On Top of PR with Jason Mudd

Hosted by Jason Mudd, Axia Public Relations

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188

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Sep 2026

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About the show

On Top of PR is a podcast dedicated to helping corporate communications leaders leverage the power of PR to build a strong brand and great reputation. Each episode features guests to discuss PR and marketing topics, tips, and trends. We want to help every active and aspiring communication professional stay on top of PR. It is one of the top 2.5% most popular podcast shows globally, according to Listen Notes' Listen Score, and among the top 100 marketing podcasts in the world on Apple Podcasts. We've featured guests from Microsoft , Disney , Wells Fargo , Tyson Foods , Mall of America , Priceline , Southwest Airlines , and more. About Jason Mudd Jason Mudd is a professional public speaker, accredited public relations practitioner, published author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. The World Communication Forum named him North America’s top PR leader. He’s the CEO and managing partner of Axia Public Relations. Forbes Magazine named Axia as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. He is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist to some of America’s most admired and fastest-growing companies. His past PR work includes American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster’s, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon.

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September 1, 2026Episode 18948 min

Why business acumen is critical for PR professionals today

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron Culp joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why business acumen now outweighs writing skills in PR hiring, the three stages of a corporate PR career, and five practical ways to build business acumen at any career stage. Tune in to learn more! Meet Our Guest: Our guest is Ron Culp, a professional-in-residence at DePaul University and a former corporate chief communications officer. He brings decades of experience across government, corporate communications, public relations agencies, and higher education, where he helps prepare the next generation of PR professionals. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Three stages of corporate public relations 2. Why business acumen has taken over writing skills as the top thing employers want 3. Five practical ways students and young professionals can build business acumen 4. Why understanding how your company makes money changes the decisions you make 5. Why business acumen matters Quotables "When what you're doing isn't having any impact on the business, you really have to question it. If you don't, you're gonna start being questioned." – Ron Culp "You just make better decisions if you have a sense of what the business is all about." – Ron Culp "Good writers are good thinkers, always has been the case, and good writers can be trained." – Ron Culp "If we can't figure out how they make money, then I'm not sure we can be the trusted strategic partner that we need to be." – Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Ron Culp on LinkedIn Ron Culp's blog: culpwrit.com Ageism in the workplace: Hiring bias, careers, and the future of work How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders Additional Resources: Marketing leaders are reframing reputation management as a revenue strategy Traditional PR doesn’t work anymore How to turn social and reputation management into a revenue operating system Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast Find out more about Axia Public Relations If you like this episode, you're going to love this: How public relations changes business outcomes How communications professionals shape business success Maximizing Agency Partnerships with Mark Riggs Recorded: August, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

August 24, 2026Episode 18850 min

AI can synthesize your data. It can't tell you what matters.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jessica Barber Scott joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how public relations professionals can move beyond impressions and advertising value equivalency to measure outcomes and impact, build measurement frameworks around business objectives, and use AI without losing the human judgment a CFO relationship requires. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Jessica Barber Scott, a senior communication professional and independent consultant with 15 years of experience across regulated financial services, state government, and higher education. She is a PRSA Silver Anvil Award winner for crisis communication and has advised C-suite leaders at organizations including TIAA, Corebridge Financial, and EverBank. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why AVE still shows up in reporting and what it costs you 2. How to climb the three tiers of PR measurement (outputs, outcomes, and impact) 3. Why your measurement framework should start with the business objective, not the data 4. Four moves that change the dynamic of any CFO budget meeting 5. What AI can do for measurement and what it can’t replace Quotables “The numbers are getting smaller as the work gets credible.” — Jessica Scott “Come in with the data. Not with an apology, with data.” — Jessica Scott “AI can pull faster. It can synthesize more broadly. It can find patterns across data at a scale that really no human team can match. But what it can't do is tell you whether you're measuring the right thing in the first place.” — Jessica Scott “Getting media coverage is not a result. It's an output of the work and the effort that you made.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Jessica Scott on LinkedIn AMEC Additional Resources: How do you measure PR? Yes, PR is measurable. How to measure and report public relations and strategic corporate communications The 3 biggest PR measurement mistakes 5 metrics you should measure in PR Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: What you should be measuring in your PR campaigns with Johna Burke Barcelona Principles 4.0: How to measure PR effectively with AMEC CEO Johna Burke The power of PR measurement with Katie Delahaye Paine Recorded: August, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

August 4, 2026Episode 18745 min

Applying leadership frameworks to AI

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ken Jacobs, principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how communications leaders can apply proven leadership principles to AI adoption. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Ken Jacobs, principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching. Ken helps public relations, communications, and marketing leaders become more effective and inspiring leaders through executive coaching and consulting. Before launching his consulting practice, he spent 25 years in leadership roles at leading PR agencies. He also hosts Taking the Lead, a leadership video podcast, and writes the quarterly Taking the Lead column for the Public Relations Society of America's Strategies & Tactics publication. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. How courageous leaders embrace AI 2. Why every organization needs AI guardrails 3. How leaders can build AI confidence 4. Why listening leads to stronger teams 5. How AI and human judgment work together Quotables "If you're not already deep in AI, you're behind, but it's also never too late." — Ken Jacobs “Walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” — Ken Jacobs “True leaders update their knowledge and fluency.” — Ken Jacobs “You as a leader have to be able to ask the right kind of questions.” — Ken Jacobs "Hire smart people and get out of their way." — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Ken Jacobs on LinkedIn Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching website Taking the Lead Podcast How to stay ahead of AI in communications and marketing Four leadership tips to guide you through uncertain times Additional resources: What sources feed generative AI answers? What Google AI Mode means for your PR and media strategy How are AI tools changing PR jobs? Axia’s AIVisibility service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI 95% of AI citations come from PR content Managing communications and PR in the AI era Embedded AI: The future of PR and communication workflows Recorded: July, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

July 28, 2026Episode 18645 min

Managing communications and PR in the AI era with Brenda Duran

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, LA County communications leader Brenda Duran joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to manage communications and public relations in the AI era through trust and authentic storytelling. Tune in to learn more! Meet Our Guest: Our guest is Brenda Duran, director of external affairs at the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department. An award-winning public affairs and communications executive with more than 12 years of experience, Brenda specializes in crisis communications, community engagement, and building trust through authentic storytelling. A former journalist, she brings a unique perspective on how public institutions can communicate with transparency, empathy, and impact. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. The rise of AI in public relations 2. Building trust in a digital-first world 3. Leading communications during high-stakes moments 4. The power of authentic storytelling 5. The future of communications leadership Quotables “[AI] is not there to replace anything; it's more to enhance what we're already doing.” — Brenda Duran “Trust isn't really built in with one campaign. It's earned through repeated reliable communication over time.” — Brenda Duran “AI definitely cannot replace some fundamental things like strategic thinking, relationship building, emotional intelligence, ethics and cultural understanding. Those are things that no machine will ever be able to take from us.” — Brenda Duran “We need to become AI literate, but you have to also remain human-centered.” — Brenda Duran “We still have to be trusted strategic advisors, lead with strategy, lead with empathy and humanity, and just make the right choices of what's good and what's ethical for the marketplace.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: @bduran5 on Instagram Brenda Duran on LinkedIn Brenda Duran’s website From newsroom to PR: Journalists making the switch Transition from journalism to PR Additional Resources: AI in PR: Transforming communication strategies The emerging role of AI in public relations How to speak with clarity and authority during a crisis Axia’s AI visibility services Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent Effective crisis communications Recorded: July, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

July 14, 2026Episode 1858 min

How public relations changes business outcomes

Send us Fan Mail In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd discusses how public relations drives awareness, credibility, trust, and demand to create measurable business outcomes beyond media coverage. Tune in to learn more! Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why organizations should measure PR by business outcomes instead of media outputs 2. How awareness can remove growth barriers for great products and services 3. Why earned media builds credibility that influences customer behavior 4. How visibility creates demand through real-world business examples 5. What marketing leaders should ask when evaluating PR performance Quotables “Organizations invest in PR because they want business results.” — @jasonmudd9 “The game didn't change; awareness changed.” — @jasonmudd9 “Awareness gets attention, credibility earns trust, and trust influences behavior.” — @jasonmudd9 “Public relations isn't magic, but when it's aligned with business objectives, it can be a powerful driver of business outcomes.” — @jasonmudd9 “Awareness influenced credibility. Credibility influenced demand, and demand influenced business outcomes.” — @jasonmudd9 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Contact info and resources: Jason Mudd on X Jason Mudd on LinkedIn How the power of PR saved Twister PR Success Stories: From Struggling Startup to More Than $130 Million in Revenues PR Success Stories: Media Coverage for HeadBlade Creates $25,000 in Website Sales Axia Case Study Foundation Financial Group Additional Resources: The power of PR How do you measure PR? 7 ways to build credibility using public relations 5 ways PR can generate buzz for your business Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast Find out more about Axia Public Relations If you like this episode, you're going to love this: 3 ways franchisors can use PR to grow their company with John Hewitt PR research with Mark Weiner Recorded: June 15, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

July 7, 202649 min

How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, James (Jim) Lukaszewski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to influence leaders through trust, candor, and strategic communication. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president and CEO of The Lukaszewski Group. Jim has advised business leaders through crises and high-stakes situations for more than five decades. He shares practical strategies for becoming the trusted strategic advisor leaders rely on when making important decisions. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why trusted advisors begin by understanding leadership challenges before communication challenges 2. How candor helps build credibility with executives 3. The Three-Minute Drill for presenting strategic recommendations 4. Why offering options instead of conclusions leads to better leadership decisions 5. How studying leadership helps communicators become more influential advisors Quotables “All problems are management and organizational problems before they are any other kind of problem.” — Jim Lukaszewski “You have to start where the person you're advising is, not where you think the solution is.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Management happens in real time.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Anybody who can offer three perspectives or useful concepts about any problem the boss is facing is a valuable person.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Your highest and best use … is being a trusted advisor to leadership.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: James Lukaszewski on LinkedIn James E. Lukaszewski on YouTube E911 website Crisisguru.ai Pre-order the “Influencing Leaders” book Pre-order Jim’s new book. Email a copy of your receipt to jel@e911.com with the subject line "TOP." Follow Jim on LinkedIn . Subscribe to Jim’s newsletter . When the book is released in August, you'll receive the handbook by email. Additional Resources: Does PR play an active role in your strategic planning? Learn how to make it easier to reach your goals Defining leadership in corporate communications Axia’s crisis PR service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: How to be a trusted adviser with Del Galloway When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent Recorded: July, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

June 23, 2026Episode 18228 min

Why PR is the last budget line you should cut (and what happens if you do)

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Heidi Howell joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why organizations should think twice before cutting PR during economic uncertainty. They explore the connection between reputation, recruiting, employer branding, visibility, trust, and revenue growth. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Heidi Howell, she is a marketing executive who leads efforts to transform marketing into a revenue-driving function within healthcare staffing and human resources technology. She partners with executive teams to align marketing, sales, and operations through scalable systems, data-driven strategy, and growth-focused demand generation. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why public relations is often cut first and why that can be a costly mistake 2. How reputation directly impacts recruiting outcomes and talent acquisition 3. Why you should view recruiting as a revenue-driving function 4. How PR keeps you visible to top clients 5. Questions leaders should ask before reducing PR investments Quotables “PR is not just about visibility; it's about trust, reputation, and staying known to the people who are ultimately going to be buying your services.” — Heidi Howell “Recruiting is our revenue. That's how we make money. We make money by placing great candidates at great jobs with great clients.” — Heidi Howell “When companies cut PR, they're cutting the very thing that keeps them visible.” — Heidi Howell "When budgets are being cut, trust becomes more valuable, not less." — Heidi Howell “In a down economy, trust becomes more valuable, not less. PR is one of the few functions built specifically to protect it.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Heidi Howell on LinkedIn How PR influences recruiting, retention, and workforce quality ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr Additional Resources: Reputation management for AI search: Monitoring and response framework Warning signs your online reputation management is failing Axia’s reputation management service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Job search and hiring tips with Nicole Balsam Navigating PR and communications hiring with Brooke Kruger Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

June 16, 2026Episode 18156 min

Inside the newsroom: Media relations advice from a former CNN producer

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, former CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices, newsroom operations, and journalist preferences. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, a communications and storytelling professional and former CNN cross-platform producer at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 18 years of experience in broadcast, digital, and social media, Tiffany has helped shape high-impact stories and audience engagement strategies while working inside local and national newsrooms. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why strong media relationships still matter, even when newsworthiness comes first 2. Common media pitching mistakes that damage credibility with journalists 3. How to effectively follow up with reporters without becoming a nuisance 4. Why understanding newsroom operations improves media relations success 5. How changing newsroom dynamics and audience behaviors are reshaping media relations Quotables “Relationships matter a lot when it comes to newsrooms as well as with PR. Basically, you don't want to be a stranger.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You need to consume news yourself. You need to know what's going on.” — @Tiffany Anthony “It is not always about the fastest anymore. It's about the most accurate, the most in-depth, the most personal.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You have to grab the reporter's attention, just like we have to grab the viewer’s attention. And you have to do it quickly because people will lose interest; reporters will lose interest.” — @Tiffany Anthony “Every touchpoint should add value to the relationship. Every touchpoint should be another piece of insight.” — @Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Tiffany Anthony on LinkedIn Tiffany Anthony on Muck Rack Tiffany Anthony’s website From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch Additional Resources: What strong media relations actually look like The best and worst media relations efforts from public relations professionals The 4 R’s of media relations: Responsive, resourceful, rapid, and respect Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations How to improve your media pitches with Jason Mudd of Axia Public Relations Media relations best practices with Axia Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

June 9, 2026Episode 18013 min

The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI

Send us Fan Mail In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd explains why earned media now drives visibility in ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and AI search. Tune in to learn more! Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why earned media is the primary driver of visibility in AI-generated search 2. How ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude determine which brands to recommend 3. What the 2% pitch overlap statistic means for PR and marketing teams 4. Why media velocity and recency matter more than one big placement 5. What to do right now: three actions to strengthen your brand's AI visibility Quotables “Earned media is what AI trusts.” — @jasonmudd9 “The right earned media in the right outlets at the right frequency is the primary lever for brand visibility and AI-generated search. Not one of the levers, it's the primary lever.” — @jasonmudd9 “The brands that figure this out first are going to own the narrative inside the AI tools their buyers are already using every day.” — @jasonmudd9 “99% of links cited by AI come from unpaid media.” — @jasonmudd9 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Contact info and resources: Jason Mudd on X Jason Mudd on LinkedIn Muck Rack: Earned media still drives 84% of AI citations Gartner: Predicts 2026: Top Predictions to Inform 2026 Comms Strategies ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr Additional Resources: Why earned media is so powerful in the age of AI and GEO Why AI tools now rely on earned media How earned media gets AI to remember your brand Axia’s AIVisibility services Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast Find out more about Axia Public Relations If you like this episode, you're going to love this: The PR playbook for getting recommended Embedded AI: The future of PR and communication workflows How to stay ahead of AI in communication and marketing Recorded: June 06, 2026 Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

June 2, 202643 min

The secrets every professional speaker knows (that you don't)

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt Mosich joins host Jason Mudd to discuss what separates professional speakers from aspiring speakers. From storytelling and stage presence to preparation, mindset, and memorable messaging, Matt shares practical insights from years of coaching executives, founders, and business leaders. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Matt Mosich, president and owner of The Mosich Group. Matt is a communication and speaker coach for executives, founders, and their teams. He helps clients prepare for and build keynotes, board presentations, podcasts, and media interviews. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why every point needs a story and every story needs a point 2. How great speakers collect stories from everyday experiences 3. Why audiences remember sentences, not speeches 4. The hidden preparation behind seemingly effortless presentations 5. How to use nerves as an advantage instead of trying to eliminate them Quotables “There are probably thousands of people out there who can speak on your topic. They might have the exact same conclusions that you do. The only difference is how you arrived at them.” — Matt Mosich “The best speakers aren't more creative. They're better at noticing and writing down what everyone else walks past.” — Matt Mosich “People remember sentences, not speeches.” — Matt Mosich “Our mindset is how we observe the world; it's how we live our experience.” — Matt Mosich “You have to show up as a professional in order to get paid like a professional.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review . Guest’s contact info and resources: Matt Mosich on LinkedIn The Mosich Group website Jack Sernett Matthew Dicks The Four Agreements Book Toastmasters International Additional Resources: Axia Public Relations’ SpeakersBureau service Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. Find out more about Axia Public Relations. How to become a TED speaker The right way to apply for a speaking engagement Don’t let your superstar company speaker go unnoticed; promote today! If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Embracing the power of “No” and storytelling How company executives can become powerful keynote speakers How to become an excellent TEDx speaker Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations , named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer , the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.