The Rest Is PR

This week on The Rest Is PR, the focus turns to Harry and Meghan, mounting staff changes, and what repeated communications shake-ups say about long-term strategy, or the lack of strategic thinking.In this episode:• The departure of Harry and Meghan’s Chief Communications Officer, Meredith Maines, after less than a year in the role• The subsequent step-down of James Holt, Executive Director of the Archewell Foundation, and what his continued involvement signals• The rebrand from Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies, and the shift from charity to non-profit organisation• A close look at the contrasting statements surrounding both exits — and what their inconsistencies reveal• Why relying on “yes-men” over experienced, challenging advisers continues to undermine their PR strategy• The significance of the timing of these departures and the geographical move at the centre of Holt’s exit• Comparisons with the Beckham model — and what Harry and Meghan could learn from a more disciplined, long-term approach to reputation managementFor more expert PR insight, subscribe and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.0:00 Harry & Meghan PR Crisis3:19 The Collective Move To London5:16 Prince Harry In 20267:12 Why The Change Now?13:03 A Tale Of Two Statements20:47 Should The Sussexes Change Tactic?26:17 Should They Be More Like The Beckhams?31:30 Your Comments------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/Reddit: / u/TheRestIsPRSubstack: / https://substack.com/@therestispr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Rest Is PR, the spotlight turns to Washington, media power, and the risks of believing your own access.In this episode:• Susie Wiles’ high-profile Vanity Fair profile, based on 11 on-the-record interviews with journalist Chris Whipple• Why Wiles branded the piece a 'disingenuously framed hit piece' on Trump and his staff• Whipple’s defence of the reporting and his public praise of Wiles• The PR miscalculation behind expecting favourable coverage from pieces like this one in Vanity Fair• How a close relationship between source and reporter can be both a positive and a negative from a PR perspective• Wiles' comments on the likes of JD Vance, Elon Musk and Pam Bondi• Lessons for political operators on message discipline, media realism, and managing elite accessFor more expert PR insight, subscribe and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.0:00 Susie Wiles & Vanity Fair3:08 Was This A Fair Interview?8:18 Was Wiles’ Response Surprising?11:23 What Would Wiles Have Said To Her Team?15:21 How CEOs Communicate With Journalists 21:19 Internal vs. External Communications22:35 The Vanity Fair ‘Junkyard Dogs’ Photographs30:50 Key Takeaways31:47 Your Comments------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/Reddit: / u/TheRestIsPRSubstack: / https://substack.com/@therestispr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #PublicRelations #PoliticalPR #MediaStrategy #VanityFair #SusieWiles #TrumpAdministration #ReputationManagement #CrisisComms #PRAnalysis #PowerAndPerception #MediaLiteracy #CommunicationsStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle unpack one of the most emotionally charged and complex public feuds currently playing out between political commentator Candace Owens and Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk and newly appointed CEO of Turning Point USA.Owens, once a close friend of Charlie Kirk, continues to question whether the full truth has been told surrounding his assassination. Erika Kirk has responded publicly, urging Owens to stop amplifying what she describes as damaging conspiracy theories. Jacki and Lyle explore how both women represent equally fascinating approaches to communication, consistency, and credibility in moments of crisis.The pair analyse Erika Kirk’s recent statement confirming she would meet Owens privately, with Jacki admitting surprise given how publicly the dispute has unfolded so far. Owens’ rhetoric is also analysed, including her remark referencing 'Meghan Markle syndrome,' with Jacki stressing the importance of interpreting that comment in its proper context.Jacki and Lyle also acknowledge the immense pressure Erika Kirk has faced while navigating grief in the public eye. Jacki reflects on whether stronger PR counsel may have encouraged her to step back sooner - while recognising just how difficult that is when emotions are raw and stakes are high.Since recording, both Candace Owens and Erika Kirk have issued updates following their meeting. A follow-up episode is coming soon — watch this space.For more expert PR insight, analysis, and commentary, subscribe now and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.0:00 Intro0:30 Candace Owens vs. Erika Kirk2:15 The Context Of The Feud6:05 Erika Kirk & Candace Owens’ Private Meeting7:30 Erika Kirk’s Comms Strategy10:31 Owens’ Comments On Kirk14:10 Erika Kirk’s Image17:10 Why Was It Taken Private?20:02 Why Have Turning Point Been So Defensive?22:21 Candace’s Consistency26:00 Erika’s Comms At Charlie’s Memorial32:05 Jacki’s Predictions35:49 Your Comments------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/Reddit: / u/TheRestIsPRSubstack: / https://substack.com/@therestispr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #CandaceOwens #ErikaKirk #TurningPointUSA #CrisisComms #PublicRelations #ReputationManagement #MediaStrategy #PRAnalysis #PoliticalMedia #OnlineFeuds #MessagingMatters #PRInsights #TrendingNow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Key Takeaways: Netflix's 'Diddy' DocuseriesThis week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle turn their attention to Netflix’s Sean Combs: The Reckoning - a chilling documentary that traces how one of the most high profile figures in modern celebrity culture used PR and spin to control the narrative as allegations and crises mounted around him.The series documents Combs’ communications strategy in the lead-up to his court proceedings, where he was ultimately convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, while being acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Jacki and Lyle unpack how the documentary blends previously unseen footage with material Combs had originally arranged himself — only for it to be repurposed in a documentary produced by 50 Cent (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson III).Jacki and Lyle explore how Combs spent decades mastering the art of PR and spin, repeatedly transforming tragedy, controversy, and unproven allegations into moments that strengthened his public profile and career. But they ask the key question: what happens when the narrative control finally slips?The episode closes with a look at what may come next. Jacki suggests that, even now, a reputational recovery strategy could already be underway — raising difficult questions about accountability, influence, and whether PR can ever truly outpace the truth.For more expert PR insights, subscribe now and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.0:00 Sean Combs The Reckoning 2:30 The Sean Combs Footage5:25 What Balance Does The Documentary Strike?9:39 Combs’ Use Of Spin12:23 What Next For Sean Combs?16:41 Contractual Implications Of This Footage 19:26 The Impact Of The Documentary On Ongoing Cases21:42 Why Have People Spoken Up Now?26:40 What Next For Sean Combs?30:49 Your Comments------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/Reddit: / u/TheRestIsPRSubstack: / https://substack.com/@therestispr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #SeanCombs #PDiddy #PuffDaddy #NetflixDocumentary #TheReckoning #CelebrityPR #CrisisComms #ReputationManagement #MediaStrategy #PublicRelations #PRAnalysis #PRInsights #50Cent #EntertainmentNews #TrendingNow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Mo Salah's Bombshell Interview & Liverpool's CrisisThis week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle discuss Mo Salah's bombshell interview and the shockwaves it has sent through the football world. In the explosive interview, the Egyptian icon accused Liverpool of having 'thrown him under the bus' and took aim at manager Arne Slot.Jacki questions Salah's decision to go with both barrels during his interview with Norwegian TV in the mixed zone in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool's dramatic draw with Leeds United, with Lyle agreeing that both the timing and the content of his interview were unusual to say the least.Jacki then analyses the responsibility that comes with Salah’s seniority within the Liverpool squad, suggesting that some teammates may feel blindsided by his comments, and that his words risk undermining the unity projected by the club. She also offers expert insight into how PR teams manage a client who goes rogue, unpacking what Liverpool’s comms department will be doing behind the scenes to steady the narrative and regain control.Lyle asks the big question: can speaking through the media like this ever become a positive if handled correctly? Together, they analyse what this might mean for Salah, Slot, and Liverpool’s brand going forward.For more expert PR insights, subscribe now and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.N.B. We’re continuing to improve the quality of our videos, and we want to thank our incredible community for your patience and support while these upgrades are rolled out!0:00 What's Going On With Mo Salah & Liverpool?3:18 How Do You Deal With A Client Going Rogue?7:44 What’s Going On Behind The Scenes?13:16 Business As Usual At Liverpool?17:08 The Rumour Mill20:13 Representing Your Team23:01 Is The Salah Situation Being Amplified By Liverpool’s Bad Performance?26:25 Can You Get It Right When Using The Media?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/Reddit: / u/TheRestIsPRSubstack: / @therestispr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #MoSalah #LiverpoolFC #ArneSlot #PremierLeague #FootballPR #CrisisComms #SportsPR #MediaStrategy #MixedZone #ReputationManagement #PublicRelations #PRAnalysis #PRInsights #TrendingNow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.