In this episode, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Doug Downs, the host of ‘Stories and Strategies’ podcast.

They discuss the significance of podcasting in PR and marketing, highlighting how podcasts can build brand trust and engage audiences more deeply than traditional social media posts.

Doug shares insights into his journey with ‘Stories and Strategies,’ a leading PR-focused podcast, and the launch of his podcast production agency. They also address common pitfalls that cause many podcasts to fail early, the importance of niching down content, and the effort required to produce and maintain a successful podcast.

Additionally, Doug emphasizes the need for more diversity in podcasting, particularly the inclusion of more women and marginalized voices as guests and hosts.

As the conversation progresses, they explore effective strategies for pitching guests to podcasts and how to differentiate oneself in a crowded media landscape.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for brands considering starting their own podcasts and for individuals looking to become notable podcast guests.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:49 Introducing Doug Downs and His Podcast

03:22 The Importance of Podcasts in PR and Marketing

09:33 Challenges and Realities of Podcasting

16:13 Building and Engaging Your Podcast Audience

29:42 The Future of Podcasting and AI

31:38 The Gender Dynamics in Podcasting

32:15 Promoting Diversity in Podcasting

33:05 Challenges in PR and Podcasting

34:28 Effective Pitching Strategies

38:21 Building Relationships Through Podcasting

48:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Podcasts

54:29 Concluding Thoughts

Show notes:

Website: https://storiesandstrategies.ca/

Podcast: https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/ (now co-hosted with Farzana Baduel) – #1 PR podcast in the World per Rephonic and Goodpods

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesandstrategiespodcast

YouTube video specific to how to pitch a podcast: https://youtu.be/IMdN6GROLDI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesandstrategiespodcasts/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.