The Rest is PR

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo – What's Really Going On?This week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle break down one of the strangest celebrity press tours in recent memory, as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continue their Wicked promotional run, complete with unusually touchy-feely interviews, defensive responses, and a swirl of unfounded online theories.Jacki opens by praising the Wicked PR machine for its consistency and message discipline, even as speculation online grows about the pair’s dynamic. She emphasises that, from a pure comms perspective, the strategy is tight and controlled, but that public perception is a different story.Lyle isn’t so convinced. He questions whether audiences genuinely buy the 'best friends' narrative the duo keeps selling, or whether over-the-top nature of their appearances is actually fuelling more speculation.The conversation then turns to the rumour mill itself - from claims about Grande’s health to wild theories about her relationship with Erivo. Jacki stresses the importance of separating fact from fan-fiction while also exploring a bigger question - are either of the film’s leading ladies shaping up to be positive role models for young fans, especially given the speculation around behind-the-scenes behaviour?For more expert PR insights, subscribe now and join us every week on The Rest Is PR.0:00 Intro1:15 Wicked Marketing3:17 Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande7:30 Consistency Of Messaging11:20 Theories Behind Press Tour16:52 Do We Believe Them?17:17 Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater19:30 Cynthia & Ariana’s Individual PR22:47 Relationships Built For Film PR25:00 Female Role Models26:40 Your Comments28:17 Substack Launch------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #ArianaGrande #CynthiaErivo #WickedMovie #PRStrategy #MediaAnalysis #CelebrityPR #PressTour #Authenticity #ReputationManagement #PRInsights #EntertainmentNews #CrisisComms #PublicRelations #TheRestIsPRPodcast #TrendingNow

Sports & The Media – Henry, The Haka, & The Halo TikTok DisasterThis week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle dive into a weekend of sporting drama that’s dominated headlines — not for results on the pitch, but for the communications strategies surrounding them. From England’s historic victory over the All Blacks and Henry Pollock’s viral Haka response, to Joe Marler’s press conference controversy and Sky’s short-lived ‘Halo’ TikTok channel, there’s plenty to unpack when sport and media collide.Jacki opens the episode by reflecting on how athletes handle post-match interviews, arguing that adrenaline and frustration can’t excuse poor conduct. She stresses the importance of staying composed, knowing your message, and understanding that one clipped comment can define a narrative, especially in today’s content-driven landscape.Enter England rugby’s breakout star, Henry Pollock. His cheeky smirk during New Zealand’s iconic Haka was heavily scrutinised, but Pollock quickly flipped the script with a witty social post that reclaimed control of the story. Jacki and Lyle explore why his response worked so well.The conversation moves to Joe Marler, whose tense press conference exchange continues to generate discussion online. Jacki and Lyle note that Marler should be recognised for his humour and mental health advocacy, not viral moments where irritation got the better of him. The key takeaway being that today’s athletes must understand the permanence and significance of every filmed interaction.And then - Sky’s Halo TikTok fiasco. Launched as a new sports channel for women and pulled within just three days, the project was slammed for patronising its audience and 'dumbing down' sport for girls. Lyle reads Sky’s full statement, which Jacki praises for its clarity and accountability, but both agree the damage was done long before the apology landed.From winning over audiences to tone-deaf releases, this episode is a masterclass in how sport and PR are now more connected than ever, and why strategy off the pitch matters just as much as performance on it.Join the conversation in the comments — do today's athletes get fair scrutiny, or is the media too quick to pounce?For more from The Rest Is PR, visit our website and follow for new episodes every week.0:00 Intro2:37 Sportspeople & The Media5:25 What Has Changed When It Comes To Interviews With Sportspeople?8:32 Sportspeople Should Exercise Control In Responses?10:10 The F1 Example11:36 The Difference Between Sports & Other Media16:28 Henry Pollock & The Haka24:07 Joe Marler25:25 Sky Sports Halo33:20 Jacki’s Advice For Sky After Halo Mistake37:30 Sky’s Statement------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us: Instagram: / @therestispr TikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #SportsPR #HenryPollock #AllBlacks #Haka #JoeMarler #SkySports #HaloTikTok #MediaStrategy #Rugby #SportingReputation #PRPodcast #PublicRelations #ReputationManagement #PRInsights #SportsMedia #CrisisComms #TrendingNow #TheRestIsPRPodcast #ContentIsForever

Celebrity Traitors – The Power Of A PlatformThis week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle turn their attention to Celebrity Traitors - the hit BBC reality show that’s captured the nation’s imagination. The pair explore how appearing on a major entertainment platform like this can transform public perception and boost a celebrity’s career almost overnight.Jacki opens by reflecting on the casting choices, suggesting that while the format favours household names, she would have loved to see more of rising personalities such as Niko Omilana and Ruth Codd. She goes on to praise Cat Burns for using her appearance on the show to elevate her profile far beyond her already-impressive music career - a move underscored by her recent success on Strictly Come Dancing.Attention then turns to Joe Marler, whose blunt and outspoken style has divided viewers. Jacki shares details of a social experiment she ran on Instagram, where she questioned Marler’s behaviour during a tense press conference exchange - prompting an 'interesting' wave of public responses. The discussion highlights how social media amplifies reactions to authenticity, controversy, and celebrity behaviour.The conversation widens to include Kate Garraway and Nick Mohammed, with Lyle suggesting the show’s cast featured figures at the peak of their influence — a point Jacki challenges, arguing that not every casting decision was as strategic as it seemed. And of course, the episode wouldn’t be complete without celebrating Alan Carr, the show’s standout winner, who has been praised not only for his warmth and humour but also for his intelligence and emotional insight.From crisis moments to career-making opportunities, Jacki and Lyle unpack how Celebrity Traitors proves the true power of a platform - and how great PR can turn even the most unpredictable reality TV moments into gold.Join the conversation in the comments — and tell us: who would you like to see on the next series?For more The Rest Is PR, head to www.therestispr.com0:00 Intro0:26 Celebrity Traitors - The Power Of A Platform4:14 Niko Omilana5:06 Ruth Codd5:30 Cat Burns7:00 Claudia Winkleman10:55 Joe Marler21:14 Alan Carr23:43 Kate Garraway24:33 Nick Mohammed27:07 Did anyone have an agenda on Celebrity Traitors?29:06 Who would Jacki like to see on Celebrity Traitors?30:22 POLL - Who would you like to see on the show?31:14 Sir Alan Carr?!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us:Instagram: / @therestisprTikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #CelebrityTraitors #BBC #AlanCarr #CatBurns #JoeMarler #KateGarraway #NickMohammed #NikoOmilana #RuthCodd #RealityTV #CelebrityNews #EntertainmentPR #PopCulture #MediaStrategy #PRPodcast #PublicRelations #ReputationManagement #PRInsights #TheTraitors #TheRestIsPRPodcast #TrendingNow #TVNews #PRStrategy

Harry & Meghan’s PR Opportunity – How Could They Profit From The Pariahs?On the latest episode of The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle examine how the recent news that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been stripped of his royal title might actually present a PR opportunity for Harry and Meghan. With the Royal Family facing yet another period of turbulence, could this be the perfect time for the Sussexes to reposition themselves and rebuild their image within — or adjacent to — the firm?Jacki sets the scene by outlining the criminal allegations levelled at Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, before exploring how his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, might once again turn to the media to share her story and generate both renewed public interest and her own income. The pair discuss how this unfolding situation could create both risks and openings for Harry and Meghan, as King Charles continues to tighten the royal circle and William’s future reign looms closer.Lyle questions whether 'less could be more' for the Sussexes’ comms strategy, while Jacki argues that consistency and coordination — even something as simple as aligning their public appearances — could go a long way in repairing their reputation. The conversation expands into how personal relationships, from Charles and Andrew’s complex dynamic to William and Harry’s ongoing rift, often intersect with PR strategy at the highest levels of influence.Jacki concludes that effective PR is as much about managing people as it is about managing perception — and that in some instances PR professionals can mend personal rifts. Might it be too little too late, however, as Jacki and Lyle both suggest the precedent set by King Charles with his unprecedented decision regarding Andrew could influence William's own choices when he ascends the throne himself.Join the conversation in the comments.For more The Rest Is PR, head to www.therestispr.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us: Instagram: / @therestispr TikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #HarryAndMeghan #PrinceHarry #MeghanMarkle #PrinceWilliam #KingCharles #PrinceAndrew #SarahFerguson #RoyalFamily #RoyalNews #RoyalPR #CrisisComms #MediaStrategy #PublicRelations #ReputationManagement #Monarchy #BritishRoyals #PRStrategy #PRPodcast #UKNews #Communications #CrisisManagement #PRInsights #Sussexes #RoyalDrama #PopCulture

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor: A Prince No More - The PR Behind This Unprecedented MoveThis week on The Rest Is PR, Jacki and Lyle unpack the seismic decision by King Charles to strip Prince Andrew of all his remaining royal titles and move him out of the Royal Lodge into private accommodation.Jacki poses the question on everyone’s mind — “Why now?” — while Lyle suggests this might be seen as a reactive move rather than a strategic one. The pair examine how this latest development fits into the Royal Family’s broader communications strategy and public image, particularly amid ongoing scrutiny of both the monarchy and individual members.Lyle highlights that the Royal Family is, ultimately, still a family — and that this decision must have been personally difficult for King Charles, especially given his current health challenges. Jacki adds that the timing makes this decision even more complex from a PR standpoint, as the Royal Household must balance empathy, tradition, and transparency.The episode concludes with a look ahead: what should the Royal Family’s communications plan be moving forward? Jacki outlines what she believes the Palace needs to do to rebuild trust, manage public perception, and strengthen the institution’s reputation in an era of unprecedented media attention.Join the conversation in the comments.For more The Rest Is PR, head to www.therestispr.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us: Instagram: / @therestispr TikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#TheRestIsPR #KingCharles #PrinceAndrew #RoyalFamily #RoyalNews #BuckinghamPalace #RoyalPR #CrisisComms #PublicRelations #MediaStrategy #PRAnalysis #ReputationManagement #Monarchy #BritishRoyals #PRStrategy #PRPodcast #UKNews #Communications #CrisisManagement #PRInsights

This week on The Rest Is PR, with Lily Allen having released her new album, West End Girl - a tell-all break-up record chronicling her separation from actor David Harbour - Jacki and Lyle analyse the timing of the album’s release, the content of the tracks, and what Allen’s next steps might be from a PR perspective.There’s no shortage of provocative moments on the album, with Allen directly addressing rumours around Harbour’s alleged infidelity and his desire for an ‘open marriage’ after Allen secured a role in a West End play. Jacki praises the album for its honesty and authenticity, commending Lily Allen herself, and notes that certain tracks resonated strongly with her given her own personal experiences.Lyle and Jacki also discuss the timing of the release, with Harbour about to embark on his own press cycle ahead of the final series of Netflix’s smash-hit Stranger Things, the show that catapulted him into the spotlight. Jacki suggests this might be clever timing - but could also stir controversy.The conversation turns to PR strategy, with Jacki and Lyle weighing up whether Allen might follow her previous approach of being overly open with journalists. Jacki advises her to let the music speak for itself while maintaining some of the provocative energy of her early career. They also candidly reflect on the ‘Old Lily Allen,’ noting her past struggles with drink and drugs, and express hope that she can now move forward in a way that celebrates her music without unnecessary drama.Join the conversation in the comments.For more The Rest Is PR, head to www.therestispr.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------✅ Subscribe: @TheRestIsPR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ Listen: https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-pr------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow Us: Instagram: / @therestispr TikTok: / @therestisprLinkedIn: / www.linkedin.com/company/the-rest-is-pr/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#LilyAllen #WestEndGirl #PRStrategy #MusicPR #EntertainmentPR #Podcast #CelebrityNews #BreakupAlbum #MediaStrategy #PublicRelations #PopMusic #PRTips #DavidHarbour #StrangerThings #Netflix #WestEnd #MusicRelease #AlbumDrop #PopCulture #MusicIndustry #SingerSongwriter #CelebrityBreakup #EntertainmentNews #TrendingMusic #PRInsights #PodcastLife #PRPodcast #MusicPRTips