Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™: Recent Episodes
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When you “move the stairs” you take the steps other people might not, to build customer loyalty, nurture great relationships with the media, and build a resilient brand. Join us each week as we help you build your business with Brand Protection PR™!
“Do you think anyone will help me?”
A young man waiting for a kidney asked Brian Tiell, the Executive Director of "Next Step Next One," that question after losing his job while undergoing dialysis. Brian couldn’t shake it. The moment helped sharpen the mission behind Next Step Next One and the Kidney Convo, where stories of purpose, fear, hope, and human connection help people see living kidney donation differently.
Through the lens of Brand Protection PR, Brian and kidney recipient Rachelle Bryant explain how storytelling through candid conversation can correct misconceptions, build trust, and make difficult subjects easier to discuss. They also share the emotional realities people rarely see, from the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant to the healing that can begin when someone finally has space to tell their story.
Listen to the latest Move the Stairs episode to hear how education and vulnerability can help people feel seen, inspired, and less alone. If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to Move the Stairs and share the episode with someone who should hear it.
You can plan the tournament, prepare the stadiums, and build the campaign, but you cannot manufacture an entire crowd, international visitors included, singing “Country Roads,” the same group discovering biscuits and gravy, or a volunteer’s excitement turning him into a viral symbol of American hospitality.
In this episode of the Move the Stairs Podcast, the M&C team looks at the 2026 World Cup through the lens of Brand Protection PR and what happens when careful preparation leaves room for spontaneity. The host cities and invested brands that made the most of the moment were paying attention to what fans were already sharing and found smart ways to build on that energy without losing what made it feel genuine.
Listen to the latest Move the Stairs episode for a conversation about how unscripted moments can strengthen reputation, deepen trust, and create more impact than the most pre-planned, polished campaign. And if you like what you’re hearing, subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.
A concert kiss cam clip, a few seconds of shocking footage, and suddenly, a company’s leadership, employee trust, and public credibility are all on the line. In this Move the Stairs episode, we break down the “Astronomer” viral moment through the lens of Brand Protection PR; what to do first, why silence invites the internet to fill in the blanks, and how to communicate clearly when the crisis is personal but the fallout is corporate. We also dig into the crisis planning that most companies forget, employee-first communication, succession planning, and getting a credible statement out fast enough to stop rumor-driven narratives from taking over.
Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode!
Journalists are walking, talking "skill sets", even if they’ve never been told that out loud. In this unique episode of the Move the Stairs Podcast, we talk candidly about our team's experience transitioning from news to PR, and what worked when moving on from the newsroom. By listening to this podcast, you'll learn how to: - Lead with your skills (not a job title) - Use 15-minute networking interviews to expand your network - Prioritize warm introductions over “spray and pray” applications. And if you’re stuck on "how do my skills map to this role," we share a simple AI-driven exercise to pressure-test your fit against any job description, identifying gaps before you ever walk into an interview.
Six in ten business owners say they’re confident they’d handle a crisis well. Yet more than 70% admit they don’t even have a plan. It’s an unlikely mix, confidence without a playbook, and it can turn into a real problem the moment something goes sideways.
In this Move the Stairs livestream, the M&C team breaks down why that confidence can evaporate overnight, especially when one frontline moment becomes a viral story. They unpack the real-life Senica rooftop bar incident in San Diego, where a tipping confrontation sparked a Reddit firestorm, triggered review bombing, and spiraled, all without any visible response from the brand.
Listen in and walk away with a practical approach for forecasting common crisis scenarios, responding fast without pouring gasoline on the situation, and building the kind of trust that protects your reputation when the internet turns up the volume.
When hurricane-force winds threaten a planned power shutoff, you have a narrow window to act before the powers that be flip the switch, and your message gets blown away. In this Move the Stairs episode, Erica Ferris (Director of Marketing, Monarch Casino Resort Spa) breaks down how Monarch Casino prepared for a 36-hour outage in Black Hawk with a clear, fast-moving plan highlighted by early, intentional communication (being specific about what’s open and closed at the resort), prioritizing guest and team safety, and supporting the wider community despite not knowing if the power would be turned off. And because Monarch moved quickly, addressing guests, Team Members, and the community through multiple media channels, the result wasn’t just “good crisis comms.” It was a clear proof point of a resilient company and of trust-building in real time, when it mattered most.
When Aki Smith heard her father’s oncologist say, “We’re in uncharted waters,” she refused to drift without direction. That moment inspired her to create her own chart, building Hope for Stomach Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding patients and families from diagnosis through care and beyond. In this episode of Move the Stairs, Aki reveals how a life-changing second opinion and a “clinically cured” outcome fueled her passion for advocacy, and how strategic PR turned that mission into measurable awareness. Learn how she transforms personal urgency into public action, proving that storytelling and persistence can have a meaningful impact on the lives of people impacted by this awful disease.
What do Colorado roots, West African honey, and the Denver Broncos have in common? Omar Lababidi.
In this Move the Stairs episode, the founder and CEO of Goldswarm Honey shares how one spoonful of honey on a trip in Nigeria sparked a mission to bring it to the world. He unpacks the sustainable, farmer-first model behind Goldswarm Honey, which trains smallholder beekeepers, while protecting forests and building credibility through strategic partnerships. That mission has come full circle in Colorado, where Goldswarm Honey is now featured in Breckenridge Distillery’s Denver Broncos Limited Edition Honey Whiskey. For Omar, it’s more than a product win; it’s a meaningful homecoming that connects his Colorado roots to the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Listen in as he explains how he’s using this momentum to deepen the cultural and economic bridge between Nigeria and the U.S. with raw authenticity.
In this captivating episode of Move the Stairs, take notes as Deanna Campos-Miller, Director of the Campos Foundation, recounts a standout moment when a student-built robot unexpectedly went rogue during a live TV segment. Watch as she masterfully turns this potential mishap into a teachable moment, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of STEM education – A true "Move the Stairs" moment. You'll also hear how Deanna's journey of overcoming the challenges of growing up in an underserved part of town with a single mom led her to champion STEM initiatives for underrepresented and female students. This episode not only highlights her personal resilience and authenticity that shines bright with the mission of the Campos Foundation but also serves as a masterclass in navigating live media surprises with grace and strategic preparation through Insider Media Relations.
In this episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, we speak with Lindsey Larson, founder of Pictours Paris Photography, who turned a dream of living in the City of Lights into a thriving business. From navigating international bureaucracy red tape to capturing perfect moments for clients, Lindsey shares her journey of determination and resilience. Discover how she leverages word-of-mouth PR, intentional social media strategies, and brand loyalty to build her business while balancing family life. Plus, hear her inspiring “Move the Stairs” moment that turned COVID challenges into creative opportunities.
In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Sidener, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Arapahoe Libraries District (ALD), to explore the dynamic role of today’s libraries. Jessica reveals how her team tackles complex cultural, political, and socioeconomic challenges while expanding services to enrich their community. Discover the innovative ways a “library of things” goes beyond books, offering invaluable resources and support to patrons in need. Lastly, Jessica reveals a collective "Move the Stairs" moment, where ALD turned a significant issue into an opportunity that better serves its patrons.
The attack on the CBD and hemp industry is forcing a strong response from national advocacy organizations, such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and impacted grower, Stoney Branch Farms. You'd think their tactics would vary widely, but when we welcomed Kerry Hinkle from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and Justin Ward from Stoney Branch Farms, the basis of their tactical outreach wasn't too dissimilar. Watch as they discuss how elements of their outreach, like growing consumer/advocate loyalty, building media relationships, and tackling systematic problems in the industry, embodies pillars of Brand Protection PR™.
Six years ago, World Lung Cancer Day (WLCD) was an afterthought, with no more impact than Lost Sock Remembrance Day. Yeah, we had never heard of it either. That is until Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) tapped into its network of lung cancer patient advocates to turn WLCD from an unknown to a day that celebrates hope thanks to advancements in research, all while destigmatizing the disease. Our guest today, Jim Baranski, Executive Director for LCFA, often says, "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves to have lung cancer." Listen to today's Move the Stairs podcast, where we talk through the stages of Brand Protection PR™ through the lens of WLCD until we arrive at what people who are truly living with lung cancer do deserve: hope.
Blue Delta Jeans COO and co-founder Nick Weaver joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast to share the remarkable journey of turning a concept into a highly successful luxury jean brand. Alongside his business partner Josh, Nick recounts their cash-strapped early days, their relentless drive to succeed, and how they’ve crafted a product that attracts clients ranging from professional athletes to A-list celebrities. In this episode, Nick delves into the enduring power of “word of mouth” and top-notch communication with stakeholders, revealing how these tactics, in addition to a "one-size fits one" mentality, have fueled rapid growth and widespread endorsements in the digital age.
Recall several months ago the log jam of aid waiting to get into Gaza? Among that aid were 35 pallets of C.U.R.E kits, each containing up to $2,000 worth of medical aid, including wound dressings, sutures, sterile gloves, hemostats, and other critical care items. Through intense logistical operations, Project C.U.R.E. was able to "Move the Stiars" and get its medical aid into the war-torn region. Director of Kits, Meghan McCann, joins us on this new episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to reflect on this triumph and paint a larger picture of the scale and logistical challenges this organization conquers daily to provide needed medical supplies to 135 counties worldwide.
We sit down live with Daniel Paul, Vice President of Marketing at NOBO, a leader in cannabis operations. Listening to this episode, you'll learn consumer loyalty strategies that have fueled expansion possibilities to new markets, invaluable insights into blossoming a robust media relations campaign, which supports brand awareness, and methods to shape a company that not only survives but thrives through innovation and strategic media relationships.
What if there was a way to use precision technology to optimize the benefits of medicine or vitamins? Our latest Move the Stairs Podcast guest, James Matuszewski, joined us to discuss nootropics and his precision medicine delivery method. Nootropics are considered any substance that has a positive impact on mental skills. Operating a business using technology that's unique but also relatively unknown to many, James explains why it's so important to meet the expectations of his consumers while balancing a tightrope of educating them about how the product works.
How do you get your story picked up by local news stations all over the nation? Join us as Scripps News National's segment producer, Maya Saenz, reveals tactics that can help you earn placements you wouldn't know about unless you worked in media! These behind-the-scenes insights can help you develop everything from industry etiquette with reporters to an irresistible story offering that resonates with their viewers and your stakeholders. The latest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast is your gateway to turning media relations into a powerful ally for your brand.
The 2020s have introduced us to many buzzwords and phrases like sustainability, organic, eco-friendly, and more, as brands try to connect with a more environmentally conscious consumer. However, when you peek behind the curtain, sometimes all is not what it seems. That's why we were so excited to speak with Stefanie Reiser, Founder and CEO of Acknowledge Farms, an organic, regenerative farm in Maryland's Pleasant Valley. Stefanie explains how her inspiration and acknowledgment of those who tended the very same land centuries before her have evolved into an ethos for her farm. This ideology she now uses as a building block for the successful branding and culture of her products and employees, effectively helping her stand out!
When you pivot from finance to cannabis, it's easy to say you're not in it for the money. After all, the "Green Rush" is more than 10 years behind us. That didn't stop David Miller, Co-owner of Flow Gardens, from opening his hemp company at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He knows the state of cannabis is hard! From enduring market oversaturation, lack of regulation, and misinformation, his products and customer service must be top-notch! Learn how David embraces the Move the Stairs mentality by actively involving his loyal customers, embracing media inquiries, and using a strong foundation of employee training to maintain the resiliency of his company.
CBD/Hemp events are experiencing a resurgence, reclaiming their spotlight following the challenges of the pandemic. In this episode of Move The Stairs, we talk with Morris Beegle from Colorado Hemp Company. Join us as we uncover the strategies to select the perfect events for your business and, more crucially, how to captivate the attention of customers, businesses, and the media alike. Beegle, a seasoned expert in the CBD and hemp realm, takes center stage to share his insights on what to consider for event selection and the value of the timeless approach of face-to-face relationship building, reminding us that amidst the digital age, genuine human interaction remains an unparalleled tool for building a resilient brand.
Coverage in the press is a great tactic to supercharge your thought leadership while getting noticed by new consumers. Both of which are positive for your cannabis brand. Veteran journalist Omar Sacirbey of MJBizDaily joins us on today's episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to discuss how he chooses which business leaders to interview, large and small, for features, how these features move the needle for brands, and what company leaders should be doing now so that Omar calls them for story comment or profiles over the next 3-6 months.
Delta-9 can be a scary term for CBD companies. Not Chris Fontes and his brand, Trojan Horse. In the early days of CBD legalization, his competitors zigged when it came to using the compound in marketing while he zagged. This created a niche but also a challenge to convince consumers and distributors that his operation was legal. As a long-time cannabis pioneer, Chris realized early how powerful it is for both sides of the cannabis plant to advocate for the same principles; education, regulation, and legalization. This rings true today, despite a rift between the two industries. Hear his thoughts on how the cannabis industry, marijuana, and hemp companies, need to come together again, to move the industry forward, build great businesses and provide the excellent, safe experience customers need and deserve.
When you operate in an industry where far more can go wrong than goes right, the financial side of business management is seldom a cakewalk. That's why we invited cannabis expert and reporter for Green Market Report, Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier to join us on the Move the Stairs podcast to discuss the economic status of the industry on the precipice of the Farm Bill and how principles of Brand Protection PR™ can help cannabis companies across all sectors in spite of current challenges.
Meet Ashley Jenkins, the latest guest on our Move the Stairs podcast. Years ago, as a college student, she faced the threat of 20+ years in prison for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Today, she is the successful owner of MT Growers in Denver and the first Black woman to obtain a cannabis manufacturing license through Denver's Social Equity Program. Ashley's inspiring journey from potential incarceration to entrepreneur embodies the perseverance of a true pioneer in the cannabis industry. Listen in to hear her story and discover how being true to herself, while unknowingly embracing Brand Protection PR™ principles, has fostered strong media relations, brand resilience, and customer loyalty.
How far would you go to push the traditional boundaries of what's considered standard and accepted in your industry? Our latest Move the Stairs podcast guest Dr. Bridget, MD was faced with this very question when she decided to embark on a journey to shift the paradigm of cannabis use in medicine, before it was mainstream. Listen to Dr. Bridget, author of "Courage in Cannabis" tell her story and the stories of her patients through the lens of Brand Protection PR™.
CBD and hemp companies face a significant amount of threats. Operating in an industry that's governed by compliance but little regulation, makes every business decision critical. It also opens up the doors to bad actors who have no remorse, trading damage to your company's reputation to pad their bank account. That's why we welcomed Gayla Huber of IntegriShield to the Move the Stairs™ podcast. Her company and services align with our philosophy of Brand Protection PR™ where early preparation is key to enduring any threat to your brand. Listen as Gayla shares expert insight into the sometimes unknown online threats and how you can proactively combat those threats with strategic social media messaging and developing relationships with the press.
Move the Stairs latest podcast latest guest, Joe Linne is no stranger to the hemp industry. With his business ventures extending beyond one small business, Joe must wear multiple hats in order to keep the day-to-day operations of his ventures running smoothly. On our newest episode, Joe discusses how he's used some elements of Brand Protection PR™ in the past and how he's incorporating new elements following M&C's NoCo Listening Room.
Fresh off of NoCo 9, you might be empowered to do some media outreach inspired by all of the incredible happenings at your hemp or CBD business. Consider dropping a line to our latest guest, Lydia Kariuki. She writes for a number of different audiences across the publications she contributes to. So, chances are no matter what vertical you work in, she's interested in what you're doing. Listen to episode 80 of the Move the Stairs podcast and learn how your rapport with the media can directly impact your relationship with potential consumers. Also, learn what she's most interested in writing about in 2023 and the best ways to reach her with your story ideas.
We are thrilled to be attending NoCo 9 at the luxurious Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs talking Brand Protection PR™ with CBD and hemp thought leaders from across the nation. Thank you to the companies that engaged in an authentic discussion about the state of the industry during our listening room session. During today's special edition of the Move the Stairs podcast, we preview that paper, recapping some of the insightful discussions.
The FDA's decision (or indecision) to punt CBD regulation to Congress continues to send shockwaves through the cannabis industry. Reputable companies, like cbdMD, say this decision will continue to encourage bad-faith actors in the CBD space, harming every company striving for industry transparency. cbdMD's Chief Science Officer & Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Sibyl Swift, and General Counsel, Lance Blundell join the Move the Stairs™ podcast to discuss how the development is forcing change in its overall strategy to educate consumers and journalists while maintaining brand resiliency.
The City and County of Denver are taking steps to help cannabis companies tell their stories, which is an important element of making your business stand out among your competitors. On our newest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, Shannon Donnelly, Cannabis Process Navigator for the City and County of Denver unveils a new program called "Cannabis Cares" highlighting cannabis brands' community involvement, how local companies can get involved and how cannabis companies nationwide can learn from this program to build Brand Protection PR™.
Since the FDA's decision to defer sweeping CBD regulations to Congress, CBD companies, consumers and trade associations alike are left with many more questions regarding the future of CBD than answers. That's why we are tapping into the expertise of Josh Long, Associate Editorial Director of Natural Products Insider, and Dr. Dan Fabricant, President and CEO of the Natural Products Association to discuss the decision. Together they offer excellent insight into how you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for your CBD business.
Does your cannabis business have a defined review strategy? Our latest guest, Narek Sarokhani CEO and Co-Founder of Colorado Botanicals discusses why he chose reviews to be his primary tactic to develop relationships with his customers. Also, hear how a simple LinkedIn direct message led him to achieve a placement in a nationally recognized digital media outlet and how he authentically nurtures that relationship.
President of Veritas Fine Cannabis, Jon Spadafora, joins us on the Move the Stairs Podcast episode 74 to discuss the power of owned content when seeking to build a loyal customer base. Jon also explained why telling the most authentic story about his business is important when it comes to positive or negative press. Finally, Jon discusses the techniques Veritas uses to turn challenges into opportunities, including a "Costco-style" approach to customer service.
How is your business preparing for trends in cannabis? We spoke with Matt Zehner a Senior Analyst with Brightfield Group, a leading marketing research company about trends he expects to unfold in 2023. In episode 73 of the Move the Stairs Podcast, Matt offers actionable insight into what your company can do now to create loyal customers, establish thought leadership and strengthen your brand's resiliency.
Veteran cannabis journalist Cara Weitstock joins the Move the Stairs as our most recent guest to discuss how reporters are covering the plant now and what facets of the industry are most likely to capture the attention of journalists in 2023. Listen in and learn which reporters your company should be building relationships with right now!
As researchers discover promising data about how cannabinoids may benefit humans, many are left wondering about the implications for our four-legged friends. We welcome Charles Lozow, Co-Founder of Veterinary Cannabis Society, to the Move the Stairs Podcast! Charles offers insight into what we know about cannabis and its impact on pets, how business owners can work with journalists to break the stigma and the challenges that proprietors of cannabis products for pets will endure regardless of the 2023 Farm Bill.
A lot has changed in the hemp and CBD industries since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Jonathan Miller of Frost, Brown, Todd and General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable joins us to discuss what major changes they are pushing for in the legislation and how you can use this piece of news as means to position yourself as an industry leader, offering important insight to your local press and customers.
Last week, Bank of America issued a forecast that the U.S. would enter a mild recession by Q4 this year. With prices at the pump and inflation remaining high, many Americans are conservative about where their extra money will be spent. Will this have a significant impact on cannabis? We're speaking with Bart Schaneman from MJBizDaily about a recent article he wrote and expanding on the potential economic impacts of a recession on the industry through the lens of Brand Protection PR™.
Matt Walsh, CEO of Splish Naturals, didn't build Brand Protection PR™ overnight. It's taken numerous trips to his past as a day-trader on Wall Street, running spas (including for the luxurious Ritz Carlton brand), and his ability to seek unique brand opportunities. Learn how the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced Matt to transform Splish's business plan which has since led their products to a GRAMMY swag bag and exposure to thousands of pickleball athletes!
What happens when hemp and the Golden Ratio collide? You get Fibonacci LLC, the parent company that produces HempWood®. Founder Greg Wilson, explains how his passion to help the environment, his advice of "dont' wear a collared shirt" to a media interview, and the importance of LEGO® sets to his company have helped his product gain popularity, even attracting the attention of HGTV!
The landscape of cannabis is changing. More and more states continue to legalize marijuana, which has some questioning the health of the CBD industry. Luckily Franny Tacy, CEO of Franny's Farmacy and respected thought leader in the cannabis industry will be joining us to talk more about it. We're excited to hear how Tanny has adapted her business model to build loyal customers, learn why appearing in the press is very important for her, and lastly how she's approaching hot button issues in the cannabis industry, all pieces of Brand Protection PR™.
How do you grow an industrial hemp company in an era of supply chain issues, bottom barrel hemp pricing, and federal regulatory uncertainty? Hempitecture Founder & CEO Mattie Mead said he's adopted the mantra of "small steps," which embodies the spirit of Brand Protection PR™.
Landing national news coverage for your CBD brand is easier than you think but it does require some work on your end. CNN's Christian DuChateau explains how you can position your company to capture the attention of him and his colleagues at CNN! We call this Insider Media Relations™, one of the three pillars of Brand Protection PR™.
During the pandemic, the demand for hemp plummeted. Since then, it's struggled to rebound. FSOil's Chief Business Officer, Megan Duvall shares why strong business-to-business relationships, consistent customer relations, and focused preparation for future challenges were critical to FSOil's success during a challenging time.
Establishing trust in medical marijuana is hard. That's why organizations like Americans for Safe Access, the nation's largest member-based organization work to promote safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. Listen and learn from Executive Director Debbie Churgai as she shares her top tips so that you can set your brand up for success.
"Hemp" and "longevity" are two words, not necessarily synonymous with one another. From drastic market changes to lack of federal regulation, longevity has often NOT been accomplished without adaptability. That's according to our Move the Stairs podcast guest Jody McGinness, Executive Director for Hemp Industries Association. Jody offers great advice on how hemp businesses can thrive, drawing on experience from his organization which has been around for nearly 30 years- long before the 2018 Farm Bill passed.
Podcasting audiences are among some of the most engaged in media. That's what our guest Jonathon Small, Editor in Chief for Green Entrepreneur, host of the Green Entrepreneur podcast, and podcasting guru had to say. Jon offers expertise about what he's looking for in a good story and how you can position your brand to tap into a highly engaged podcasting audience.
Can CBD help in the fight against Covid-19? And if it does, how should you talk about it? Learn how to converse with your employees and curious journalists from our interview with Green Roads Co-Founder and Chief Officer of Science and Innovation, Laura Fuentes.
Get your CBD brand the media coverage you've been waiting for! Learn from Denver Post business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton how to get noticed.
Megan shares what she's looking for from you when it comes to reporting on CBD through the lens of a business reporter, how she vets her sources, and small steps you can take to pass the reporter sniff test in 2022!
It's all part of building CBD Brand Protection PR™. When you “move the stairs” you take the steps other people might not readily recognize, creating customer loyalty, nurturing great relationships with the media, and building a resilient CBD brand.
Federal CBD compliance expert Asa Waldstein decodes FDA and FTC warning letter trends.
Asa shares what he's looking for when advising clients on federal compliance in marketing and labeling. Even though sweeping federal regulations are at a standstill for the CBD industry, it doesn't mean that CBD is still the wild west. This week's Move the Stairs podcast guest helps you build CBD Brand Protection PR™ by sharing insights into what the FDA and FTC are looking for when they're sending out those dreaded warning letters!
It's all part of building CBD Brand Protection PR™. When you “move the stairs” you take the steps other people might not readily recognize, creating customer loyalty, nurturing great relationships with the media, and building a resilient CBD brand.
As CBD retailers grow, their businesses can eventually land a regional or national distribution deal. While this is great for the business, it's important to not lose sight of educating anyone in that process about their products. With so much grey area surrounding CBD in the general public still, a potential crisis could be looming if basic education is ignored. Learn from hemp and CBD expert Jamie Campbell Petty, Executive Director of the Midwest Hemp Council, about how this education can build Brand Protection PR™ for your company!
When a reporter asks if they can interview you, it's generally a good thing! You can build relationships, reach potential customers and even develop some thought leadership. However, sometimes, it's just not the right time to go on camera. On episode 55 of the Move the Stairs podcast, our strategists outline how to determine if an interview is right for your hemp brand using Brand Protection PR™.
The lack of FDA guidance for the hemp industry is nothing new for the industry but the impact the federal log jam is having on business is significant. On episode 54 of the Move the Stairs podcast, we speak with Laura Drotleff about how hemp companies can keep their pitches relevant, despite stagnation at the federal level.
We are often asked what makes a good story to pitch? As journalists get hundreds if not thousands of emails per day, it's important to attach your CBD brand's name to a standout story idea! Journalists are interested in stories that will captivate their audience! That's why when we saw a story about a CBD company and an alpaca farm, we had to read it and talk with you about why this story worked from an Insider Media Relation™ and CBD Brand Protection PR™ standpoint.
Since the legalization of hemp in 2018, CBD brands have struggled with inconsistent policies and enforcement from major social media companies when it comes to marketing their products. The consequences can be devastating. From suspensions, interrupting critical communication to their followers to bans destroying the hard work they've put into the digital footprint, social media almost seems not worth it. That's why on today's Move the Stairs podcast record, we speak with Attorney Nathalie Bougenies about how CBD companies can thoughtfully address this issue now and where regulations could be going in the future.
What's the easiest way to elevate your brand's reputation? Get ahead of inevitable regulations! In today's podcast record, Heather Depres talks about the importance of the Americans for Safe Access Patient Focused Certification. In some states, it's already required for businesses. For others, it could be on the way! Learn how to take a program's certification like this and elevate your brand's thought leadership using CBD Brand Protection PR™!
Delta-8 continues making waves throughout the industry because of its psychoactive properties. Why? Because technically, Delta-8 is derived from hemp, meaning it's legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Despite being legal, its psychoactive properties are being compared to Delta-9 THC, found in marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law. Understandably, this is causing legal confusion across the country! That's why Nolan Jackson, from the Law Offices of Frost, Brown, Todd LLC is here to discuss the legality of Delta-8 now and where it's going. Clearing the murky waters of uncertainty is a key component of CBD Brand Protection PR™.
Digital marketing and CBD brands haven't exactly had the warmest relationship since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing CBD in the United States. Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of BizHack specializes in digital marketing and joins us on the Move the Podcast to share his knowledge about the basics all decision-makers should know before moving forward with a digital marketing strategy. Build Brand Protection PR™ for your CBD brand and Move the Stairs with us!
We are continuing our series of interviews with members of the media this week with Pat Woodard, the voice of business for KOA News Radio based out of Denver, CO. Pat reaches hundreds of thousands of people every day with the most important business headlines Coloradans need to know. What will make your CBD Brand stand out? Pat shares what he's interested in hearing about your business and how to keep your outreach relevant for his audience!
There's no shortage of challenges CBD businesses encounter on a regular basis. This means decision-makers need to be ready to modify public relations outreach to stakeholders more often than they'd like! In this Move the Stairs Podcast episode, our team of strategists share some recent real-life scenarios where they've pivoted to position a client for success.
In our Move the Stairs Episode 45 podcast record, we spoke to Tiney Ricciardi of the Denver Post. Tiney covers entertainment, beer and cannabis which includes CBD. However, not all CBD stories get covered and not all pitches get read. Watch and learn how your CBD brand can build relationships with members of traditional media who have large, diverse audiences. We call this Insider Media Relations™, a key component for Brand Protection PR™
CBD business owners have enough on their plate when it comes to the day-to-day operations of their brand. Staying on top of what's happening in the CBD or hemp space is a challenge! Thankfully Kerry Hinkle, Membership Coordinator for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, revealed some great resources to stay on top of industry news and legislation, while our experts explain how you can use this information to position your brand as a thought leader in the industry, a key component of CBD Brand Protection PR™.
Brand Protection PR™ is difficult enough to achieve at home but expanding to an International market welcomes a whole new level of complexity, intensity and risk to a brand that you've worked so hard to build. We are thrilled to be speaking with Sara Durnil on today's Move the Stairs Podcast record. Sara is the Domestic and International Partnership Advisor for Joy Organics, who recently announced an expansion to Hong Kong! Sara shares her experiences in preparation for the announcement and the execution her team has worked ahead of expanding to an international market.
The State of Colorado recently updated labeling requirements for CBD products, mandating a labeling change from the percentage of THC in a CBD product to the number of milligrams of THC in a CBD product. We are pleased to be joined by Jeff Lawrence, the Director of Colorado's Division of Health and Sustainability and also one of the decision-makers behind this change to discuss what it means for CBD brands operating in Colorado and CBD consumers in Colorado
Communicating about CBD and its uses for people is difficult enough! Adding our pets to the equation complicates the conversation even further!
Luckily, Dr. Tim Shu, DVM and Founder/CEO of VETCBD is here to offer his professional advice on communicating about these difficult topics and discussing the current climate of pets and CBD!
Hemp Industry Daily reporter Kristen Nichols joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast record to help the CBD industry understand why they should establish a relationship with members of the media and offers strategies on going about it the right way!
Let’s face it, there is just not enough known about CBD right now! The lack of information understood by the general public with what we do know about CBD also leaves a lot to be desired. However, the exciting announcement of 10 new clinical projects studying cannabis and its impact on us in very specific scenarios is an exciting step in unlocking the mysteries of hemp and CBD! Our trusted advisors break down how you can bring these new clinical trials into the conversation for your brand!
In today's episode, we talk about the three pillars of CBD Brand Protection PR™, the tenets of Insider Media Relations™ and how to put it to work protecting your brand, and the importance of a Brand Protection Crisis Plan. We're designing a mini-course about Brand Protection PR™- tell us what you'd like to learn!
Positioning yourself as a thought leader begins establishing your brand. M&C’s Brand Protection PR can help you establish brand messaging! It begins with establishing the Four C’s; clear, consistent, compassionate communications with your audience.
The House of Representatives made a statement with the passage of the SAFE Banking Act. Despite being a separate venture from marijuana, CBD companies need to be watching what happens in Washington with this bill. Part of Brand Protection PR™ is understanding past CBD legislation while following current reform so you can serve as an industry voice and build trust within your customers and members of the media.
Educating your consumers about CBD may seem tedious. After all, it's not driving sales! However, it is positioning you as a trusted expert! On today's Move the Stairs conversation, M&C's Strategists will deliver an Insider Media Relations™ take on how to communicate and educate all things CBD to your consumers and position it in a way that makes them come back for more!
Success is great! What happens when you continue to expect success? You will have ebbs and flows when it comes to your CBD brand's PR outreach so it's important to celebrate those victories, but also keep your expectations grounded. Our team will offer strategies and best practices to do so!
We’ve reached that point in the year where businesses should be reviewing Q1 and make adjustments heading into Q2. We call these quarterly goals and part of Brand Protection PR™ is making sure that your brand’s outreach methods are working toward the completion of these goals. M&C strategic public relations can help you modify your quarterly goals as needed in support of your annual objectives!
A crisis can strike any business at any time, sometimes as a result of things you can control (we call that a self-inflicted crisis-- think a poorly thought-out social media post). Sometimes, a crisis comes out of the blue and you must think fast and rely on the planning, preparation, and strategy you should have prepared beforehand to manage crisis communications and protect your business. We’ll share some of our crisis communications strategies honed from years of experience in the media and now, in helping our clients develop Brand Protection PR to grow and protect their businesses.
The future of CBD technology is already here, even if you don't know it yet! Co-Founder of Greenheartcbd, Paul Walsh, joined us today on our Move the Stairs Friday chat to discuss blockchain and cryptocurrency and how the two are changing the landscape of CBD worldwide!
Ever since the pandemic began podcasts have been a booming source of news, entertainment and normalcy for a massive number of Americans. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can get started! Our special guest, Wayne Schwind, host of the Periodic Effects podcast will share with you how he got started and some of the metrics he focused on for a successful podcast.
With the pandemic dominating the news headlines and social media daily, it may feel like your brand isn’t being seen or heard! Strategic Public Relations can help you get your brand noticed. M&C’s team of strategists can help you think outside of the box and plant the tactical seeds for your brand’s public relations outreach.
With an abundance of data available to shape your CBD brand’s PR plan, it can be overwhelming to sort through what is most important. Media monitoring tools and M&C’s Insider Media Relations™ can help you focus on the data that’s most important to your PR outreach. In this episode of Move the Stairs, you’ll learn about some of the top metrics we analyze for our clients in support of their PR goals.
If your CBD brand isn't getting the media’s attention or the attention you are getting isn’t having the positive impact you want, we'll teach you skills to build effective relationships with members of the media through CBD Brand Protection™ and Insider Media Relations™.
As a CBD business owner, you may be wondering who's more important to your business? The customers who keep the lights on? Or your employees who serve your customers? What if we told you there were different layers relating the two? Using Brand Protection PR™, you can learn how to build relationships with both to grow your brand!
Conventional wisdom used to be that businesses should stay out of politics. Times have changed and consumer demand is forcing many CBD industry businesses to ask “how can my business talk about political issues?” We’ll walk through the M&C CBD Brand Protection PR™ approach of building a meaningfully aligned strategy to take a political, social or environmental stand with your business.
Every good fitness plan should have a benchmarking period where you measure your success! This is no different for your CBD business! Measuring the progress of your goals and adjusting as needed is key to keeping your momentum going all year long! CBD Brand Protection PR™ can help keep you always thinking ahead while you work in pursuit of your annual business objectives.
Building a business is a bit like getting in shape-- it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You don’t want all your efforts to build a strong business to be sidelined with a misstep or crisis situation. We’ll show you how Brand Protection PR can help you build a strong foundation in business with some “exercises” to start 2021 lean and mean.
Crisis planning can have a profound impact on the outcome of a situation. Ask the Capitol Police. Fighting normalcy bias, or the natural feeling that a crisis "won't be that bad" is a challenge. Our Brand Protection Tool™ can help you forecast and prepare for threats to your brand.
While CBD and its reputation and awareness amongst the public is becoming a bit clearer, there are still landmines that any CBD business needs to avoid while working to grow their businesses. In this MTS Chat, we work through some of those strategies companies can use to grow and protect their brand.
Predicting where the CBD industry will go in 2021 may seem challenging, but M&C’s Insider Media Relations™ strategists are here to help with simple ideas you can implement now to build your brand and future success for 2021.
Integrating digital marketing into your business plan may seem daunting, but if you already have a PR plan, you’re much closer than you think! In today’s Move the Stairs Friday chat, our special guest and career digital marketer Tatiana McDaniel offers her insight for business owners just getting started.
Public relations nightmares don't just happen around Halloween. Prepare your business with M&C's award-winning Brand Protection™ strategies as we talk through recent PR disasters and how your brand can avoid them.
The difference between public relations and marketing may be confusing, but together they’re powerful tools for building Brand Protection™. We’ll share real-life examples of the differences between marketing and public relations, and the awesome power of using them together.
How do CBD companies plan their end of year marketing/PR strategy when they don’t know what regulations will be handed down from the FDA? M&C Communications can help you define your target CBD market as the first step in devising an effective PR plan to finish the year strong and kick off the new year right.
There’s hope for taming the wild west of the CBD industry! New federal regulations are expected by the end of 2020. M&C Communications will help you round up information, communicate it clearly, and apply the regulations to shine up Brand Protection™ for your CBD industry business!
Getting on the news to tell your brand’s story is hard enough as it is but during a noisy media landscape, it may seem darn near impossible. The M&C team will walk you through our Insider Media Relations™ strategy to determine whether or not now is the time to pitch or if you should hold off.
Social media can be a great place to connect directly with your audience, but a poor choice of words or a poorly thought-out post can also trigger the digital pitchfork-and-torches mob. How do you protect your reputation online and encounter fewer pitchforks at the gate? Tap into our Brand Protection™ techniques to build and protect your business on this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast.
Let's face it: social media video has a shelf life of what- 12 seconds? OK, it lasts a little longer than that, but for such an important part of your social media and public outreach, video is a lot of expense for material that goes stale quickly. On this Move the Stairs PR podcast, tap into our Insider Media Relations™ video production expertise to learn the 4-star approach to making great-looking social media videos.
In this Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll share our Insider Media Relations™ approach to help you weigh the pros and cons of speaking to the media and help you maintain your credibility when you've decided an interview will hurt more than it will help.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Will An Interview Help or Hurt?
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
We're listed as one of Feedspot's Top 20 Brand Protection podcasts!
Learning how to be a good media interview is a skill worth developing. A great interview can go a long way toward building your business, while a bad interview can cause serious damage, especially in the emotionally-charged COVID-19 era. In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll tap into our Insider Media Relations™ background to help you get ready to give a great interview.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet: Media Training Best Practices.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
Business owners are finding themselves on the front lines of a challenging COVID-19 controversy: how do businesses enforce mask wearing? In this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we help businesses manage the mask mania with messaging tips.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: Brand-Building During Rapid Cultural Change.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
Protecting your business and building your brand is a challenge in the best of times- how do you manage your message when the pace of cultural change is so rapid? On this episode of the Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll share brand-building strategies to protect your brand and business during rapid cultural change.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Brand-Building During Rapid Cultural Change.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
In a bad situation, it helps to have a solid crisis communications plan. In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll help you decide if you're facing a business headache or heart attack so you know what to do in a business crisis.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: 5 Step Crisis Outline Sheet.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
With so much conversation happening online, it's imperative to know what's being said about your business. Where do you start? In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll help you figure out what digital listening is and how it can help protect your business.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: Brand Protection Tool™.
Click here to see more about M&C's Brand Protection™ PR process.
Our Brand Protection Tool™ is part of what makes M&C Communications a diverse agency. We outline the steps so that you can protect your brand online using real people, not software. We offer the strategy behind our tool in today’s Move the Stairs Friday Chat.
Click here to get the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Brand Protection Tool™.
Click here for more information on M&C's Brand Protection™ process.
Social media is a great way to connect with your audience, especially now while travel and interaction is limited. A social media takeover is a great way to connect with your audience. In this Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll walk you through the steps for creating a successful social media takeover!
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet: 3 Steps to a Successful Social Takeover.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
If you've been in business long enough, you're sure to have weathered a bump or two in the road. You know that a crisis plan can help your recover your reputation when something goes wrong. On this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast, get a head start on your crisis plan with our Brand Protection™ strategies to recover and rebuild your reputation.
Click here for a link to the downloadable 1-sheet: Build Your Brand Protection™ Team.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
What is thought leadership and why is it important for you and your organization? In this episode of the Move the Stairs PR podcast, you'll learn how to protect your brand and build your CBD oil industry (or any other!) business with a powerful thought leadership plan.
Click here for the free downloadable 1-sheet from this episode: Supercharge Your Thought Leadership Plan.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for CBD PR.
Be a PR hero by making media coverage part of your event plan! We'll share secrets of our Insider Media Relations™ strategy to help you create irresistible news hooks to generate earned media coverage, and learn how to leverage all available channels to get the media's attention for your event!
Download the free, printable Brand Protection Tool™ 1-sheet for this episode here.
Click here for more M&C Insider Media Relations™ resources.
What is a loyal customer and how should your brand measure consumer loyalty? The M&C team breaks down recent data showing how you can create a loyal customer with your CBD brand.
Take a look at all of M&C's CBD PR resources!