SPIN is a Four Letter Word: Recent Episodes
Maroon PR
The world of media is an ever-evolving machine, growing in unique ways. From its early days when print dominated, to the dawn of online news and the birth of social media flipping everything on its ear, the era of storytelling, communication and breaking news has changed dramatically. Hearing the word "spin" is every public relation professional’s worst nightmare. To some, the term “public relations” stirs up a variety of buzzwords: “crisis communications”, “media” or even the dreaded “spin” word itself; this show serves to clear up misunderstandings and stereotypes. Hosted by long-time PR pro and President of Maroon PR, John Maroon, SPIN is a Four Letter Word gets right to the heart of the public relation and media-industry scene today with a no-fluff, cut-to-the-chase show that discusses issues impacting our world. We delve into important topics and talk to some of the top journalists, PR pros and news makers in the business today.
With dry January upon us, we’ve temporarily pulled the tap on our regular Let’s Have a Beer With episodes and are turning our attention to the wild world of sports. From the Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos situation to the drama surrounding college football bowl games, there is a lot to discuss when it comes to public relations. Listen along as we kick off 2024 with a lively discussion around some hot topics in sports PR.
In this episode of Let’s Have a Beer, we are joined by Bill Hooper, the Vice President and General Manager of WMAR-TV in Baltimore. A Baltimore native, Hooper has worked exclusively in Baltimore media for 40 years. He joined WMAR in 2004 as general sales manager before taking the top leadership role in 2007. Listen along as we discuss Bill’s journey as a media executive, the state of broadcast media and how he has been leading WMAR’s approach to in-depth, community focused reporting in recent years.
In this episode of Let’s Have a Beer, we are joined by Jamison Hensley, a Maryland native covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. Grab a beer and listen along we as discuss Jamison’s career and the intricacies of covering a team, the evolution of the media and current topics in Maryland sports.
She’s an award-winning journalist and host of WUSA’s Good Day Washington. He’s a long-time sports broadcaster and hosts a show on WBAL radio. And when their career paths collided years ago, they became partners in life. Join us for a beer as we have a special conversation with Kristen Berset-Harris and Brent Harris to discuss their careers and how they have evolved with the media landscape, managing their own relationship and how they approach relationships with PR professionals. Cheers!
Hollywood Casino Perryville entered the gaming landscape as Maryland’s first casino in 2010 and was purchased by Penn Entertainment in 2021 just as Maryland’s online sports betting was legalized. In this episode, we sit down with the Casino’s GM, Amy Brennan to learn about her path through the Casino industry, and how relationships have played a role in her professional growth and continue to drive her leadership style. We also discuss how the gaming industry has evolved, and what’s next for the Casino as they continue their transformation into a full entertainment venue.
At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers! Episode 5 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2. The World Series. World Championship Fights. The Olympics, the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, wrestling: Whatever the sport, chances are, seasoned sports journalist Thom Loverro has covered it. In this episode, we have a beer with our friend Thom to discuss his journey as a journalist, how the profession has evolved over time, and hear some of his best stories including how he came to cover the great Muhammad Ali.
At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers!Episode 4 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2. In Maryland, the ritual of eating steamed crabs has stood the test of time. This beloved Maryland tradition isn’t just about eating, it’s about sitting around the table to enjoy the company of others, build relationships and oftentimes celebrate life’s great accomplishments or milestones. In this episode, we sit down over steamed crabs, and a beer, with Maryland native and former Major League Baseball player, Bill Ripken at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. Join us as we talk with Bill about this Maryland tradition, his journey in life and business post baseball career and how relationships and people have helped him along the way.
Episode 3 of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, Season 2. Women’s sports is having its moment, finally. It’s no secret women’s sports teams – from soccer to golf and college and pro basketball – have been gaining popularity among the general sports fan in recent years. But why is that happening now and what are the driving factors? In this episode, we sit down over a beer with Rose DiPaula, who leads communications for the University of Maryland Women’s Basketball team to discuss this recent surge in popularity. We discuss the impact of Name, Image Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal and its effect on recruiting, and the adjustments collegiate athletic departments must make to be competitive in the rapidly changing world of women’s sports.
At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with business leaders as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers!Episode 2 features Marshall Weston, the President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland. There are over 10,000 restaurants in the state of Maryland, and RAM is responsible for each one having an advocacy voice and the information necessary to be successful. In this episode, we discuss the state of the restaurant industry, how it continues to evolve, and what it takes to succeed. Marshall discusses his belief in strong public relations efforts, the importance of relationships and partnerships, and his best advice for young professionals today. Join us as we go inside the restaurant industry to learn how the very act of having a beer or sharing a meal is the backbone of not just this industry, but all sectors of business.
At Maroon PR we like to say that we are the agency that clients want to have a beer with. In this season of SPIN is a Four Letter Word, we are doing just that: having a beer with guests as we discuss everything from hot topics in PR to how relationships drive growth. Join us for the journey - Cheers! Episode 1 features the Godfather of Baltimore beer, Hugh Sission, Founder and CEO of Heavy Seas Beer.It was 1982, when the idea first crossed Hugh Sisson’s mind. At the time, he was running the only craft beer bar in Baltimore with his father. He couldn’t help but wonder if he could make his own beer, or if it was even possible. It was the question that would alter his life forever. In 2003, Clipper City introduced the Heavy Seas line of beers. They were bold beers meant to challenge the average beer drinker-- high alcohol with incredible flavor. In 2010, the great success of the Heavy Seas line of beers was the deciding factor in adopting the name Heavy Seas for the brewery. The rest, as they say, is history. In this episode we discuss Hugh's keys to success, about taking risks, and his approach to business.
On this episode, John and Matt talk with Kevin Sullivan, owner of Kevin Sullivan Communications. They dive into his longstanding PR career ranging from sports to network television and his time as the White House Communications Director. Kevin stresses the importance of maintaining relationships as you grow your business. Be prepared to hear real-world examples of his message training methods for NBA players, coaches, and executives. The future of media training is an endless topic and Kevin brings new insights that are valuable to all PR professionals. Listen in!
On this episode, John and Matt talk with Julia Ziegler the Director of News and Programming at WTOP. Julia emphasizes the importance journalism plays in today’s media landscape. In this new world of news sharing, WTOP has maintained their mission driven work of providing breaking news that has the potential to save lives and benefit the local community. Despite the shifts in how audiences consume media WTOP has continued being a local leader in presenting unbiased news. Listen in!
On this episode, John and Matt talk with Executive Director of Baltimore’s Classic Five golf courses, Tom Pierce, about the model that turned the city’s golf courses around to become more accessible and beneficial to the community. The guys drive into the history of Baltimore’s municipal courses and the increase of popularity and diversity surrounding the golf game over the past few years. Tom Pierce discusses challenges, improvements, and the exciting introduction of Toptracer technology to Pine Ridge Golf Course—how it is improving the game and the experience on the range. What can Baltimore Classic Five and Municipal golf FOREsee in the future? Listen in!
On this episdoe, John and Matt talk with Principal at Team Services LLC, E.J. Narcise, about the new era of name, image and likeness (NIL) in the collegiate sports world. NIL has changed the landscape of college athletics by creating opportunnities for all types of athletes to obtain deals and learn how to market themselves to create or represent a brand. The guys discuss how NIL is effecting athletic budgets across the nation, creating a separation of bigger and smaller market schools and how the transfer portal has majorly impacted athletic programs. Also, how will NIL evolve in the next few years, who will benefit the most, and what will companies, both locally and nationally, need to do to attract athletes.
On this episdoe, John and Matt talk with Principal at Team Services LLC, E.J. Narcise, about the new era of name, image and likeness (NIL) in the collegiate sports world. NIL has changed the landscape of college athletics by creating opportunnities for all types of athletes to obtain deals and learn how to market themselves to create or represent a brand. The guys discuss how NIL is effecting athletic budgets across the nation, creating a separation of bigger and smaller market schools and how the transfer portal has majorly impacted athletic programs. Also, how will NIL evolve in the next few years, who will benefit the most, and what will companies, both locally and nationally, need to do to attract athletes.
On this episode John and Matt welcome best-selling author, Michael Ortman. Maroon PR has worked with Michael to promote his recently published book, "Opening Day: 50-For-50" which highlights his experiences of attending 50 consecutive years of baseball opening days. A well-researched work of love, the book represents a half-century of great stories and historical context linked to each of those 50 days. For more information, visit Mike's website www.openingday5050.com
With the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt globally, we invite John Lazarou, Media Relations Manager of our long time client, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), to weigh in on how the pandemic has changed the medical and media landscape. With so many unknowns surrounding the pandemic, GBMC was forced to adapt quickly to maintain the safety of their staff and patients, implementing programs to support their clinical professionals and recognizing educational opportunities through media interviews to inform the public and colleagues about their research and expertise regarding the pandemic. Lazarou discusses media relation strategies, the importance of accuracy and timeliness, influence of social media, and expresses great appreciation for healthcare workers and staff.
We opened the doors on April 3rd, 2006 to a building that didn't have furniture or wifi, and here we are, 16 years later, helping our clients grow and still doing what we do best... just with a little more technology! Enjoy this special Anniversary episode as John and Jen reflect on the journey of Maroon PR with 16 moments! What have been the top moments for John as a business owner? What challenges come from being an entrepreneur? How has the business and industry changed over time? Why should your business hire an agency to take care of all your PR and creative needs?
As we celebrate Women's History Month, Jen Renehan is joined by Tracy Brandys and Gina Crash of Audacy. Each professional brings their own unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation on women in media and PR.
Tracy is the SVP, Market Manager at Audacy. She is an experienced leader and innovator with over 20+ years of experience in the media industry and works closely with Maroon PR to build authentic, creative and results-driven campaigns for clients. Gina Crash brings 25+ years in broadcast and is currently the morning show host on Today’s 101.9.
Listen along as the dynamic trio discusses women's growth in the media and PR industries, challenges and opportunities for women, and advice for anyone looking to succeed in business.
Emergency pod! It would be hard for us to ignore the current public relations fiascos and storylines in sports today and as PR pros, we like to talk through scenarios and solutions! Luckily, we have John and Matt to provide perspective to it all. In this episode, the team covers a myriad of topics from the professional to collegiate sports scene. How has the controversy of the PGA Tour and Saudi golf league impacted the careers and reputations of some of the worlds' golfing greats? Should Michigan Men's Basketball Head Coach, Juwan Howard, be facing tougher penalties for his actions after their loss to Wisconsin? Will the handshake line after games be removed and did Michigan properly handle the PR situation? How is the work stoppage affecting the MLB and its players? So many questions, listen in for the answers!
There’s no doubt the NFL season has been filled with excitement and drama, and on this episode John and Matt dive into it all with National Reporter for ESPN’s NFL Nation, Kevin Seifert. The guys touch on how the reporting was handled regarding the breaking news of Tom Brady’s retirement, the Brian Flores class-action lawsuit and the impact of the Rooney Rule, as well as the most recent allegations from Hue Jackson and how the Brown’s PR team were quick to respond. Seifert discusses balancing the dynamics of reporting with the evolution of team reporters while maintaining relationships with independent reporters and what it’s like working with a large network. For all the latest NFL news, check out Kevin’s twitter @SeifertESPN.
This episode spins things around a bit as John is joined by Account Director, Eric Hammond to welcome Founder and President of One Eight Oh PR, Candice Brown-McElyea. Eric and Candice once started their career paths together almost 25 years ago at WMDT-TV in Salisbury, MD and now both have made the jump from journalism to public relations. With vast experience and knowledge, Candice delivers thought-provoking conversation surrounding the effectiveness of in-house video production, the evolution of social media and how to identify realistic goals for your clients, tips for client media training, and public relations in the commercial real estate world. We also do a little prediction of where the future of the industry is going and discuss key qualities public relations experts look for in newcomers who are looking to find their place in the industry. Check out Candice’s company at wedogreatpr.com - and yes, she has the best URL on the planet!
Truly an episode you won't want to miss as John and Matt welcome Washington, D.C based journalism and PR pro, Julie Parker! Julie worked as a reporter with WJLA-TV for almost 9 years before venturing down a new path as the Director of the Media Relations Division for the Prince George's County Police Department. Excelling at her position, Julie transformed the department by using their social media platforms in an innovative way, becoming more transparent with department information and building relationships to connect with the community. Listen to how Julie has handled crisis situations, media relationships, and is now building her own company, Julie Parker Communications. Give her a follow on Twitter @JulieParkerComm and visit julieparkercommunications.com.
For our last SPIN is a Four Letter Word episode of 2021, we talk with longtime friend and journalist, Roch Kubatko. A 35-year veteran of sports journalism, Roch has seen the transformation of sports reporting through the rise of digital and social media. His story of becoming MASN’s first “blogger” and his decision to take social media by the horns to grow his brand should resonate with all PR and media professionals. We talk with Roch about his current role with MASN Sports and the highs and lows of being a beat reporter in the digital age.
As public relations professionals, we value our relationships with journalists, especially the ones we have formed and held onto over our 15 years in business. In this episode, we catch up with Joanna Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief at the Baltimore Business Journal. Over the last 22 years, Sullivan has seen major industry evolutions, most notably the transformation from a weekly newspaper to a daily operation with multimedia all the while dealing with a shrinking newsroom. Sullivan emphasizes the importance of accuracy over immediacy and how social media has impacted that concept. Sullivan also shares her thoughts on the integration of niche publications, business trends in the Baltimore area, advice for PR pros and students and a healthy reminder that print journalism isn't going anywhere, even in this digital world!
As a journalist turned PR pro, Sean Welsh brings a unique perspective to his role as Interim Vice President for Towson University Marketing and Communications. Before making the jump to public relations with the team at TU, Sean was a journalist for The Aegis newspaper in Harford County, MD and a digital editor for the Baltimore Sun. Sean joins John and Jen to discuss his approach to earned, owned and paid media when dealing with such a wide audience within the University community, the importance of having an internal creative team, and best practices for crisis communications. If you’re a student in the field of public relations, be sure to listen in as Sean gives career advice!
No matter who you are, reaching out to the media can be tough... but it doesn’t have to be! MPR’s very own Account Director, Eric Hammond, joins John and Matt as they discuss the do’s and don’ts of media pitching and ways to be creative to stand out from the rest. Eric shares some of his recent client success stories, including GBMC HealthCare and Hammerjacks music and tailgate venue.
Did someone say crab cakes? John Maroon and Jen Renehan welcome John Minadakis, President at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. Emigrating from Greece, Demetrios “Jimmy” Minadakis opened the restaurant in 1974 with his sons John and Tony keeping the legacy alive. Since then, Jimmy’s has become a Maryland and national staple, not only due to the phenomenal cuisine and professional service they provide but also by being philanthropists in the communities they serve and staying true to their brand.
Hear how Jimmy’s Famous Seafood took initiative during the pandemic to create The Famous Fund and helped raise thousands of dollars to support locally owned Baltimore restaurants, plus a whole host of other philanthropy efforts. John shares how humbled he is by the partnerships the restaurant has acquired, how being authentic on social media has impacted the brand, the experience of being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri, and much more.
John and Matt welcome John Borneman, Senior Director of Communications for the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation, as they prepare for the 2021 BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club. An Evans Scholar recipient himself, John shares the history of the foundation and the impact it has made on the lives of over 11,000 caddies. Hear how media coverage has evolved during the COVID era with virtual accommodations for media members, as well as the logistics involved with planning and promoting elite national championship events.
Join John Maroon and Maroon PR Account Director Nicole Durante in having some Bubble Gum Fun with Rob Nelson, inventor and founder of Big League Chew. This iconic bubble gum brand and longtime client of Maroon PR provides a product that is fun, shareable, and high-quality. This partnership is unlike any other with creative and crazy ideas welcomed by both teams. Nicole, who works closely with the brand, discusses their ultimate goal of simplicity in product and branding. The company has stayed true to its roots of a ballplayer’s gum while also utilizing social media and influencers to elevate the brand. The philosophy of trial and error is one shared by both Maroon PR and Rob Nelson and has made for an amazing and bubbly ride.
John and Matt have a timely and important conversation with Jon Jackson, Deputy Director of Athletics/Men’s Basketball & External Affairs at Duke. With the news of Coach K’s upcoming retirement, Jon, Coach K’s right-hand man, is able to offer insight into Duke’s future. As the last season of Coach K’s historic run approaches, Jon discusses Coach’s farewell tour in the current media landscape. Duke’s immense social media following of 4 million people provides unique challenges and opportunities with Duke being viewed not as a University but a franchise. Working at Duke for 20 years, there is no better person than Jon to relay how Duke’s brand evolves with the times. Jon shares his viewpoints on Name, Image, and Likeness legislation and how it is affecting his student-athletes. Along with Jon, we are excited to see Coach Shire’s transition into the large shoes of Coach K.
Media access to athletes is an age-old discussion but one that is timely yet again…join us for another emergency pod! John, Matt, and Jen discuss how today's media landscape is evolving and affecting athletes, journalists, and even PR professionals. Though this is not a new conversation, many athletes and most recently, Tennis Pro Naomi Osaka, are questioning traditional media availability that athletes are accustomed to providing. The Maroon PR team discusses this layered issue that goes beyond sitting at the podium. What are the expectations for athletes today and how does social media play a role? Are athletes being advised personally when it comes to media? It's a topic we feel passionately about, so join us for the discussion!
John and Matt have the opportunity to speak with Drew Johnson, Director of Strategic Communications at Octagon. Supporting and guiding some of the greatest American Olympic athletes of all time, Drew has a unique perspective on the changing media landscape. He and his team work with their clients throughout their entire career and beyond, helping each athlete take steps to be successful past their likely one opportunity for victory at the Olympics. Drew shares his insights on the evolution of social media and how authenticity in branding has provided challenges for various clients, such as Michael Phelps. Drew encourages his athletes to use their platforms to talk about issues that are important to them, just as Drew has done today while sharing his passion for public relations.
John and Matt are joined by Abe Madkour, Executive Editor and Publisher of the Sports Business Journal. They dive into Abe’s rise from ground level as a journalist at the SBJ to becoming the lead man of the publication. They discuss how sports business has evolved with regard to competition, what SBJ has done to handle the shrinking newsroom and how they continue to outlast others in this space as a multimedia leader. The trio explore the dynamics around the recent television rights deals both the NFL and NHL signed, the “linear” aspect, how streaming plays part in the equation and what that could spell for other major sports leagues in the future. The guys get Abe’s take on the common mistakes sports organizations, leagues and teams continue to make, why there is much more emphasis placed on communications overall and why that is more prominent than at any time ever in the industry.
It’s another “emergency” pod episode! On this show, John, Matt and Jen discuss headline writers and the need for those that write said headlines to be detailed and, most importantly, correct in order to reflect the story at hand. Most times, writers can keep interest at large and drive readership with a good headline. In a world of clickbait, however, when headlines go astray, they can create an illusion of what’s in the body of a story, and lead to sensationalism. The trio expand on how clickbait has changed the true intent of what a headline should do, the good and bad of having a headline writer working separately from a reporter, how bad headline writing can ruin relationships and how PR pros can prepare their clients for these situations on how to navigate so they don’t burn bridges in the process.
Phyllis Merhige is a former Major League Baseball executive who trailblazed her way to become one of the highest-ranking women ever in any major professional sport. She stopped by for a chat with John and Jen to talk about her incredible career and the indelible legacy she left for many generations of women to come. Phyllis spent 43 years in baseball and prior to her retirement in 2016, was part of the Commissioners’ Office as MLB’s Senior Vice President for Club Relations, leading the direction of all official scorers in the Major Leagues, among many other key responsibilities. The trio discuss Phyllis’s rise through the ranks, what John learned as a young assistant to Phyllis that helped propel his career, what led her to get into the world of sports and in a male-dominated industry and the advice she would give young people looking to get into the PR industry today.
Dominating your niche in today’s media landscape with Holden Wilen, reporter at the Baltimore Business Journal. Long before the pandemic reared its ugly head, the news rooms of America were shrinking in size as outlets struggled to keep up with the competitiveness of the media landscape, or got left behind trying to do so. John, Matt and Holden cover a wide range of topics including the many hats both he and his colleagues at the BBJ are wearing to stand out in the current environment, how they use the 24/7 news cycle to their advantage, the overall challenges of navigating an ever-changing newsroom and the advice he’d give PR pros who are looking to foster positive relationships with media members and cut through the noise to reach them.
Breaking news from the world of sports and the Maroon PR team is on it! This episode covers the ramifications from Major League Baseball’s polarizing decision to move this year’s All-Star Game out of Georgia in response to the state’s controversial new voting law.
John Maroon is joined by Matt Williams and Jen Renehan as the trio discuss the path to least resistance MLB and Commissioner Rob Manfred took in their stance, along with the optics and potential pitfalls of this decision from a public relations lens. The team also dives into hot button issues of media slant and how the state of politics has made its way into not only the psyche of American sports, but in every aspect of our lives.
What better way to kick off SPIN is a Four Letter Word than a visit with Baltimore Orioles great and Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop, the “Iron Man” Cal Ripken, Jr! Cal joins John Maroon for a sit-down to talk about their long-time friendship, forged from John’s first year with the Orioles as Public Relations Director in 1995 - the same year Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games streak - through the end of Cal’s career and into his business ventures, starting Ripken Baseball and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
When John started Maroon PR 15 years ago, it was Cal who returned the favor becoming the first client and one of the organization’s most-trusted allies.
Cal’s unique ability to provide insight into the current media landscape, compared to his playing career, comes through in this interview as he discusses the impact of social media on the game today. How would that have changed Cal's outlook on privacy during his playing career? Cal also talks about the journey into his own social media and how that has furthered his brand and how fan interaction has changed because of it.
Hearing the word "spin" is every public relation professional’s worst nightmare. From an outsider's perspective, hearing the term "public relations" means, "crisis communications", "media" or even the dreaded "spin" word itself... we're here to clear up those stereotypes and misunderstandings. Long-time PR pro and President of Maroon PR, John Maroon hosts SPIN is a Four Letter Word, a no-fluff, cut-to-the-chase show that gets to the heart of the industry today and the different issues impacting our world.