PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025

That Solo Life, Episode 298: PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025

This podcast episode explores the challenges that PR professionals face in the current media and communication landscape. The discussion covers several key topics:

• The struggles with PR tools and technologies, which often fail to keep up with the rapidly changing industry. This leaves PR practitioners having to "hack together" solutions to get the job done.
• The broader cultural issues of overwork and lack of work-life balance in the PR and communications field, which contribute to fatigue and burnout.
• The challenges of cutting through the "sensationalism" and "brain candy" that dominates much of today's media, and finding ways to effectively share meaningful, ethical, and responsible messaging.

The hosts emphasize the importance of PR professionals upholding their integrity and values, while also adapting to connect with audiences in creative and engaging ways. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique blend of skills and resilience required to succeed as a communicator in the current environment.

Episode Summary: 

Join co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane as they take you on a lively and insightful ride through the current state of public relations, pop culture, and the challenges of living the #SoloPR life in 2025. This isn’t just one topic; it’s a mix of everything that’s shaping the PR landscape today. From the highs and woes of PR tools to the emotional (and professional) toll of our 24/7 work culture, Karen and Michelle share their honest thoughts with moments of humor, empathy, and real-world advice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• An honest review of today’s PR tools, touching on media monitoring, analytics, and pitching databases. 
• How the evolving media landscape and shrinking newsrooms are forcing PR pros to become more creative in their strategies. 
• The societal fatigue impacting professionals across industries and how it weighs on productivity and expectations. 
• Why sensationalism and aesthetics dominate public attention and what PR pros can do to create impactful, ethical, and relatable messaging. 
• The power of storytelling in PR, regardless of how complex or mundane the topic may seem.

Key Quotes from the Episode: 

💬 "We have to focus on messaging and packaging it in a way that breaks through to an audience that really prizes aesthetics." – Michelle Kane 

💬 "I miss the days when PR tools gave us everything we needed for one price. Now? Higher prices, less functionality." – Karen Swim 

💬 "Public relations professionals are among the best of us. We’re not just serving our clients—we’re truly serving their publics." – Karen Swim 

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

• Solo PR Pro Community: SoloPRPro.com 
• Connect with Karen Swim on LinkedIN
• Follow Michelle Kane on LinkedIN
• Share your thoughts on this episode or send us feedback at Solo PR Pro Contact Us.

About the Hosts: 

Karen Swim, APR, is the Founder and CEO of Words For Hire, a PR Agency and the Owner of Solo PR Pro, a community and resource hub that supports PR professionals working independently. Michelle Kane is the owner of Voice Matters, a company that offers branding and marketing, integrated content strategies, and measurable public