Monthly Archives: June 2025

The Brandinc PR Podcast Featured in “5 Law & Media Podcasts” Curated by The Intersection’s Sallie Hofmeister

We’re excited to share that The Brandinc PR Podcast was recently featured in a roundup of top podcasts navigating the intersection of law, media, and public perception! 🎙️🏛️

Curated by Sallie Hofmeister, a partner at The Intersection and former longtime journalist, the list spotlights podcasts that explore how narratives are shaped both in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion. The curated list was published in the EarBuds Podcast Collective newsletter, a trusted resource for podcast lovers and industry insiders.

Our inclusion alongside other heavy hitters like WNYC’s On The Media, Emily D. Baker’s The Emily Show, and Gamut Podcast Network’s We Fixed It, You’re Welcome, is a true honor. We’re especially proud to be recognized for our candid conversations and behind-the-scenes insights on PR, communications, and media strategy.

Huge thanks to Arielle Nissenblatt for tagging us and to Sallie for the thoughtful inclusion!

💡 Why This Matters:
In today’s media climate, understanding how public narratives are built—and challenged—is more important than ever. The Brandinc PR Podcast brings you insider interviews, breakdowns of trending topics, and actionable strategies from the front lines of communications.

🎧 Haven’t tuned in yet? Catch up on the latest episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

How Dugout Mugs Scored $50M in Sales with Bold Branding & Social Proof: A Conversation with CEO Kris Dehnert

What does it take to turn a simple idea—like drinking out of a baseball bat—into a multi-million dollar brand? This week on The Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims sits down with Kris Dehnert, the powerhouse CEO and co-founder of Dugout Mugs, to talk strategy, sales, and staying grounded while scaling big.

With over $50 million in sales, partnerships with Major League Baseball, and a social media audience of over 3 million followers, Dugout Mugs is far more than a novelty—it’s a case study in brand credibility, social proof, and disruptive marketing done right.

But Kris doesn’t just drop numbers—he drops truth. In this candid conversation, he opens up about:

• Launching Dugout Mugs and the product-market fit that changed everything

• Why social proof (like 60K+ reviews) is more powerful than any pitch

• What he learned from burnout and how it changed his leadership style

• Balancing fatherhood and founder life in the middle of fast-paced growth

• The future of eComm branding and what’s next for his empire

Whether you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or brand strategist, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building trust, scaling smart, and staying human in the hustle.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your shows.

🛠️ Ready to upgrade your own brand game? Subscribe to The Brandinc PR Podcast for expert interviews, bold strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from industry disruptors.

Brandi Sims to Moderate PRSA’s “State of the Industry: AI & Crisis Communications” Webinar

We’re thrilled to announce that Brandi Sims, Founder of Brandinc PR, will serve as moderator for the upcoming PRSA webinar, “State of the Industry: AI & Crisis Communications,” happening June 18, 2025 at 2PM ET.

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way PR professionals respond to crisis moments—from real-time reputation management to AI-driven media strategies. This timely and thought-provoking conversation will explore how communications pros can navigate these changes, adapt, and thrive.

Meet the Panelists:

🔹 Ryan McCormick – Co-Founder, Goldman & McCormick Public Relations
A veteran in crisis PR, Ryan brings deep insights on reputation repair and media navigation in high-stakes situations.

🔹 Dr. Lisa Du Bois Low – Associate Professor of Practice, Texas Tech University
An academic and practitioner at the intersection of communications and generative AI, Dr. Low will break down how AI is shaping message strategy and public perception.

🔹 Nathaniel Cooke Jr. – Co-Founder, CG Consulting Group
With a sharp focus on strategy and innovation, Nathaniel brings a forward-thinking view on how AI is redefining trust, authenticity, and the role of communicators in the digital age.

As moderator, Brandi will guide the conversation with thoughtful questions and real-world application, helping attendees walk away with practical strategies for embracing AI in their own crisis comms playbook.

📅 Save the date: June 18, 2025 at 2PM ET
🔗  https://www.prsa.org/event/2025/07/22/default-calendar/state-of-industry-ai-and-crisis-communications-wbens2503

Stay connected with Brandinc PR for more event updates, key takeaways, and Brandi’s insights following the session.

This isn’t just another PR panel—it’s a look into the future. Are you ready?

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting legacy in sports leadership and own your brand across platforms — this episode is for you.

This week on the Brandinc PR Podcast, I sat down with a true force in athletics administration: Monique A.J. Smith. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, Monique has redefined what it means to lead in sports, especially as a Black woman breaking barriers in a field where representation is still growing.

She’s not just an athletic administrator. Monique is a:

• Leadership Consultant for athletic departments and sport organizations

• Executive Coach helping professionals advance in sports management

• Adjunct Professor at Hampton University teaching sports business

• Magazine Publisher of Significance in Athletics and Sports

• Podcast Host of A Chat in the Garden, highlighting Black women in sports

Basically — she’s a whole ecosystem of impact.

🧠 What We Talked About

In this high-energy, truth-filled convo, we dive into:

• How Monique became one of the first Black women in athletic administration in the 1990s

• The importance of building your personal brand as a leader in sports

• Why visibility, confidence, and community matter more than ever

• How her Advance Academy is creating space for the next generation of leaders

• The power of using media — podcasting, publishing, and coaching — to amplify unheard voices

One quote that stuck with me?

“You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a mic. You can build your own stage.”

Monique is living proof of that.

🔎 Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a:

• Communications or PR pro navigating the sports industry

• Black woman working toward leadership in a male-dominated space

• Athletic administrator or coach trying to elevate your visibility

• Aspiring entrepreneur who wants to own your narrative…

This episode is a masterclass in how to lead boldly while staying grounded in purpose.

💡 Keywords to Know:

Black women in sports leadership, sports branding, athletic administration podcast, women in sports business, legacy in sports, executive coaching for sports professionals

🎧 Listen Now

Episode Title: From Trailblazer to Legacy Builder: Monique A.J. Smith on Leading Loud in Sports & Life

Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

💬 Want More?

👉 Follow Monique A.J. Smith on Instagram [@moniqueajsmith] and check out her podcast, A Chat in the Garden.

👉 Grab her magazine Significance in Athletics and Sports on Amazon — 8 powerhouse issues available now.

👉 Ready to build your brand with PR that works? Let’s connect over at brandincpr.com or slide into my DMs on IG @brandincpr.

Brandi Sims Named Semifinalist for the Power Connector Award in the 2025 Fuel Her Fire Awards

I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news—I’ve been named a semifinalist for the Power Connector Award in the 2025 Fuel Her Fire Awards, presented by Fuel to Fire!

The Fuel Her Fire Awards celebrate bold, trailblazing female entrepreneurs who are redefining success and creating powerful impact across industries. This year’s theme centers around honoring women who ignite change—and I’m deeply honored to be in the mix with such a powerhouse group of leaders.

The Power Connector Award specifically recognizes women who go above and beyond to build bridges, create meaningful connections, and elevate others. As a publicist, brand strategist, and media coach, it’s been my mission to not only amplify voices but to open doors for underrepresented founders, professionals, and creatives who deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

If my work has ever inspired or impacted you, I would be so grateful for your support in helping me reach the finals.

👉🏽 You can vote now through June 23rd on Fuel to Fire’s official site. Every vote truly makes a difference!

Thank you to the Fuel to Fire team for recognizing the heart behind the hustle—and thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey along the way. Let’s keep the fire going 🔥

Tags:
#FuelHerFire #PowerConnectorAward #BrandiSims #WomenEntrepreneurs #FemaleFounders #PRConsultant #BusinessAwards #Womensupportingwomen #BrandincPR #PublicRelations #BlackWomenInPR #LatinaFounder