Fuse - The PR, Marketing and Communications Podcast

What separates a fast‑growing agency or high‑performing marketing team from the rest in 2026? According to strategist James Thomlinson (Sprint Partners), the answer is simple: strategy, and specifically six “plays” that will define which agencies and brands win.In this episode of PRCA Fuse, we dive into:Why the industry feels like “more, more, more”How to avoid strategic paralysis and “death by a thousand cuts”The six plays for age...

In this episode of the PRCA Fuse Podcast, Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, breaks down how she built a standout career in agency life, while juggling leadership, motherhood, and the fight for real equity at work.

We talk about:

• The meeting she thought would end in being fired… and instead ended with her becoming Managing Director at Weber Shandwick
• Why women often don’t throw their hat in the ring and how to seize rare breakt...

In this episode of the PRCA Fuse Podcast, our host Adrian Ma sits down with Sarah Waddington, CEO of the PRCA, to unpack that BBC Radio 4 Today Programme interview where Sir Martin Sorrell declared the end of PR, and to explore what this moment really means for the future of our industry as we transition into 2026.

Sarah takes us behind the scenes of the interview and the reaction that followed, and makes a powerful case for PR’...

In this episode, we discussed the impact of generative AI on the PR industry, featuring Katie Earlam from 72 Point and Stuart Bruce from Purposeful Relations on their latest report findings.

They highlighted that 44% of people trust AI more than the government, and 55% trust traditional media. Earned media remains the most influential input for AI, with 95% of citations coming from unpaid editorial sources. The conversation emp...

This PRCA Fuse Podcast episode dives into what really happens when organisations are hit by a major cyber attack, from the first shocking ransomware message to the long tail of operational and reputational damage. Host Adrian Ma speaks with cyber crisis experts Joanne Gill and Jason Nisse about why cyber incidents are long-form crises, why so many crisis plans fail once email and core systems go down, and what offline readiness rea...

Debbie Zaman, CEO of With Women, discussed the inspiration and impact of their free media training program for women leaders. The program aims to address the underrepresentation of women in media, revealed by a study showing that only 30% of quoted media experts are women. Zaman emphasised the importance of companies diversifying their speaker panels and media outlets, including non-CEO experts. The program has trained over 1,000 w...

In this episode, we discussed navigating missed Net Zero targets and pivoting sustainability goals with Kenza Esalama from Purpose Union. Kenza highlighted the shift from ambitious 2019 Net Zero commitments to the reality of 2025, where companies need to reassess their targets due to resource constraints and global upheavals. She cited Unilever's example, which initially aimed to halve virgin plastic use by 2023 but now targets...

In this episode, we sit down with William Beutler is a veteran Wikipedia editor and the founder ofBeutler Ink, a digital agency specialising in Wikipedia strategy and AI-era reputation management for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies.

Join us as we explore the challenges faced by Wikipedia editors, the complexrelationship between PR firms and online knowledge platforms, and the criticalrole Wikipedia plays in tra...

In this episode, Dean Connelly, Founder and Recruitment Director of the PR & Comms recruitment agency, Latte, discussed the impact of AI on PR skills and recruitment. He noted a recent shift in AI's influence, with clients now rejecting candidates who rely solely on AI without critical thinking. Latte's data shows a shrinking junior talent pool, with a 0.2% growth in PR account coordinators and a 0.1% decline in junior ...

This Special live session of PRCA Fuse takes place at our PRCA UK + PA Conference.

Our discussion, hosted by Adrian Ma and featuring Anjuli Bedi, Founder of Boon, focused on the psychology of influence and navigating disinformation in the AI age. Anjuli highlighted the rise of disinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on brands and society.

She differentiated between misinformation and di...

Step into the future of tech and communications with Kalie Moore, founder of High Vibe PR in Berlin. In this dynamic episode of PRCA Fuse, we unpack the powerful convergence of web3 gaming, artificial intelligence, and next-gen PR strategies.Learn how web3 gaming is shifting the landscape by giving players ownership through NFTs, and why transparency and community engagement are now essential. Kalie also shares her journey building...

Welcome to a special episode of PRCA Fuse! We’re celebrating 25 years of Frank PR with its founder and chairman, Graham Goodkind, a true pioneer in creative consumer PR.

In this inspiring conversation, Graham reveals the secrets behind building a standout agency, the deliberate creation of the “talkability” brand, and the bold campaigns that made Frank PR legendary. Hear the inside story of the world’s weirdest competition, dis...

From UN negotiations to climate conferences, hear firsthand accounts of how world-changing conversations happen. Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of global decision-making with Barry Johnston, co-founder of Purpose Union and former global advocacy director for the Malala Fund.

In this riveting episode, Barry pulls back the curtain on international summits, revealing the intricate dance of diplomacy, unexpected mo...

In this revealing episode, Pangolin's co-founders dive deep into the transformative world of earned media and PR. Will Cook and David Phillips break down how the communication landscape has dramatically shifted over the past decade, introducing their innovative 4P model: Publishers, People of Influence, Platforms, and Peers.

The conversation explores how modern PR extends far beyond traditional media relations, incorporating inf...

Ever wondered how brands can truly connect with the next generation? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Catherine McColl and Victoria Miller, co-founders of Hawk, as they reveal the secrets to creating meaningful youth engagement programs that make a difference.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How the London 2012 Olympics inspired a new approach to youth programs

Real-world examples of transformative educat...

In this compelling episode of the PRCA Fuse podcast, join Suresh Raj, a pioneering communications executive who made the extraordinary transition from MTV performer to Global Chief Growth Officer, as he recounts his inspiring story of resilience, diversity, and determination.

Discover how this Malaysian-born, multicultural professional navigated the intricate worlds of music, public relations, and corporate leadership, breaking down...

On this episode, our host, Adrian Ma, is joined by long-time friend and leading voice in the study of race, media, and cultural industries, Professor Anamik Saha. Anamik Saha is a Professor of Race and Media at the University of Leeds and co-editor of the European Journal of Cultural Studies.

His work critically explores how race and power shape the media we consume, and he’s the co-author of the powerful new book The Anti-Racist M...

Join host Adrian Marr as he sits down with David Blois, a veteran M&A expert with over 30 years of experience in the communications industry, to unravel the intricate world of agency acquisitions and mergers. In this riveting episode, David pulls back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes of high-stakes business deals. From his early days navigating the challenging markets of post-Berlin Wall Eastern Europe to becoming ...

In this episode of PRCA Fuse, our host, Farzana Baduel, CEO of Curzon PR, is joined by Viroslava Novosylna, CEO of Slova Tech PR and co-founder of W Tech, who discusses her daily routine, emphasising the significance of mental health and personal activities. She highlights the challenges of managing an international team after the Ukraine invasion, focusing on mental health and remote work. Viroslava shares her journey of launching...