Advertise on podcast: EARN THE RIGHT with Trevor Young

"If you’re able to communicate a shade different, just a bit more distinct or personal, you’re already ahead of the game." - Jason Malouin This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. _____________________ In this episode of Earn the Right, Trevor Young is joined by Jason Malouin, founder of Superpower Portraits, to explore what really makes someone distinctive. Drawing on a pivotal professional encounter in Dubai, as well as his background in theatre, wilderness guiding and photography, Jason challenges the idea that differentiation comes from simply creating a sharper message, better visual identity or more polished personal brand. Instead, he argues for going deeper into your own context: understanding your experiences, values, beliefs, worldview and capabilities, then finding the language to communicate them in a way that is genuinely yours. The conversation explores what happens when we start “performing” distinctiveness rather than expressing something real, why the seemingly simple question “Why you?” can be surprisingly difficult to answer, and how self-awareness can become a source of strategic differentiation. Along the way, Jason introduces some memorable ideas, including the difference between “standing out” and “standing in”, developing a personal lexicon, communicating in 3D, and the difference between a “mic drop” and a “pin drop” moment. Key Takeaways: Surface branding vs. deeper context: Colours, messaging and visual identity can shape how you're perceived, but genuine distinctiveness starts with understanding the person behind the brand.The “Why you?” question: It's surprisingly difficult to explain what makes you distinctive beyond your skills, services or methodology.Define your values for yourself: Words like “integrity” only become meaningful when you can explain exactly what they mean in your own life and work.Context is a competitive advantage: Your particular combination of experiences, beliefs, perspectives and capabilities can create something other people can't simply reproduce.Communicate in 3D: Jason explores the interplay between heartset, mindset and skillset, moving beyond what you do to communicate who you are and how you see the world.Standing in vs. standing out: Distinctiveness isn't about being louder or manufacturing uniqueness. It's what can emerge when you're deeply grounded in your own experience and perspective.Mic drop vs. pin drop: The loudest communication isn't necessarily the most powerful. Sometimes a quieter, more nuanced observation creates the deeper moment of connection.Becoming difficult to copy: The more your communication reflects your particular context and perspective, the less it can be replicated by simply following a formula.Authenticity isn't a tactic: Authenticity emerges from the work of understanding yourself and bringing that understanding consistently into how you communicate and operate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to build a personal brand that is genuinely distinctive, deeply grounded and impossible to copy. Check out Jason's website - https://www.superpowerportraits.com/ Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

"If you've got genuine authority, it's not about being noisy, it's about just holding your space and owning it." Susanna Reay This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. _____________________ In this episode of Earn The Right, Trevor Young sits down with Susannah Reay, renowned framework strategist, consultant, and author of Framework Thinking: Sketch, Scale, Be Sought. Susanna shares her expertise on transforming intangible service-based businesses into clear, visual frameworks that elevate authority and provide a strategic edge in today’s crowded expert marketplace. What You’ll Learn The Power of Frameworks: Why turning your IP into a memorable framework makes your ideas stick, simplifies complex offerings, and creates a foundation for authority. Frameworks vs. Personal Brand: Susannah explains why being an “authority brand” goes beyond mere personal branding, offering a more robust and less exhausting path to credibility. Defining a Framework: A framework is not necessarily rigid but acts like an umbrella -providing structure, recognition, and flexibility, and helping prospects understand your unique approach. Visual Thinking & Simplicity: Visual frameworks, from Venn diagrams to pyramids, make it easier for audiences to grasp what you do and remember your process, no artistic skills required. Naming and Narrating Your IP: The importance of naming your framework, giving life to your process, and building a story-driven approach that resonates with potential clients. Framework Thinking Method: Susannah introduces the four elements of her proprietary Framework Thinking approach: Visual RecognitionImpact DetectionBoundary SettingTransfer Integrity Application Across Industries: Examples of how frameworks apply - from accountants and lawyers to coaches, consultants, and even animal communicators - any business of transformation can benefit. Don’t Hide Your Mona Lisa: Why too many experts keep their best thinking hidden - the "Mona Lisa in the basement" - and how exposing it through frameworks can turn ideas into recognized authority. Framework as Marketing: Using your framework as a Trojan horse for niche marketing and authority positioning—becoming known for “one thing,” even when you do many. Publish and Protect: How making your framework public actually helps protect your IP, accelerates visibility, attracts opportunities, and builds loyal fans. Key Takeaways Simplicity, structure, and visibility of ideas are critical in building authority.Frameworks should be clear enough to draw on a sticky note - aim for between 3 and 7 steps.Authority is built on showcasing transformation, not just telling people what you do.Start with one-to-one work, uncover your core transformation method, and then scale with frameworks.Get your framework right before ramping up visibility efforts. About the Book Framework Thinking: Sketch, Scale, Be Sought by Susannah Reay is available in hardback and paperback. Designed as a practical guide, with purposely chosen square format and actionable exercises. The book is meant to remain open on your desk, ready to help you map, name, and share your expertise. Connect with Susanna Website: susannareay.com or frameworkthinking.ukLinkedIn: Search Susannah Reay and reach out to her if you want help developing your own framework. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to turn expertise into a leverageable, memorable authority brand. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

"Good thought leadership can grate against the norms. It can grate against what has always thought to be true." - David J. Ebner This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. __________________ In This Episode How do you build a powerful, human-centered personal brand in a world where AI-generated content is flooding our feeds? And once you've built it, how do you use AI as a tool without letting it flatten your voice? Trevor Young digs deep into these big questions with David J. Ebner, an expert in story-first content and founder of Content Workshop. Highlights The Power Shift: Why your unique story matters more than ever in an AI-saturated environmentBrand Storytelling Redefined: David discusses why the best brand stories aren’t about you - they’re about the impact you have on your audience Human vs. AI: What AI can do, what it can’t, and why relying solely on it is a recipe for “sea of sameness”Bringing Back Authenticity: How long-form content and newsletters are roaring back, and the authenticity premium in a noisy digital spaceThought Leadership in the AI Age: The difference between informational and educational content (and why the latter matters most if you want to stand out)Actionable Tactics: Practical tips for solo founders and expert practitioners to inject more story, emotion, and credibility into their content—without losing their voice to the robots The Human-AI Sandwich: How David blends human creativity and AI efficiency at his agencyPitfalls to Avoid: The hidden costs, risks, and strategic mistakes brands make when over-relying on AI for content Quick Takeaways Storytelling isn’t just a buzzword - done right, it’s your secret weapon in the digital age.AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for original thought, lived experience, or authentic voice.The most memorable brands and thought leaders are those who embrace vulnerability and connect emotionally with their audience.Want to reclaim your voice? Go deep, get curious, and don’t settle for “good enough” AI output. Resources & Links Content Workshop (check for upcoming courses on AI and authentic content)Books mentioned: "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek, "King Makers" by David J. Ebner Subscribe and don’t miss future episodes as we unpack the biggest shifts, tools, and thinking in personal branding and content creation. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand. __________________ In episodes 316 and 318, we looked at the vexed issue of Marketing vs PR: The black, the white … and the grey. In this episode, I revisit this general theme, with a focus on the customer journey and how people buy today, especially in B2B, and more specifically, services-based businesses, where the path to purchase can often be somewhat complex, or convoluted. __________________ ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT: EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity. Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity. Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

"The brand is me - everything I do feeds into my creative ecosystem." - Courtney Kocak This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications, and content creation. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. __________________ In This Episode: “Pick a lane!” We’ve all heard it, but for solopreneurs, sticking to one passion feels outdated. Today's guest is living proof that you can build a thriving, multi-hyphenate creative career without boxing yourself in. If you’re wrestling with how to blend your creative pursuits, escape “niche” pressure, or monetize a multi-channel brand, this conversation is for you. Author, podcaster, comedian, screenwriter, and teacher Courtney Kocak joins Trevor Young to break down the reality of being a multi-passionate solopreneur, and how to connect the dots so your ecosystem works for you (not against you). Key Takeaways: You Are the Brand: Courtney explains why she ditched the “pick a lane” advice and let her personal brand encompass writing, podcasting, comedy, and teaching — allowing every channel to amplify the others.Ecosystem Over Silos: Building an interconnected “multi-channel” ecosystem lets superfans follow you across platforms, supports multiple revenue streams, and reduces creator burnout.Organic Growth + Strategy: Courtney's creative evolution was “organic,” but teaching and community-building nudged her toward a more intentional, business-minded structure, including her use of Substack newsletters and podcasts that feed back into her classes.The Content Flywheel: Courtney demonstrates how essays, podcasts, newsletters, and stand-up feed each other, and how existing content can be repurposed into books, courses, and more.Collaboration & Networking: Podcasting isn’t just about audience; it’s a “networking tool” that has led to collaborations, blurbs, book events, and reviews that fuel Courtney's creative business.Show Up as a Human: Consistent, authentic presence across platforms is key make it easy for people to find you and connect the dots between your projects.Multi-Channel Monetization: Courtney shares practical ways to build diverse income streams — from ad-supported podcasts and paid newsletters to classes, freelance writing, sponsorships, and affiliate revenue.Batching & Prioritization: The secret to managing “all the things?” Ruthless prioritization and batching—focusing on one creative mode at a time, not juggling them all every day.Keep Learning (and Then Teach): Ongoing learning from classes and mentors powers Courtney's evolution, and lets her create new offerings for her audience. Action Steps: Design Your Ecosystem: Map how your projects can reinforce each other, rather than compete.Embrace “Multi-Passionate” as a Strength: Don’t let “niche” pressure kill your curiosity or breadth — bring yourself to every medium.Prioritize and Batch: Group similar tasks, plan your seasons, and focus intensely on a few things at a time to avoid overwhelm.Be Visible and Findable: Use consistent handles, cross-promote, and show up authentically to help your audience connect all your dots.Master the Pivot: Let your interests and revenue streams evolve, and give yourself permission to synthesize and shift as you grow. Mentioned in this episode: Girl Gone Wild (Courtney’s memoir)Private Parts Unknown, Podcast Bestie, The Bleeders (Courtney’s podcasts)Substack for writers and podcasters Connect with Courtney: WebsiteInstagram @courtneykocakSubstack (all newsletters via her main profile)

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up. __________________ Welcome to Earn the Right, your go-to audio platform for building reputation-based authority, mastering PR, and transforming credibility into career-defining opportunities. In today's "In the Arena" episode, Trevor Young looks at what savvy PR in action looks like through the work of US-based speaking and storytelling consultant, Jay Acunzo, a credible expert who builds his brand and business using smart, sustained PR. With so many tactics on offer, expert founders and solo practice owners often get tangled up working out what PR is versus what marketing is, and which activities to focus on. Jay offers a working answer through how he shows up, day after day. This episode walks through the activities Jay shared in a recent LinkedIn post for building an audience without relying on social media feeds. Organising local meetups, giving free talks to companies, writing guest columns for niche media, pitching himself to podcasts, contributing to expert roundups, hosting his own show, saying yes to coffees and networking calls, attending events for years, and keeping a steady writing practice and email newsletter going. You'll hear why PR today is not just about getting your name in the press, why face-to-face still matters in an AI-dominated world, and why going "off Broadway" into quieter rooms and overlooked venues is where authority gets built, conversation by conversation. Whether you're a consultant, coach, expert founder, or seasoned solo practice owner ready to raise your profile in a sustainable, human way, this episode gives you a practical model to follow. PR is about earning the right to market your wares to people. Credibility before conversion. Let's get into it! —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right newsletter  P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand. __________________ WHERE DOES PR FIT IN THE OVERALL SCHEME OF THINGS -- LET'S BREAK IT DOWN In this episode I unpack what I call my 'Marketing Communications Pyramid'.  This is a framework I've used for years to break down the various elements that make up the marketing mix; I do this so I can, in turn, isolate the PR elements and where they sit in the broader picture. CHECK OUT THE PYRAMID - CLICK HERE __________________ ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT: EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity. Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity. Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

In today’s sea of AI-generated noise, real authority comes from genuine conversations 👉 Podcast guesting isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s how credibility and trust are earned, sustainable, over time. This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. __________________ In This Episode: Podcast guesting is more than a visibility game - done right, it’s one of the most powerful ways for experts and leaders to earn authority, transfer trust, and cut through a noisy AI-saturated world. Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and a trailblazer in podcast interview marketing, joins Trevor Young to break down how intentional podcast guesting can transform your business and reputation. Key Takeaways: Conversations over funnels: Tom debunks the myth that sales start with automation, arguing that “you’re just one conversation away” from your next big client, partner, or team member.Podcasting in 2026: Discover how the podcast medium has evolved - blurring lines with video, on-demand content, and new distribution platforms.Strategy first: Why throwing yourself at every podcast is pointless - Tom shares the smart way to pick shows, pitch yourself, and show up with value.Be a magnet, not a megaphone: Attract your perfect clients and repel the wrong ones. Learn how a focused guesting strategy works better than chasing fame or big-name shows.Master the pitch: No copy-paste emails! How to introduce yourself as a human, offer a killer topic, and make it easy for hosts to say yes.Collaboration wins: The best podcast experiences come from guests who treat appearances as relationships, not transactions.Leverage your appearance: Don’t “set and forget” - promote your interviews, repurpose content, and use each appearance as an authority-building asset.The ultimate authority transfer: Why third-party endorsement from trusted hosts builds trust faster than any self-promotion ever could. Action Steps: Get intentional: Decide who you want to reach and why.Do your homework: Research, engage, and pitch with care.Be professional: Show up, add value, and always promote the show afterwards.Build your digital footprint: Hosts (and AI) are watching! Useful Links: Interview Valet Welcome Page for EARN THE RIGHT: Templates, free resources, and more from Tom Schwab. Don’t forget: The best opportunities come from showing up, offering value, and earning the right to be heard. Subscribe, share, and leave a review - and start earning your authority today! —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up. __________________ Welcome to Earn the Right, your go-to audio platform for building reputation-based authority, mastering PR, and transforming credibility into career-defining opportunities. In today’s “In the Arena” episode, Trevor Young takes a deep dive into authority branding - what it is, who it’s for, and how you can leverage it to become not just respected, but recognised and sought out in your field. In a noisy world crowded with influencers, growth hackers, and short-lived tactics, seasoned professionals often find their hard-won expertise overshadowed. This episode unpacks why being the best isn’t enough - today, you have to be known, trusted, and top of mind. We’ll break down the essential components of authority branding, explore who should invest in it, share hypothetical examples, and highlight the pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a consultant, coach, founder, or seasoned expert ready to step out of obscurity and lead the conversation in your industry, this episode will give you practical tools and ideas to ensure your personal brand truly reflects your expertise. Let’s get into it, because the market doesn’t reward the best; it rewards the best known. —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right newsletter  P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

If AI doesn’t mention you, you don’t exist. 👉 Generative AI is changing the game: from search rankings to synthesised answers, your reputation matters more than ever. This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. __________________ This episode dives straight into the revolution happening in search and reputation - where discovery, validation, and authority-building are being transformed by GenAI. Host Trevor Young - along with expert guests Darryl Sparey and Simon Murphy - take listeners into the trenches of PR, communications, and AI, unpacking how leaders, experts and brands can earn their presence in the generative AI landscape. What’s covered: Why traditional SEO strategies aren’t enough, and what “Generative Engine Optimisation” really means.The rise of GenAI as the go-to for deep questions, synthesised answers, and (personal) brand credibility.Why B2B decision-makers and consumers are moving to GenAI - and what it means for your visibility, reputation, and commercial impact.How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have different rules and partnerships that influence what gets surfaced.The critical role of earned media, owned media, and structured content - plus, why regularly updating your 'About' page is now mission-critical.Actionable advice for leaders, founders, and experts: how to proactively audit, create, and position content that gets recognized and cited by AI.The new “authority stack” – structured web content, consistent entity presence (LinkedIn, Wikipedia, directories), and meaningful earned media mentions in both small and big outlets. Key takeaways: Does your brand really exist if GenAI doesn’t recognise it - proactivity is key!The right kind of content and citations matter more than ever - depth beats breadth.Freshness and consistency trump old-school “set-and-forget” SEO techniques.Smaller, niche players can leverage agility to outpace bigger brands in GenAI-driven discovery. Who should listen? PR pros, marketers, founders, thought leaders, and anyone serious about reputation and authority in the age of AI. Connect with the experts: Darryl Sparey: hardnumbers.co.uk, LinkedInSimon Murphy: LinkedIn, indigomurphy.com Ready to earn your right to be discovered? Tune in and set your strategy for the AI-powered future of reputation! —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand. __________________ DID YOU KNOW MUCH OF YOUR 'MARKETING' IS ACTUALLY PR? Marketing vs PR: Let's continue to 'pull this thread'! This is part 2 of this particular topic - see episode 316 for part 1. As a business owner, if you can get clarity and focus on the things you SHOULD be doing rather than trying to do everything in a mishmash way - you’re going to be way ahead of your competition (not to mention more confident in moving forward!). When it comes to building marketplace visibility and reputation, the winners are those who see the bigger picture, understand the changing landscape, and take action accordingly.  __________________ ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT: EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity. Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity. Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks - From The TrenchesThe Pay-offPocket PR EssentialsIn The Arena — you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

*** Small stages lead to big ones. Narrow niches lead to national news. You don’t start on Broadway - you start 'off Broadway' *** This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications. We're flipping things this week - instead host Trevor Young doing the interviewing, today he's the one being interviewed. This episode is a replay of a conversation Trevor had with Tom Schwab on the The Podcast Interview Marketing Show (you can find the original interview here). Let's get into it! __________________ EPISODE OVERVIEW: Forget fireworks, build momentum! Trevor Young and Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet, unpack Trevor's Rolling Thunder Strategy - a blueprint for growing credibility, authority, and a brand that actually lasts. What you’ll learn: Why one big publicity moment isn’t as powerful as consistent, niche exposureHow to play the long game in branding and earned mediaThe crucial difference between earned authority and manufactured influenceHow AI is changing how people find and trust youSteps to becoming the go-to expert in your industry Notable highlights: Don’t chase tier one media exposure -start with niche podcasts and industry blogsBuild trust with the right people, not just big audiencesAI is now doing your research; credibility online = credibility in its resultsReputation creators vs indie content creators - focus on impact, not vanity metricsConsistent effort creates “Rolling Thunder”: start small, grow big, amplify everything Action steps: Pick your niche and own your voiceCreate one owned media channel (blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube)Secure guest spots or articles in specialised industry spacesKeep a log of your media, amplify it on socials, build your authority wallFocus on credibility before conversions - earning trust is earning future business Subscribe & connect: Get more wisdom: Earn the Right newsletter on Substack (earntheright.co)Follow Trevor Young and Tom Schwab on LinkedInCheck out Tom's podcast - The Podcast Interview Marketing Show

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand. __________________ DID YOU KNOW MUCH OF YOUR 'MARKETING' IS ACTUALLY PR? As we heard in a previous episode (312: POCKET PR ESSENTIALS / Unpacking public relations: Busting myths), PR is largely misunderstood in the business world. But so too is marketing, which is often equated simply to running ads or any activity that promotes a brand. There are a few differences between PR and marketing, with no shortage of crossover between the two. Understanding these differences will give you an edge over those who are perennially confused and thus get caught in the trap of just 'doing stuff' without understanding why. __________________ ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT: EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity. Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity. Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks - From The TrenchesThe Pay-offPocket PR EssentialsIn The Arena — you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority. Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up. __________________ What’s the real difference between your personal brand and your reputation - and why does it matter? In this solo episode, Trevor cuts through the hype to break down why chasing a flashy personal brand without a foundation of reputation is a recipe for disaster. He unpacks: Why some people gain massive online followings but can’t sustain long-term influenceThe crucial distinction between personal brand (the story you tell the world) and reputation (the story others tell about you)How over-investing in branding before building credibility leads to “substance signal inversion”Why reputation is built on evidence, not spin, and why it always outlasts flashy marketing tricksSmart, actionable steps for strengthening your reputation and syncing it with your personal brandThe power of earned authority and how to leverage third-party validation to amplify your messageWhy longevity, trust, and congruence make up the secret sauce for sustainable success Whether you’re in the trenches of entrepreneurship or just starting to think strategically about your own professional presence, this episode delivers hard-won wisdom and practical insight on how to mesh brand and reputation for the long game. Listen now and make sure your personal brand stands on the solid ground of real reputation. —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

*** Why empathy, relevance and long-game thinking beat press releases, spray-and-pray pitching, and transactional PR *** This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications. Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy. __________________ EPISODE OVERVIEW: Getting media coverage isn’t about clever subject lines or perfectly polished press releases. It’s about becoming someone journalists trust. In this episode, Trevor sits down with Hunter Stuart - founder of Big Game PR and former HuffPost journalist - to unpack what really happens inside modern newsrooms, and what it actually takes to move from cold pitch to go-to source. Drawing on experience from both sides of the journalism–PR divide, Hunter shares grounded insights for founders, solo experts and B2B leaders who want to build authority that lasts. In this episode, you’ll learn: What today’s shrinking, time-poor newsrooms mean for founders seeking coverageWhy most pitches fail before they’re even openedHow to bridge the “empathy gap” between experts and journalistsThe power of sharp, well-formed opinions in a sea of bland commentaryWhy relationships outperform mass pitching every timeHow to think in angles and trends, not product announcementsPractical ways to become a trusted, repeat source, even without a PR teamWhere hybrid, niche and industry media create overlooked opportunity Whether you’re building profile from scratch or looking to strengthen your position in top-tier outlets, this conversation will help you think more strategically about how authority with the media is earned over time. Connect with Hunter Stuart: Find him on LinkedIn or at Big Game PR. Tune in now and start earning your spot in the media! —----- Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!