Brandi Sims Talks AI, PR Trends, and Agency Growth on The Sheer Growth Podcast

Brandinc PR Founder & CEO Brandi Sims, PhD, MBA recently sat down with The Sheer Growth Podcast hosted by James Sheerin, a leading Sales & Marketing Specialist and Fractional CMO. In this premiere episode, Brandi breaks down the real, unfiltered truth about building and scaling a modern PR agency in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As an Austin-based PR consultant with 15+ years of experience, Brandi shares industry insights that are shaping how agencies operate across Texas and nationwide—from Lawton to Dallas, Palm Desert, Houston, and beyond.

Whether you’re growing your brand, leading a communications team, or looking to stay ahead of 2025 PR trends, this conversation is a must-listen.

Inside the Episode: What’s Driving Modern PR in 2025

James and Brandi dive into the shifts redefining public relations today. Their conversation spans the intersection of AI, digital storytelling, leadership, and agency growth—all through the lens of real-world experience.

Key Topics Covered

PR’s transformation from traditional media to digital-first strategies
Brandi breaks down why storytelling must live across platforms—and why brands can’t rely on yesterday’s playbook.
How AI is changing client expectations
From rapid content generation to real-time media monitoring, she explains how agencies can leverage AI without losing the human strategy that drives results.
The biggest mistakes brands make with their messaging
Spoiler: clarity, consistency, and timing still matter more than ever.
What founders must get right to scale sustainably
Brandi talks systems, staffing, leadership, and the mindset needed to grow an agency past the early phase.
Where the PR industry is headed next
Expect more personalization, data-driven storytelling, and integrated partnerships across marketing, PR, and digital.

Why This Conversation Matters for Brands and Agencies

As the PR and communications world undergoes massive transformation, leaders across Texas, Oklahoma, California, and other key markets are seeking clarity on how to navigate these changes. Brandi’s insights offer a roadmap for:

marketers wanting stronger brand visibility
founders preparing to scale
PR pros adapting to AI-driven client needs
agencies rethinking their media strategy
students and early-career communicators building a future-proof skill set

This episode blends actionable tips with honest lessons learned from working across multiple industries including entertainment, nonprofit, lifestyle, tourism, and sports.

Watch the Full Episode

Stream Episode 1 of The Sheer Growth Podcast, featuring Brandi Sims:

👉 https://lnkd.in/eRjtuRpe

If you enjoy deep-dive conversations on PR, marketing, and strategy, be sure to follow Brandinc PR for upcoming announcements, interviews, and industry insights.

About The Sheer Growth Podcast

Hosted by James Sheerin, The Sheer Growth Podcast highlights marketing and advertising leaders shaping the future of the industry. Each episode explores how AI, creativity, and strategy collide to drive modern business growth.

The Truth Filter: How Women Leaders Are Redefining Media Literacy in the Digital Age

On Monday, December 8, 2025, Dr. Brandi Sims joined a powerful lineup of women changemakers for the 100 Women to Watch panel: The Truth Filter: Women Leaders on Media Literacy and the Power to Discern—a live virtual conversation held from 12:00–1:00 PM CT focused on truth, trust, and the urgent need for stronger media literacy across our communities.

Hosted by Kai Cole Henderson, the discussion streamed live via LinkedIn and featured women leaders from across the U.S.—including voices from Austin, Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth, Oklahoma, and beyond—highlighting why now is the moment to equip the public with the tools to sort truth from noise.

📺 Replay Available
Watch the public recording here:
👉🏽 https://www.linkedin.com/events/7394010767693340673

Why Media Literacy Matters More Than Ever

From AI-generated misinformation to viral conspiracy clips on TikTok, false narratives are spreading faster than evidence-based truth — and communities are paying the price.

As a PR strategist and researcher with a doctoral dissertation on the social media amplification effect, Dr. Sims shared insights into:

The psychological triggers that make misinformation “stick”
The role algorithms play in shaping what we believe
What leaders and educators can do to build digital discernment
How women and underrepresented voices are uniquely positioned to combat misinformation
Why media literacy has become a public safety issue, not just an educational one

“Media literacy doesn’t just protect us — it empowers us,” Sims noted. “When people can identify manipulation, ask better questions, and evaluate sources critically, they become harder to influence and easier to inform.”

Panel Flow

12:00 PM CST – Welcome & Introductions
12:05 PM – 100 Women to Watch Campaign Overview
12:10 PM – Guided conversation with Dr. Brandi Sims + panelists
Topics included media bias, belief formation, the psychology of misinformation, and the power of truth-telling women leaders.
12:45 PM – Closing reflections + audience Q&A
12:55 PM – Wrap-up & gratitude

View playback here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17WedbGgAR/

About 100 Women to Watch

The 100 Women to Watch campaign spotlights bold and influential women reshaping industries, challenging norms, and creating cultural change. Each month centers around a new theme — from AI ethics to civic engagement — and features a curated conversation designed for public impact and collaborative learning.

About Dr. Brandi Sims

Dr. Brandi Sims, PhD, MBA is a public relations strategist, media researcher, and advocate for truth and trust in digital communications. Based in Austin, Texas, with roots in Lawton, Oklahoma, she leads Brandinc PR while teaching and speaking on media literacy, social influence, and narrative power. Her dissertation examines how social media amplifies messages and influences behavior, shaping culture and public discourse.

Why This Matters for Communications & PR Leaders

This panel underscored what forward-thinking brands, PR practitioners, and educators already know:

📌 Trust is the new currency.
📌 Media literacy is a strategic advantage.
📌 Women leaders are truth amplifiers.
📌 Communications must evolve as fast as misinformation does.

Brandinc PR remains committed to helping leaders, brands, and institutions build credibility through transparency, education, and strategic storytelling.

Watch + Share the Replay

📺 Public Access Link:
👉🏽 https://www.linkedin.com/events/7394010767693340673

Work With Brandinc PR

Interested in bringing a training, workshop, keynote, or media literacy session to your campus, company, or community organization?

Brandinc PR offers:
✔ Media Literacy & Misinformation Training
✔ Executive Communications + Thought Leadership
✔ Public Relations Strategy & Messaging
✔ Academic-Industry Partnerships & Guest Lectures
✔ Brand Integrity + Reputation Management

📩 Visit brandincpr.com to collaborate.

What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026: How to Get (and Stay) on the Media’s Radar

🌟 What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026: How to Get (and Stay) on the Media’s Radar

By Brandi Sims, PhD,MBA – Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, every brand — from small businesses to personal thought leaders — is competing for the same thing: attention.
But earning the right kind of attention takes more than luck or a viral moment. It requires strategy, storytelling, and authenticity.

That’s exactly what I’ll be diving into during “What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026,” happening on
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 PM (CT). Hosted by Kai Cole and presented by
Rockstar PR Skool, this free live event explores how entrepreneurs, experts, and creatives can transform from being “another voice online”
to becoming trusted, media-ready brands.

🎟️ Register early here:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/whatittakestobeamediamavenin2027387075709111783425/theater/

🎙️ Why Becoming a “Media Darling” Matters in 2026

Media visibility is one of the fastest ways to build trust, expand reach, and attract new opportunities. Whether you’re a
Texas entrepreneur growing your brand, a Los Angeles–based creator looking for national exposure,
or a small business owner in Oklahoma ready to break into new markets, being seen in the media amplifies your credibility.

At Brandinc PR, we’ve seen how the right media relationships — combined with consistent storytelling — can turn a local story into national buzz.
In this session, I’ll share how to:

Craft a brand story that journalists want to tell
Build authentic relationships with reporters and producers
Position yourself as an expert that media outlets trust
Pitch smarter, not louder — especially as media continues to evolve in 2026

💡 Key Takeaways for Small Businesses & Creators

If your 2026 goals include more press coverage, podcast features, or speaking opportunities,
this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with:

A better understanding of how to align your PR strategy with your business goals
Insights on what editors, producers, and hosts are really looking for
Tools to make your brand stand out in a crowded digital world

📍 About the Event

Event: What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CT)
Hosted by: Kai Cole, Rockstar PR Skool
Speaker: Dr. Brandi Sims, CEO of Brandinc PR (Austin, TX & Lawton, OK)
Register:

Click here to save your spot

✨ Final Thoughts

Media attention doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design. With the right message, timing, and positioning, your brand can capture the spotlight
in ways that drive real growth and connection.

If you’re ready to elevate your visibility and start building media momentum for 2026, this event is the perfect place to start.

👉 Join us on December 17!
Stay tuned for post-event insights and highlights here on the Brandinc PR Blog, where we continue to help brands amplify their stories
with strategy and confidence.

<!–
media darling, PR strategy 2026, how to get media coverage, women in media, Brandinc PR,
public relations expert Texas, media visibility tips, how to pitch media, Austin PR consultant,
Oklahoma PR

Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives

Austin, TX — Brandinc PR Founder & CEO Dr. Brandi Sims will join a dynamic panel of media leaders for “Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives.” The conversation explores how women in journalism, public relations, entertainment, and broadcasting are redefining influence—one story at a time.

The Power of Women’s Voices in Media

From newsrooms and podcasts to social feeds and brand campaigns, women are transforming how stories are told. This discussion will highlight how women in media:

Shape public perception and cultural conversations
Amplify underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives
Challenge bias and redefine leadership in communications
Use storytelling to drive social and cultural change

As a PR strategist, educator, and podcast host, Dr. Sims brings more than 15 years of experience amplifying authentic voices in sports, entertainment, and social impact storytelling. Her perspective on ethical communication, brand reputation, and representation makes her a compelling contributor to the dialogue on narrative power and equity.

Event Details

Event: Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives
When: December 3rd
Where: Virtual
RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7387075709111783425/

Why This Matters

Representation in media doesn’t just reflect society—it shapes it. Through panels like Owning the Mic, women leaders are helping to create inclusive narratives that educate, inspire, and move audiences to action.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on how women continue to shape the cultural lens, challenge stereotypes, and build a more equitable communications landscape.

View the Playback here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EqLu5v2LY/

Inside the Spotlight: PRSA Entertainment & Sports Fireside Chat with Ryan McCormick and Michael Levine

What does it take to build and protect a reputation in the spotlight? The PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section is exploring that very question during our upcoming Fireside Chat on November 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, moderated by my colleague and friend Ryan McCormick, Founder of Goldman McCormick PR.

Ryan will be joined by one of Hollywood’s most influential publicists, Michael Levine — the mastermind behind campaigns for more than 58 Academy Award® winners and author of 15 books, including Broken Windows, Broken Business and Guerrilla PR 2.0. Together, they’ll unpack the evolving world of celebrity branding, reputation management, and media influence in today’s always-on culture.

A Conversation Worth Tuning In To

As the Past Chair and current Programming Chair of PRSA Entertainment & Sports, I’m especially excited about this conversation. Ryan has a remarkable ability to draw out the kind of insights that help communicators think differently about their craft — and Michael Levine’s perspective from decades of experience in Hollywood makes this an event unlike any other.

From managing crises in the public eye to cultivating narratives that endure, this session will offer real-world takeaways for PR pros, entertainment publicists, brand strategists, and media consultants alike.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | 10:00 a.m. PT
💻 Format: Virtual (Free for PRSA Members; Open to Non-Members)
🎤 Moderator: Ryan McCormick, Founder of Goldman McCormick PR
⭐ Featured Guest: Michael Levine, Hollywood Publicist & Author

👉 Register Here: https://www.prsa.org/event/2025/11/20/default-calendar/prsa-entertainment-sports-fireside-chat-ryan-mccormick-with-michael-levine-wbens2506

Why You Should Attend

The Fireside Chat is more than a conversation — it’s a masterclass in strategic communication for today’s interconnected, high-stakes environment. Whether you’re managing red-carpet moments in Los Angeles, crisis response in New York, or brand storytelling here in Austin, this event will offer actionable insights on how to stay ahead of the curve.

Join us to learn, connect, and be inspired by two of the sharpest minds in PR and media.

Brandi Sims, MBA, PhD(c)
Past Chair & Programming Chair, PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section
Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR