Every week, I break down what’s happening in the news—crisis by PR nightmare.
You’ve seen the headlines. The viral scandals, the botched apologies, the leadership disasters. But what really happened behind the scenes? Who’s making the calls, and why do so many get it wrong?
That’s what we do here.
I take you behind the curtain of the biggest PR failures to show you what went wrong, what should have happened, and what we can all learn from it. Because let’s be honest—I love seeing what went wrong. But more importantly, I love figuring out how it could have been handled better.
If you’re the type to spot a well-timed paparazzi photo or read “sources say” and immediately think, “What’s really going on here?”—you’re in the right place.
(And yes, the photo below perfectly captures my reaction when I see a bad story buried in a Friday afternoon news dump.)
Join a Community That Sees Through the Spin
The PR Breakdown isn’t just about watching from the sidelines—it’s about understanding why these crises unfold and how they could have been stopped.
✔ News junkies and crisis watchers—if you love dissecting public meltdowns, I’m right there with you.
✔ Executives, PR pros, and communicators—you’ll get real-world strategies for handling crisis situations before they spiral.
✔ Business owners, public figures, and professionals—this is your playbook for protecting your reputation.
Ask Molly: Got a Crisis? Let’s Find a Way Out.
Here’s what I know—professional crises and personal crises have more in common than you think. The fear, the panic, the bad decisions. That’s why my advice works for both.
Dealing with a PR mess? Or maybe a personal situation that feels just as chaotic? Send it my way. No names, no judgment—just straight-up, practical advice. Keep it anonymous, like a Dear Abby letter.
Why Subscribe?
This is more than a newsletter—it’s part PR disaster watch , part PR survival kit. Whether you're a business leader, communicator, or just someone who here for these bad crisis responses unfolding in real-time, this space is for you.
Subscribers Get:
✔ Smart, snarky, and strategic breakdowns of PR crises, reputation failures, and media spin.
✔ Exclusive articles, analysis, and live video chats from someone who’s been inside the toughest crisis rooms.
✔ Access to real-world lessons on crisis management and what NOT to do when your name is trending for the wrong reasons.
What You’ll Receive as a Paid Subscriber
Paid Members:
✔ Weekly PR breakdowns & exclusive deep dives.
✔ Direct access to me via DM. Ask away or submit a question for “Ask Molly”.
✔ Live chats, communication training & insider PR breakdowns.
✔ 15% discount on my Indestructible PR® Playbook.
Founding Members:
All paid member benefits, plus:
✔ A copy of my book, Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis.
About me:
I’ve spent my entire career working in media, crisis management, and reputation strategy—helping leaders, businesses, and public figures stay ahead of reputation risks before they become full-blown disasters.
I’m an APR-certified Crisis & Reputation Strategist, keynote speaker, and author who specializes in breaking down the missteps, media spin, and crisis responses that make headlines—and teaching people how to avoid them.
You’ve probably seen me as a commentator on major TV networks and in top print outlets, discussing the latest scandals and reputation crises taking over your news feed.
I’m the creator of the Indestructible PR® Playbook—the step-by-step framework designed to ensure that you never lose control of your reputation, no matter the crisis.
I’m a news junkie and a proud Gen X’er who’s built an audience of over 1,000,000 followers by breaking down the biggest PR disasters and media missteps in real time.
I love to take in culture. Movies, history, reading - all of it. My music playlist covers most 20th century decades. I was at the first Lollapalooza in 1991, yet I also know every lyric to every Beatles song. However, R.E.M is my “if you had one band to listen to on a deserted island” group. (Murmur).
I’m the author of Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis.
I’m a contributing writer at Forbes.com, where I analyze leadership failures, PR scandals, and the strategies (or lack thereof) that shape public perception.
I’m a former adjunct professor who gets communication and journalism majors.
I’m the architect behind FEMA’s digital and social media crisis response strategy, helping bring crisis management into the digital age.
I’m a podcaster, hosting The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson, where I dissect the viral scandals, media blunders, and PR breakdowns shaping today’s news cycle.
I’m grateful to have over 1 million followers across my platforms who appreciate smart, sharp, no-nonsense crisis and reputation insights.
And I’m the go-to expert in understanding backlash crises—viral scandals, leadership missteps, public meltdowns. I break them down so you can learn how to survive and control the narrative before it controls you.
And most importantly…I’m a mom to four great kids and the best Portuguese Water Dog, Finbar.
