That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast
Business & Finance
About
That Solo Life: Co-hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words for Hire, LLC and owner of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane, founder of VoiceMatters, LLC, we keep it real and talk about the topics that affect solo business owners.
Episodes
- Why Smart Solos Are Watching These Five Trends Right Now Episode Summary
That Solo Life Episode 339: Why Smart Solos Are Watching These Five Trends Right Now Episode Summary Karen and Michelle are back with one of their favorite formats — a roundup of what's happening in the world right now and what it means fo…
- One PR Pro Shows There is Purpose in the Press
In this episode of That Solo Life, Candice Smith, founder of French Press Communications, shares how her background in education informs her approach to public relations strategy and business systems for solo practitioners. The discussion…
- How AI Impacts PR Agencies and Solos with Chip Griffin
In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane, with guest Chip Griffin, discuss the impact of AI on PR professionals. They cover economic uncertainties, client communication challenges, the necessity of adapting beyond traditional me…
- That Solo Life Returns with New Episodes
Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane return to discuss the importance of self-care and holistic well-being for solo practitioners. They cover managing personal responsibilities alongside business demands, protecting energy, and redefining pr…
- Navigating Public Information Campaigns and Crisis Comms with Cyndee Woolley
Cyndee Woolley joins That Solo Life to discuss public information campaigns and crisis communications, highlighting how local decisions impact daily life and offering advice on strategic messaging and crisis management.
- Why PR Pros Urge Brands to Put People Before Processes
This episode of That Solo Life argues that public relations professionals should prioritize people over processes. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss how an over-reliance on data, frameworks, and efficiency can negatively impact cu…
- Silent Risk: How Corporate Citizenship Navigates the Storm of Social Upheaval
This episode of That Solo Life features Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discussing corporate communication strategies during social unrest and public crises. They differentiate between advocacy and activism, highlight the importance of intern…
- Why AI Search Optimization Matters for PR - Episode 332
Doug Simon joins "That Solo Life" to discuss artificial intelligence
- Teaching Clients The Value Of Patience In PR - Episode 331
In this episode of That Solo Life, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane address the common frustration of managing unrealistic client expectations in public relations. They discuss why clients may hire PR professionals for the wrong reasons or wit…
- How Solo PR Pros Can Use RFPs To Land New Business - Episode 330
This episode of That Solo Life discusses how solo PR professionals can effectively use Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to land new business. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane share strategies for identifying worthwhile opportunities, humani…
- The New Alphabet of PR - From AEO to PESO
In this episode of That Solo Life, Gini Dietrich discusses the evolving PR landscape, the integration of AI into workflows, and the future of the PESO model. The conversation covers "Visibility Engineering" to ensure brand presence in AI s…
- The Power of Purpose-Driven Branding with Cat Holt
Cat Holt, a marketing executive, joins That Solo Life to discuss purpose-driven branding, sharing insights on aligning company values with external messaging. The episode covers career reevaluation among women in their 40s, the impact of A…
- That Solo Life Looks Back at 2025
In episode 327, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane of That Solo Life review 2025's key trends for communication professionals. They discuss the shift in AI perception, favorite guest moments, the rise of Threads, the strengthening of commu…
- A Holiday Wish List for PR Pros
In Episode 326 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss their holiday wish list for solo PR professionals. The wishes focus on intangible elements such as confidence, assertiveness, joyful clients, rediscovering work f…
- Why PR Pros Need To Master Telling Their Own Story
On That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the impact of AI on the PR industry and emphasize the importance for solo PR professionals to assert their unique value and tell their own stories. The episode covers personal b…
- Celebrating and Leveraging Your Milestone Moments - Smart Talk Series Replay
This episode of That Solo Life features Karen Swim discussing the importance of celebrating milestones, reframing challenges like the pandemic as opportunities, and strategies for self-promotion and recognizing one's value as a solo practi…
- How to Identify, Land and Retain Sponsorship Deals
Anetra Henry returns to That Solo Life to share her expertise on nonprofit sponsorships. She guides solo PR pros through identifying aligned sponsors, developing strategies, and managing relationships for sustainable revenue, covering topi…
- The Rise of Rage Farms and Coordinated Disinformation
In episode 322 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane explore the phenomenon of "rage farms" and the industry of disinformation-as-a-service. They discuss how coordinated, anonymous online attacks are created to damage brand…
- What We're Reading for Focus, Laughs and Professional Development
In episode 321 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane share books they are reading for professional development and pleasure. They discuss titles concerning AI's impact on customer behavior, attention spans, social media's e…
- When You Feel Out of Sync with Your PR Career - Episode 320
Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the common feeling among PR professionals of being out of sync with their careers. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, pausing to evaluate personal values and life goals, and finding suppo…
- Succeeding at Business Development in a Tough Year
This episode of That Solo Life discusses strategies for solo PR and marketing professionals to succeed at business development during a tough economic year. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane cover leveraging AI, returning to fundamentals,…
- How the New Era of AI Search Impacts PR Pros - Episode 318
In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane explore how AI search is reshaping PR. They discuss the pros and cons of AI-driven search, including echo chambers and personalized results, while emphasizing the critical importance of t…
- Navigating the Noise: A PR Pro's Guide to Combating Misinformation
Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the critical issue of misinformation and disinformation for PR professionals. They highlight the impact of bot activity, such as that seen in the Cracker Barrel logo controversy, and stress the im…
- Gen Alpha's Surprising Influence on Your PR Strategy
This episode explores the significant economic influence of Generation Alpha (ages 0-15) on purchasing decisions, from family cars to technology. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss how PR professionals can adapt their strategies to…
- Counting the Cost of Transparency in a Rage-Filled World
In episode 315 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen and Michelle explore the complexities of brand transparency in a highly reactive world. They discuss the pressure on PR professionals to advise clients on communication strategies, the impact o…
- Communicating in the Era of Everyday is a Crisis
This episode of That Solo Life discusses strategies for solo PR practitioners to help clients manage public perception and prepare for crises. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane cover proactive preparation, communication with the C-suite,…
- Strategies for Securing New PR Business in 2025
That Solo Life Episode 313 explores strategies for solo PR professionals to secure new business in 2025, addressing global PR industry growth, niche specialization, and business development tactics. Key takeaways include the benefits of sp…
- Going Big by Going Small: Hidden Gold for PR Pros
The Solo PR Pro Podcast, Episode 312, discusses how PR professionals can find success by focusing on underutilized social media platforms like Discord and Substack Chat. The hosts highlight the value of niche communities, employee brand am…
- Barcelona Principles 2025: What PR Pros Need to Measure Now (Episode 310)
Episode 310 of That Solo Life covers the 2025 Barcelona Principles update, detailing the shift towards measuring PR outcomes relevant to the C-suite and aligning with the AMEC Integrated Evaluation Framework. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle…
- Hits And Misses Of The Hot Mess Summer Of 2025 (Ep. 311)
Karen Swim and Michelle Kane examine the "Hot Mess Summer" of 2025, discussing PR and communications challenges including return-to-office mandates, AI, social media trends, and brand missteps. They offer insights for solo practitioners na…
- When Being Great at PR Gets in the Way of Life
In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane explore the challenges PR professionals face when their work skills negatively impact their personal lives. They discuss overthinking, overworking, and share advice on f…
- Branding, Bravery and Breaking Through with Melissa Vela-Williamson - Episode 308
This episode of That Solo Life features PR strategist Melissa Vela-Williamson discussing her career path, the importance of personal branding, overcoming imposter syndrome, and using storytelling and cultural intelligence. She also shares…
- Media Under the Influence
In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss "Media Under the Influence," examining how governmental interference and financial constraints impact media integrity. They explore the importance of journalism…
- Where the Wild Things Are - Rethinking Social Media in 2025
On That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane explore the evolving social media landscape for PR professionals. They discuss platform relevance, audience alignment, and the importance of adapting strategies while staying true to pe…
- AI and the PR Profession: What You Need to Know to Future Proof Your Career
That Solo Life podcast episode 305 discusses the impact of AI on the public relations profession. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane highlight the need for PR professionals to adapt by combining human skills with technological proficiency.…
- The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School
In Episode 304 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane interview PR professional and educator Veleisa Patton Burrell. They discuss her career shifts, the role of AI in PR and education, and the importance of critical thinking…
- The Folly of AI First Strategies
In Episode 303 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the risks of "AI-first" strategies in business and marketing. They argue for a balanced approach, highlighting examples of AI misuse and emphasizing the continued…
- The Solo Perspective: Appreciating The Challenges Of Corporate Life
This episode compares corporate life and solo entrepreneurship, discussing the differing challenges, decision-making processes, and the rewards of each path. Hosts Michelle Kane and Karen Swim share insights on professional evolution and c…
- The Need for Thoughtful Engagement in an Age of Clickbait
In episode 301 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane examine social media
- How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR
In episode 300 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane share insights on navigating challenging PR scenarios. They cover client conduct at events, unscripted interview comments, handling negative information, and self-protect…
- The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations
Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the 2025 USC Annenberg Global Communication Report, highlighting Gen Z's workplace priorities like flexibility over pay and concerns about AI. They explore generational perceptions, the benefits o…
- PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025
In Episode 298, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane review the first quarter of 2025 for PR professionals. They discuss challenges with PR tools, industry overwork and burnout, and the difficulty of communicating meaningful messages amidst…
- The Big Idea with Jess Sato
Jess Sato, a business growth and visibility strategist, joins That Solo Life to discuss the "big idea" concept for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. She explains her Bolt Method and strategies for standing out, overcoming challenges like impos…
- Do They Know About Solos? Exploring Opportunities for Solo PR Pros
This episode of That Solo Life discusses strategies for Solo PR Pros to increase their visibility and connect with businesses. Hosts Karen and Michelle cover networking, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, and repurposing content to highli…
- National Days and Awareness Months and How to Manage in 2025
This episode of That Solo Life discusses how PR professionals and marketers can navigate the numerous "national days" and awareness months. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane advise on strategically deciding which events align with client…
- Why It's Time to Advance AI Discussions in PR
Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the integration of AI in public relations, moving beyond basic applications to enhance productivity and provide strategic counsel. The episode covers the importance of advancing AI discussions, practica…
- Utilizing Zero Click Content for Better Engagement
In episode 292 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Karen explore zero click content, a strategy that prioritizes audience engagement over driving website clicks. They discuss its psychological benefits, creative applications i…
- Personal And Professional Challenges Of Cybercrime
Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the growing threat of cybercrime, including phishing and fraudulent links, and how public relations professionals can protect themselves and their clients. The episode covers personal safety tips, the i…
- The Good, The Bad, and The Ridiculous of Wordplay
Michelle Kane and Karen Swim discuss the strategic use of wordplay in PR and marketing, covering its power to connect with audiences and the importance of mindful messaging that prioritizes kindness and avoids division.
- The New Challenges in Managing Brand Reputation
In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane explore the complexities of managing brand reputation, especially during crises like serious allegations. They emphasize building trust, maintaining authenticity, and pr…