That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

That Solo Life: Co-hosted by Karen Swim, founder of Words for Hire, LLC and owner of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane, founder of VoiceMatters, LLC, we keep it real and talk about the topics that affect solo business owners in PR and Marketing and beyond. Learn more about Solo PR Pro: www.SoloPRPro.com

Episodes

November 10, 2025 14 mins
That Solo Life Episode 321: What We're Reading for Focus, Laughs and Professional Development  Episode Summary

For busy PR and marketing professionals, finding time to read—whether for professional development or pleasure—can be a challenge. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane open up their own "to-be-read" piles to share the books currently on their stacks. They discuss a fascinating mix of titles covering everythi...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 320: When You Feel Out of Sync with Your PR Career Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Karen Swim, APR of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane of Voice Matters, take a moment to discuss a crucial topic for every solo practitioner: self-reflection. They explore the growing feeling among communications professionals that something is missing, even if they love their work. This conversation explores the importance ...

Mark as Played
TSL 319: Succeeding at Business Development in a Tough Year Episode Summary

In a challenging economic climate, consistent business development is more crucial than ever for solo PR and marketing professionals. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane dive into practical strategies to refresh your approach and build a strong pipeline for the coming year. This episode moves beyond basic tips, exploring how to leverage AI as a strategic par...

Mark as Played
TSL 318: How the New Era of AI Search Impacts PR Pros Episode Summary

The world of search is constantly evolving, with the rise of AI introducing significant changes that communication professionals can't ignore. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the latest shifts in search, focusing on how AI is creating a more personalized—and potentially limited—search experience. They discuss the pros and cons of...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 317: Navigating the Noise: A PR Pro's Guide to Combating Misinformation Episode Summary

In an era where online falsehoods can spread like wildfire, how can communications professionals protect their clients and their own brands? Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the critical issue of misinformation and disinformation head-on. Triggered by a report revealing that nearly 45% of social media posts about...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 316: Gen Alpha's Surprising Influence on Your PR Strategy Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane dive into a fascinating study about Generation Alpha—today's kids and teens aged 0-15. You might think your target audience is the adults with the wallets, but this new generation is wielding surprising economic power, influencing major family purchases from cars to technology. Karen ...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 315: Counting the Cost of Transparency in a Rage-Filled World Episode Summary

In a world that demands brand transparency, is it possible to be too open? This week, Karen and Michelle discuss the complex landscape of modern communication, where the call for brands to be transparent can sometimes lead to backlash. They explore the challenges PR pros face in a culture lacking nuance, where every statement is sc...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 314: Communicating in the Era of Everyday is a Crisis Episode Summary

In today's highly charged environment, even the most innocent business decision can spark a public relations crisis. For solo PR practitioners, staying ahead of potential firestorms is more crucial than ever. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss practical strategies for helping clients navigate the minefields of publ...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life Episode 313: Strategies for Securing New PR Business in 2025 Episode Summary

Karen and Michelle dive into optimistic data about the global growth of the PR industry and share strategic insights for solo practitioners looking to finish 2025 strong. Drawing from recent industry research, they explore emerging trends, niche specialization opportunities, and practical business development tactics that can help independen...

Mark as Played
Episode 312: Going Big by Going Small: Hidden Gold for PR Pros Episode Summary

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane delve into the untapped potential of three underutilized and niche social media platforms that PR professionals may be overlooking. Drawing parallels to finding forgotten treasures in your closet, they discuss how platforms like Discord, Substack Chat, and other intimate community...

Mark as Played
Barcelona Principles 2025: What PR Pros Need to Measure Now (Episode 310) Episode Summary

In episode 310 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane break down the latest update to the Barcelona Principles and what it means for independent PR and communications pros. They cover the shift toward outcomes that matter to the C-suite, the stronger alignment with AMEC’s Integrated Evaluation Framework, the role of qualit...

Mark as Played
Hits And Misses Of The Hot Mess Summer Of 2025 (Ep. 311) Episode Summary

This week on That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane unpack this“Hot Mess Summer”—the surprising, cringey, and cautionary moments that shaped the season for PR and communications pros. From return-to-office whiplash and AI overpromises to social media pile-ons, brand missteps, and the pursuit of excellence in a rush-first culture, they offer c...

Mark as Played
Episode Summary

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane dive into the unique challenges PR professionals face when their exceptional skills at work start to interfere with their personal lives. From overthinking to overworking, they explore how these traits, while beneficial in the professional realm, can hinder personal growth and enjoyment. Karen and Michelle share personal stories, practical a...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life, Episode 308: Branding, Bravery and Breaking Through with Melissa Vela-Williamson Episode Summary: 

Tune in to this powerful episode of That Solo Life featuring Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP,  an accomplished PR strategist, author, and advocate for inclusivity in communication. Hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane sit down for an intimate chat with Melissa, discussing her inspiring career and suc...

Mark as Played
July 28, 2025 15 mins
That Solo Life, Episode 307: Media Under the Influence Episode Summary 

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane tackle the significant and timely topic of "Media Under the Influence." Together, they explore how modern-day pressures, including governmental interference and financial constraints, are impacting media integrity. They examine the implications for public relations, the importance of pr...

Mark as Played
Title: Where the Wild Things Are - Rethinking Social Media in 2025 Episode Summary: 

Social media platforms have changed dramatically, leaving many public relations and marketing professionals questioning their next steps. On this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the current state of social media and offer practical advice for staying relevant and strategic. They discuss the platforms w...

Mark as Played
Episode 305: AI and the PR Profession: What You Need to Know to Future Proof Your Career Episode Summary (00:00) Join hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane as they explore the rapidly changing landscape of public relations in the age of artificial intelligence. This episode dives into AI's potential to reshape the PR industry, with insights from the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs 2025" report. Karen and Michelle discuss ...

Mark as Played
That Solo Life Episode 304: The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School Episode Summary

Join hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane as they welcome Veleisa Patton Burrell, an accomplished PR professional and educator. Together they explore the twists and turns of Veleisa's career—from solo entrepreneurship to agency life, and now as an adjunct professor guiding the next generation of communicators. This candid conversa...

Mark as Played
June 9, 2025 13 mins

That Solo Life, Episode 303: The Folly of AI First Strategies

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR  of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane  of Voice Matters explore the growing trend of adopting an “AI-first” strategy in business and marketing. While artificial intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool, Michelle and Karen argue for a balanced approach that prioritizes human expertise and th...

Mark as Played

Episode Summary: What’s it really like to hop the fence between corporate life and solo entrepreneurship? Join co-hosts Michelle Kane of Voice Matters and Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro in this lively discussion about the contrasts between these two worlds. From navigating corporate protocols to enjoying the streamlined, impactful decision-making as a solo pro, they explore the lessons learned, the unique challenges, and the joys of cre...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Ruthie's Table 4

    For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.