logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
21m 6s

Houston, Gayle King and Crew Have a Prob...

www.mollymcpherson.com
About this episode

A rocket full of high-profile women launched into space, but the real spectacle might’ve been the PR machine that sent it there. From Katy Perry floating with a daisy to Oprah crying on the ground, every moment of Blue Origin’s all-women flight felt like it was choreographed to go viral. It looked empowering on the surface, but the optics raised a bigger question: when the narrative feels off, who gets to push back—and how?

This episode is a smart, strategic walkthrough of how to correct the record without igniting a firestorm. Using a therapist-backed framework from relationship expert Dr. Abby Medcalf, this breakdown lays out the emotional and tactical roadmap to tell someone they’re wrong in a way they’ll actually hear. Because calling out the spin doesn’t have to burn everything down—if you know how to land the message.

What You'll Learn:

  • The three-step framework for correcting someone without causing a blow-up
  • Why even seasoned communicators get stuck defending bad stories
  • How to separate honest feedback from ego-driven pushback

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.


Follow & Connect with Molly:

© 2025 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Up next
Aug 20
How Taylor Swift Turned New Heights Into a Smart PR Play
Taylor Swift didn’t just pop onto her boyfriend’s New Heights podcast for fun. She executed a masterclass in brand strategy. With over 16 million views and endless headlines, her first-ever appearance alongside Travis and Jason Kelce wasn’t casual. It was calculated.In this episo ... Show More
27m 5s
Aug 13
South Park's Savage Trump Administration Takedown
This week’s PR Breakdown isn’t about a corporate crisis or a press release gone wrong. It’s about satire — and the way it forces a reaction.In the latest season of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker have turned their aim on the Trump administration, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, ... Show More
14m 15s
Aug 6
The Strategic Timing of Justin Timberlake's Lyme Disease Revelation
Justin Timberlake ended his tour and dropped a bombshell on Instagram—he’s been battling Lyme disease. The post was emotional, reflective, and full of gratitude. But was it also a PR move?In this episode of The PR Breakdown, examining the timing, language, and strategy behind Tim ... Show More
15m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
On our season finale, when a young listener has a question on behalf of her fifth grade class, we call up an old friend/chimp butt expert to help her out. And Saturday Night Live's James Austin Johnson walks us through his hilarious Donald Trump impression to tend to a listener's ... Show More
27m 24s
Mar 2025
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
Plus, how to win the lottery.On Today’s Episode:Trump Whipsaws on Tariffs, Giving Mexico and Canada Reprieve, by Ana Swanson and Alan RappeportTrump’s Policies Have Shaken a Once-Solid Economic Outlook, by Ben Casselman and Colby SmithHow Trump’s ‘51st State’ Canada Talk Came to ... Show More
8m 8s
Jun 5
Land Big Media - No PR Team Required with Susie Moore
The New Visibility Strategy That Doesn’t Require Hustling, Performing, Or Pretending Let’s be honest—social media can feel like a never-ending hamster wheel, and trying to “beat the algorithm” is exhausting. That’s why I wanted to have a real conversation about an entirely differ ... Show More
50m 1s
Feb 2025
Molly Kearney is Dropping Knowledge
Welcome back! This week’s guest is the hilarious Molly Kearney! Molly and Caleb talk SNL, starting comedy on an island in the middle of a lake, fashion, mom’s, and so much more!  We are going on TOUR! Come see So True LIVE in a city near you! Dates/Tickets can be found here: http ... Show More
54m 22s
Jul 24
How 85 South Built a Comedy Empire with No Script & No Filter ft. Karlous Miller & Chico Bean
Get ready for a wild ride as Earn Your Leisure links up with the comedy legends behind the 85 South Show — DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean. In this episode, we dive into how they built a cultural movement rooted in authenticity, improvisation, and ownership. From cre ... Show More
1h 42m
Dec 2024
The PR Pitch Process: The Client Perspective. Tui’s Amy Dowling on the PRmoment Podcast
Today on the PRmoment Podcast we’re talking to Amy Dowling, head of markets communications at Tui about the PR pitch process from a client’s point of view.We’ll cover the issue of client ghosting and discuss why it happens. Amy will also share her 11 step process of how to run a ... Show More
35m 51s
May 30
282: ARE YOU KIDDING?! Karen Read: The Defense Came Out Swinging!
This week in the Karen Read trial, the defense came out swinging. It was a full-on battle of the experts as both sides clashed over science, strategy, and credibility. But the real showstopper? The blue paint experiment heard round the world. From dramatic cross-examinations to e ... Show More
40m 25s
Jun 2024
Jon Ronson on Conspiracies, Culture Wars and How Things Fell Apart, Part One
The is the first instalment of a two-part discussion. For this episode, Jon Ronson – the journalist, author, and filmmaker – dives into the world of conspiracies and the culture wars. They’re themes that form the bedrock of his hugely successful podcast and BBC Radio 4 series, Th ... Show More
45m 13s
Jan 2025
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
On our season finale, when a young listener has a question on behalf of her fifth grade class, we call up an old friend/chimp butt expert to help her out. And Saturday Night Live's James Austin Johnson walks us through his hilarious Donald Trump impression to tend to a listener's ... Show More
28m 16s
Aug 4
What's New at Knownwell: A Knownwell Product Update
Why do firms silently bleed customers, and how can AI help stop it? In this revealing episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao lift the curtain on the biggest Knownwell platform update yet. They ... Show More
30m 2s