Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

The Rearview Mirror and the Road Ahead: Public Relations in 2026

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre look back at their Top 10 most popular podcast episodes of 2025 to identify the key themes, trends, and industry shifts that will impact public relations in 2026. They talk about how PR and media are undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advancements and societal changes. Issues such as authenticity, trust, and influence are recurring themes in the discussion, along with the manipulation of public opinion, the impact of AI on the profession, and the decline of traditional journalism. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/rearview-mirror-road-ahead-public-relations-2026] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The media landscape is shifting with the decline of traditional journalism and the rise of niche digital platforms, requiring new strategies for engagement. * Building genuine trust through authentic storytelling and transparent communications is crucial for brands in the current climate. * Public relations strategies must adapt to focus on influence and relationship-building rather than traditional celebrity endorsements. * AI is changing how media and communications are handled, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth. * Developing leadership skills and fostering a culture of trust within organizations can enhance both internal and external communications. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

As Media Continues to Fragment, Relationships Matter More Than Ever

The Copper State of Mind podcast has won a prestigious Copper Anvil Award, one of the highest honors in the PR industry. 🎉 Abbie and Adrian discuss the significance of such awards before moving on to the main topic of the episode: the evolving role of PR professionals amidst changes in media. As traditional media platforms continue to evolve, Abbie highlights the increasing importance of cultivating relationships with niche content providers, such as digital creators and influencers, to effectively reach targeted audiences. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/media-fragmentation-relationships-matter] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * Winning awards, such as the Copper Anvil, acknowledges the excellence of PR strategies and provides recognition from industry peers. * Preparing award entries is a beneficial process, helping firms articulate their strategies and evaluate the success of their campaigns. * The shifting dynamics of the media industry require PR professionals to adapt by leveraging new platforms and building relationships with emerging content creators. * The traditional concept of media relations is expanding to include engagement with digital and niche content providers to effectively share stories. * Effective PR involves finding credible voices to engage with content producers, ensuring valuable messaging reaches the right audience. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

The Decline and Fall of Local Journalism in America

Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/decline-fall-local-journalism-america] for this episode on our website. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

From Arizona to Africa: Global PR Trends & Kenyan Culture at the PRGN Conference in Nairobi

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre reflect on their recent visit to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) conference, a gathering that brought together PR and communications professionals from across the globe. They share stories of connection and discovery, from the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people to the vibrant cultural pride that infused every interaction. What stood out most wasn’t just the professional insights, but the personal connections that made the experience unforgettable. The conversations in Nairobi underscored how universal many of today’s challenges are. Topics like the rise of AI, shifting trade dynamics, and the persistence of misinformation affect communicators everywhere, regardless of geography. Hearing from African business leaders and international executives alike offered fresh, nuanced perspectives on how different regions are adapting to change while staying rooted in shared values of transparency and trust. The episode also explores how emerging tools like AI and podcasting are reshaping the future of global PR. As Adrian and Abbie note, these technologies open new doors for storytelling, connection, and creativity, but they also demand continuous learning and adaptability. Ultimately, the trip to Nairobi was a reminder that global collaboration is as much about people as it is about progress, and that meaningful growth happens through shared experiences, empathy, and genuine human connection. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/arizona-africa-global-pr-trends-prgn-nairobi] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * PR professionals around the world are grappling with similar challenges, from misinformation to the rapid evolution of AI and global trade shifts. * The PRGN conference in Nairobi demonstrated how authentic human connection and cultural exchange can strengthen global collaboration. * Insights from African business leaders and international peers revealed fresh approaches to common industry challenges. * Discussions focused on how emerging technologies like AI and podcasting are transforming the way communicators tell stories and engage audiences. * Genuine relationships and shared experiences remain at the heart of effective communication and lifelong professional growth. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Honesty and Integrity for PR Pros in the Post-Truth Era with Samantha Villegas

Dishonesty and deceit have become the defining features of much communication today, in politics and business alike. What are public relations professionals to do? Samantha Villegas joins Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre to talk about PR ethics in a post-truth era. She talks about the importance of ethical standards, the impact of misinformation, and strategies for discerning truth. And perhaps most importantly, Sam touches on the importance of courage in standing up against dishonest practices and the necessity of critical thinking to combat disinformation. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/pr-honesty-integrity-post-truth-era] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The normalization of lying creates a challenging environment for PR professionals committed to honesty. * Ethical communication is fundamental to the integrity of public relations and should prioritize the public good. * PR professionals must develop a keen awareness of red flags indicating dishonest communication. * Effective communication strategies must involve critical analysis and an unwavering commitment to ethical standards. * Courage is essential when standing up for truth in professional settings, even when it means dissenting from the official narrative. About the Guest Samantha Villegas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavillegas] is an award-winning communications and outreach executive, with over 30 years of experience in public communication and participation. Sam is a member of Raftelis [https://www.raftelis.com/]’ Strategic Communications Practice, helping utilities and local governments develop relationships and engage equitably with their stakeholders around critical topics like affordability, public health, and environmental protection. She counsels executives through programmatic changes, strategic planning, and reputational crises, and she designs and implements strategic communication and stakeholder engagement programs that bring diverse interest together in support of efforts that benefit communities' triple bottom line. Prior to Raftelis, Sam led communications programs at American Water, Loudoun Water, and for EPA’s Office of Water. Sam also owned her own communications agency for seven years, serving clients in the water sector, including AWWA, WRF, ASDWA and several utilities. Sam is actively involved in AWWA, WEF, NACWA, and PRSA (the Public Relations Society of America). She holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from Johns Hopkins University, she is accredited in public relations from PRSA and a member of its College of Fellows, and she holds certificates in public participation from the International Association of Public Participation. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”