PRactically Speaking Houston is the official podcast of the Houston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Our goal is to introduce Houston chapter members to each other so we can connect more authentically and grow our network. A strong chapter is built on relationships and PRactically Speaking is a great way to meet fellow members and stay connected. PRactically Speaking Houston is hosted and sponsored by Veronica V. Sopher, PRSA Member. Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/veronicavsopher/ or visit www.veronicavsopher.com. PRSA members interested in joining an episode of our podcast can fill out the application here: https://forms.gle/ce1Nf6FTBseBcscz9
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August 26, 2026Episode 1114 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Jourdan B. Scruggs, Ed.D.
Welcome Jourdan B. Scruggs, Ed.D., to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Jourdan B. Scruggs, Ed.D. is a seasoned communications professional with over a decade of successful experience in higher education, retail grocery and government. Utilizing her areas of expertise, including strategic communications, media relations and digital media, she advances the missions and tells the stories of organizations and the people who are a part of them. Her work has been featured nationally on ABCNews and CNN. A scholar, researcher and practitioner, she is passionate about social justice. Her research interests include social justice education curriculum, resources and initiatives available to campus communities, and food security efforts on HBCU campuses. Connect with Jourdan B. Scruggs, Ed.D. at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdan-b-scruggs/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
August 12, 2026Episode 1018 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Mona Lugay Tolbert
Welcome Mona Lugay Tolbert, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Mona Lugay Tolbert is a strategic communications leader with 20 years of experience helping organizations and executives build trust, strengthen brands, and take action through storytelling. Her expertise includes executive communications, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, content strategy, and nonprofit marketing. She partners with C-suite leaders to shape narratives, translate complex issues into clear, audience-focused messaging, and position organizations as leaders in their space. She is passionate about the evolving future of communications and storytelling. Connect with Mona Lugay Tolbert at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monalugaytolbert/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
July 15, 2026Episode 923 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Felicia Perez, MA, APR
Welcome Felicia Perez, MA, APR, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Felicia Perez, MA, APR, is the founder of FAR Public Relations, a Houston-based, woman-owned communications firm specializing in media relations, brand storytelling and strategic communications. A former television news producer, she also serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston and has held several leadership roles with PRSA Houston, including chapter president and currently serves as Assembly Delegate and APR Chair. Her work has earned local and national recognition, including a PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence. Connect with Felicia Perez, MA, APR at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciarussellperez/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/farpublicrelations/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
June 17, 2026Episode 819 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Kami Huyse, APR
Welcome Kami Watson Huyse, APR, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Kami Watson Huyse, APR, is a communications strategist, keynote speaker, and author. Through Zoetica Media, she advises corporate communications and marketing teams on strategy, visibility, and AI-supported workflows. An early adopter, practitioner, and educator through three waves of communication technology, she helps PR and marketing leaders turn AI experimentation into useful workflows. She has trained thousands of communicators through Smart Social Mastery and the Social Media Breakfast of Houston and she serves on the PRSA Houston Board as the University Chair. Connect with Kami Watson Huyse, APR at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamihuyse/ https://www.instagram.com/kamichat/ Links mentioned on podcast: https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/ https://smbhou.com Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
June 3, 2026Episode 817 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Julie B. Fix, APR, Fellow PRSA
Welcome Julie B. Fix, APR, Fellow PRSA, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Julie has a BA, Journalism from University of Houston. She is a former PRSA Houston board secretary, treasurer and Assembly Delegate. She was former leadership in the Texas Public Relations Association, including chair. She was a former board member and chair of the Public Relations Foundation of Texas. She was elected to the PRSA College of Fellows in 2010, served as 2017 Chair, Retired August 2021 after 20+ years teaching at UH. Connect with Julie B. Fix, APR, Fellow PRSA at: https://www.linkedin.com/.../julie-b-fix-apr-fellow-prsa.../ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
May 20, 2026Episode 720 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Mike O'Neill
Welcome Mike O’Neill, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Mike O’Neill is a corporate communications and public relations leader who blends nearly a decade of strategic messaging experience with a 25-year foundation in broadcast journalism. He combines the instincts of a newsroom veteran with the discipline of a corporate communicator, crafting stories that inform, influence, and build trust. Mike began his career in 1993 as a news photographer in Great Falls, Montana, before moving to Colorado Springs, Austin, and Houston. In Houston, he served as a producer at KTRK and later as Executive Producer at KHOU, leading newsroom teams and overseeing major market coverage. He later transitioned into corporate communications at MetroNational, the real estate company that owns and operates all of Memorial City, before joining TDECU in 2022 to lead its external communications and media relations efforts. Mike is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Innovation at Texas Tech University and serves as Treasurer for PRSA Houston. Connect with Mike O'Neill at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeoneill2348/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org . PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
April 15, 2026Episode 617 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Laura Frnka-Davis, APR
Welcome Laura Frnka-Davis, APR, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Before founding LFD Communications, Laura honed her expertise at some of Houston’s well-known nonprofits and businesses, including Texas Children’s Hospital, Pierpont Communications, and LifeGift. Her comprehensive understanding of multiple communications disciplines, from media relations to PR writing to internal and external communications, including crisis communications, instills confidence in her clients and collaborators. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Laura was named the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Houston Chapter Solo Practitioner of the Year in 2020. Her continued success was marked by silver Excalibur awards in integrated communications for campaigns associated with the Houston Botanic Garden in 2021 and 2022 and a bronze PRSA Houston Excalibur award in 2023 for her work with Teach For America Houston. In 2024, LFD Communications further solidified its reputation, bringing home two awards from PRSA Houston and one from the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Houston. In 2025, she received a silver Excalibur Award in the integrated communications campaign category for her work on the Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest. Laura is an instructor in the Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives in the Susan Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Connect with Laura Frnka-Davis, APR at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurafrnka-davis/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
March 4, 2026Episode 516 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Kristoffer Smith
Welcome Kristoffer Smith to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Kristoffer Smith is a communications and public relations professional with over 15 years of experience specializing in creative direction, content creation, and production. With expertise spanning school public relations, sports, short films, corporate projects, commercials, promotional videos, news, and photography, Smith has a proven track record of managing cross-platform campaigns, leading teams, and driving brand recognition through innovative multimedia solutions. An award-winning creative with mastery in Adobe Creative Cloud, video production, and digital communication, Smith strives to bring diverse social and cultural experiences to his audiences, aiming to inform, intrigue, and inspire. Connect with Kristoffer Smith at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristoffer-smith-59728793 Website: https://kristoffersmith.my.canva.site/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
February 18, 2026Episode 413 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Leslee Hackett
Welcome Leslee Hackett to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Leslee is a digital marketing and public relations consultant with 12+ years of experience developing data-driven communication strategies that elevate brand visibility and audience engagement. She specializes in social media strategy, content management, integrated internal and external communications, and multimedia storytelling, with a strong focus on analytics and performance optimization. Her work bridges creativity and strategy, helping organizations translate complex messages into compelling digital narratives that deliver measurable results. Currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) to further strengthen ethical, strategic communications practice. Connect with Leslee Hackett at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleeh/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
February 3, 2026Episode 315 min
PRactically Speaking Houston with Robyn Patterson
Welcome Robyn Patterson to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Robyn Patterson is a senior public affairs strategist with deep experience at the intersection of politics, policy, and media. She served as a spokesperson in the Biden White House, where she led communications strategy on some of the administration’s most complex and high-profile issues—including labor and tech policy, civil rights, and crisis response. In that role, she prepared senior officials for major media interviews, developed cross-agency messaging frameworks, and worked closely with national reporters to shape coverage during fast-moving events. Before joining the White House, Robyn served in senior communications roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce and in the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, helping to navigate legislative negotiations, economic messaging, and media engagement at the highest levels of government. Today, Robyn is building the public affairs practice at Allison Worldwide, a leading marketing and communications agency. In this role, she advises companies, coalitions, and philanthropic organizations on how to navigate today’s evolving policy landscape, communicate with credibility in polarized environments, and respond strategically to reputational risks. She specializes in helping clients apply campaign-style communications strategies—message discipline, stakeholder engagement, and rapid response—to private sector and nonprofit challenges. Be sure to join us for our Networking Luncheon: Shaping Power: How Strategic Communications Influence Policy, Perception, and Public Trust Date: February 11 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Houston-Galveston Area Council 3555 Timmons Ln #100 Houston, TX 77027 High Stakes. High Visibility. High Impact. Join us for a powerful conversation with Robyn Patterson, senior public affairs strategist at Allison Worldwide and former spokesperson in the Biden White House. Robyn will share an inside look at how high-level communications strategies are developed and deployed when the stakes are highest. Join PRSA Houston for a timely and practical discussion on communications that shape outcomes when it matters most. Don’t just respond—lead. Sign up and learn more about Robyn. Register here: https://prsahouston.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php... Connect with Robyn Patterson at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-patterson/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social: @VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org . PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.
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