Pitching Podcasts and Podcast Trends for 2025 with Podcast Producer Daniela Albertina
In this episode, podcast producer Daniela Albertina shares key insights on effective podcast pitching and expected trends in 2025. Daniela Albertina is a seasoned podcast producer and marketing strategist with over seven years of experience helping storytellers and entrepreneurs amplify their voices and build authority in their fields. With a foundation in journalism and a background as a TV reporter and radio host, Daniela brings a unique storytelling approach to her work.This week, Lexie Smith and Daniela Albertina dive into the evolving landscape of podcasting as we head into 2025, exploring critical trends and strategies for effective pitching. Lexie and Daniela provide actionable tips for maximizing the podcast guest experience, from preparing for recordings to promoting episodes after they go live. They stress the importance of research, connection, and authenticity in building rapport with hosts and audiences. With the rise of video podcasting and platforms like YouTube, they discuss the need to adapt content for different media, noting that a show's performance can vary significantly across platforms. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to pitch effectively and navigate the complex world of podcasting in 2025, focusing on building genuine connections and delivering impactful content.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Why downloads don’t always measure a podcast’s true value and how to find worth in smaller audiences.How can we focus on niche topics and reach an audience that’s truly interested rather than prioritizing large numbers alone?Tips on making your host feel comfortable and engaged can improve the interview and increase the likelihood of being invited back.How to work with or without show-provided graphics to amplify your episode after it airs, including creating your assets if necessary.Insights on why video-based podcasts on YouTube are rising and how to adapt content for YouTube’s SEO requirements.Tips on tailoring titles, descriptions, and tags for different platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to increase reach.Despite shifts and how authentic voices drive podcast longevity, podcasts remain a powerful medium.From media training to research, learning how being a well-prepared guest can lead to more podcast opportunities.Listener Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danyalbertina/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danyalbertina1989/featuredSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/
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38:17
Holiday Gift Guide Pitching Dos and Don'ts with Freelance Writer and Editor Joni Sweet
In this episode, Lexie Smith and Joni Sweet dive deep into the do's and don'ts of pitching for holiday gift guides, offering invaluable insights for publicists and brands eager to make their mark. Joni Sweet has been a writer, editor, and content strategist for over 13 years. Her work has been published by TIME, National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, SELF, Real Simple, Frommer's, and dozens of other publications. She also offers consulting services to help publicists deepen relationships with journalists, develop smarter pitching strategies, and troubleshoot challenges, earning media coverage for their clients. Joni shares her experience working with PR professionals, highlighting common pitfalls, such as excessive follow-ups and pitching irrelevant products. With holiday gift guide season in full swing, she emphasizes the importance of timely and targeted pitches.Joni advises publicists to curate their submissions, showcasing only the most unique and giftable products rather than overwhelming her with options. She also explains her selection process for gift guides, which involves thorough organization and a keen eye for what resonates with readers. Tune in for essential tips on crafting compelling pitches, understanding seasonal trends, and navigating the competitive landscape of holiday gift coverage.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Learn about frequent errors publicists make, like excessive follow-ups and irrelevant product pitches.Discover that opportunities for pitching gift guides can extend into November and December due to evolving trends.Get tips on curating your pitches—showcasing only the most unique and giftable products.Learn how Joni selects products for gift guides, including the need for diversity in price points and categories.Find the key elements that should be included in every pitch, such as product links and high-quality images.See how a writer's interests can influence the types of gift guides they create.Gain insights into how many follow-ups are appropriate and how to execute them respectfully.Understand the pitfalls of pitching through social media DMs and the preferred communication channels.Listener Links: Substack: https://jonisweet.substack.com/Website: https://www.jonimsweet.com/X: https://x.com/JoniSweetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonisweet/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonisweetwriter/Flash Consulting: https://www.jonimsweet.com/coaching-services/p/flash-consultingSun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/
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34:13
Understanding Pay-for-Play vs. Earned TV Shows with TV Host, Producer & PR Pro Christina Nicholson
In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with Christina Nicholson, a TV host, producer, correspondent, and the owner of Media Maven, a public relations and content creation agency. The two dive into the complex world of pay-for-play TV segments and the evolving role of press releases in modern public relations. With her background as a TV producer, Christina sheds light on how to leverage paid TV opportunities effectively. They discuss the state of the press release in 2024, with Christina sharing her candid thoughts on why press releases no longer hold the power they once did. Lexie and Christina discuss how publicists must adapt their strategies to stand out in an oversaturated industry as the media landscape becomes increasingly challenging and reliant on affiliate marketing and paid placements.Here’s What You’ll Learn:The difference between earned media and paid-for-play TV segments and how to leverage each.How to legally share media appearances, including what to avoid when using logos or video clips.When paid media placements might be worth the investment, what should be considered before committing?Why press releases have lost effectiveness and what works better in today's PR landscape.How affiliate programs are now essential for product-based companies seeking media coverage.Content creation, blogging, and SEO support PR strategies and client goals.How has the shift in the media industry made pitching harder, and what tactics help cut through the noise?The role of affiliate marketing in media placements, especially for significant outlets like Cosmopolitan and Good Morning America.Common misconceptions around earned vs. paid media and how to communicate this to clients.The importance of personalized pitches and building relationships with journalists over-relying on outdated methods like press releases.Social Links:BusinessWebsite: https://www.mediamavenandmore.com/35 Things and More: https://www.mediamavenandmore.com/35-things/Personal Website: https://christinanicholson.com/Lifestyle Blog: https://christinaallday.com/Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MediaMavenAndMoreTwitter: https://Twitter.com/ChristinaAllDayLifestyle Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ChristinaAllDayProfessional Instagram: https://Instagram.com/MediaMavenAndMoreLinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/ChristinaAllDayPinterest: https://Pinterest.com/ChristinaAllDayProfessional YouTube: https://Youtube.com/c/MediaMavenAndMoreSun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on Link
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37:23
Hospitality PR and Scaling a Remote PR Agency with Whitney Lee of True Story Public Relations
In this episode of Lexie Smith sits down with Whitney Lee, APR, CPRC, a marketing and PR expert and the founder of True Story Public Relations – an award-winning creative agency helping companies in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries get in front of the right people with the right message. Today, True Story has grown into a fully remote agency of ten, serving clients all over the US and internationally. She was named Scarlett Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in PR, one of the “Five Most Dynamic Women Leaders Ruling the PR Industry” in the CIO Times, and one of United Way’s 40 under 40.Whitney provides insight into scaling her agency, staying within her niche, and the unique challenges of managing a remote workforce. She also dives into the importance of travel and how being mobile helps inspire creativity and strategy for her hospitality clients.The episode also touches on the intricacies of hospitality PR, from building relationships in an industry where connections are key to managing complex client expectations. Whitney explains how her agency focuses on a triad approach of PR, social media, and email marketing to build a holistic marketing strategy for clients. For listeners looking to grow their own PR firms, Whitney offers valuable advice on networking within the hospitality sector and leveraging client relationships to expand business opportunities.Here’s What You’ll Learn:How Whitney Lee grew her PR agency from a small beach town in Florida to an international, award-winning firm.The unique challenges and rewards of running a fully remote, all-female team of 10 in the hospitality industry.The importance of maintaining flexibility while balancing the demands of a remote team in different time zones.Why relationships are vital in the hospitality industry and how networking helps agencies grow.The misconceptions around PR and what true media relations and earned media look like in the hospitality space.Whitney’s method of finding inspiration by visiting hotels and restaurants during her travels to gather insights for her clients.How Whitney has leveraged her hospitality background to secure diverse clients from luxury resorts to aquariums and sailing lines.The key differences between PR, social media, and email marketing, and why having all three in sync is crucial for business growth.Tips for breaking into the hospitality PR industry, especially for those without prior hospitality experience.Insight into the value of offering core services like media relations, award submissions, and thought leadership in PR.Social Links: Website: https://truestorypr.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitneylee/Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR inc.: https://theprbarinc.com/the-bar-menu/Learn about THEPRBAR Agency: https://www.theprbaragency.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/
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36:59
5 Things That Are Working Right Now in PR
In this minisode, Lexie Smith discusses five PR strategies that are actively yielding success for her agency, GROWTH MODE, and coaching clients at THEPRBAR Inc.From pitching podcasts to landing TV segments, Influencer Marketing wins, and more, tune in to learn new PR strategies you can implement today!Here’s What You’ll Learn:Discover why Pitchcraft is a valuable platform for lifestyle and hospitality PR professionals.Learn how pitching TV hosts, rather than producers, can increase media coverage and sales.Understand the benefits of founder-led outreach in influencer marketing to avoid large influencer fees.Explore how LinkedIn follow-ups with podcast hosts and producers can improve response rates.Get tips on utilizing the Quoted platform by responding quickly to PR queries.Hear insights on how being among the first to pitch in PR platforms can lead to higher success rates.Find out how TV appearances can impact sales and brand visibility within a short time frame.Learn creative ways to adapt your outreach when encountering email deliverability issues.Gain insights on building genuine relationships with influencers through personalized outreach.Explore how PR best practices evolve and why experimenting with new tactics is crucial for success.Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/Go back to the homepage
Going into its 7th season, Pitchin’ and Sippin’ is one of the world’s top-rated PR and Media podcasts. Hosted by publicist and entrepreneur Lexie Smith of GROWTH MODE Agency and THEPRBAR inc., the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ Podcast showcases interviews with top-tier journalists, leading PR pros and Marketers, and inspiring brands and entrepreneurs on the rise. For those who need to craft pitches regularly – whether to reach an audience, land a client, earn media coverage, bylines, and beyond – listen up, take a sip, and get ready for a gold mine of invaluable tips.Past media guests include: Danielle Belton, Editor-in-Chief, HuffPost; Maria Streshinsky, Executive Editor of Features, WIRED; Jennifer Chan, Editor and On-air Host; Rachel Chang, Freelance Writer and Editor; Thatiana Diaz, Editor-in-Chief, Remezcla; Alice Dubin, Freelance Writer; Danielle Directo-Meston, Editor, The Hollywood Reporter; Aly Walansky, #1 Ranked Food Journalist; and editors and writers for outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, Today.com, Travel & Leisure, The New York Times, and many more.
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