Smart Talk Series

Hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Smart Talk Series with your host Melissa Vela Williamson, award-winning/nationally syndicated PR Pro. This is the show for professionals, marketing, and communications solo practitioners and teams.

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60 recent

October 8, 2026Episode 811 hr 0 min

Bonus Episode: The Conversation Challenge

In today's bonus episode, we're celebrating Vanessa Van Edwards' new book, "Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count," which is built around one belief: the most meaningful moments in our lives don't happen by accident. They happen in what Vanessa calls purposeful conversations. And as part of her mission to spark more of them all over the world, Smart Talk series host takes the Conversation Challenge with her podcast producer, Livia Treviño. Our five questions: What's your personal passion project? What have you always wanted to learn? How do you feel most misunderstood? Would you ever write a book? What about? What's one thing you wish you could do but haven't, because you're afraid it won't work out? Resources mentioned: "Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count" Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

October 6, 2026Episode 801 hr 5 min

Inside Today's Newsroom with Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson

Truth and storytelling are the cornerstones of journalism. As the media landscape evolves with the rise in conflict journalism and AI, how do journalists keep the fundamentals at the forefront? Join Melissa as she closes out season 12 by having a candid conversation with Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, a senior projects reporter at the San Antonio Express-News, about the realities, pressures, and bright spots of being a journalist today. Learn how Nancy left and returned to journalism with insights from teaching and a role in public relations. About Nancy: Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson is a senior projects reporter at the San Antonio Express-News. Her reporting focuses on immigration enforcement, policing, crime and accountability, including investigations involving public officials such as U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales. Her work seeks to hold powerful institutions and individuals accountable while amplifying the experiences of vulnerable communities. Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn Follow Nancy on TikTok , Facebook , and Instagram Topics covered: Nancy's journey to creating her career fit Nancy's start in journalism and her return after teaching What PR pros can better understand about news and opinion journalism Key takeaways from teaching the next gen of professionals Resources mentioned: San Antonio Express-News Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

September 29, 2026Episode 7945 min

Building Community with Ansley Partosa

Being connected with a special interest group is an underappreciated attribute that all communicators can benefit from. The ability to bring people together around interests they love builds community, trust and loyalty. In this episode, Melissa talks with Ansley Partosa, the founder of Rosario Media & Events, about how she stitched together a career at the intersection of gaming, film production and cosplay. About Ansley: Ansley Partosa combines her expertise in digital marketing to make a positive impact in the gaming world. With her business Rosario Media & Events, she uses her love of graphic design, video editing, and content creation to help clients share their unique stories. Ansley also serves as the Head of the Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio, where she leads the charge in hosting esports tournaments, game development meet ups, and inclusive community events. Follow Ansley on Instagram Topics covered: Ansley's journey to her career interests Ansley's experience in the gaming and entertainment industry Sustainable roles in entertainment The intersection of a creative perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset Cosplay skills that translate Resources mentioned: Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio San Japan Cirque Aria Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

September 22, 2026Episode 7847 min

The Art of Storytelling with Joshua Sostrin

Communications work often requires stepping confidently into unfamiliar territory. That's why the ability to simplify complex ideas can be a powerful skill. In this episode, Melissa talks with Joshua Sostrin, the founder and president of Imperative Content, about how his background in comedy launched him into a renowned career in speechwriting and storytelling. About Josh: Joshua Sostrin is a speechwriter with over 20 years of experience and is the founder and president of Imperative Content, an executive communications consultancy. His background spans high tech, national security, academia, law, medicine, politics, and entertainment, with work featured in outlets from the World Economic Forum to The New York Times to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, including speechwriting for members of the U.S. House and Senate and a presidential candidate. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Visit Josh's website Topics covered: Josh's journey to his current career The nonlinear path to speechwriting Josh's storytelling process What it takes to be a successful speechwriter Leveraging research in communications work Tips for creating engaging content Resources mentioned: Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy "A call to kindness: We are stronger together; let's be a force for good" "Storytelling That Elevates" Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

September 15, 2026Episode 771 hr 0 min

Crafting A Career You Love with Brandon Glass

Aligning your career with the life you want often means weaving together your interests, strengths, and long‑held passions. In this episode, Melissa talks with Brandon Glass, a performer and Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter, about how he blends his creative and professional talents to build the career of his dreams. About Brandon: From touring the world as a professional dancer, stuntman, and live host to coming home to his community and serving as a coach, mentor, and ASL interpreter, Brandon spans the globe embracing his passion and sharing his love for community through live performances, teaching workshops, and connecting with his community in elevating and inspiring ways. Having toured with notable companies such as Odyssey Dance Theatre, Step Afrika, and Ringling Bros., his most recent adventure takes him to South Africa, skating as a Live Host with Disney on Ice. His studies and community engagement provide a space for him to come home and work closely with the Deaf community as a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter as well as a leadership and youth sports coach! Connect with Brandon on Instagram Visit Brandon's website Listen to Brandon's podcast Topics covered: Brandon's journey to creating his career fit The path to working in entertainment Brandon's work as a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter The intersection of working with the Deaf community and entertainment How to make your dreams possible Tips for PR pros and full-time communicators Resources mentioned: Disney on Ice, Mickey's Search Party Cirque Aria Thrive Gym Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

September 14, 20262 min

Out Now: Pitch Your Ideas Like a PR Pro

🚨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆!🚨 📰 Today, our founder, Melissa Vela-Williamson, is launching her first digital course, 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐑 𝐏𝐫𝐨, to help anyone who needs support crafting and delivering a strong pitch. This course is built for anyone looking to level up their skills in pitching story ideas to journalists, business ideas to investors, or just trying to land your next opportunity. Presenting your case in a compelling way is invaluable. In just over an hour, you'll hear best-practice insights directly from a seasoned PR pro whose recent local market campaign resulted in 613 pieces of earned coverage with a 660 million audience reach and over 16.6M views. Let Melissa's hard-learned lessons, insider tips, and PR kit tools help your business, nonprofit, institution, or thought leadership pitch an idea in meaningful ways. Enroll now: https://www.mvw360.com/course

September 8, 2026Episode 7629 min

Letting Your Passion Lead with Laura Perez

Sometimes the best career move is letting your passion lead the way. In today's episode, Melissa talks with Laura Perez, the associate director of brand operations at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, about striking the balance between your niche interests and an organization's needs. About Laura: Laura Perez is a sports and entertainment professional with more than 21 years of experience at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. As Associate Director of Brand Operations, she leads operational strategy and workflow management for the Brand Engagement team and has played a key role in major initiatives, including the San Antonio Spurs' 50th Anniversary season, while championing leadership development and community impact throughout South Texas. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Topics covered: Laura's journey to her professional specialty Working in brand operations How to manage change and competing priorities Illustrating your organization's values in your work How a career in sports informs the life of a sports parent Tips for communications students and professionals Resources mentioned: Healthy Sports Parents Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

September 1, 2026Episode 7550 min

Creating Your Niche with Jonathan Carone

Resilience is key when you're going all in on a niche. As external factors change, your passion and skills will help you stay afloat. Join Melissa as she kicks off season 12 with Jonathan Carone, the owner and creative director of Carone Designs and founder of Healthy Sports Parents. Listen as they discuss this season's theme of finding your niche. About Jonathan: Jonathan Carone has spent the last 10+ years helping organizations communicate more clearly, connect more deeply, and build trust with the people they serve. That's his day job at CaroneDesigns. But on the side, he's been building a new platform called Healthy Sports Parents. What started as a side project has become a fast-growing media platform with over 165,000 followers and 3M+ monthly views across social media helping moms, dads, and coaches navigate the world of youth sports with more empathy, perspective, and presence. Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Topics covered: Jonathan's journey to his niche The inspiration for Healthy Sports Parents How to cut through the noise and connect with an audience What HSP taught Jonathan about communications Tips for using communication for good Resources mentioned: Carone Designs Healthy Sports Parents Parents 2026 Next Gen Awards Opportunity Knocks Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

April 21, 2026Episode 7451 min

Managing Crisis Communication and Building Immunity to Crises with Jon Goldberg

Any organization or individual can encounter a public relations crisis. That's why it's important to proactively build an immunity to crisis and have the right team in your corner when your reputation is at stake. In this season's finale, Melissa talks with Jon Goldberg, the founder of Reputation Architects, about the lessons he's learned through his work in crisis communications and reputation management. About Jon: Jon Goldberg founded Reputation Architects in 2009 after more than 25 years as an advisor to top executives and boards and a senior leader at some of the world's most prominent communications firms. Trained as a journalist, Jon is a frequent speaker, author and media commentator at the intersection of risk, reputation, culture and technology, including building organizational immunity to crisis; countering disinformation; the psychology of online trolling; communicating on polarizing social issues; and the role of artificial intelligence in stoking—and potentially reversing—incivility and online hate. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn Topics covered: Crisis communication vs. reputation management How to manage your well-being in a stressful line of work Learnings from Jon's deep experience in crisis communications Who is at risk for a crisis The intersection of reputation, risk, culture and technology What Jon wishes PR pros knew about managing crisis comms Resources mentioned: The Coffee Bean "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

April 14, 2026Episode 7347 min

Breaking Through Leadership Barriers with Laura Saldivar Luna

Coaching is a valuable way to help break through what is keeping you from being the leader you were meant to be. In today's episode, Melissa speaks with the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, Laura Saldivar Luna, about how working with a leadership coach can transform your professional and personal life. About Laura: Laura Saldivar Luna is a wife, mom, and the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, a transformational coaching practice that helps purpose-driven leaders unlock breakthroughs in their inner leadership and external impact. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Laura spent nearly 20 years with Teach For America—serving as a classroom teacher, as an Executive Director, and as the organization's Chief People Officer. Her work is rooted in the belief that when leaders liberate their full expression, they expand their clarity, joy, power, and impact. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Topics covered: The story behind Piñata Possible's framework Lessons learned from working in education When to seek the help of a coach What prevents people from taking action on their goals What to know about working with a leadership coach How cultural differences impact coaching experiences Resources mentioned: Piñata Possible Beyond the Bite with Eddie Aldrete: Laura Saldivar Luna on Breaking the Piñata and Finding the Potential Within Chip Conley Ask A Latina "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications