: she’s streaming millions globally and crushing Afrobeats charts. So why didn’t that momentum land in the U.S.?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the rollout missteps, how her own comments fueled the backlash, and what PR moves could’ve changed the narrative. Plus, we’ll talk about why so many viral stars—from TikTok...

When American Eagle tapped Sydney Sweeney for their 'Great Jeans/Great Genes' campaign, they probably expected buzz—not backlash. Instead, the internet lit up with accusations of dog-whistle messaging, political spin, and a full-on culture war over… jeans.

In this episode, I’m unpacking the PR playbook behind the chaos: what American Eagle got right, why Sydney Sweeney’s silence was strategic, and what this whole moment says...

When is the right time to start public relations for your startup? And what if you’re trying to break into the U.S. market from abroad?

In this episode, host Brandi Sims sits down with Scott Rosenblum, President and Founder of LEVEL PR, to unpack one of the most misunderstood elements of startup success: PR timing. With over 20 years in tech PR and a niche focus on B2B and fintech startups, Scott shares when founders should hit “go”...

In this episode, Brandi Sims sits down with award-winning psychologist, TEDx speaker, and full-blown branding powerhouse, Dr. Charmain Jackman, to talk all things visibility, voice, and values.

From pivoting out of a career as a school psychologist to launching her company InnoPsych during the pandemic, Dr. Jackman breaks down how she turned her brand into a movement—one rooted in mental health equity, entrepreneurship, and authenti...

What does it take to keep major consumer brands like Monster Energy and Boxed Water in the spotlight? In this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims sits down with Matt Kovacs, President of BLAZE PR, to explore the strategy behind standout campaigns in CPG, wellness, and hospitality.

With over 20 years in the game and a trophy case of awards to match, Matt shares real stories from the trenches of PR—from landing covera...

In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi Sims sits down with Penn State professor and author Bill Zimmerman to explore the intersection of digital media, education, and the booming creator economy. From his new textbook, Understanding the Creator Economy, to launching content creator summer camps and certificate programs, Bill shares how he's preparing students—both aspiring influencers and future PR pros—for success ...

What does it really take to cut through the digital noise and own your voice in today’s content-saturated world? In this episode, Brandi Sims sits down with Joe Massa, CEO of Podtopia Network, longtime media pro, and host of the Podcast Accelerator, to break down the power of storytelling, podcasting as PR, and how brands can use their voice to scale real influence.

We’re talking:

• The future of podcasting (yes, it’s still growing...

What happens when a top-tier UK journalist-turned-media-trainer drops 30+ years of press wisdom on the mic? You press record—and take notes.

This week on The Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi Sims chats with Guy Clapperton, host of one of the top 15 futurist podcasts worldwide (yes, number nine), PR industry legend, and a voice of reason for anyone who's ever blanked during a media interview. With roots in Croydon and a résumé that in...

Who really makes the magic happen on tour? Spoiler alert: it’s not just the people on stage.

In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims chats with the creator of This Is DeLaCruz, the media platform and YouTube channel giving long-overdue flowers to the touring crew—the front-of-house engineers, techs, and tour managers powering the world’s biggest shows.

We dive into how they built a niche brand from scratch using ...

What does it take to turn a simple idea—like drinking out of a baseball bat—into a multi-million dollar brand? This week on The Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims sits down with Kris Dehnert, the powerhouse CEO and co-founder of Dugout Mugs, to talk strategy, sales, and staying grounded while scaling big.

With over $50 million in sales, partnerships with Major League Baseball, and a social media audience of over 3 million followe...

How do you lead when you’re the first — and often the only one — in the room?

In this powerful episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi Sims sits down with the incomparable Monique A.J. Smith, a pioneering force in athletics administration and leadership coaching. With over 30 years in the game, Monique has built a dynamic brand across podcasting, publishing, education, and executive training — and she’s just getting started.

Toget...

This episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast features a conversation with Aquila Mendez-Valdez, Founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, the award-winning PR and marketing agency behind collaborations with brands like Vogue, Prada, Neiman Marcus, and Orangetheory.

Brandi and Aquila dive into the real, raw, and rewarding sides of entrepreneurship—how Aquila scaled her business to six figures, built a franchise model for other women to launch th...

What do presidential campaigns, power ballads, and wedding speeches have in common? Brian Franklin.

In this episode, Brandi chats with the multi-hyphenate co-founder of Vows & Speeches—a wildly creative, award-winning biz that helps people say the right words when it matters most. From advising politicians to helping couples express their vows without sounding like AI, Brian brings the receipts on building a niche brand that act...

The red carpet was hot, the performances were 🔥—but the real story? How the American Music Awards are changing the PR game. In this episode, Brandi breaks down how award shows like the AMAs are no longer just entertainment—they're strategic visibility goldmines.

🎯 From CBS + Paramount+ streaming strategy to red carpet brand collabs and viral TikTok moments, this is your playbook for turning events into PR power moves. Whether your...

Is AI the new PR assistant we never knew we needed… or the reason journalists are ghosting your pitches? In this bold mini-episode, Brandi Sims breaks down the real impact of AI on public relations—from smarter strategy to overdone spam. We’re talking robot-written press releases, fake thought leaders, and what you actually need to know to stay ahead without losing your human touch.

🔥 Whether you love ChatGPT or low-key fear it, th...

Tired of feeling like your brand’s playing hide and seek with success? This week, we’re chopping it up with THEGresham “Gresh” Harkless Jr.—the genius behind CBNation and Blue 16 Media. He’s not just preaching visibility, he’s handing out the whole strategy playbook for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and creatives who are ready to shine loud and proud.

From building your biz like a media company (yes, you are the media) to spicy truths about ...

Think you need to be famous, have an event, or already have media buzz to land press? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 biggest myths about getting PR — and showing you exactly what works instead. You’ll learn how to pitch yourself confidently (even if you’re just getting started), how to build media credibility from scratch, and why the “celebrity factor” is overrated. This is the pep talk and strategy session ...

What do Forrest Gump, corporate boardrooms, and global beer brands have in common? Honestly… more than you’d think. In this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dayna Adelman — 15-year PR powerhouse, former HEINEKEN comms exec, and freshly minted author of The Youngest One in the Room. We’re diving into her career full of unplanned (but wildly meaningful) escapades, what it’s really like being the youngest voic...

What do Wiz Khalifa, a golf ball-sized brain tumor, and social media concert wizardry have in common? Benjamin Shrader.

In this electric episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi sits down with the Texas-based CEO of Shrader Promotions, who went from student side hustles to packing out venues with chart-topping artists—all while navigating severe dyslexia, ADHD, and a life-altering haealth scare.

We’re talking:

• Booking megastars ...