Celebrating National Publicist Day: Honoring the Power of PR + Storytelling

Every year on October 30th, the industry celebrates National Publicist Day—a moment to recognize the storytellers, brand builders, media connectors, and strategic communicators who shape narratives that influence the world. As a PR agency proudly serving clients across Austin, Texas, and nationwide, we know firsthand the impact a skilled publicist can have on a brand’s visibility, reputation, and long-term success.

Why National Publicist Day Matters

Publicists work behind the scenes to secure media coverage, craft compelling brand stories, manage reputation, and build meaningful relationships with journalists, influencers, and audiences. Whether it’s positioning a founder as an industry expert, launching a product, or navigating a crisis—publicists are the bridge that connects brands to the right audience at the right time.

On this day in 1906, the very first press release was published—setting the foundation for the modern PR industry. Today, we continue that legacy through innovative media relations, digital storytelling, and strategic brand communication.

The Role of Publicists in Today’s Media Landscape

With evolving media platforms, shrinking newsrooms, and the rise of social media, publicists play an even more crucial role. From Austin’s thriving business and entertainment scene to national media markets, publicists help organizations stand out in a crowded space by:

• Securing earned media placements

• Crafting newsworthy pitches and brand narratives

• Building relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and creators

• Helping brands tell meaningful, authentic stories

• Protecting brand reputation through strategic communication

A Spotlight on Brandinc PR

At Brandinc PR, we celebrate National Publicist Day with pride. As a boutique PR and communications agency rooted in Austin and serving clients nationwide, our mission is to elevate voices, amplify impact, and bring powerful stories to the forefront of media.

From entertainment and lifestyle brands to nonprofits, sports, and community-driven organizations — we champion brands that lead with purpose.

How to Celebrate National Publicist Day

Here are a few meaningful ways to honor the day:

✅ Shout out your publicist or PR team on social media
✅ Share a media win or highlight a story that shaped your brand
✅ Reflect on how storytelling has impacted your business or community

And if you’re a business, entrepreneur, or brand looking to boost visibility, this is the perfect time to explore how strategic PR can take you to the next level.

Whether you’re in Austin, TX, or beyond, today we honor the publicists who bring strategy, creativity, and heart to the world of media and communication.

Happy National Publicist Day to the storytellers, magic-makers, and PR pros—your work matters.

The holiday season is here — but if you think you missed your window to pitch the media, think again.

On this week’s episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi Sims, PR Strategist and Founder of Brandinc PR in Austin, TX, breaks down what you can STILL pitch and land before the year ends. Whether you’re a small business, expert, or brand looking to secure last-minute media coverage for the holidays, this episode gives you the angles, strategies, and timing you need.

If you’re based in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, or anywhere nationwide, these tips can help you stand out in a crowded season and secure meaningful press that drives visibility and engagement.

🎙️ Episode Highlights: What You’ll Learn

In this short episode, high-value episode, Brandi shares:

✅ Why It’s Not Too Late to Pitch Holiday Stories

Many entrepreneurs assume holiday pitching wraps in August — but local, regional, and digital outlets are still looking for timely content leading into December. Brandi shares where the opportunities still exist and why now is a prime moment to pitch.

🎁 3 Holiday Story Angles You Can Still Land

You’ll learn the three types of holiday stories that media outlets are actively booking right now:

1. Heart + Humanity Stories
   Community impact pieces, feel-good features, giving-back spotlights, and stories that amplify local change makers.

2. Holiday Stress, Wellness & Lifestyle Support
   Mental health experts, therapists, coaches, financial experts, and family support voices are in high demand during the holiday season.

3. Small Business & Money-Focused Angles
   Local business features, Small Business Saturday tie-ins, year-end financial advice, and trending consumer behavior topics that newsrooms love.

🌟 How to Avoid the Holiday “Noise”

Brandi shares her #1 strategy to help your pitch stand out in a saturated season. (Spoiler: Timeliness and specificity are your best friends right now.)

📍 Why This Matters for Small Businesses & Experts

Whether you’re in media-heavy markets like Austin, Dallas, New York, or LA, or you’re building visibility in your local region, holiday storylines are one of the best ways to get featured quickly — especially for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, nonprofits, lifestyle brands, and service-based businesses.

End-of-year media coverage helps you:

✨ Build brand trust
📈 Increase visibility before Q1 launches
💬 Strengthen your story and PR presence
📰 Position yourself as a go-to expert for 2026

🔊 Listen to the Episode

Tune into this 15-minute episode for a fast, actionable PR strategy boost you can implement today.

🎧 Listen now on:

📍 Based in Austin?

Brandinc PR proudly supports entrepreneurs, executives, and brands across Texas — including Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and OKC — with media strategy, PR consulting, and visibility campaigns designed to amplify your story in a crowded marketplace.

🚨 Coming Next Week: Holiday Pitching Resource Drop

If you want a plug-and-play resource with actual pitch angles, templates, and copy-and-send scripts, stay tuned — the Holiday Pitch Pack drops next week!

The Cost of the Story: Black Alder’s Founders on Journalism, Trauma & Truth

By Brandi Sims, MBA, PhD(c)
Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR – Austin, TX & Lawton, OK

“Behind every headline is a human story — and sometimes, that story costs more than we realize.”

In this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, I sit down with powerhouse sisters Chelsea Fuller and Takara Pierce, co-founders of the PR and narrative strategy firm Black Alder. Their newly released report, The Cost of the Story: Journalists, Trauma, and the Communities Left Holding the Story, presents the first comprehensive examination of how covering traumatic events impacts both journalists and the communities they represent—especially Black and Brown reporters covering stories that mirror their own identities and lived experiences.

Inside the Conversation

Chelsea and Takara unpack the human side of newsroom culture and the psychological toll of reporting on crisis, injustice, and community trauma. Key insights from the report include:

• 79.4% of journalists reported mild to moderate stress from their work
• 74.1% experienced mild to moderate anxiety (nearly 5% severe)
• 75.3% have never sought professional mental health support
• 32.9% said their newsroom provides no mental health support at all

Why it matters for PR pros: As communicators and brand storytellers—from Austin, Texas to Lawton, Oklahoma and beyond—we work shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists. Understanding their realities helps us build ethical media relationships and create narratives that care for both people and communities.

Listen to the Episode & Explore the Podcast

🎧 “The Cost of the Story: Black Alder’s Founders on Journalism, Trauma & Truth”

Listen on Apple Podcasts
  
Listen on Spotify
  
Watch on YouTube

Key Takeaways for Newsrooms & PR Teams

1. Normalize trauma-informed practices. Build debriefs, rotations, and access to support into editorial calendars.
2. Make mental health resources visible. Remove stigma; communicate benefits early and often.
3. Center culturally competent leadership. Representation influences assignments, support, and retention.
4. Partner with PR thoughtfully. Align on language, context, and community impact—not just speed.

About Black Alder

Black Alder is a PR and narrative strategy firm led by sisters Chelsea Fuller and Takara Pierce. Their work advances care-centered storytelling and equitable communications practices.

About The Brandinc PR Podcast

Hosted by Brandi Sims, Founder & CEO of Brandinc PR, the show spotlights bold conversations with changemakers across PR, media, business, and culture. Discover all episodes on the Brandinc PR Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our YouTube channel.

Resources

• Download the report: The Cost of the Story
• Learn more about Black Alder: blackalderlabs.org
• Work with Brandinc PR: Get in touch