Best Melissa Vela Williamson Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus: Thought Leadership for Agency Growth with Chip Griffin & Melissa Vela-Williamson 30:36

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3M ago30:36

30:36

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Chip Griffin about Melissa's unique journey in public relations and the importance of content creation.By Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA

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Bonus: Most Experts Stay Quiet—She Refused with Hussein Al-Baiaty & Melissa Vela-Williamson 49:47

3M ago49:47

49:47

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and author champion and publishing strategist Hussein Al-Baiaty on the Rising Authors podcast where they discuss how challenging it was for Melissa to "be" the author for her first book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know." And then, what it was like to inspire other Latina leade…

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Irasema Romero and Lorraine Pulido 32:42

3M ago32:42

32:42

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Irasema Romero and Lorraine Pulido. About Irasema: Irasema Romero is a seasoned internal communication advisor and leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience supporting leaders through transformative organizational changes. She currently leads in…

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Rachel Benavidez and Lilly Cortés Wyatt 54:52

4M ago54:52

54:52

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Rachel Benavidez and Lilly Cortés Wyatt. About Rachel: Rachel Benavidez is a former journalist turned public relations and marketing professional who brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as Vice President of Communications and Strategy for VIA…

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Brenda Duran and Anais Biera Miracle 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Brenda Duran and Anais Biera Miracle. About Brenda: Brenda Duran is a seasoned media and communications specialist with over a decade of impactful service in Los Angeles County. Currently the Director of External Affairs for the LA County Justice, Care, and …

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Jill Casey Pintor and Marisol Vindiola 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Jill Casey Pintor and Marisol Vindiola. About Jill: Jill is a PR and communications professional with experience spanning more than two decades across several industries including television, nonprofits, entertainment and finance. She currently works as a fi…

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Jeannette E. Garcia and Paola Vargas-Strassner 37:02

4M ago37:02

37:02

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Jeannette E. Garcia and Paola Vargas-Strassner. About Jeannette: Jeannette is the Director of Communications at a San Antonio systems-change nonprofit organization, UP Partnership. In the past, Jeannette was a reporter with the San Antonio Business Journal. …

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Melissa Monroe and Olga Mayoral Wilson 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Melissa Monroe and Olga Mayoral Wilson. About Melissa: Melissa Monroe, MA, APR has worked as a journalist for over 15 years and transitioned into PR in 2008. She works in the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at Northwest Vista College and stays busy…

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Meet the Authors of "Latinas in PR": Carmen Boon and Amelia Taurel Folkes 39:36

5M ago39:36

39:36

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Carmen Boon and Amelia Taurel Folkes. About Carmen: Carmen Boon, M.A. serves as the Vice President for Public Affairs at Food Bank For New York City, amassing decades of experience in crafting strategic communication strategies and spearheading social impact…

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The Story Behind "Latinas in PR" 14:17

5M ago14:17

14:17

Season premiere! For the first episode of season nine, Melissa reads the introduction from her new anthology, "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture." Topics covered: - What inspired Melissa to go on this new book journey - The introduction of "Latinas in Public Relations” Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in P…

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Avoiding Performative Acknowledgements with Charlene Ostbloom and Angela Gonzalez 35:08

10M ago35:08

35:08

This season, we've learned that cultural strategy is essential, but approaches can feel hollow and performative without collaboration and authentic engagement with the cultures being recognized. In this season finale, Melissa speaks with Charlene Ostbloom, the founder of Bloom Communications and Angela Gonzalez, the communications manager for Chuga…

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Implementing Cultural Strategy with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR 43:57

10M ago43:57

43:57

Creating a cultural strategy is not enough. Effectively implementing your strategy is the first step to enacting real change. Listen as Melissa talks with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR of The Change Agencies about activating cultural strategy in today's society. About Ben: Ben Finzel is president of RENEWPR, a Washington, DC-based publi…

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Inclusive Insights with Jessica Broome, Ph.D. 34:40

10M ago34:40

34:40

Sometimes the audiences that are the easiest to reach are not the ones that you need to hear from. In today's episode, Melissa sits with Jessica Broome Ph.D., the founder of Southpaw Insights about what inclusive insights are and how they can benefit every communicator. About Jessica: Dr. Jessica Broome is a survey methodologist and insights profes…

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Communicating with International Audiences with Daniel Marin 37:01

11M ago37:01

37:01

Soccer brings together people of all cultures around the world. With a large audience that comes from so many backgrounds, how do you best communicate with each? Tune in to an engaging conversation with the Executive Director of Public Relations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Daniel "Danny" Marin about how to communicate with an international IQ. Abo…

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Staying WOKE as a Communications Professional with Gabriel Reyes 50:54

11M ago50:54

50:54

Culturally relevant communication is powerful, especially when it's created with knowledge, empathy, and solidarity. In this episode, Melissa talks to Gabriel Reyes, the president and founder of Reyes Entertainment about his new book and efforts to inform and educate the industry pros about the need for cultural competence. About Gabriel: Gabriel R…

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The Pressures Latinas Face and Leveraging Research with Sahana Mukherjee 30:28

11M ago30:28

30:28

Join us this season as we focus on Cultural Strategy! Melissa kicks off Season 8 with Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity Research at Pew Research Center, Sahana Mukherjee. Listen as they discuss the important role research plays when crafting cultural strategy. About Sahana: Sahana Mukherjee is Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity researc…

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Producing Your Own Talk Show with Ernie Zuniga 39:22

1y ago39:22

39:22

Season finale! Celebrate the end of Season 7 with an insightful discussion between host Melissa Vela-Williamson and Ernie Zuniga the host of "Pickup Lines". Ernie shares about taking the leap from being a TV morning news anchor on traditional media, to developing a self-produced show with a unique format. About Ernie: For almost 18 years, Ernie Zun…

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Creating Content for Niche Audiences with April Monterrosa 27:07

1y ago27:07

27:07

When you see a lack of representation in media, sometimes the best way to address it is to create the type of publication you're craving. In today's episode, Melissa sits down with April Monterrosa, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, to talk about creating content for a niche audience and an insider's look into b…

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B2B Communications and Events with Erika Bradbury 36:03

1+ y ago36:03

36:03

You don't have to be a subject matter expert to help create an engaging event for professionals in a certain sector. You just have to be an expert at creating events. In this episode, Melissa talks with Erika Bradbury, an editorial and event content strategist about creating successful events and communications for business-to-business (B2B) audien…

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Trade Journalism with John Elsasser 43:19

1+ y ago43:19

43:19

No matter what field you're in, there's probably a publication that is created for professionals like you and covers stories that are relevant to your area of work. This is called trade journalism. In today's episode, Melissa is joined by John Elsasser, the editor-in-chief of PRSA's Strategies & Tactics for a discussion about the evolution and impo…

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The Magic of Authorship with Jacqueline Ruiz 38:30

1+ y ago38:30

38:30

As PR pros, we excel at helping clients tell their stories, but when it comes to telling our own, we sometimes find it difficult to "land that plane". Melissa talks to Jacqueline Ruiz, a social entrepreneur (and a real-life pilot) about how the magic of hybrid publishing can help you tell your story. Thought about becoming an author? Listen in! Abo…

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Opinion Journalism with Ruben Navarrette 46:28

1+ y ago46:28

46:28

Join us this season as we focus on The Future of Mass Communication! Melissa kicks off this season with nationally syndicated columnist, Ruben Navarrette. Listen as they discuss the importance of thought leadership in comms, the role of opinion editorials (op-eds), and how to navigate controversial issues as communicators. About Ruben: Ruben Navarr…

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Tickets on Sale Now: Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World 4:02

1+ y ago4:02

4:02

Learn Copyright Law do's and don'ts of AI from public relations author Melissa Vela-Williamson and media law attorney Alicia Calzada on January 18. Tickets are on sale now! Resources mentioned: - Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear…

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Bonus: Creating a Conscious Public Relations Strategy with Shannon Weinstein & Melissa Vela-Williamson 49:54

2y ago49:54

49:54

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Shannon Weinstein on the Keep What You Earn! podcast where they discuss creating a conscious public relations strategy. Thanks to Shannon for having Melissa on her show to talk about PR and money matters. Resources mentioned: - Keep What You Earn! - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Shou…

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39. Taking Leaps in Your Career with Jennifer R. Hudson, APR 40:38

2y ago40:38

40:38

Making the leap from a steady corporate job to the chaos of owning your own business is not easy. In today's episode, Melissa talks to Jennifer R. Hudson, APR about her path to owning her own firm. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a strategic communications advocate, trainer, mentor, consultant and speaker. Her superpowers are helping PR leaders step bo…

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38. Crisis Communications and TikTok Engagement with Molly McPherson 26:52

2y ago26:52

26:52

Social media is a powerful tool every PR professional needs to know how to use. But what happens when that power gets out of your control and creates a crisis? Today, Melissa discusses the importance of understanding crisis communication in every part of your career evolution with crisis comms and TikTok strategist Molly McPherson. About Molly: Pub…

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37. Uplifting Your Community with Bernice Chao 38:11

2y ago38:11

38:11

How do you make a difference when you see a lack of support for your community? In today's episode, Melissa talks to Bernice Chao, an award-winning creative whose career evolution led her to creating Asians in Advertising and writing a book about visibility. About Bernice: Bernice Chao is an award-winning creative who's worked on campaigns for nota…

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36. Coaching and Consulting with Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP 43:51

2y ago43:51

43:51

It takes a village to build a career you can be proud of. In this episode, Melissa talks to former PR agency pro turned coach Ken Jacobs about the importance of great coaching and consulting in your career evolution. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! About Ken: Ken Jacobs is one of the few cert…

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35. The Path to Entrepreneurship with Julie Livingston 42:26

2y ago42:26

42:26

When you start your career, you never know where life will take you. Today's guest, Julie Livingston, embraced the unknown by letting curiosity guide her throughout her career. Listen as she talks with Melissa about her path and how it ultimately led to starting her own firm. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season …

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34. Evolving Your Career 19:00

2y ago19:00

19:00

Listen as Melissa kicks off Season Six by asking questions to get you thinking about you how to evolve your career. Join us this season as Melissa talks with experts in various disciplines about their career evolution stories. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! Topics covered: - Career evolution…

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Bonus: Inclusive Communication Musts with Gini Dietrich & Melissa Vela-Williamson 52:48

2+ y ago52:48

52:48

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Gini Dietrich of Spin Sucks about effectively communicating across diverse audiences. Topics covered: - Being conscious of how you communicate - DEI communication musts - Tactics to include in your communications programs - Integrating intersectionality - Habits for more inclusive communication - Q&A A…

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Audiobook Now Available! 0:42

2+ y ago0:42

0:42

Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know Audiobook is now available! Actions to take: - Download your copy of the Smart Talk audiobook on Amazon, Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk Audiobook on Amazon - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - …

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33. From Journalism to Public Relations with Melissa Monroe-Young, APR 28:43

2+ y ago28:43

28:43

Season finale! Listen in as Melissa wraps up season five by passing the mic to Melissa Monroe-Young, APR to speak on transitioning careers from journalism to public relations. About Melissa: Melissa has worked as a journalist for over 15 years and transitioned into PR in 2008. She works in the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at Northwest …

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32. Relationships and Being a True Client Counselor with Moon Kim 33:45

2+ y ago33:45

33:45

In public relations, relationships are everything. This week, Melissa passes the mic to communications executive, Moon Kim, for advice on creating authentic connections through networking and becoming a true client counselor. Tune in for great tips on building strong relationships in your field. About Moon: Moon Kim is a seasoned communications exe…

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31. Becoming a News Source with Vincent T. Davis 23:07

2+ y ago23:07

23:07

As a PR pro, some of the most important relationships you will form are with the media. In this episode, Melissa passes the mic to Vincent T. Davis, a reporter and columist at the San Antonio Express-News, for advice on cultivating beneficial and meaningful relationships with the media. About Vince: Vincent T. Davis is a general assignments reporte…

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30. Prioritizing Your Health as a PR Pro with Mark Mohammadpour 42:06

2+ y ago42:06

42:06

Public relations pros have a lot to worry about in their day-to-day. This means that most of the time, personal well-being falls to the bottom of the list. This week, Melissa passes the mic to Mark Mohammadpour to teach us how to healthfully manage the demands of a career in PR. About Mark: Mark Mohammadpour is the owner and Chief Well-being Office…

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29. Why Mentoring Matters with Anais Biera Miracle 30:21

2+ y ago30:21

30:21

This week, Melissa passes the mic to Anais Biera Miracle, the Chief Communications Officer for Southwest Key Programs to give us a masterclass in mentorship, emotional intelligence, and adaptive leadership. About Anais: Anais Biera Miracle is the Chief Communications Officer for Southwest Key Programs, one of the largest, Latino-led nonprofit organ…

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28. Represent and Pass the Mic 17:01

2+ y ago17:01

17:01

Join Melissa as she kicks off Season Five by discussing the importance of representation and cultural competency. This season, we're passing the mic by interviewing industry specialists who shared their expertise in Melissa's new book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know". Topics covered: - The importance of representation…

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27. Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know 18:16

3y ago18:16

18:16

Season finale! For the last episode of season four, Melissa reads the introduction from her book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know." Topics covered: - Recap of the season - Melissa's journey to becoming an author - The introduction of "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know” Actions to take: - Get …

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26. Cause Marketing with Sherí Barros 41:07

3y ago41:07

41:07

Marketing takes on a lot of definitions, but at its core, it's all about promoting something positive. In this week's episode, Melissa talks to Sherí Barros, Vice President of Global Sports Brand Alliances for the American Cancer Society, about her trailblazing career in cause marketing. About Sherí: Sherí Barros is an award-winning brand executive…

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25. Valuegraphics with David Allison 42:58

3y ago42:58

42:58

The operating system for being human is a lot simpler than you'd imagine. We are all driven by our values. But what are these values? And how do we use this information to better understand each other? This week, Melissa talks to David Allison, the trailblazing founder of the Valuegraphics Project. About David: David Allison is the Global Values Le…

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24. Creating An Inclusive Communications Agency with Audrey Ponzio 36:27

3y ago36:27

36:27

What do you consider the "general market"? As a country, our marketing needs are as complex as our identities. This week, Melissa talks to the CEO and founder of APC Collective, Audrey Ponzio, about her communications agency's groundbreaking work in mindful marketing. About Audrey: Audrey Ponzio is the CEO & Founder of APC Collective where she and …

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23. Health Equity and Public Relations with Thomas Bennett 36:08

3y ago36:08

36:08

What is public relations' role in achieving health equity? Listen as Melissa discusses diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry with Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard and health equity trailblazer, Thomas Bennett. About Thomas: Thomas is an MBA-educated, military veteran with over 20 years of combined experience in Public Relation…

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22. The Evolution of Public Relations with Robert Dilenschneider 23:52

3y ago23:52

23:52

Even in an evolving field like public relations, sticking to the fundamentals is a strategy you can always bet on. This week, Melissa talks to Robert Dilenschneider, the founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group about his trailblazing journey through the changing world of public relations. About Robert: Robert Dilenschneider is the founder and CE…

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21. The Power of Hispanic Marketing with Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia 26:28

3y ago26:28

26:28

When you leverage your heritage in your marketing strategy, you create new opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections with your consumers. Melissa sits down with Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia, Founder and CEO of MarketVision to talk about her groundbreaking career in Hispanic marketing. About Yvonne: Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia founded MarketVision in 1…

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20. The PESO Model with Gini Dietrich 33:31

3y ago33:31

33:31

Paving a new path can be difficult, especially when people are resistant to change. This week Melissa talks to Gini Dietrich, the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, to discuss how she pioneered a new way to look at communication integration with the PESO Model™. About Gini: Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of t…

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19. Communication Trailblazers 16:49

3y ago16:49

16:49

Taking on an uncharted path alone can be as challenging as it is rewarding. This season, we're focusing on Communication Trailblazers who followed their calling into unexplored territory and left a trail for those behind them to follow. Join Melissa as she kicks off season four by discussing her evolution from a solo pioneer to a professional trail…

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18. Podcasting with Jennifer Navarrete 32:26

3+ y ago32:26

32:26

Season finale! For the last episode of season three, Melissa is joined by a surprise guest: STS Producer Jennifer Navarrete! About Jennifer: Jennifer Navarrete has been podcasting since 2005, believes everyone has a story to share, and that podcasting is the perfect platform to share it! Whether she’s founding an annual podcasting movement like Nat…

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17. Multicultural Marketing and PR with Stephen Macias 26:51

3+ y ago26:51

26:51

Don't be performative, strive to be transformative. This week, Stephen Macias, President of MulitCultural Comms & PR at Rogers & Cowan PMK, joins Melissa to discuss the necessity and impact of multicultural communications. About Stephen: For almost 20 years, Stephen Macias created communication and public relations strategies that connect brands to…

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16. Public Speaking with Pastor Jonathan Mussett 37:48

3+ y ago37:48

37:48

No matter what career field you work in, being a strong public speaker is an asset. This week, Melissa talks to Pastor Jonathan Mussett about how to be an impactful public speaker and specializing in faith communication. About Pastor Jonathan: Jonathan Mussett is the Assistant Lead Pastor at Westover Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has a PhD…