Advertise on podcast: Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

Reporters are often inundated with automated, irrelevant email pitches. But how far is too far when using automation to secure media coverage? In this episode, we discuss a recent, troubling scandal where a PR agency used AI-generated personas of non-existent PR reps, complete with fake names and headshots, to pitch stories on behalf of their clients. One journalist, Maggie Harrison Dupré, uncovered the deception and documented it in a long and detailed article in Futurism — probably not the publicity those clients wanted! Abbie emphasizes that while AI is an excellent tool for efficiency, it should never replace the authentic human connection, intellectual property, and trust that form the foundation of public relations. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on the Copper State of Mind podcast website. Key Takeaways The overwhelming volume of AI-generated communication poses significant challenges to journalists and PR professionals alike.The "spray and pray" media pitching strategy has been worsened by AI, flooding reporters with irrelevant and deceptive spam that damages agency reputations.Transparency is a non-negotiable ethical obligation; agencies must disclose their AI practices to clients to avoid misrepresenting their brand.While AI can create operational efficiency, it cannot replace the genuine human relationships and intellectual property that PR professionals provide.As autonomous "agentic AI" continues to grow, the industry may eventually require authenticated, private channels to ensure human-to-human communication and filter out AI spam. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

It's easy to assume that writing a mission statement, hanging a manifesto in the breakroom, or hosting a casual Friday is enough to establish a strong company culture. However, true culture is much harder to define—it's both an identity and a set of shared practices built on daily actions, stories, and genuine interactions. In this episode, Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre discuss what culture actually looks like in a business setting. Inspired by a recent cruise vacation, Abbie shares how observing a ship's crew—where every employee acted as a dedicated brand ambassador focused on the customer's experience—perfectly illustrated culture in action. Adrian draws on his academic background in anthropology to explain that culture is fundamentally a set of linguistic practices. He notes that top-down directives rarely work; instead, leaders must rely on the stories they tell and the language they use to build a sense of identity and belonging among their team. Abbie and Adrian also discuss how a strong culture naturally boosts employer branding, attracting top talent simply because the team looks like they genuinely enjoy working together. Ultimately, they stress that while a great culture won't prevent crises from happening, it will entirely transform how an organization reacts to them. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on the Copper State of Mind podcast website. Key Takeaways Company culture cannot be mandated by a manifesto; it is demonstrated through everyday actions, communication, and mutual respect.Every employee, regardless of their specific job title, should feel empowered as a brand ambassador who is ultimately responsible for the customer's experience.Culture plays a central role in employer branding—top talent is drawn to organizations where employees share a sense of belonging and visibly enjoy their work.To effectively teach and embed values within a team, leaders should rely on storytelling that shows values in practice, rather than just stating the rules.Small shifts in language—such as emphasizing partnership and introducing a subordinate as a "coworker"—can have a profound, positive impact on an employee's sense of inclusion. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre chat with Mandy Holmes, founder of Sponsor My Athlete, about how parents can turn their children's passion for sports into a lucrative opportunity through local business sponsorships. Mandy shares insights on building brand partnerships, legal and financial considerations, and how these strategies can extend to arts and other activities. Whether you're a parent, a small business owner, or interested in community engagement, this episode highlights a powerful grassroots marketing approach. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways Sponsorships can provide a sustainable way for families to support youth sports without bearing excessive financial burdens.Local businesses benefit from these partnerships by gaining direct access to community-oriented marketing opportunities.Clear contracts and understanding of the business relationship are crucial to ensure mutual benefit.The approach used for youth sports sponsorships can be applied to other activities such as music, theater, and arts.Starting early with branding and establishing professional relationships can pave the way for future successes in a child's sports or arts career. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Ilana Lowery is Director of School Partnerships & Policies at Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that puts kids' safety and well-being first in the digital era. Ilana joins us to talk about the new Youth AI Safety Institute, an independent effort to research AI's impact, set safety standards, evaluate products, and share the findings with parents, educators and policymakers alike. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Resources for Parents & Educators Common Sense Media: AIAI Literacy Toolkit for FamiliesVideos and Tips for Families Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

In this episode, Adrian McIntyre and Abbie Fink reflect on leadership, recognition, and the responsibilities that come with both. Prompted by Abbie’s recent induction into the Scottsdale Hall of Fame, the conversation moves beyond awards themselves to focus on what meaningful leadership actually requires: shared purpose, trust, connection, and the ability to bring others along. Abbie argues that the best leaders are connectors. They create enthusiasm around a mission, help people see themselves in it, and measure success not only by their own accomplishments but by the growth and achievements of the people around them. Together, she and Adrian explore the role of relationships in business and leadership, the importance of listening and curiosity, and why no meaningful success is ever truly achieved alone. The episode closes with a broader reflection on responsibility and community impact. Drawing on ideas from Arizona State University’s charter and Abbie’s own work in business and civic leadership, they frame leadership as something bigger than visibility or recognition. It is about inclusion, stewardship, consistency, and helping others find purpose and succeed. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways Great leadership is rooted in connection and shared purpose.Recognition matters most when it becomes a platform to elevate others and advance meaningful work.Relationships, not transactions, are the foundation of lasting success in business and leadership.Curiosity and listening are essential leadership skills because they build trust and improve judgment.Leadership carries a responsibility to strengthen teams, organizations, and communities. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

On May 13, 2026, the Public Relations Global Network will present the key findings of PRGN Influence Insights 2026, the second edition of its global survey on brand influence. The 2026 PRGN Influence Insights Survey offers a closer look at how brands are managing trust, reputation, AI, audience behavior and the growing complexity of influence across channels, audiences and markets worldwide. Join Abbie Fink and other PRGN leaders for a live webinar presentation of the survey data, built on global findings from more than 1,800 professionals across 48 countries. Register for one of the webinar sessions: May 13: EMEA and AmericasMay 13: Americas and APAC Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Generative AI can be fast, fluent, and incredibly useful. It can also produce false statements with great confidence. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss why communicators cannot confuse polished output with trustworthy information. They explore fact-checking, source verification, media literacy, and what it means to create content that remains credible in an AI-centric communication environment. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the intricacies of communicating with journalists and the public in the midst of the criminal investigation in Tucson, Arizona into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie. They explore the responsibilities and pressures faced by local public information officers and other official spokespeople who find themselves in the national spotlight during high-profile cases. Their conversation touches on the balance between transparency and investigative confidentiality, the importance of maintaining control over the narrative, the need for authenticity in public statements, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists covering such stories. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways In a crisis involving sensitive criminal investigations, public information officers must balance the need to keep the public informed with the necessity of not compromising the investigation.The competitive nature of media often drives sensationalized coverage, which can complicate the role of spokespersons and influence public perception.Genuine, less polished performances by spokespersons can sometimes foster public trust more effectively than highly rehearsed statements.Journalists face challenges in remaining ethical and responsible while meeting the demand for continuous updates.Even in challenging situations, valuable lessons can be drawn that enhance future crisis communication strategies. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the evolving role of communications and public relations professionals within organizational hierarchies. The conversation kicks off with Adrian highlighting the longstanding advocacy for including communications leaders at the strategic table. He suggests that this inclusion is no longer just a desire for prestige; it is now critical for organizational survival. Abbie echoes these sentiments, expressing that the ability of organizations to effectively communicate their strategies internally and externally is essential for success. As they discuss the traditional view of public relations as a secondary support function, Abbie emphasizes the importance of positioning communications teams as integral to strategy development. In an age where trust in institutions is dwindling, she advocates for a more authentic and transparent communication approach. She consider how often organizations may overlook the strategic insights that communications professionals can offer, instead relegating them to a role of mere implementation rather than active participation in shaping organizational direction. Adrian introduces an insightful perspective on branding, asserting that branding is constantly happening through every interaction and touchpoint. He urges corporate leaders to recognize the interplay between reputational risk and economic risk. Both he and Abbie agree that communication professionals should not wait to be invited to share their perspectives; rather, they should assert their expertise boldly and proactively. The conversation takes a turn towards examining the dynamics that often hamper effective client-agency interactions. Abbie describes the common scenario where decisions made by leadership may not fully consider the insights from communications experts, often seeking affirmation rather than genuine input. This environment, she argues, can stifle creativity and hinder the potential for robust strategic discussions. Adrian supports this point, highlighting the importance of clear, confident communication and the role that experience plays in establishing credibility. As the episode progresses, the duo tackles the complexities of billing practices within the PR sector. Abbie candidly discusses the challenge of articulating value to clients when it comes to pricing. Drawing from her extensive experience, she asserts that the focus should shift from hourly rates to the overall value and outcomes provided. By establishing a clear linkage between the expertise they offer and the tangible impacts on client success, she believes agencies can cultivate stronger relationships built on understanding and mutual respect. Adrian then challenges the audience to rethink their current measurement practices, emphasizing that relying solely on easily counted metrics can lead organizations astray. He posits that the most significant outcomes may be challenging to quantify but are nonetheless vital to understanding the true impact of communication efforts. Abbie concurs, citing the evolution of measurement practices that prioritize meaningful engagement over superficial metrics. She highlights the necessity of aligning KPIs with business objectives to ensure that public relations initiatives contribute to overall strategic goals. In conclusion, Abbie and Adrian share a vision for the future where communications professionals are seen as essential strategic partners rather than peripheral players. They advocate for a collaborative approach that encourages open dialogue and embraces diverse perspectives. Ultimately, they hope that organizations will recognize the invaluable contributions of communications teams in navigating an increasingly complex and trust-challenged world. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Journalism's role as a trustworthy source of verified information is under siege. With unprecedented speed, modern crises now spur a phenomenal amount of real-time media content that challenges conventional journalistic practices. How does the rapid influx of information — and misinformation — impact communication professionals, journalists, and the public? Abbie and Adrian explore the dynamic interplay of ethics, truth-telling, and the role of technology in shaping public perception. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways The rapid proliferation of crises and media through advanced technology poses unique ethical challenges for journalists in reporting verified facts.Ethical journalism necessitates careful gatekeeping, especially when assessing user-generated content that could alter the authenticity of news stories.Adrian emphasizes that professional journalists, even when acting in good faith, face difficult editorial decisions driven by external and internal pressures.Abbie advocates for recognizing the complex decisions journalists must navigate to ethically and transparently communicate important narratives.We discuss historical precedents in media ethics, highlighting the importance of intention and good faith in journalism. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre look back at their Top 10 most popular podcast episodes of 2025 to identify the key themes, trends, and industry shifts that will impact public relations in 2026. They talk about how PR and media are undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advancements and societal changes. Issues such as authenticity, trust, and influence are recurring themes in the discussion, along with the manipulation of public opinion, the impact of AI on the profession, and the decline of traditional journalism. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways The media landscape is shifting with the decline of traditional journalism and the rise of niche digital platforms, requiring new strategies for engagement. Building genuine trust through authentic storytelling and transparent communications is crucial for brands in the current climate. Public relations strategies must adapt to focus on influence and relationship-building rather than traditional celebrity endorsements. AI is changing how media and communications are handled, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth. Developing leadership skills and fostering a culture of trust within organizations can enhance both internal and external communications. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

The Copper State of Mind podcast has won a prestigious Copper Anvil Award, one of the highest honors in the PR industry. 🎉 Abbie and Adrian discuss the significance of such awards before moving on to the main topic of the episode: the evolving role of PR professionals amidst changes in media. As traditional media platforms continue to evolve, Abbie highlights the increasing importance of cultivating relationships with niche content providers, such as digital creators and influencers, to effectively reach targeted audiences. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways Winning awards, such as the Copper Anvil, acknowledges the excellence of PR strategies and provides recognition from industry peers. Preparing award entries is a beneficial process, helping firms articulate their strategies and evaluate the success of their campaigns. The shifting dynamics of the media industry require PR professionals to adapt by leveraging new platforms and building relationships with emerging content creators. The traditional concept of media relations is expanding to include engagement with digital and niche content providers to effectively share stories. Effective PR involves finding credible voices to engage with content producers, ensuring valuable messaging reaches the right audience. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”