Beyond PR

For the sixth and final episode of Beyond PR’s third season, Brookline PR’s Principal and Founder, Shauna MacDonald, was joined by fellow Brookliners Lisa Libin, Managing Director, Kelsey Wilson, Senior Account Manager, and Andrew Myers, Account Manager, for a very special podcast recording! To wrap the year up, Beyond PR decided to flip the script on our usual guest interview format and instead turned to local PR and Communications students to “Ask Brookline PR Anything”. For this episode, Shauna and the panel answered students’ burning questions about the world of communications, agency life, and everything in between.

Tune in to this latest episode of Beyond PR to hear about a day in the life of a PR professional, stories about first roles in the industry, best and worst advice we have each received, what skills agencies look for in new applicants, and so much more. If you have ever wondered about the world of public relations or want to learn more about Brookline, this episode is one you certainly do not want to miss!

For this season’s fifth episode of Beyond PR, host and Brookline PR’s Principal and Founder, Shauna MacDonald, is joined by Leah Hepner, a registered psychologist based in Calgary, for an informative and engaging discussion surrounding mental health and the heightened awareness on the importance of mental wellness that came about during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shauna and Leah discuss some of the biggest issues Leah is seeing in her practice as we emerge from COVID-19, how remote work and the return to the office is impacting mental health, trends she see’s emerging in school-aged children and their parents, and her biggest learnings from the pandemic and how she is able to apply these as we all adapt to the “new normal”.

This episode is one we think is extremely valuable for anyone to listen to, especially parents, as Leah provides some terrific insight into a wide variety of mental health topics, from the home to school and work and everything in between. Tune in to this latest episode of Beyond PR to hear about all of this and more!

It has been 18 months since our last panel where we analyzed how some of North America’s most prominent brands navigated and pivoted throughout the pandemic. For this episode, we welcomed our panel guests back to reflect on their experiences during the last few years, to get caught up on all of the exciting things they have each been up to since we chatted last and learn what they are most excited about now that the world is slowly returning to the ‘new normal’.

Our guests Negin Kamali, Director of Public Relations for Princess Cruises, Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President of Communication with Oilers Entertainment Group, and Richard Bartrem, Vice President of Communications, Brand and Community Investment at WestJet return to touch on all of this and more in this latest episode of Beyond PR.

In the spirit of honouring, learning and celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, we’re grateful to welcome Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, Chief Billy Morin Nahtokitopi (Sacred Rider) Wapikihew (White Eagle), to the Beyond PR Podcast for our third episode of our third season. As the youngest Chief in Enoch Cree Nations’ modern history and the 2020 Grand Chief of the 17 First Nations within the Confederacy of Treaty Six, Chief Morin shares what it means to him to bear the responsibility of so many leadership roles. As well, we learn more on how to collectively move forward in reconciliation for Canada and Indigenous Peoples. Be sure to subscribe to the Beyond PR to hear about our newest episodes as soon as they go live.

For episode two of our third season, the Beyond PR podcast wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day this year by highlighting the working moms of Brookline PR! Shauna was joined by Managing Director Lisa Libin, Vice President Leanna Kruk, Account Director Nicole Tuncay, and Account Manager Rebecca Hurl to discuss balancing their jobs at the agency with all of the responsibilities that come with motherhood. From how being a mom has altered their approaches at work to the supports they are grateful for at Brookline for working moms, this episode is one that all parents can no doubt relate to. Be sure to subscribe to Beyond PR to hear about our newest episodes as soon as they go live.

We are so excited to share that the Beyond PR podcast is BACK and to kick off our third season, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with a very special guest – Dr. Ken Parhar. Dr. Parhar is an Intensivist in both the General ICU and the Cardiovascular ICU at the Foothills Medical Center, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Calgary, as well as the section President for Critical Care in the Alberta Medical Association. Dr. Parhar joined the podcast as we neared the two-year mark from the outset of the COVID pandemic to speak about his experiences over the past 24 months and what life has been like for our healthcare heroes on the front lines. With such a timely topic and a really terrific guest, this episode is one you do not want to miss!

On this month’s episode of Beyond PR, Shauna reconnects with former high school classmate turned entrepreneur extraordinaire – Jennifer Carlson, CEO of Calgary-based food company Baby Gourmet. From the Calgary Farmer’s Market to global expansion, Jen tells the story behind Canada’s leading baby food manufacturer and first pouch company in Canada, Baby Gourmet, and how she was able to successfully build her brand. Recently acquired by Switzerland-based international infant food giant Hero Group, Jen describes her rollercoaster ride journey as a businesswoman and offers advice for aspiring young entrepreneurs. Never losing sight of her vision, Jen demonstrates the true meaning of manifestation and talks about the importance of visualization when it comes to reaching your goals. For all this and more, tune in!

To kick off the new year in style, this month’s guest is the founder of womenswear label SophieGrace – the chic Emma May. Emma is an entrepreneur, activist, real estate business leader and former lawyer and political staffer under Premier Jim Prentice – there’s not much she can’t do. Shauna sits down with Emma to discuss her unique entrepreneurial journey from corporate law to building her own fashion brand, as well as how she continues to uphold her civic duty despite exiting the world of politics. From divulging her thoughts on Kamala Harris’ controversial Vogue cover to how her brand continues to be a success despite the pandemic, this episode is full of insights into the mind of a serial entrepreneur – tune in!

While this podcast typically hosts guests from all walks of life to discuss topics that go Beyond PR, this episode is an exception. As the current global health crisis has highlighted the importance of communications, Shauna sits down with Negin Kamali, the Director of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, to discuss the events that ensued onboard the Diamond Princess ship right at the onset of the pandemic. Negin breaks down her experience in managing the crisis from the minute she received the news to where things are today. She also reflects on the lessons she learned during the pandemic and how far the world of PR has come – from faxing press releases to traversing the digital landscape of social media. Plus, she offers advice to anyone interested in pursuing crisis communications.

For this episode of Beyond PR, listeners get to enjoy a double dose of entertainment from not only one but two special guests. In the hot seat this month is none other than Calgary Flames left winger Milan Lucic and his lovely wife Brittany. Shauna was honoured to host the couple’s very first interview together to discuss the interesting year that 2020 has shaped up to be. From how they managed homeschooling at the onset of the pandemic with their children to describing what the NHL bubble experience was really like, this episode is full of insights into the Lucic household. Milan and Brittany also reflect on how they first met, what their favourite NHL city to live in has been, and the fun surprise that the Flames had for the team during their time in the bubble.

This month’s guest of honour is an international thought leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian, and the most-awarded male Canadian country music artist in history – you guessed it, it’s Paul Brandt! As a long-time friend and client, Shauna and Paul catch up on how life has changed since the pandemic started, how to embrace change and how difficult times always pay off. Paul reveals the side of himself that people don’t know about (Hint: it might surprise you!), as well as what he’s been up to while touring is on hold, including construction of his own ODR (outdoor rink). Plus, Paul shares insights on human trafficking and efforts against it through his organization #NotInMyCity. What’s next for PB? There’s only one way to find out – tune in!

Beyond PR podcast is back! Kicking off our second season, Shauna speaks with long-time client and friend Karen Stewart, Founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions. With a long history of entrepreneurial ventures and business success, Karen is a self-proclaimed ‘disruptor’ – approaching every industry she enters with a determination to leave it better than when she started. Speaking candidly with Shauna about her experiences that drove the launch of Fairway, Karen is a firm believer in understanding – and following – her ‘why’. From discussions about single parenthood, to what lessons COVID-19 has taught her – Karen shares her story and key learnings as a serial entrepreneur to inspire Canadians to keep going and find the silver lining in every situation.

Brookline Public Relations is a team of uniquely talented PR professionals who pride themselves on going #BPRBeyond. With this theme prominent in everything they do, the Beyond PR podcast, hosted by Brookline's Principal and Founder Shauna MacDonald, showcases how leaders throughout Canada go beyond in business, philanthropic endeavours, and their communities. Subscribe to catch season two (coming soon!) featuring special guests who are breaking boundaries and going ‘beyond’ the typical to inspire and make a lasting impact.

As season one of Beyond PR draws to a close, what better way to wrap up our series of incredible guests than with insight from veteran journalist, community leader and 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary, Deborah Yedlin. From a career on Wall Street to becoming Alberta’s leading business and politics reporter, Deborah discusses how she held her own in largely male-dominated industries, how her position at the University of Calgary seemed like a natural fit, and how Albertans are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic amidst an already challenging energy crisis.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, long-time tech sector executive Patricia Kaiser sits down with Shauna to share her experience as a business leader and working mother, answering the question: can you really have it all? Reflecting on her career, Patricia gets candid about the glass ceiling, her role at the board table, and just how she became comfortable being uncomfortable, ultimately pushing herself to achieve more and go further. Evolving from an up-and-coming woman in tech to a dynamic, hands-on leader, Patricia Kaiser has proven she is a force to be reckoned with.  

Canadians likely know Tara Weber as a steadfast, reliable news source and BNN Bloomberg’s western correspondent. But in the first episode of the new year, Beyond PR host Shauna MacDonald goes deeper to uncover the real story behind Tara and her journey from a small town in British Columbia to becoming a national reporter. Listen in as Tara shares her insights on the era of fake news, tackling tough and sensitive stories, the discussion around Canada’s energy sector, and how to ensure your news tip doesn’t get lost in her inbox.

Katrina Olson-Mottahed is force of fashion, entrepreneur, mother of two and savvy social media influencer who is no stranger to viral moments (both the good and bad). On this month’s episode, the arts-advocate talks falling in love with fashion, influencer marketing do’s and don’ts, where to find Canadian designer labels, and her experience raising daughters in the digital age. Katrina shares her surprise at being named one of Canada’s Best Dressed in 2019 by the Globe and Mail and reveals that her husband actually owns more shoes than she does!

Geneviève Simard's story goes much steeper than the ski hills she has conquered and gold medals she has won. In addition to her legacy as a champion in alpine skiing, Geneviève is also known country-wide for her advocacy against sexual assault in sports, and for speaking out about her own experience of abuse as a young athlete. Listen in as Geneviève shares her take on trusting one’s intuition, being a star athlete and why being different means being brave.

You’ve heard the name, but how about the story? On Brookline’s 15th anniversary (that’s right – we’re a Gen Z, born on October 4, 2004), listen as the microphone is turned and Shauna MacDonald, Principal & Founder of Brookline Public Relations takes questions from Brookline’s own Lisa Libin, Vice President and Leanna Kruk, Group Director. Shauna discusses Brookline’s inception, who her mentors have been throughout the years, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and what being different means to one of Calgary’s most unique leaders. Cheers to 15 years!

This month, Beyond PR brings you inside the mind of master chef Connie DeSousa as she serves up great stories of her culinary, business, and parenthood ventures in Calgary and across the globe. With a new brunch spot for Calgarians to flock to, Connie shares the concepts behind the newly opened CHIX Eggshop as well as the inspiration for her other nationally recognized restaurants CHARCUT and charbar. What is the secret to making the perfect egg? Sharpen your listening utensils and let’s dig in!

Why is watching the news now “more important than ever”? Calgary’s beloved Jocelyn Laidlaw, Senior News Anchor for CTV Calgary,  joins Beyond PR to discuss her time in reporting, how journalism has evolved and is constantly changing, how fake news has impacted the industry, and how becoming a mom has changed her approach to her work. Jocelyn shares the moments in her reporting career that were the toughest to overcome, and, after some convincing from Shauna, shares what it’s like being a micro-celebrity in Calgary. 

As one of Canada’s leading boutique PR firms, Brookline Public Relations is fortunate to work with incredible individuals across the country. We are constantly inspired by the fascinating stories these industry leaders have to tell. So inspired, we want to share these stories with you. 

The Beyond PR podcast brings open, honest and often never-before-heard stories from notable leaders in their areas of expertise. Join us to get inspired every month through candid conversation on the BPR podcast.