PR's Top Pros Talk

Hosted by D S Simon Media

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Episodes

318

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

A D S Simon Media podcast for communicators, featuring top PR executives sharing valuable insights and giving tips on adapting your strategy during these challenging times.

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60 recent

September 1, 202611 min

Navigating Health Information Overload

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media , and Saramaya Penacho, Executive Vice President of Health at Edelman , discuss key findings from the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust and Health . They discuss why 70% of respondents believe in at least one divisive health claim. She shares how healthcare communicators can foster empathetic, two-way conversations that build trust. She also highlights the value of uniting audiences around shared health goals. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 25, 20269 min

What Makes a Story Truly Newsworthy?

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media , talks to Loren Pomerantz, President of Combined Forces Public Relations , about how to recognize what makes a story newsworthy. Loren shares why honest conversations with clients and strong relationships with journalists are essential to successful media relations. She also offers practical advice for streamlining the PR process. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 20, 202614 min

Staying Competitive in an AI Landscape

How can small agencies stay competitive in the age of AI? Megan Shroy, Founder and President of Approach Marketing , shares how her agency has built more than 80 custom AI agents for clients. Doug and Megan explore thoughtful approaches to AI adoption, including safety, compliance, and change management. Megan also explains why she built an agency designed to support working moms. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 19, 20268 min

How Tech Brands Can Stand Out in AI Search

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, talks to Gerard LaFond, Managing Director of North America at The Hoffman Agency , about what it takes for tech brands to get noticed by large language models. They discuss why earned media is becoming increasingly important for building brand visibility. Gerard also shares how to turn technical capabilities into stories that connect with audiences. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 11, 20266 min

The Updated Tech PR Playbook

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media , and Bob Geller, President of Fusion PR , discuss how tech PR is evolving. Bob shares how communications teams can build credibility through thought leadership and strategic storytelling. He discusses how to uncover newsworthy angles that break through a crowded media landscape. He also emphasizes using AI strategically while keeping human creativity at the center. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 10, 202613 min

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media , and Chris Foster, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations Group , discuss how strong leadership drives successful organizational transformation. Chris explains how leaders can recognize when it’s time to change their operating model. The conversation also explores the importance of earned media, reputation management, and the future of the industry. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

August 4, 20269 min

What it Takes to Scale Startups

Doug Simon talks to Claire Bolger, Senior Director of Marketing and Growth at Health2047 , to explore what it takes to scale successful startups. Claire shares why compelling storytelling is essential for founders looking to stand out to investors. She also shares valuable insights on how leaders can keep employees engaged through periods of rapid growth. D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

July 31, 20263 min

What's Next for PR?

What's next for PR? Here is the third episode in our anniversary series featuring PR's Top Pros.-Chris Foster, CEO, Omnicom Public Relations Group- Allyson Park, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Walmart- Bradley Akubuiro, Partner & Corporate Communications Lead, Bully Pulpit International- Dale Bornstein, CEO, M Booth- Michael O'Donnell, Senior Producer/Director of Technical Services, D S Simon Media- Megan Kessler, Founder, Dark Horse Strategies- Portia Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations, Sargento- Darryl Sparey, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Hard Numbers- Anne Green, Principal and CEO, G&S Integrated Marketing Communications Group- Elizabeth Rosenberger, VP, Client Services, D S Simon Media

July 31, 20264 min

What's Changed in PR?

What’s changed in PR? Here is the second episode in our anniversary series featuring PR’s Top Pros. Chris Foster, CEO, ⁠Omnicom⁠ Public Relations Group Allyson Park, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, ⁠Walmart⁠ Bradley Akubuiro, Partner & Corporate Communications Lead, ⁠Bully Pulpit International⁠ Dale Bornstein, CEO, ⁠M Booth⁠ Mike Bako, Executive Vice President, ⁠D S Simon Media⁠ Megan Kessler, Founder, Dark Horse Strategies Portia Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations, Sargento⁠ Darryl Sparey, Managing Director and Co-Founder, ⁠Hard Numbers ⁠ Anne Green, Principal and CEO, ⁠G&S Integrated Marketing Communications Group⁠ Elizabeth Rosenberger, VP, Client Services, ⁠D S Simon Media

July 24, 20263 min

What's Stayed the Same in PR?

What's stayed the same in PR? Here is the first installment of our anniversary series featuring PR's Top Pros.-Chris Foster, CEO, Omnicom Public Relations Group- Allyson Park, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Walmart - Bradley Akubuiro, Partner & Corporate Communications Lead, Bully Pulpit International - Dale Bornstein, CEO, M Booth - Mike Bako, Executive Vice President, D S Simon Media - Megan Kessler, Founder, Dark Horse Strategies- Portia Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations, Sargento - Darryl Sparey, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Hard Numbers - Anne Green, Principal and CEO, G&S Integrated Marketing Communications Group - Elizabeth Rosenberger, VP, Client Services, D S Simon Media