Smart Talk Series

Season finale! Celebrate the end of Season 7 with an insightful discussion between host Melissa Vela-Williamson and Ernie Zuniga the host of "Pickup Lines". Ernie shares about taking the leap from being a TV morning news anchor on traditional media, to developing a self-produced show with a unique format. About Ernie: For almost 18 years, Ernie Zuniga helped to wake up San Antonio area residents bright and early every weekday as the anchor and co-host of FOX San Antonio’s highly-rated morning show, “FOX News First”. Ernie has stayed very busy, trying his hand at podcasting and going 'all-in' on the digital talk show he created six years ago inside his own car, called "Pickup Lines". Follow Ernie on Facebook Connect with Ernie on LinkedIn Follow Ernie on Instagram Subscribe to Ernie's YouTube channel Listen to Pickup Lines on Spotify Topics covered: - The format of "Pickup Lines" - Securing sponsorships - The best and worst part of creating and hosting your own show - Using audience feedback to improve - Advice for pivoting in your career Resources mentioned: - Pickup Lines Facebook Live shows - North Park of Lexus of San Antonio - North Park of Lexus at Dominion - PRSA San Antonio - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

When you see a lack of representation in media, sometimes the best way to address it is to create the type of publication you're craving. In today's episode, Melissa sits down with April Monterrosa, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, to talk about creating content for a niche audience and an insider's look into becoming a community influencer. About April: April Monterrosa, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business mentor. She’s the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, the first woman-owned publication in Southside San Antonio. Her entrepreneurial journey commenced at 12 when she assisted with various responsibilities within her father’s plumbing contracting company, Greg Galindo Plumbing. This early exposure laid the foundation for her journey into business ownership. With over 20 years of hospitality and spa industry expertise in the corporate world, April thrived as the proprietor of her esthetic and wellness business before her media career. Follow Live From The Southside on Facebook Follow Live From The Southside on Twitter Follow Live From The Southside on Instagram Topics covered: - An insider's look at Live From The Southside - The evolution of Live From The Southside - Advantages from focusing on a hyper-local area of the city - The effects of becoming an influencer - Radio in today's world - Advice on creating content for a niche audience Resources mentioned: - Live From the Southside - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

You don't have to be a subject matter expert to help create an engaging event for professionals in a certain sector. You just have to be an expert at creating events. In this episode, Melissa talks with Erika Bradbury, an editorial and event content strategist about creating successful events and communications for business-to-business (B2B) audiences. About Erika: Erika Bradbury is an editorial and event content strategist. For more than 15 years, she has worked cross-functionally to create and activate B2B content. This has included writing for both print and digital publications, as well as programming large and small conference agendas. Event programs have included Social Shake-Up, IAB Annual Leadership Meeting, IAB Mixx, the Direct Brand Summit and Fashion Digital. She has worked on partner programs for Cannes and Mobile World Congress, as well as produced programs and managed talent at Podcast Upfronts and Newfronts West. Connect with Erika on LinkedIn Email Erika at erika.s.bradbury@gmail.com Topics covered: - Focusing on business-to-business (B2B) communications and events - Creating content and experiences for a profession - Topics that impact how we practice PR - Creating content and events for social media - Managing events for professionals - Advice for pros looking to work for a trade publication Resources mentioned: - PRNEWS - The Social Shake-Up Show - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

No matter what field you're in, there's probably a publication that is created for professionals like you and covers stories that are relevant to your area of work. This is called trade journalism. In today's episode, Melissa is joined by John Elsasser, the editor-in-chief of PRSA's Strategies & Tactics for a discussion about the evolution and importance of trade journalism. About John: John Elsasser is an experienced director of publications with a demonstrated history of working in the public relations and communications profession. He's an accomplished writer and editor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University. Connect with John on LinkedIn Email John at john.elsasser@prsa.org Topics covered: - John's path to PRSA - The evolution of the PRSA publication - Writing for evolving attention spans and platforms - Advice for students and pros interested in trade journalism Resources mentioned: - Strategies & Tactics - Melissa's column - PRSA ICON Conference - "PRSA Releases Guidance on Artificial Intelligence" - PRSA LinkedIn - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

As PR pros, we excel at helping clients tell their stories, but when it comes to telling our own, we sometimes find it difficult to "land that plane". Melissa talks to Jacqueline Ruiz, a social entrepreneur (and a real-life pilot) about how the magic of hybrid publishing can help you tell your story. Thought about becoming an author? Listen in! About Jacqueline: Jacqueline Ruiz is a visionary social entrepreneur who has created an enterprise of inspiration. With more than 20 years of experience in the marketing/public relations and publishing industry, she has created two successful award-winning companies, established two nonprofit organizations, published 33 books, the largest collection of Latina stories in a book anthology series in the world, and held events in four continents. She has received over 40 awards for her contributions and business acumen. She represents the 1.6% of women entrepreneurs with over seven figures in the United States. Being a two-time cancer survivor activated her sense of urgency to serve others and live life to the fullest. Jacqueline is one of the few Latina sports airplane pilots in the United States and founder of Latinas in Aviation global brand. She recently collaborated with College Park Aviation Museum to create the historic first-ever exhibit in the world to honor Latinas in Aviation. Connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn Follow Jacqueline on Instagram Topics covered: - Defining hybrid publishing - The author selection process - Creating anthologies with Latina professionals - Common stories featured in anthologies - Advice for future authors Resources mentioned: - Fig Factor Media - Jacqueline's books - Latinas in Aviation - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

Join us this season as we focus on The Future of Mass Communication! Melissa kicks off this season with nationally syndicated columnist, Ruben Navarrette. Listen as they discuss the importance of thought leadership in comms, the role of opinion editorials (op-eds), and how to navigate controversial issues as communicators. About Ruben: Ruben Navarrette is a nationally syndicated columnist with The Washington Post Writers Group, writer of the Navarrette Nation newsletter at Substack, regular contributor to Spectrum News 1 in Los Angeles, a contributor to The Daily Beast (on the left) and Newsmax Magazine (on the right), feature writer for Latino Magazine, member of USA Today’s Board of Contributors, host of the podcast “Ruben In The Center,” regular contributor of video commentary to Omaha-based Straight Arrow News, author of “A Darker Shade of Crimson: Odyssey of a Harvard Chicano” (Bantam), founder & CEO of “The Navarrette Sonic Podcast Network,” and a communications coach specializing in personal brand development and the creation of media projects for individuals, companies and non-profit organizations. Subscribe to Ruben's newsletter Follow Ruben on Facebook Follow Ruben on Twitter Topics covered: - Refining your opinion as a columnist - Picking topics to cover or pitch - What PR professionals should know about the immigration debate - Preparing communication during a presidential election year Resources mentioned: - Ruben's website - Brené Brown - "Great lyrics brought together Taylor, Bruce, my teenage daughter and me" - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications

Learn Copyright Law do's and don'ts of AI from public relations author Melissa Vela-Williamson and media law attorney Alicia Calzada on January 18. Tickets are on sale now! Resources mentioned: - Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Shannon Weinstein on the Keep What You Earn! podcast where they discuss creating a conscious public relations strategy. Thanks to Shannon for having Melissa on her show to talk about PR and money matters. Resources mentioned: - Keep What You Earn! - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Making the leap from a steady corporate job to the chaos of owning your own business is not easy. In today's episode, Melissa talks to Jennifer R. Hudson, APR about her path to owning her own firm. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a strategic communications advocate, trainer, mentor, consultant and speaker. Her superpowers are helping PR leaders step boldly into their role as a trusted advisor and weeding through the details to ensure an organization’s communications are always focused on the big picture. During her 25-year career in corporate communications, Jennifer has always sought to broaden the role of public relations. She leads trainings and workshops on corporate messaging; strategic communications planning; and core values, vision, and mission. Topics covered: - Evolving your career within your current role - The difficulties of leaving the corporate world - PR coaching trends - Advice for career evolution Actions to take: - Discover opportunities wherever you are - Practice inclusive communications - Don't develop initiatives in a vacuum - Approach your work with curiosity - Focus on what brings you joy and adds value Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Think Beyond Public Relations - Univision - American Airlines - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Social media is a powerful tool every PR professional needs to know how to use. But what happens when that power gets out of your control and creates a crisis? Today, Melissa discusses the importance of understanding crisis communication in every part of your career evolution with crisis comms and TikTok strategist Molly McPherson. About Molly: Public relations expert Molly McPherson knows how to handle a crisis. Molly served in the external affairs office at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) where she introduced the agency's first digital media efforts in response to the public backlash from the Hurricane Katrina response. As Director of Communications for Cruise Line International Association in Arlington, Virginia, Molly handled the official media responses related to maritime security during the 9/11 attacks and the norovirus outbreak on cruise ships in 2002. Molly is the host of the Indestructible PR Podcast bestselling author of the book Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis, and creator of a popular TikTok account that makes PR crises easy to follow and easy to avoid. This year she was Adweek Creative Visionary Award Winner: Careers Creator of the Year. Topics covered: - Pop culture and PR - From FEMA to TikTok - Crisis communications fundamentals - The importance of monitoring social media - Advice for young professionals Actions to take: - Be open to change - Live by your principles - Use social media wisely Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Molly's TikTok - The Muppets Mayhem - Grimace Challenge - Tide Pod Challenge - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

How do you make a difference when you see a lack of support for your community? In today's episode, Melissa talks to Bernice Chao, an award-winning creative whose career evolution led her to creating Asians in Advertising and writing a book about visibility. About Bernice: Bernice Chao is an award-winning creative who's worked on campaigns for notable brands like HBO, Google, Chime, and Nissan. As one of the few female Asian American creative leaders in the United States, she is helping shape the AANHPI community as the co-founder of the non-profit organization Asians in Advertising and host of the AIA podcast. She has also created mentorship and scholarship programs for the AANHPI community. Topics covered: - What inspired Bernice's career evolution - How to counteract stereotypes - Maintaining a work-life balance - Advice on career evolution Actions to take: - Focus on self-care and well-being - Establish boundaries and protect them - Have deep, meaningful conversations - Practice listening skills Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Asians In Advertising - Mad Men - Valuegraphics - The Visibility Mindset - Elemental - Melissa's PRSA columns - TedxCulverCity - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

It takes a village to build a career you can be proud of. In this episode, Melissa talks to former PR agency pro turned coach Ken Jacobs about the importance of great coaching and consulting in your career evolution. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! About Ken: Ken Jacobs is one of the few certified executive coaches who had an initial career in PR agency management and leadership. He helps senior communications executives become more inspired, inspiring, and effective leaders. Ken also helps agencies reach their business development goals, manage for profitability, and enhance client service and relationships. Topics covered: - The catalyst for Ken's career evolution - How good coaching can help your career - Consulting vs. coaching - Patterns in today's coaching needs - Working through impostor syndrome - Lessons from agency life - Accepting change Actions to take: - Know where your strengths on - Find a mentor - Don't ruminate: Get a lesson and move on - Be conscious of how you think - Have a thirst for knowledge Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Jacobs Consulting and Executive Coaching - Elise Mitchell - Ketchum - The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance---What Women Should Know - Hunter PR - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

When you start your career, you never know where life will take you. Today's guest, Julie Livingston, embraced the unknown by letting curiosity guide her throughout her career. Listen as she talks with Melissa about her path and how it ultimately led to starting her own firm. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! About Julie: Julie Livingston is president of WantLeverage Communications, an entrepreneurial PR and LinkedIn marketing consultancy based in New York City. She specializes in turning “under the radar” executives and businesses into authoritative industry leaders through strategic communications counsel, media placement, and elevating leadership visibility on LinkedIn, the world’s biggest business networking platform. A member of LinkedIn Advisors, Julie is a three-time board member of NY Women in Communications. She holds an MS in Communications Management from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Her thought leadership has been featured on Morning Brew and in PR News, CommPro.Biz, ASAE, and other industry publications. Topics covered: - Julie's career path - Overcoming self-doubt - The creation of WantLeverage Communications - Leveraging LinkedIn - Deciding what services to offer - Career advice Actions to take: - Connect the dots of your experiences to overcome impostor syndrome - Embrace challenges - Let your curiosity guide you - Promote who you are and what your values are - Keep up with technology Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Julie's LinkedIn - World Gold Council - Scholastic - Volunteers of America - The Toy Association - WantLeverage Communications - The Quorum Initiative - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Listen as Melissa kicks off Season Six by asking questions to get you thinking about you how to evolve your career. Join us this season as Melissa talks with experts in various disciplines about their career evolution stories. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! Topics covered: - Career evolution - How to determine what you need in a new job or career - Using smart talk to enhance your skills - Assessing your compatibility with your current role - Melissa reflects on the start of her career Actions to take: - Ask yourself if you're where you want to be career-wise - Be conscious about how you take care of yourself - Think about your current role and career trajectory Resources mentioned: - Southwest Key Programs - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Fierce Mujeres - Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) - Seaworld - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Gini Dietrich of Spin Sucks about effectively communicating across diverse audiences. Topics covered: - Being conscious of how you communicate - DEI communication musts - Tactics to include in your communications programs - Integrating intersectionality - Habits for more inclusive communication - Q&A Actions to take: - Advocate for yourself - Plan with experts when you can - Do your research - Tailor your approach to your audience - If you wouldn't say it with a mic in hand, don't say it - Listen to your gut Resources mentioned: - PRSA Conferences - Selena (1997) - PRSA specialties - Pew Research Center - IPR Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - PRSA D&I Toolkit - Communicating with LGBTQ Audiences - Valuegraphics - Spin Sucks - The PESO Model - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know Audiobook is now available! Actions to take: - Download your copy of the Smart Talk audiobook on Amazon, Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk Audiobook on Amazon - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Season finale! Listen in as Melissa wraps up season five by passing the mic to Melissa Monroe-Young, APR to speak on transitioning careers from journalism to public relations. About Melissa: Melissa has worked as a journalist for over 15 years and transitioned into PR in 2008. She works in the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at Northwest Vista College and stays busy in her community and with her family. Topics covered: - Making the transition from journalism to public relations - The benefits of accreditation - Misconceptions about journalists and PR professionals - Advice for young communications professionals Actions to take: - Get involved in a trade association - Dig deep to find the best stories and make them newsworthy - Take a course on journalism to strengthen your PR skills - Get the education you need - Get rid of the spin Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - National Association of Black Journalists - National Association of Hispanic Journalists - Public Relations Society of America - AP Stylebook - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

In public relations, relationships are everything. This week, Melissa passes the mic to communications executive, Moon Kim, for advice on creating authentic connections through networking and becoming a true client counselor. Tune in for great tips on building strong relationships in your field. About Moon: Moon Kim is a seasoned communications executive, team leader and strategic counselor who thrives in a fast-paced creative and entrepreneurial environment. She has over 16 years of experience leading corporate communications and brand building campaigns across multiple industries from financial services, fintech, retail, healthcare and wellness to professional services and technology. Her interests and passion include yoga & meditation, entrepreneurship, learning consumer and business trends and experiencing cultural diversity. She believes in asking the tough questions, keeping an open mind and taking risks. Moon lives in NYC with a loving husband who cooks her delicious meals daily and adorable children, Mila and Julian. Topics covered: - How to make natural, meaningful connections - Being an agency thought partner - Common mistakes agencies make - What ideal client-agency relationships look like - Pushing back for a client's benefit - Building trust with your client Actions to take: - Take it one day at a time - Make yourself helpful to others - Offer connections when you can - Don't rest on your past successes - Be an extension of your client's team - Don't risk your relationships - If you said you'll do it, do it Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - Chat GPT - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

As a PR pro, some of the most important relationships you will form are with the media. In this episode, Melissa passes the mic to Vincent T. Davis, a reporter and columist at the San Antonio Express-News, for advice on cultivating beneficial and meaningful relationships with the media. About Vince: Vincent T. Davis is a general assignments reporter and columnist at the San Antonio Express-News. Every Monday morning, he shares intriguing tales of everyday people from across San Antonio in a column titled, “San Antonio Stories.” A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Davis started at the Express-News in 1999 as a part-time, editorial assistant for the City Desk, working nights and weekends while attending San Antonio College where he was on the staff of “The Ranger” newspaper. He completed a three-month fellowship with the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University in Nashville in 2003 and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication design from Texas State University in San Marcos in 2006. Email Vince at vtdavis@express-news.net Topics covered: - How to be a good PR source - The process of reviewing a pitch - Creating and maintaining relationships with the media - What makes a great human interest story Actions to take: - Be detail-oriented and timely - Do your research - Build a meaningful relationship with reporters Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - San Antonio Stories - "For a guy called Mr. Fiesta, passion for San Antonio’s annual festival runs deep" - "San Antonio resident hands out water to MLK marchers in spirit of slain civil rights leader" - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear

Public relations pros have a lot to worry about in their day-to-day. This means that most of the time, personal well-being falls to the bottom of the list. This week, Melissa passes the mic to Mark Mohammadpour to teach us how to healthfully manage the demands of a career in PR. About Mark: Mark Mohammadpour is the owner and Chief Well-being Officer at Chasing the Sun. After spending his public relations career as an executive at Edelman and Weber Shandwick, and after losing and keeping off 150 pounds over the last decade, Mark founded Chasing the Sun to empower businesses and their employees to prioritize their well-being so they can shine in the family room and the board room. Chasing the Sun’s team and enterprise-wide well-being programs deliver relatable, practical, and actionable solutions. Topics covered: - Benefits of employee wellness programs - Trends in well-being - Overcoming stigmas through communication - How thinking like a PR pro affects your health - Common mistakes - The problem with hustle and grind culture Actions to take: - Change habits with small steps - Have empathy for people in similar situations - Be mindful about meetings - Directness is kindness Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - Chasing the Sun - U. S. Travel Association - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear