PRactically Speaking Houston

PRactically Speaking Houston with Mike O'Neill

Welcome Mike O’Neill, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Mike O’Neill is a corporate communications and public relations leader who blends nearly a decade of strategic messaging experience with a 25-year foundation in broadcast journalism. He combines the instincts of a newsroom veteran with the discipline of a corporate communicator, crafting stories that inform, influence, and build trust. Mike began his career in 1993 as a news photographer in Great Falls, Montana, before moving to Colorado Springs, Austin, and Houston. In Houston, he served as a producer at KTRK and later as Executive Producer at KHOU, leading newsroom teams and overseeing major market coverage. He later transitioned into corporate communications at MetroNational, the real estate company that owns and operates all of Memorial City, before joining TDECU in 2022 to lead its external communications and media relations efforts. Mike is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Innovation at Texas Tech University and serves as Treasurer for PRSA Houston. Connect with Mike O'Neill at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeoneill2348/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeoneill2348/] Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ [https://www.veronicavsopher.com/] Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org [http://www.prsahouston.org/]. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

PRactically Speaking Houston with Laura Frnka-Davis, APR

Welcome Laura Frnka-Davis, APR, to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Before founding LFD Communications, Laura honed her expertise at some of Houston’s well-known nonprofits and businesses, including Texas Children’s Hospital, Pierpont Communications, and LifeGift. Her comprehensive understanding of multiple communications disciplines, from media relations to PR writing to internal and external communications, including crisis communications, instills confidence in her clients and collaborators. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Laura was named the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Houston Chapter Solo Practitioner of the Year in 2020. Her continued success was marked by silver Excalibur awards in integrated communications for campaigns associated with the Houston Botanic Garden in 2021 and 2022 and a bronze PRSA Houston Excalibur award in 2023 for her work with Teach For America Houston. In 2024, LFD Communications further solidified its reputation, bringing home two awards from PRSA Houston and one from the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Houston. In 2025, she received a silver Excalibur Award in the integrated communications campaign category for her work on the Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest. Laura is an instructor in the Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives in the Susan Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.  Connect with Laura Frnka-Davis, APR at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurafrnka-davis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurafrnka-davis/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVnVUWEtWVWR6QnNOS1ZNUnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4gKQ3A6wKQptH1jQls76fmPwbHDREdlEfWH5fKAHN0EJqaK8o_IcQi2rJ9gA_aem_9ekpjMMvrkqvXytLozAYUw] Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ [https://www.veronicavsopher.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVnVUWEtWVWR6QnNOS1ZNUnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR45C7apzQrdzy8MSpiCD_FE33wzCohM4p1mgBYpTRdr0RAXImR71HvZ9yxofA_aem_-K4lCv74kynCYktBZkrqMA] Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. [http://www.prsahouston.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVnVUWEtWVWR6QnNOS1ZNUnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7ZQytYKMGuVNqN8tD96pEkvIaiy-f1ZiSaFvdWnr8v0xsLUAWiuZUdMAIZrA_aem_75bvvs7dbEnxEG_oENgt2g] PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

PRactically Speaking Houston with Kristoffer Smith

Welcome Kristoffer Smith to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Kristoffer Smith is a communications and public relations professional with over 15 years of experience specializing in creative direction, content creation, and production. With expertise spanning school public relations, sports, short films, corporate projects, commercials, promotional videos, news, and photography, Smith has a proven track record of managing cross-platform campaigns, leading teams, and driving brand recognition through innovative multimedia solutions. An award-winning creative with mastery in Adobe Creative Cloud, video production, and digital communication, Smith strives to bring diverse social and cultural experiences to his audiences, aiming to inform, intrigue, and inspire. Connect with Kristoffer Smith at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristoffer-smith-59728793  Website: https://kristoffersmith.my.canva.site/ Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

PRactically Speaking Houston with Leslee Hackett

Welcome Leslee Hackett to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Leslee is a digital marketing and public relations consultant with 12+ years of experience developing data-driven communication strategies that elevate brand visibility and audience engagement. She specializes in social media strategy, content management, integrated internal and external communications, and multimedia storytelling, with a strong focus on analytics and performance optimization. Her work bridges creativity and strategy, helping organizations translate complex messages into compelling digital narratives that deliver measurable results. Currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) to further strengthen ethical, strategic communications practice. Connect with Leslee Hackett at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleeh/ [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Flesleeh%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyTXFqU1p4MXFzdkZ2alVqYnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Wgs759q68OL_i-9AMaCTaWMM624EuPYH7LzpmcRBdsBr0fiO5ErC4wMMaLA_aem_bJSxYyCHxizJX2zSrcxHUQ&h=AT2hZC1eJiatHzqxruOahE-Dav4Nnbmn-618m5etpUeAwyqwyZ5SWzy7635zmDAhKATEPNgJNzqgKaA0vk3FsSkSJ1Zd6R2ucoRbw_p0CJ5rnYFYI-VwL3VMTRGqq2sZZE8uHY1LgkvLRWZ6nZjLDG77nwH9hM6ZX4TMLQ&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT3szjOavduj6r5vgbjNnzwtbgA-877AebBawjojqSgpSadmsZRmg7URaSqgf74d_AVfeTOD47w2MgI3IfjMRuLdtBqg1_DCXuUgAl_GvOdismrtcIn32nIhX7p5plN84s1JgLhCLMg3jiXW3KI1UZGV6ycdl8OW0rs] Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.veronicavsopher.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyTXFqU1p4MXFzdkZ2alVqYnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Wgs759q68OL_i-9AMaCTaWMM624EuPYH7LzpmcRBdsBr0fiO5ErC4wMMaLA_aem_bJSxYyCHxizJX2zSrcxHUQ&h=AT2xWTe5UQ00b6Pft9ERyJXuVKZIVtzGjyrfpG_R6R6JyiiO059B92pFCbDTK5dpu2V1mSP9uvaX3GL8YP4kmQYa25JcBI91eRmhMPLvDAEwD3iNAm3tX6zeAyM83uYhuuxjjOYWQoUevZ3BPuyoaKUa2zSFN6r8b9EQvA&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT3szjOavduj6r5vgbjNnzwtbgA-877AebBawjojqSgpSadmsZRmg7URaSqgf74d_AVfeTOD47w2MgI3IfjMRuLdtBqg1_DCXuUgAl_GvOdismrtcIn32nIhX7p5plN84s1JgLhCLMg3jiXW3KI1UZGV6ycdl8OW0rs] Social:@VeronicaVSopher Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org. [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prsahouston.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyTXFqU1p4MXFzdkZ2alVqYnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6oWZEW_ZhMdbgmRF4lxexlRfnSlvEOQFNKImfhm9CNH1GncjjzY3VoNRlCAQ_aem_jYELZDQviukoJP9nGD2d8w&h=AT3ughDRNR2eCHbqBUT0Rim2vhdt17yZSm5HilFef5nS5AjRg_po3cbmA_Ev3l5fCrUt_82o3SgjGy0c9RH4W_KgpBzpxLOdVcj7okhTiHXVBmC8JSx31xWIJ4i1Ad-SvewQNb9Vtub-lgCCqgghH5gd6p2B1ftxBa83jw&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT3szjOavduj6r5vgbjNnzwtbgA-877AebBawjojqSgpSadmsZRmg7URaSqgf74d_AVfeTOD47w2MgI3IfjMRuLdtBqg1_DCXuUgAl_GvOdismrtcIn32nIhX7p5plN84s1JgLhCLMg3jiXW3KI1UZGV6ycdl8OW0rs] PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

PRactically Speaking Houston with Robyn Patterson

Welcome Robyn Patterson to PRactically Speaking Houston – the official podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter. Robyn Patterson is a senior public affairs strategist with deep experience at the intersection of politics, policy, and media. She served as a spokesperson in the Biden White House, where she led communications strategy on some of the administration’s most complex and high-profile issues—including labor and tech policy, civil rights, and crisis response. In that role, she prepared senior officials for major media interviews, developed cross-agency messaging frameworks, and worked closely with national reporters to shape coverage during fast-moving events. Before joining the White House, Robyn served in senior communications roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce and in the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, helping to navigate legislative negotiations, economic messaging, and media engagement at the highest levels of government. Today, Robyn is building the public affairs practice at Allison Worldwide, a leading marketing and communications agency. In this role, she advises companies, coalitions, and philanthropic organizations on how to navigate today’s evolving policy landscape, communicate with credibility in polarized environments, and respond strategically to reputational risks. She specializes in helping clients apply campaign-style communications strategies—message discipline, stakeholder engagement, and rapid response—to private sector and nonprofit challenges. Be sure to join us for our Networking Luncheon:  Shaping Power: How Strategic Communications Influence Policy, Perception, and Public Trust Date: February 11  Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Houston-Galveston Area Council 3555 Timmons Ln #100 Houston, TX 77027 High Stakes. High Visibility. High Impact. Join us for a powerful conversation with Robyn Patterson, senior public affairs strategist at Allison Worldwide and former spokesperson in the Biden White House. Robyn will share an inside look at how high-level communications strategies are developed and deployed when the stakes are highest. Join PRSA Houston for a timely and practical discussion on communications that shape outcomes when it matters most. Don’t just respond—lead. Sign up and learn more about Robyn. Register here: https://prsahouston.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php... [https://prsahouston.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=256&ts=1766178228&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYkJCbGpTM1RZZlY1SmxNV3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iB7KkkD_3vxFh9Z_g4xJ3gN5R6XWjjVdHo-4Nz6CMFk8ch_-l93ccyapkqA_aem_TLYufJc7YwNOgLo2KW1sxA] Connect with Robyn Patterson at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-patterson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-r-martin-b604a5/] Connect with Veronica V. Sopher at: Website: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/ [https://www.veronicavsopher.com/] Social:@VeronicaVSopher [https://www.veronicavsopher.com/] Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org [http://www.prsahouston.org/]. [http://www.prsahouston.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNW1oZHN0Y0x5dzdNeFYwSHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6fh1pVsvvXEZzhOd4nMXLbbqgQDAu1xkeExNS4AfgoI3gldiDapGm5200z7Q_aem_JakkEZ49t1uUlOqOgPPckg] PRactically Speaking Houston is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.