*** Why empathy, relevance and long-game thinking beat press releases, spray-and-pray pitching, and transactional PR ***

This week’s featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES — in-depth conversations with experienced operators working at the sharp end of PR, media and communications.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this series explores how recognition is earned, how credibility compounds, and how influence is built in today’s reputation economy.

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EPISODE OVERVIEW:

Getting media coverage isn’t about clever subject lines or perfectly polished press releases.

It’s about becoming someone journalists trust.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with Hunter Stuart - founder of Big Game PR and former HuffPost journalist - to unpack what really happens inside modern newsrooms, and what it actually takes to move from cold pitch to go-to source.

Drawing on experience from both sides of the journalism–PR divide, Hunter shares grounded insights for founders, solo experts and B2B leaders who want to build authority that lasts.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What today’s shrinking, time-poor newsrooms mean for founders seeking coverage
• Why most pitches fail before they’re even opened
• How to bridge the “empathy gap” between experts and journalists
• The power of sharp, well-formed opinions in a sea of bland commentary
• Why relationships outperform mass pitching every time
• How to think in angles and trends, not product announcements
• Practical ways to become a trusted, repeat source, even without a PR team
• Where hybrid, niche and industry media create overlooked opportunity

Whether you’re building profile from scratch or looking to strengthen your position in top-tier outlets, this conversation will help you think more strategically about how authority with the media is earned over time.

Connect with Hunter Stuart:

Find him on LinkedIn or at Big Game PR.

Tune in now and start earning your spot in the media!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

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Forget the flashy, big-ticket PR moments; in this solo episode, Trevor turns his attention to the small, intentional actions that truly move the needle over time.

He calls 'Micro Acts of PR'.

These are the daily habits and generous gestures that deepen relationships, create connection, and build reputational capital over time.

From leaving a thoughtful comment to publicly lifting up peers, every touchpoint counts in the body of work that defines your authority.

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand.

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UNDERSTANDING PR IS KEY TO DOING IT WELL (AND GETTING RESULTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS)

PR is a weapon, but only if you understand how to harness its power for the benefit of your business (or cause or issue if that's your end game).

In this episode, we get down to tin-tacks, unpacking the concept of public relations, busting myths, and discussing what PR really is (versus what the majority of the business world thinks it is), plus why it's important for entrepreneurs to understand the crucial role it plays in building their brand and their business.

Having a practical understanding of PR will give you an edge in the marketplace. Many (most?) people in business - even those in marketing! - have little understanding of what constitutes PR today; they simply don't recognise or appreciate with any great depth the key role it plays in helping to build and sustain a successful enterprise.

Bottom line: You can't master PR until you understand its nuances, the role it plays in the marketing mix, as well as the value it brings to the table in a more holistic business sense.

Become one of the 1% of entrepreneurs who 'get' PR and thus are able to harness it in a powerful and strategic way for their business!

What you'll learn:

• The true definition of PR (and why most of what you've heard is wrong)
• Why reputation and relationships are the keys to long-term business success
• How to sustainably grow your audience and become your own PR machine
• Busting persistent PR myths and misconceptions
• Actionable tactics to build bridges and amplify positive word of mouth

Whether you're a solopreneur, small business, or just keen to get your story out there, tune in to understand how PR can fuel your growth - minus the spin!

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ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT:

EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity.

Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity.

Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks -

• From The Trenches
• The Pay-off
• Pocket PR Essentials
• In The Arena

— you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority.

Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

This episode's featured track is FROM THE TRENCHES - deep-dive interviews with PR practitioners, content strategists, and digital communications experts that explore how reputation and influence are built today.

Hosted by Trevor Young, this track shares grounded insights, hard-won lessons, and practical wisdom from those shaping credible marketing communications in the modern reputation economy.

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How do you build an authentic, credible business or personal brand in today’s hyper-competitive, AI-driven, digital-first world—without getting lost in the algorithm trap or shouting into the void?

Host Trevor Young sits down with brand and PR pros Andrés López-Varela (ALV) and Bec Sands, a dynamic husband-wife team, for a lively, honest conversation packed with real-world reputation and authority-building insights.

In this episode:

• The real definition of “PR” today - and why authentic perception and strong communities matter more than ever
• Why performative rage-bait and dancing reels aren’t a shortcut to credibility (and why you shouldn’t let the algorithm erode your identity)
• Personal branding for good: advice for experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to share genuine value, not just noise
• The power of owned media (newsletters, podcasts, websites, private communities) and how to strategically select your home base beyond social media
• Sharp debate: Is paid media the new starting point for small businesses? Or can you still grow organically by tapping your existing network?
• Earned media secrets: How to get invited into other people’s rooms, from niche podcasts to industry panels—with practical examples you can start today
• Why building deep connections (not just going viral) should be your top focus
• The compounding value of credibility markers and how social proof works in B2B and B2C
• What’s working for Bec and Andres right now - and their take on the evolving role of AI in marketing strategy

If you’re a consultant, creative, marketer, entrepreneur, or aspiring authority ready to make your reputation matter (without selling your soul to the algorithm gods), this episode is your goldmine.

Find our guests online:

• Bec Sands
• Andrés López-Varela

Tune in, earn the right, and start turning credibility into recognition and opportunity—on your terms!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

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What does it really take to build authority and a lasting reputation in today's digital-first landscape?

In this solo episode, Trevor breaks down the "Broadway vs. Off-Broadway" approach to personal brand PR and communications, revealing why the most trusted voices are often found on the smallest stages.

Key takeaways:

• Big Stage vs. Small Stage: Why chasing mainstream "Broadway" platforms (LinkedIn, tier 1 media, viral moments etc) gets you visibility, but not always credibility.
• The Power of Off-Broadway: Discover how authority is forged on niche podcasts, in professional associations, newsletters, and boutique conferences - where trust, engagement, and real relationships flourish.
• Going Off Off Broadway: Dive into the hidden world of hyper-niche communities, private masterminds, local grassroots events, and spontaneous opportunities that spark deep, memorable connections.
• Strategy Unlocked: Learn why balancing the big and small stages - visibility AND intimacy - is the secret to building a reputation that lasts.
• Action Question: Where is your personal brand currently playing? Are you leveraging the powerful "hidden stages" where true authority is built?

Tune in to discover the hidden stages where credible voices are made. It's time to take your brand Off-Broadway!

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Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Earn the Right Substack

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you found this valuable ~ thanks!

This episode's featured track is POCKET PR ESSENTIALS - your audio playbook for mastering PR, content and digital communications for your business, and personal brand.

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In this episode, Trevor Young dives into the essential challenge for businesses today: standing out in a noisy, digital-first marketplace.

From battling social media algorithms to overspending on ads that don’t cut through, Trevor explains why building and nurturing your own audience is the key to lasting PR and brand impact.

Key Highlights:

• Why relying solely on paid ads isn’t sustainable anymore
• The power of growing and owning your audience for long-term results
• Becoming your own media network -no more renting someone else’s platform
• The importance of a holistic, ongoing strategy (not just quick campaigns!)
• Humanising your brand: moving beyond faceless business communication
• Engaging clients, influencers, and partners for real resonance

Tune in for practical insights to help you build real connections, communicate with purpose, and stay top-of-mind in your industry.

The lesson for today? Start growing an audience you can connect with - and do it as a human, not a logo.

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ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT:

EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity.

Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity.

Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks -

• Crank The 3rd
• Pocket PR Essentials
• In The Arena
• From The Trenches

— you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority.

Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co

This episode's featured track is CRANK THE 3RD - featuring conversations with inspiring midlife founders, solopreneurs and professionals who are turning decades of know-how into opportunity building meaningful ventures, shaping ideas and designing work that matters.

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Today's guest is Karen Ansen - founder of Ignite HR and Employment Law, and Ignite Your Purpose.

Join us for a raw, inspiring conversation on weaving compliance, compassion, and personal purpose into a business (and life) you love.

Karen shares her remarkable journey: from two decades in government, to studying law in her 40s while juggling work and motherhood, to boldly launching her own boutique firm at 52.

She gets candid about the fear and tears, the setbacks and breakthroughs, and why sometimes you just have to get out of your own way.

You’ll discover:

• Why Karen left a “safe” government job and took a nine-year journey to become a lawyer
• How she bootstrapped her first business, without a single client lined up
• Why Karen believes you should start with what you have (and worry about the website later)
• The power of niching down, and why complexity can be your business superpower
• How Karen melds legal expertise with leadership coaching and trauma-informed retreats in her Ignite Your Purpose passion project
• Lessons learned scaling up to seven employees, then intentionally downsizing for freedom, balance, and impact
• The impact of AI and remote work in reshaping Karen’s business model for a new era

Plus: Karen’s honest take on motherhood guilt, building a values-led workplace, and crafting a “retirement” of meaning, travel, and giving back.

Are you a multi-skilled professional with passions that don’t fit the usual box?

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for blending your talents, overcoming your doubts, and earning the right to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven business.

Connect with Karen Ansen:

• Ignite HR & Employment Law
• Karen's LinkedIn

Like what you heard? Please rate and subscribe to EARN THE RIGHT for more inspiring conversations.

This episode's featured track is IN THE ARENA - Trevor Young’s unfiltered take on earning authority in real time — sharp, strategic riffs on content, credibility, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.

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In today’s episode, Trevor dives into the critical difference between being an expert and being recognised as an authority in your field.

Drawing from his own journey and insights, he unpacks why even the most skilled professionals can remain invisible, missing out on opportunities, if they're not seen as leaders in their space.

Trevor covers practical steps for crossing the "perception bridge", from codifying your expertise and owning your point of view, to building a communications platform and showing up in the right rooms.

If you’re ready to move from being the best-kept secret to a sought-after authority, this episode will help get you started!

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ABOUT EARN THE RIGHT:

EARN THE RIGHT is an audio channel for reputation-based authority building, and turning credibility into real-world recognition and opportunity.

Hosted by Trevor Young, it’s for credible founders, experts, and solo practitioners who’ve earned their stripes and are ready to amplify their voice with integrity.

Across four distinct (but interrelated) tracks -

• Crank The 3rd
• Pocket PR Essentials
• In The Arena
• From The Trenches

— you’ll get the ideas, stories, and strategies that help you cut through the noise and build lasting authority.

Subscribe to the EARN THE RIGHT newsletter - EarnTheRight.co