From Outcast to Industry Trailblazer: Benjamin Shrader Shares His Wild Ride in Event Promotion on the Brandinc PR Podcast


From Outcast to Industry Trailblazer: Benjamin Shrader Shares His Wild Ride in Event Promotion on the Brandinc PR Podcast

At Brandinc PR, we believe the best stories are the ones that don’t follow the rules. And this week’s Brandinc PR Podcastguest, Benjamin Shrader, is a walking, talking, party-promoting masterclass in breaking the mold and building success on your own terms.

As the CEO of Shrader Promotions LLC, Benjamin has spent the past six years organizing some of the biggest, boldest concert events across Texas. We’re talking high-energy, sold-out shows with artists like Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, and Parker McCollum—and one unforgettable event where, yes, a giraffe casually made an appearance. (No, seriously. It happened. You’ll want to hear that story.)

But what truly sets Benjamin apart isn’t just the wild parties or superstar lineups—it’s the path he took to get here.

Diagnosed with severe dyslexia and ADHD, Benjamin was often underestimated early in life, feeling like the outcast in classrooms and traditional spaces. But instead of letting that label define him, he built a company from the ground up while still in college—leveraging social media strategy, storytelling, and pure hustle to create something massive.

And just one year ago, he faced his most personal challenge yet: undergoing surgery to remove a golf-ball-sized brain tumor, which left him permanently deaf in one ear. Rather than step away from the spotlight, Benjamin stepped further in—using his story to encourage other young entrepreneurs and creatives to embrace their obstacles and turn them into fuel.

In this episode, Benjamin opens up about:

  • Meeting Lady Gaga (and how her kindness still inspires how he treats others in the business)

  • Embracing failure and turning it into his biggest competitive edge

  • Building buzz-worthy events using nothing but grit and social media savvy

  • And yes… wrangling a giraffe at a party like a true promo pro

This one’s packed with real talk, wild stories, and powerful lessons on perseverance, personal branding, and what it takes to thrive in the music and event industries—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Ready to get inspired?
Click here to listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.

Stay bold,
The Brandinc PR Team

Crisis, Chaos & Curated Personas: 5 PR Lessons from The White Lotus

Published by Brandi Sims | Brandinc PR
Date: April 17th, 2025

Luxury, drama, and a whole lot of bad decision-making—what’s not to love about The White Lotus?
Season 3 just wrapped, and while most people are watching for the plot twists, I’m watching for the PR breakdowns (and trust me, there were plenty). On the latest episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I’m diving into how this wildly popular series mirrors real-life branding lessons—and what every business can take away from the chaos.

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode that every entrepreneur, marketing pro, and brand builder should know:

1. Crisis Doesn’t Wait for a Quiet Moment

In The White Lotus, everything looks perfect—until it’s not. Sound familiar? Brands often wait for a crisis before building a plan. But reputation management isn’t reactive. It’s proactive.
Takeaway: Have a crisis communication plan ready before you need it.

2. If You Don’t Own Your Story, Someone Else Will

The characters are constantly trying to control the narrative—usually too late. In the PR world, we call that damage control. But the best brands tell their story before the media, customers, or competitors get to it.
Takeaway: Define your brand’s story and voice early—and protect it.

3. Curated Doesn’t Mean Credible

One of the standout characters this season is the perfect example of influencer illusion. Gorgeous feed. Flawless energy. But behind the scenes? Chaos.
Takeaway: Don’t let follower count fool you—vet influencers for alignment, values, and long-term impact.

4. Cultural Competency is Non-Negotiable

With Season 3 set in Thailand, the show surfaces some serious questions about cultural appropriation and tourist entitlement. And the same goes for brands who want to “borrow” from cultures without doing the work.
Takeaway: Respect the culture. Do the research. Hire consultants if needed.

5. Power Can Shield You… Until It Doesn’t

Whether you’re a billionaire or a boutique brand, public perception matters. Big names might survive scandals with money and connections, but that doesn’t mean their reputations aren’t scarred.
Takeaway: Authentic accountability > performative apologies. Every time.

Want the Full Breakdown?

In the newest episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I walk through these lessons and share how you can apply them to your brand—minus the murder mystery, of course.

Listen now: [Insert Podcast Link]

Let The White Lotus be your reminder:
Your image is only as strong as your strategy.

Need help building a PR game plan that keeps your brand protected?
Let’s talk. Book a 1:1 strategy session with me or explore our media kit development services.

Brandi Sims is the founder of Brandinc PR, a full-service communications agency helping brands stand out, stay relevant, and build authentic connections through storytelling, strategy, and solid PR fundamentals.

Brandinc PR Welcomes Ether Community Co-op as Newest Internship Partner

Brandinc PR Welcomes Ether Community Co-op as Newest Internship Partner

We’re excited to announce a brand-new addition to our growing list of internship partners—Ether Community Co-op, a Nashville-based organization known for its dynamic work in community building, economic empowerment, and social innovation.

Through this partnership, Ether Community Co-op will now join the ranks of esteemed colleges and universities that have officially partnered with Brandinc PR to provide students with hands-on experience in public relations and communications.

At Brandinc PR, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of changemakers. Our internship program is designed to immerse students in real-world PR work—from media outreach and campaign planning to brand storytelling and social media strategy. By collaborating with Ether Community Co-op, we’re opening new doors for students in the Nashville area to gain industry knowledge, sharpen their skills, and build impactful networks.

Ether Community Co-op’s commitment to community empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission at Brandinc PR. Together, we’ll cultivate a learning environment that inspires creativity, encourages growth, and fuels the passion of emerging professionals.

Stay tuned for highlights from our interns and the exciting projects they’ll be working on through this partnership!

Interested in becoming an internship partner? Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn how your organization or campus can join our network.

The Brandinc PR Podcast Earns a Spotlight on the Black Podcasting Awards

Hold the Press! The Brandinc PR Podcast Steals the Spotlight!

Guess who’s been making waves in the podcasting universe? That’s right—The Brandinc PR Podcast has been featured on the Black Podcasting Awards’ website and social media channels! This shoutout is a testament to our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and delivering top-tier content that resonates.​

From candid conversations with industry trailblazers to deep dives into the latest PR trends, our podcast has been a beacon for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and media enthusiasts alike. Being recognized by the Black Podcasting Awards fuels our passion to keep bringing you the stories that matter.​brandincpr.com

A massive thank you to our listeners and supporters—you are the heartbeat of our journey. Haven’t tuned in yet? There’s no better time to start!​

Catch all our episodes here:​

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and let’s keep making magic together!​

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Brandi Sims Returns as Judge for PRSA Foundation Fellowship in Partnership with AGEAN Public Relations

AUSTIN, TX (April 10, 2025) – Public relations executive and Brandinc PR founder Brandi Sims has once again been selected to serve as a judge for the PRSA Foundation’s highly competitive fellowship program, in collaboration with AGEAN Public Relations. This marks Sims’ third consecutive year participating in the selection process for the $2,500 fellowship award, which supports emerging talent in the field of public relations.

The PRSA Foundation and AGEAN PR fellowship aims to identify and support underrepresented students pursuing careers in strategic communications. As a judge, Sims will join a distinguished panel of professionals tasked with reviewing applicant submissions and selecting a fellow who exemplifies leadership, creativity, and a passion for advancing the industry.

“It’s an incredible honor to continue supporting the next generation of PR professionals through this fellowship,” said Sims. “Programs like these are essential for ensuring a more inclusive and innovative future for our industry. I’m proud to contribute to an initiative that aligns so closely with my personal and professional values.”

With more than a decade of experience in public relations and communications, Sims brings a unique blend of corporate, nonprofit, entertainment, and government expertise to the panel. Through Brandinc PR, she has championed community engagement and equity in media representation, mentoring rising professionals along the way.

In addition to her judging role, Sims is a recognized speaker, advisor, and educator in the field of communications. She currently hosts The Brandinc PR Podcast, where she interviews industry leaders on branding, media, and entrepreneurial growth.

For more information on the PRSA Foundation or the AGEAN Public Relations Fellowship, visit www.prsafoundation.org.

About Brandi Sims
Brandi Sims is the founder of Brandinc PR, a full-service public relations agency specializing in brand visibility and strategic communications for clients in sports, entertainment, and small business. A passionate advocate for diversity in media, Sims serves on national advisory boards and leads initiatives focused on mentorship and leadership development.

Learn more at www.brandincpr.com.