The True Essence of PR and the Power of Podcasts: A Deep Dive with Lindsay Reid
When most people think of public relations, they imagine glossy magazine spreads, red carpet interviews, or viral moments on TikTok. But for PR specialist Lindsay Reid, the reality is far more strategic—and much more powerful.
In a recent episode, Lindsay joined us to unpack what public relations really is and why it still matters. From podcast appearances and media coverage to public speaking and brand storytelling, she breaks down the nuts and bolts of building long-term credibility in a world increasingly obsessed with short-term attention.
00:00 Introduction to PR
01:22 Core Aspects of PR
02:46 The Art of Storytelling in PR
04:55 PR vs. Marketing
06:44 The Power of Podcasts
08:57 Podcasting Tips and Strategies
10:51 Podcast Credibility and Audience Engagement
19:16 Choosing the Right Podcasts for PR
26:00 The Importance of Audio Quality in Podcasts
27:18 The Role of Authenticity in Content Creation
28:13 Understanding Cancel Culture
32:06 Body Confidence Coaching Explained
33:07 The Complex Relationship with Food and Fitness
39:16 Experiences as a Journalist
44:33 PR and Client Stories
Beyond the Buzzwords
Lindsay kicks off the conversation by redefining PR. It is not just about flashy headlines or influencer stunts. At its core, public relations is about managing reputation, earning trust, and sharing stories that resonate. She shares how effective PR should not feel like PR at all—it should feel like truth, told well.
Whether it is landing a feature in a national paper or being a thoughtful guest on a podcast, PR is about showing up where your audience already is. And according to Lindsay, podcasts are quickly becoming one of the most impactful platforms for this.
Storytelling with Purpose
One of the standout moments in the episode is Lindsay’s take on storytelling. She explains why the best PR professionals think like journalists—curious, observant, and always looking for the human angle. It is not about spinning a narrative, but crafting one that is authentic and aligned with your values.
She also gives practical advice on navigating difficult topics, including how to handle controversy with honesty and grace. For brands and individuals alike, this section is a goldmine.
PR vs Marketing: What is the Difference?
While marketing is about promoting a product or service, PR is about shaping perception. Lindsay illustrates this distinction with real-world examples, showing how the two disciplines can work together rather than compete.
If marketing is the message, PR is the meaning behind it.
Why Podcasts Matter More Than Ever
The conversation naturally shifts to podcasting, and Lindsay does not hold back. She believes podcasts are one of the most underutilised tools in the PR toolkit. Why? Because they build trust over time. Listeners come for the content but stay for the connection. And if you get it right, a single podcast appearance can do more for your reputation than a dozen social media posts.
Lindsay offers up several smart tips—from choosing the right shows to nailing your message in a way that feels natural. She also stresses the importance of good audio quality, pointing out that how you sound is just as important as what you say.
Authenticity, Audio, and Audience
There is a clear through-line in everything Lindsay shares: authenticity. In an age where filters are everywhere, showing up as your true self has never been more compelling. This is especially true in podcasting, where tone of voice, pacing, and unedited conversation can reveal a lot about who you are.
She also touches on podcast credibility, why audience engagement matters more than raw download numbers, and how to pick platforms that align with your brand values.
More Than Just PR
In the latter part of the episode, we get to know more about Lindsay herself, from her early experiences as a journalist to her current work in body confidence coaching. She opens up about the complex relationship many people have with food and fitness, and how her coaching helps clients rebuild a more positive self-image.
She also shares some fascinating stories from her time in PR and journalism, offering a peek behind the curtain of an industry that is often misunderstood.
Listen to the full episode to explore the real power of PR, the rise of podcasting as a trusted platform, and why storytelling is still the most valuable skill in any communicator’s toolkit.
🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.
