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SPIN is a Four Letter Word

SPIN is a Four Letter Word

Hosted by Maroon PR

BusinessInterviews guests

Episodes

50

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

SPIN is back for a 4th season - A Toast to 20 Years of Maroon PR Join the celebration as John Maroon welcomes 20 special guests to reflect on the relationships, stories, and hard-earned lessons behind Maroon PR’s growth. Season Four delivers candid conversations and practical advice for business leaders, storytellers, and entrepreneurs building brands and careers that leave a lasting mark. __ Hearing the word "spin" is every public relations professional’s worst nightmare. From an outsider's perspective, hearing the term "public relations" means, "crisis communications", "media" or even the dreaded "spin" word itself... we're here to clear up those stereotypes and misunderstandings. Long-time PR pro and President of Maroon PR, John Maroon hosts SPIN is a Four Letter Word, a no-fluff, cut-to-the-chase show that gets to the heart of the industry today and the different issues impacting our world.

Listen to episodes

50 recent
October 8, 202638 min

Local Radio Matters with Gina Crash

For Gina Crash, it’s been a career built on evolution — from her early days at 97.5 HFS, to the Today’s 101.9 morning show, to her work as a public affairs director and her growing presence across social and digital media.In this episode of Maroon’s Mark, John Maroon sits down with Gina to talk about […]

September 23, 202651 min

Thinking Like an Advisor with Chris Ullman

Think like an advisor, not a message taker.On the latest episode of Maroon’s Mark, John Maroon sits down with Chris Ullman of Ullman Communications to talk PR, creativity, media relationships and Chris’s unexpected career as a four-time world champion whistler. 🎶 Hear the lessons, stories and advice that have made a lasting mark on the […]

August 17, 202643 min

Inside the Ravens Communications Playbook with Chad Steele

What does it take to lead communications for one of the NFL’s premier franchises? In this episode of Maroon’s Mark, John Maroon sits down with Chad Steele, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Baltimore Ravens, to discuss leadership, media relations, reputation, and the evolution of sports PR. Chad shares lessons from his 25-year career, […]

July 9, 202633 min

Insightful Reflections with Broadcast Legend Marty Bass

In Episode 6 of Maroon’s Mark, recently retired Baltimore broadcasting legend Marty Bass joins John Maroon to reflect on their friendship, Marty’s time in broadcast and insights into the future of the broadcasting world.

June 9, 202636 min

PR & News Media with Jessica Iannetta and Courtney Bode

The Baltimore Business Journal’s Market President & Publisher Courtney Bode and Editor-in-Chief Jessica Iannetta join John Maroon to discuss the intersection of public relations and news media. Insights are shared on how the BBJ selects what to cover, AI integration, and advice for PR professionals pitching stories.

May 22, 202629 min

PR Evolution and Expert Insights with Diane Pelkey

John Maroon sits down with Diane Pelkey, Head of Communications & PR at Chewy, to talk about her journey from Reebok and Under Armour to leading comms at one of the most beloved brands in retail. From crisis management and mentorship to unforgettable career moments, this episode is packed with sharp insights and real-world PR […]

May 1, 202630 min

Evolving Media and Baseball with MLB’s Pat Courtney

What does it take to protect—and evolve—one of the most iconic brands in sports? MLB Chief Communications Officer Pat Courtney joins John Maroon to unpack the responsibility of stewarding a legacy brand in an always-on media landscape. From decades of shaping Major League Baseball’s public narrative to navigating today’s real-time news cycle, Pat reveals his […]

April 16, 202635 min

Mentorship That Shapes Legacies: Lessons from Phyllis Merhige

John Maroon reflects on the importance of mentorship with longtime MLB executive Phyllis Merhige—who helped launch his PR career and became a lifelong mentor and friend. They share memories of her trailblazing path in Major League Baseball, career-defining moments, and lessons on the lasting impact of strong relationships. ⚾

April 6, 202641 min

Built to Last with Cal Ripken, Jr.

John Maroon welcomes MPR’s first client, Cal Ripken, Jr., to reflect on trust, preparation, and a partnership forged during baseball history. From the 1995 consecutive games’ streak to today’s Foundation work, their conversation reveals how lasting careers—and brands—are built: with consistency, composure, and showing up when it matters most.

March 27, 20268 min

Intro to Season 4: Maroon’s Mark

To celebrate 20 years of Maroon PR, John Maroon and Jen Renehan kick off SPIN is a Four Letter Word S4: Maroon’s Mark with a preview of the season ahead. Expect 20 special guests, industry stories, lessons from two decades in PR, and a look at how the business continues to evolve. Grab a drink […]

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