Shows
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Bees, Broncos, and Bold Nigerian Honey with Omar LababidiWhat do Colorado roots, West African honey, and the Denver Broncos have in common? Omar Lababidi.
In this Move the Stairs episode, the founder and CEO of Goldswarm Honey shares how one spoonful of honey on a trip in Nigeria sparked a mission to bring it to the world. He unpacks the sustainable, farmer-first model behind Goldswarm Honey, which trains smallholder beekeepers, while protecting forests and building credibility through strategic partnerships. That mission has come full circle in Colorado, where Goldswarm Honey is now featured in Breckenridge Distillery’s Denver Broncos Limited Edition Honey Whiskey. For Omar, it...
2025-11-2631 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Deanna Campos-Miller & Campos Foundation Turned a Rogue Robot into a "Move The Stairs" MomentIn this captivating episode of Move the Stairs, take notes as Deanna Campos-Miller, Director of the Campos Foundation, recounts a standout moment when a student-built robot unexpectedly went rogue during a live TV segment. Watch as she masterfully turns this potential mishap into a teachable moment, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of STEM education – A true "Move the Stairs" moment. You'll also hear how Deanna's journey of overcoming the challenges of growing up in an underserved part of town with a single mom led her to champion STEM initiatives for underrepresented and female students. This episode not only highlights he...
2025-03-1229 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Building a Brand Abroad with Pictours Paris Photography's Lindsey LarsonIn this episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, we speak with Lindsey Larson, founder of Pictours Paris Photography, who turned a dream of living in the City of Lights into a thriving business. From navigating international bureaucracy red tape to capturing perfect moments for clients, Lindsey shares her journey of determination and resilience. Discover how she leverages word-of-mouth PR, intentional social media strategies, and brand loyalty to build her business while balancing family life. Plus, hear her inspiring “Move the Stairs” moment that turned COVID challenges into creative opportunities.
2024-12-0726 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Beyond Books: How Arapahoe Libraries District Navigates Modern ChallengesIn this episode, we sit down with Jessica Sidener, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Arapahoe Libraries District (ALD), to explore the dynamic role of today’s libraries. Jessica reveals how her team tackles complex cultural, political, and socioeconomic challenges while expanding services to enrich their community. Discover the innovative ways a “library of things” goes beyond books, offering invaluable resources and support to patrons in need. Lastly, Jessica reveals a collective "Move the Stairs" moment, where ALD turned a significant issue into an opportunity that better serves its patrons.
2024-11-1646 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using local and national tactics to rally support for hemp and CBDThe attack on the CBD and hemp industry is forcing a strong response from national advocacy organizations, such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and impacted grower, Stoney Branch Farms. You'd think their tactics would vary widely, but when we welcomed Kerry Hinkle from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and Justin Ward from Stoney Branch Farms, the basis of their tactical outreach wasn't too dissimilar. Watch as they discuss how elements of their outreach, like growing consumer/advocate loyalty, building media relationships, and tackling systematic problems in the industry, embodies pillars of Brand Protection PR™.
2024-08-1635 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How LCFA Transformed World Lung Cancer Day into a Symbol of HopeSix years ago, World Lung Cancer Day (WLCD) was an afterthought, with no more impact than Lost Sock Remembrance Day. Yeah, we had never heard of it either. That is until Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) tapped into its network of lung cancer patient advocates to turn WLCD from an unknown to a day that celebrates hope thanks to advancements in research, all while destigmatizing the disease. Our guest today, Jim Baranski, Executive Director for LCFA, often says, "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves to have lung cancer." Listen to today's Move the...
2024-08-0831 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Blue Delta Jeans "One Size Fits One" mentality has sewn successBlue Delta Jeans COO and co-founder Nick Weaver joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast to share the remarkable journey of turning a concept into a highly successful luxury jean brand. Alongside his business partner Josh, Nick recounts their cash-strapped early days, their relentless drive to succeed, and how they’ve crafted a product that attracts clients ranging from professional athletes to A-list celebrities. In this episode, Nick delves into the enduring power of “word of mouth” and top-notch communication with stakeholders, revealing how these tactics, in addition to a "one-size fits one" mentality, have fueled rapid growth and wi...
2024-07-1240 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Project C.U.R.E. got needed aid into GazaRecall several months ago the log jam of aid waiting to get into Gaza? Among that aid were 35 pallets of C.U.R.E kits, each containing up to $2,000 worth of medical aid, including wound dressings, sutures, sterile gloves, hemostats, and other critical care items. Through intense logistical operations, Project C.U.R.E. was able to "Move the Stiars" and get its medical aid into the war-torn region. Director of Kits, Meghan McCann, joins us on this new episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to reflect on this triumph and paint a larger picture of the scale...
2024-06-1227 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™NOBO's path to MSO success with Daniel PaulWe sit down live with Daniel Paul, Vice President of Marketing at NOBO, a leader in cannabis operations. Listening to this episode, you'll learn consumer loyalty strategies that have fueled expansion possibilities to new markets, invaluable insights into blossoming a robust media relations campaign, which supports brand awareness, and methods to shape a company that not only survives but thrives through innovation and strategic media relationships.
2024-04-1735 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Precision in a spray: Delivering befits to consumersWhat if there was a way to use precision technology to optimize the benefits of medicine or vitamins? Our latest Move the Stairs Podcast guest, James Matuszewski, joined us to discuss nootropics and his precision medicine delivery method. Nootropics are considered any substance that has a positive impact on mental skills. Operating a business using technology that's unique but also relatively unknown to many, James explains why it's so important to meet the expectations of his consumers while balancing a tightrope of educating them about how the product works.
2024-01-1039 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What You Don’t Know About National & Local Placements for Your CBD BrandHow do you get your story picked up by local news stations all over the nation? Join us as Scripps News National's segment producer, Maya Saenz, reveals tactics that can help you earn placements you wouldn't know about unless you worked in media! These behind-the-scenes insights can help you develop everything from industry etiquette with reporters to an irresistible story offering that resonates with their viewers and your stakeholders. The latest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast is your gateway to turning media relations into a powerful ally for your brand.
2023-11-1035 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™The roots of Acknowledge Farms hemp successThe 2020s have introduced us to many buzzwords and phrases like sustainability, organic, eco-friendly, and more, as brands try to connect with a more environmentally conscious consumer. However, when you peek behind the curtain, sometimes all is not what it seems. That's why we were so excited to speak with Stefanie Reiser, Founder and CEO of Acknowledge Farms, an organic, regenerative farm in Maryland's Pleasant Valley. Stefanie explains how her inspiration and acknowledgment of those who tended the very same land centuries before her have evolved into an ethos for her farm. This ideology she now uses as a...
2023-10-0324 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Seeds of success: How Flow Gardens Approach to Business Cultivates a Thriving EnvironmentWhen you pivot from finance to cannabis, it's easy to say you're not in it for the money. After all, the "Green Rush" is more than 10 years behind us. That didn't stop David Miller, Co-owner of Flow Gardens, from opening his hemp company at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He knows the state of cannabis is hard! From enduring market oversaturation, lack of regulation, and misinformation, his products and customer service must be top-notch! Learn how David embraces the Move the Stairs mentality by actively involving his loyal customers, embracing media inquiries, and using a strong foundation of...
2023-09-1435 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Navigating the Resurgence of CBD/Hemp EventsCBD/Hemp events are experiencing a resurgence, reclaiming their spotlight following the challenges of the pandemic. In this episode of Move The Stairs, we talk with Morris Beegle from Colorado Hemp Company. Join us as we uncover the strategies to select the perfect events for your business and, more crucially, how to captivate the attention of customers, businesses, and the media alike. Beegle, a seasoned expert in the CBD and hemp realm, takes center stage to share his insights on what to consider for event selection and the value of the timeless approach of face-to-face relationship building, reminding us...
2023-08-3120 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Get noticed by veteran journalists!Coverage in the press is a great tactic to supercharge your thought leadership while getting noticed by new consumers. Both of which are positive for your cannabis brand. Veteran journalist Omar Sacirbey of MJBizDaily joins us on today's episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to discuss how he chooses which business leaders to interview, large and small, for features, how these features move the needle for brands, and what company leaders should be doing now so that Omar calls them for story comment or profiles over the next 3-6 months.
2023-08-1641 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™The case for an alliance in cannabis with Trojan Horse’s Chris FontesDelta-9 can be a scary term for CBD companies. Not Chris Fontes and his brand, Trojan Horse. In the early days of CBD legalization, his competitors zigged when it came to using the compound in marketing while he zagged. This created a niche but also a challenge to convince consumers and distributors that his operation was legal. As a long-time cannabis pioneer, Chris realized early how powerful it is for both sides of the cannabis plant to advocate for the same principles; education, regulation, and legalization. This rings true today, despite a rift between the two industries. Hear his...
2023-07-1948 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Surpassing economic challenges in cannabis with Green Market Report_s Jenel Stelton-HoltmeierWhen you operate in an industry where far more can go wrong than goes right, the financial side of business management is seldom a cakewalk. That's why we invited cannabis expert and reporter for Green Market Report, Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier to join us on the Move the Stairs podcast to discuss the economic status of the industry on the precipice of the Farm Bill and how principles of Brand Protection PR™ can help cannabis companies across all sectors in spite of current challenges.
2023-07-0631 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Social equity and cannabis, the success story of Ashley JenkinsMeet Ashley Jenkins, the latest guest on our Move the Stairs podcast. Years ago, as a college student, she faced the threat of 20+ years in prison for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Today, she is the successful owner of MT Growers in Denver and the first Black woman to obtain a cannabis manufacturing license through Denver's Social Equity Program. Ashley's inspiring journey from potential incarceration to entrepreneur embodies the perseverance of a true pioneer in the cannabis industry. Listen in to hear her story and discover how being true to herself, while unknowingly embracing Brand Protection PR™ principles, ha...
2023-06-2232 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Pushing past cannabis stigma with Dr. Bridget, MDHow far would you go to push the traditional boundaries of what's considered standard and accepted in your industry? Our latest Move the Stairs podcast guest Dr. Bridget, MD was faced with this very question when she decided to embark on a journey to shift the paradigm of cannabis use in medicine, before it was mainstream. Listen to Dr. Bridget, author of "Courage in Cannabis" tell her story and the stories of her patients through the lens of Brand Protection PR™.
2023-06-0826 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Weathering online threats with IntegriShieldCBD and hemp companies face a significant amount of threats. Operating in an industry that's governed by compliance but little regulation, makes every business decision critical. It also opens up the doors to bad actors who have no remorse, trading damage to your company's reputation to pad their bank account. That's why we welcomed Gayla Huber of IntegriShield to the Move the Stairs™ podcast. Her company and services align with our philosophy of Brand Protection PR™ where early preparation is key to enduring any threat to your brand. Listen as Gayla shares expert insight into the sometimes unknown online thre...
2023-05-1824 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™The many hats of Hemp Brand Builder’s Joe LinneMove the Stairs latest podcast latest guest, Joe Linne is no stranger to the hemp industry. With his business ventures extending beyond one small business, Joe must wear multiple hats in order to keep the day-to-day operations of his ventures running smoothly. On our newest episode, Joe discusses how he's used some elements of Brand Protection PR™ in the past and how he's incorporating new elements following M&C's NoCo Listening Room.
2023-05-0422 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What trade reporters want to write about your hemp or CBD brandFresh off of NoCo 9, you might be empowered to do some media outreach inspired by all of the incredible happenings at your hemp or CBD business. Consider dropping a line to our latest guest, Lydia Kariuki. She writes for a number of different audiences across the publications she contributes to. So, chances are no matter what vertical you work in, she's interested in what you're doing. Listen to the Move the Stairs podcast and learn how your rapport with the media can directly impact your relationship with potential consumers. Also, learn what she's most interested in writing about in 2023...
2023-04-2030 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Recapping NoCo 9 and the state of the hemp/CBD industryWe are thrilled to be attending NoCo 9 at the luxurious Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs talking Brand Protection PR™ with CBD and hemp thought leaders from across the nation. Thank you to the companies that engaged in an authentic discussion about the state of the industry during our listening room session. During today's special edition of the Move the Stairs podcast, we preview that paper, recapping some of the insightful discussions.
2023-04-0722 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How cbdMD earned WSJ coverage on FDA’s CBD regulation deferralThe FDA's decision (or indecision) to punt CBD regulation to Congress continues to send shockwaves through the cannabis industry. Reputable companies, like cbdMD, say this decision will continue to encourage bad-faith actors in the CBD space, harming every company striving for industry transparency. cbdMD's Chief Science Officer & Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Sibyl Swift, and General Counsel, Lance Blundell join the Move the Stairs™ podcast to discuss how the development is forcing change in its overall strategy to educate consumers and journalists while maintaining brand resiliency.
2023-03-1744 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™”Cannabis Cares” offers Denver businesses a path to show positive local impactThe City and County of Denver are taking steps to help cannabis companies tell their stories, which is an important element of making your business stand out among your competitors. On our newest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, Shannon Donnelly, Cannabis Process Navigator for the City and County of Denver unveils a new program called "Cannabis Cares" highlighting cannabis brands' community involvement, how local companies can get involved and how cannabis companies nationwide can learn from this program to build Brand Protection PR™.
2023-03-0131 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™The FDA has punted CBD regulations to Congress. What now?Since the FDA's decision to defer sweeping CBD regulations to Congress, CBD companies, consumers and trade associations alike are left with many more questions regarding the future of CBD than answers. That's why we are tapping into the expertise of Josh Long, Associate Editorial Director of Natural Products Insider, and Dr. Dan Fabricant, President and CEO of the Natural Products Association to discuss the decision. Together they offer excellent insight into how you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for your CBD business.
2023-02-1526 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™LinkedIn Learnings and Robust Reviews, Colorado Botanicals Keys to Brand SuccessDoes your cannabis business have a defined review strategy? Our latest guest, Narek Sarokhani CEO and Co-Founder of Colorado Botanicals discusses why he chose reviews to be his primary tactic to develop relationships with his customers. Also, hear how a simple LinkedIn direct message led him to achieve a placement in a nationally recognized digital media outlet and how he authentically nurtures that relationship.
2023-02-0326 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How an authentic public-facing approach propels Veritas’s cannabis successPresident of Veritas Fine Cannabis, Jon Spadafora, joins us on the Move the Stairs Podcast to discuss the power of owned content when seeking to build a loyal customer base. Jon also explained why telling the most authentic story about his business is important when it comes to positive or negative press. Finally, Jon discusses the techniques Veritas uses to turn challenges into opportunities, including a "Costco-style" approach to customer service.
2023-01-2036 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Use data to make your cannabis brand boom in 2023!How is your business preparing for trends in cannabis? We spoke with Matt Zehner a Senior Analyst with Brightfield Group, a leading marketing research company about trends he expects to unfold in 2023. On the Move the Stairs Podcast, Matt offers actionable insight into what your company can do now to create loyal customers, establish thought leadership and strengthen your brand's resiliency.
2022-12-2234 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What will cannabis journalism look like in 2023?Veteran cannabis journalist Cara Wietstock joins the Move the Stairs as our most recent guest to discuss how reporters are covering the plant now and what facets of the industry are most likely to capture the attention of journalists in 2023. Listen in and learn which reporters your company should be building relationships with right now!
2022-12-0835 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What do we know about cannabis and pets?As researchers discover promising data about how cannabinoids may benefit humans, many are left wondering about the implications for our four-legged friends. We welcome Charles Lozow, Co-Founder of Veterinary Cannabis Society, to the Move the Stairs Podcast! Charles offers insight into what we know about cannabis and its impact on pets, how business owners can work with journalists to break the stigma and the challenges that proprietors of cannabis products for pets will endure regardless of the 2023 Farm Bill.
2022-10-2045 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Everything you need to know about the 2023 Farm Bill with insider Jonathon MillerA lot has changed in the hemp and CBD industries since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Jonathan Miller of Frost, Brown, Todd and General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable joins us to discuss what major changes they are pushing for in the legislation and how you can use this piece of news as means to position yourself as an industry leader, offering important insight to your local press and customers.
2022-09-0126 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Is your cannabis business ready to weather a recession?Last week, Bank of America issued a forecast that the U.S. would enter a mild recession by Q4 this year. With prices at the pump and inflation remaining high, many Americans are conservative about where their extra money will be spent. Will this have a significant impact on cannabis? We're speaking with Bart Schaneman from MJBizDaily about a recent article he wrote and expanding on the potential economic impacts of a recession on the industry through the lens of Brand Protection PR™.
2022-07-2033 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Wall Street, wellness, and pickleball with Splish Naturals CEO Matt WalshMatt Walsh, CEO of Splish Naturals, didn't build Brand Protection PR™ overnight. It's taken numerous trips to his past as a day-trader on Wall Street, running spas (including for the luxurious Ritz Carlton brand), and his ability to seek unique brand opportunities. Learn how the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced Matt to transform Splish's business plan which has since led their products to a GRAMMY swag bag and exposure to thousands of pickleball athletes!
2022-06-3042 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Hemp: flooring’s new ”Golden Ratio” with HempWood’s Greg WilsonWhat happens when hemp and the Golden Ratio collide? You get Fibonacci LLC, the parent company that produces HempWood®. Founder Greg Wilson, explains how his passion to help the environment, his advice of "dont' wear a collared shirt" to a media interview, and the importance of LEGO® sets to his company have helped his product gain popularity, even attracting the attention of HGTV!
2022-06-0849 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Growing cannabis brand success with Franny Tacy, CEO of Franny’s FarmacyThe landscape of cannabis is changing. More and more states continue to legalize marijuana, which has some questioning the health of the CBD industry. Luckily Franny Tacy, CEO of Franny's Farmacy and respected thought leader in the cannabis industry will be joining us to talk more about it. We're excited to hear how Tanny has adapted her business model to build loyal customers, learn why appearing in the press is very important for her, and lastly how she's approaching hot button issues in the cannabis industry, all pieces of Brand Protection PR™.
2022-05-2532 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Install Industrial Hemp Success with Hempitecture’s Mattie MeadHow do you grow an industrial hemp company in an era of supply chain issues, bottom barrel hemp pricing, and federal regulatory uncertainty? Hempitecture Founder & CEO Mattie Mead said he's adopted the mantra of "small steps," which embodies the spirit of Brand Protection PR™.
2022-05-1138 min
Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Nail national news coverage for your CBD brand!Landing national news coverage for your CBD brand is easier than you think but it does require some work on your end. CNN's Christian DuChateau explains how you can position your company to capture the attention of him and his colleagues at CNN! We call this Insider Media Relations™, one of the three pillars of Brand Protection PR™.
2022-05-0341 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Overcoming the crash in hemp with FSOil’s Megan DuvallDuring the pandemic, the demand for hemp plummeted. Since then, it's struggled to rebound. FSOil's Chief Business Officer, Megan Duvall shares why strong business-to-business relationships, consistent customer relations, and focused preparation for future challenges were critical to FSOil's success during a challenging time.
2022-04-1430 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How to build a trusted medical marijuana brandEstablishing trust in medical marijuana is hard. That's why organizations like Americans for Safe Access, the nation's largest member-based organization work to promote safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. Listen and learn from Executive Director Debbie Churgai as she shares her top tips so that you can set your brand up for success.
2022-03-3033 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Power your outreach with podcasts!Podcasting audiences are among some of the most engaged in media. That's what our guest Jonathan Small, Editor in Chief for Green Entrepreneur, host of the Green Entrepreneur podcast, and podcasting guru had to say. Jon offers expertise about what he's looking for in a good story and how you can position your brand to tap into a highly engaged podcasting audience.
2022-03-3038 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Adaptability: the key to unlocking hemp longevity"Hemp" and "longevity" are two words, not necessarily synonymous with one another. From drastic market changes to lack of federal regulation, longevity has often NOT been accomplished without adaptability. That's according to our Move the Stairs podcast guest Jody McGinness, Executive Director for Hemp Industries Association. Jody offers great advice on how hemp businesses can thrive, drawing on experience from his organization which has been around for nearly 30 years- long before the 2018 Farm Bill passed.
2022-03-1130 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Can you talk about Covid-19 and CBD?Can CBD help in the fight against Covid-19? And if it does, how should you talk about it? Learn how to converse with your employees and curious journalists from our interview with Green Roads Co-Founder and Chief Officer of Science and Innovation, Laura Fuentes.
2022-02-1630 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What biz reporters want you to knowGet your CBD brand the media coverage you've been waiting for! Learn from Denver Post business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton how to get noticed.
Megan shares what she's looking for from you when it comes to reporting on CBD through the lens of a business reporter, how she vets her sources, and small steps you can take to pass the reporter sniff test in 2022!
It's all part of building CBD Brand Protection PR™. When you “move the stairs” you take the steps other people might not readily recognize, creating customer...
2022-02-0229 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Warning letter bluesFederal CBD compliance expert Asa Waldstein decodes FDA and FTC warning letter trends.
Asa shares what he's looking for when advising clients on federal compliance in marketing and labeling. Even though sweeping federal regulations are at a standstill for the CBD industry, it doesn't mean that CBD is still the wild west. This week's Move the Stairs podcast guest helps you build CBD Brand Protection PR™ by sharing insights into what the FDA and FTC are looking for when they're sending out those dreaded warning letters!
It's all part of building CBD Brand Protection PR™. When...
2022-01-2027 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Avoid a PR disaster by educating your employeesAs CBD retailers grow, their businesses can eventually land a regional or national distribution deal. While this is great for the business, it's important to not lose sight of educating anyone in that process about their products. With so much grey area surrounding CBD in the general public still, a potential crisis could be looming if basic education is ignored. Learn from hemp and CBD expert Jamie Campbell Petty, Executive Director of the Midwest Hemp Council, about how this education can build Brand Protection PR™ for your company!
2022-01-0632 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Should You Accept or Decline an Interview? Use Brand Protection PR™ and Insider Media Relations™ to DecideWhen a reporter asks if they can interview you, it's generally a good thing! You can build relationships, reach potential customers and even develop some thought leadership. However, sometimes, it's just not the right time to go on camera. On episode 55 of the Move the Stairs podcast, our strategists outline how to determine if an interview is right for your hemp brand using Brand Protection PR™.
2021-12-1533 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using Brand Protection PR™ to keep your brand‘s message fresh amid the FDA‘s latest updateThe lack of FDA guidance for the hemp industry is nothing new for the industry but the impact the federal log jam is having on business is significant. On episode 54 of the Move the Stairs podcast, we speak with Laura Drotleff about how hemp companies can keep their pitches relevant, despite stagnation at the federal level.
2021-12-0130 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™An Insider Media Relations take on a Thoughtful and Tactful CBD StoryWe are often asked what makes a good story to pitch? As journalists get hundreds if not thousands of emails per day, it's important to attach your CBD brand's name to a standout story idea! Journalists are interested in stories that will captivate their audience! That's why when we saw a story about a CBD company and an alpaca farm, we had to read it and talk with you about why this story worked from an Insider Media Relation™ and CBD Brand Protection PR™ standpoint.
2021-11-1127 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™CBD and Social Media: Using Brand Protection PR™ to Avoid PitfallsSince the legalization of hemp in 2018, CBD brands have struggled with inconsistent policies and enforcement from major social media companies when it comes to marketing their products. The consequences can be devastating. From suspensions, interrupting critical communication to their followers to bans destroying the hard work they've put into the digital footprint, social media almost seems not worth it. That's why on today's Move the Stairs podcast record, we speak with Attorney Nathalie Bougenies about how CBD companies can thoughtfully address this issue now and where regulations could be going in the future.
2021-10-2823 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Stay ahead of regulations using CBD Brand Protection PR™
What's the easiest way to elevate your brand's reputation? Get ahead of inevitable regulations! In today's podcast record, Heather Depres talks about the importance of the Americans for Safe Access Patient Focused Certification. In some states, it's already required for businesses. For others, it could be on the way! Learn how to take a program's certification like this and elevate your brand's thought leadership using CBD Brand Protection PR™!
2021-10-1532 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Understand Delta-8 with CBD Brand Protection PR™Delta-8 continues making waves throughout the industry because of its psychoactive properties. Why? Because technically, Delta-8 is derived from hemp, meaning it's legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Despite being legal, its psychoactive properties are being compared to Delta-9 THC, found in marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law. Understandably, this is causing legal confusion across the country! That's why Nolan Jackson, from the Law Offices of Frost, Brown, Todd LLC is here to discuss the legality of Delta-8 now and where it's going. Clearing the murky waters of uncertainty is a key component of CBD Brand Protection PR™.
2021-09-2931 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Use Digital marketing to Build CBD Brand Protection PR™Digital marketing and CBD brands haven't exactly had the warmest relationship since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing CBD in the United States. Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of BizHack specializes in digital marketing and joins us on the Move the Podcast to share his knowledge about the basics all decision-makers should know before moving forward with a digital marketing strategy. Build Brand Protection PR™ for your CBD brand and Move the Stairs with us!
2021-09-2336 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Craft a Perfect Pitch for Radio Reporters Using Insider Media Relations™We are continuing our series of interviews with members of the media this week with Pat Woodard, the voice of business for KOA News Radio based out of Denver, CO. Pat reaches hundreds of thousands of people every day with the most important business headlines Coloradans need to know. What will make your CBD Brand stand out? Pat shares what he's interested in hearing about your business and how to keep your outreach relevant for his audience!
2021-09-2232 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Use Digital Marketing to Build Brand Protection PR™Digital marketing and CBD brands haven't exactly had the warmest relationship since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing CBD in the United States. Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of BizHack Academy specializes in digital marketing and joins us on the Move the Podcast to share his knowledge about the basics all decision-makers should know before moving forward with a digital marketing strategy. Build Brand Protection PR™ for your CBD brand and Move the Stairs with us!
2021-09-0836 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Embrace the Suck: the Art of the PivotThere's no shortage of challenges CBD businesses encounter on a regular basis. This means decision-makers need to be ready to modify public relations outreach to stakeholders more often than they'd like! In this Move the Stairs Podcast episode, our team of strategists share some recent real-life scenarios where they've pivoted to position a client for success.
2021-08-2532 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Quality over Quantity: Using Insider Media Relations to Pitch Print MediaIn our Move the Stairs Episode 45 podcast record, we spoke to Tiney Ricciardi of the Denver Post. Tiney covers entertainment, beer and cannabis which includes CBD. However, not all CBD stories get covered and not all pitches get read. Watch and learn how your CBD brand can build relationships with members of traditional media who have large, diverse audiences. We call this Insider Media Relations™, a key component for Brand Protection PR™
2021-08-1135 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Supercharge your CBD Brand Protection PR with Elite Level ResourcesCBD business owners have enough on their plate when it comes to the day-to-day operations of their brand. Staying on top of what's happening in the CBD or hemp space is a challenge! Thankfully Kerry Hinkle, Membership Coordinator for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, revealed some great resources to stay on top of industry news and legislation, while our experts explain how you can use this information to position your brand as a thought leader in the industry, a key component of CBD Brand Protection PR™.
2021-08-1130 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Navigating the International Waters of Brand Protection PRBrand Protection PR™ is difficult enough to achieve at home but expanding to an International market welcomes a whole new level of complexity, intensity and risk to a brand that you've worked so hard to build. We are thrilled to be speaking with Sara Durnil on today's Move the Stairs Podcast record. Sara is the Domestic and International Partnership Advisor for Joy Organics, who recently announced an expansion to Hong Kong! Sara shares her experiences in preparation for the announcement and the execution her team has worked ahead of expanding to an international market.
2021-07-1429 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Understanding Colorado's New CBD Labeling RegulationsThe State of Colorado recently updated labeling requirements for CBD products, mandating a labeling change from the percentage of THC in a CBD product to the number of milligrams of THC in a CBD product. We are pleased to be joined by Jeff Lawrence, the Director of Colorado's Division of Health and Sustainability and also one of the decision-makers behind this change to discuss what it means for CBD brands operating in Colorado and CBD consumers in Colorado
2021-06-3023 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™CBD and pets: how to communicate research to your audienceCommunicating about CBD and its uses for people is difficult enough! Adding our pets to the equation complicates the conversation even further!
Luckily, Dr. Tim Shu, DVM and Founder/CEO of VETCBD is here to offer his professional advice on communicating about these difficult topics and discussing the current climate of pets and CBD!
2021-06-2521 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How to Build Professional Relationships with ReportersHemp Industry Daily reporter Kristen Nichols joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast record to help the CBD industry understand why they should establish a relationship with members of the media and offers strategies on going about it the right way!
2021-06-1632 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Communicating Complicated Cannabis Clinical ResearchLet’s face it, there is just not enough known about CBD right now! The lack of information understood by the general public with what we do know about CBD also leaves a lot to be desired. However, the exciting announcement of 10 new clinical projects studying cannabis and its impact on us in very specific scenarios is an exciting step in unlocking the mysteries of hemp and CBD! Our trusted advisors break down how you can bring these new clinical trials into the conversation for your brand!
2021-06-0931 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Help us design a CBD Brand Protection PR mini-courseIn today's episode, we talk about the three pillars of CBD Brand Protection PR™, the tenets of Insider Media Relations™ and how to put it to work protecting your brand, and the importance of a Brand Protection Crisis Plan. We're designing a mini-course about Brand Protection PR™- tell us what you'd like to learn!
2021-05-2633 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Building Brand Protection Pr and ThoughtLeadership Through Brand MessagingPositioning yourself as a thought leader begins establishing your brand. M&C’s Brand Protection PR can help you establish brand messaging! It begins with establishing the Four C’s; clear, consistent, compassionate communications with your audience.
2021-05-1338 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Understanding Federal Legislative Movement to Build CBD Brand Protection™The House of Representatives made a statement with the passage of the SAFE Banking Act. Despite being a separate venture from marijuana, CBD companies need to be watching what happens in Washington with this bill. Part of Brand Protection PR™ is understanding past CBD legislation while following current reform so you can serve as an industry voice and build trust within your customers and members of the media.
2021-05-0535 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using Education to bolster CBD Brand Protection
Educating your consumers about CBD may seem tedious. After all, it's not driving sales! However, it is positioning you as a trusted expert! On today's Move the Stairs conversation, M&C's Strategists will deliver an Insider Media Relations™ take on how to communicate and educate all things CBD to your consumers and position it in a way that makes them come back for more!
2021-04-2936 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What to expect when you’re expecting (PR success)Success is great! What happens when you continue to expect success? You will have ebbs and flows when it comes to your CBD brand's PR outreach so it's important to celebrate those victories, but also keep your expectations grounded. Our team will offer strategies and best practices to do so!
2021-04-2134 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using Strategic Public Relations Techniques to Evaluate Q1We’ve reached that point in the year where businesses should be reviewing Q1 and make adjustments heading into Q2. We call these quarterly goals and part of Brand Protection PR™ is making sure that your brand’s outreach methods are working toward the completion of these goals. M&C strategic public relations can help you modify your quarterly goals as needed in support of your annual objectives!
2021-04-0829 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Insider Media Relations Can Build Brand Protection Through Successful Crisis CommunicationsA crisis can strike any business at any time, sometimes as a result of things you can control (we call that a self-inflicted crisis-- think a poorly thought-out social media post). Sometimes, a crisis comes out of the blue and you must think fast and rely on the planning, preparation, and strategy you should have prepared beforehand to manage crisis communications and protect your business. We’ll share some of our crisis communications strategies honed from years of experience in the media and now, in helping our clients develop Brand Protection PR to grow and protect their businesses.
2021-03-3153 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Cryptocurrency & Blockchain: How to adapt your PR outreach to the future of CBDThe future of CBD technology is already here, even if you don't know it yet! Co-Founder of Greenheartcbd, Paul Walsh, joined us today on our Move the Stairs Friday chat to discuss blockchain and cryptocurrency and how the two are changing the landscape of CBD worldwide!
2021-03-2429 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Why podcasts can push the needle for your CBD brandEver since the pandemic began podcasts have been a booming source of news, entertainment and normalcy for a massive number of Americans. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can get started! Our special guest, Wayne Schwind, host of the Periodic Effects podcast will share with you how he got started and some of the metrics he focused on for a successful podcast.
2021-03-1732 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Sow the tactical seeds of Brand Protection PR™With the pandemic dominating the news headlines and social media daily, it may feel like your brand isn’t being seen or heard! Strategic Public Relations can help you get your brand noticed. M&C’s team of strategists can help you think outside of the box and plant the tactical seeds for your brand’s public relations outreach.
2021-03-1032 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using data to build CBD Brand Protection™With an abundance of data available to shape your CBD brand’s PR plan, it can be overwhelming to sort through what is most important. Media monitoring tools and M&C’s Insider Media Relations™ can help you focus on the data that’s most important to your PR outreach. In this episode of Move the Stairs, you’ll learn about some of the top metrics we analyze for our clients in support of their PR goals.
2021-03-0331 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Build Effective Media Relations & Brand ProtectionIf your CBD brand isn't getting the media’s attention or the attention you are getting isn’t having the positive impact you want, we'll teach you skills to build effective relationships with members of the media through CBD Brand Protection™ and Insider Media Relations™.
2021-02-2431 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Who is more important, customer or employee?As a CBD business owner, you may be wondering who's more important to your business? The customers who keep the lights on? Or your employees who serve your customers? What if we told you there were different layers relating the two? Using Brand Protection PR™, you can learn how to build relationships with both to grow your brand!
2021-02-2330 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Using CBD Brand Protection PR™ to take a stand with your businessConventional wisdom used to be that businesses should stay out of politics. Times have changed and consumer demand is forcing many CBD industry businesses to ask “how can my business talk about political issues?” We’ll walk through the M&C CBD Brand Protection PR™ approach of building a meaningfully aligned strategy to take a political, social or environmental stand with your business.
2021-02-1230 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™CBD Brand Fitness: Benchmarking Your ProgressEvery good fitness plan should have a benchmarking period where you measure your success! This is no different for your CBD business! Measuring the progress of your goals and adjusting as needed is key to keeping your momentum going all year long! CBD Brand Protection PR™ can help keep you always thinking ahead while you work in pursuit of your annual business objectives.
2021-02-0332 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Building a Strong Business With Brand Protection AerobicsBuilding a business is a bit like getting in shape-- it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You don’t want all your efforts to build a strong business to be sidelined with a misstep or crisis situation. We’ll show you how Brand Protection PR can help you build a strong foundation in business with some “exercises” to start 2021 lean and mean.
2021-01-2630 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Brand Fitness: Strategies to Get You Mentally Fit Before a CrisisCrisis planning can have a profound impact on the outcome of a situation. Ask the Capitol Police. Fighting normalcy bias, or the natural feeling that a crisis "won't be that bad" is a challenge. Our Brand Protection Tool™ can help you forecast and prepare for threats to your brand.
2021-01-2131 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Brand Fitness: Actionable Brand Protection PR™ Strategies for the CBD IndustryWhile CBD and its reputation and awareness amongst the public is becoming a bit clearer, there are still landmines that any CBD business needs to avoid while working to grow their businesses. In this MTS Chat, we work through some of those strategies companies can use to grow and protect their brand.
2021-01-1331 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Take These 5 Steps to Protect Your CBD Business in 2021Predicting where the CBD industry will go in 2021 may seem challenging, but M&C’s Insider Media Relations™ strategists are here to help with simple ideas you can implement now to build your brand and future success for 2021.
2020-12-2359 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Integrating Digital Marketing in Your CBD Business PR PlanIntegrating digital marketing into your business plan may seem daunting, but if you already have a PR plan, you’re much closer than you think! In today’s Move the Stairs Friday chat, our special guest and career digital marketer Tatiana McDaniel offers her insight for business owners just getting started.
2020-12-231h 01Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Don’t Wake Up to a PR Nightmare!Public relations nightmares don't just happen around Halloween. Prepare your business with M&C's award-winning Brand Protection™ strategies as we talk through recent PR disasters and how your brand can avoid them.
2020-12-231h 01Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Why to Combine Public Relations and MarketingThe difference between public relations and marketing may be confusing, but together they’re powerful tools for building Brand Protection™. We’ll share real-life examples of the differences between marketing and public relations, and the awesome power of using them together.
2020-12-2359 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Finish the Year Strong With Your CBD PR StrategyHow do CBD companies plan their end of year marketing/PR strategy when they don’t know what regulations will be handed down from the FDA? M&C Communications can help you define your target CBD market as the first step in devising an effective PR plan to finish the year strong and kick off the new year right.
2020-12-2358 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™New CBD Regs May Help Tame the Wild West CBD industryThere’s hope for taming the wild west of the CBD industry! New federal regulations are expected by the end of 2020. M&C Communications will help you round up information, communicate it clearly, and apply the regulations to shine up Brand Protection™ for your CBD industry business!
2020-12-231h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How to Get Media Coverage, Even In A Noisy News LandscapeGetting on the news to tell your brand’s story is hard enough as it is but during a noisy media landscape, it may seem darn near impossible. The M&C team will walk you through our Insider Media Relations™ strategy to determine whether or not now is the time to pitch or if you should hold off.
2020-12-2359 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How to Protect Your Reputation OnlineSocial media can be a great place to connect directly with your audience, but a poor choice of words or a poorly thought-out post can also trigger the digital pitchfork-and-torches mob. How do you protect your reputation online and encounter fewer pitchforks at the gate? Tap into our Brand Protection™ techniques to build and protect your business on this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast.
2020-12-231h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™The 4-Star Approach to Making Great-Looking Social Media VideosLet's face it: social media video has a shelf life of what- 12 seconds? OK, it lasts a little longer than that, but for such an important part of your social media and public outreach, video is a lot of expense for material that goes stale quickly. On this Move the Stairs PR podcast, tap into our Insider Media Relations™ video production expertise to learn the 4-star approach to making great-looking social media videos.
2020-12-231h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™When NOT to Speak to the MediaIn this Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll share our Insider Media Relations™ approach to help you weigh the pros and cons of speaking to the media and help you maintain your credibility when you've decided an interview will hurt more than it will help.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Will An Interview Help or Hurt?
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
We're listed as one of Feedspot's Top 20 Brand Protection podcasts!
2020-12-211h 01Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Communicating With the Media in a COVID-19 WorldLearning how to be a good media interview is a skill worth developing. A great interview can go a long way toward building your business, while a bad interview can cause serious damage, especially in the emotionally-charged COVID-19 era. In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll tap into our Insider Media Relations™ background to help you get ready to give a great interview.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet: Media Training Best Practices.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
2020-11-041h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Do Businesses Enforce Mask Wearing?Business owners are finding themselves on the front lines of a challenging COVID-19 controversy: how do businesses enforce mask wearing? In this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we help businesses manage the mask mania with messaging tips.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: Brand-Building During Rapid Cultural Change.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
2020-11-0459 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Brand-Building Strategies During Cultural ChangeProtecting your business and building your brand is a challenge in the best of times- how do you manage your message when the pace of cultural change is so rapid? On this episode of the Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll share brand-building strategies to protect your brand and business during rapid cultural change.
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Brand-Building During Rapid Cultural Change.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
2020-11-0453 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™What do you do in a business communications crisis?In a bad situation, it helps to have a solid crisis communications plan. In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll help you decide if you're facing a business headache or heart attack so you know what to do in a business crisis.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: 5 Step Crisis Outline Sheet.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
2020-11-041h 02Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How Digital Listening Can Help Protect Your BusinessWith so much conversation happening online, it's imperative to know what's being said about your business. Where do you start? In today's Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll help you figure out what digital listening is and how it can help protect your business.
Click here to download the 1-sheet for this episode: Brand Protection Tool™.
Click here to see more about M&C's Brand Protection™ PR process.
2020-11-0346 minMove the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™How to Protect Your BrandOur Brand Protection Tool™ is part of what makes M&C Communications a diverse agency. We outline the steps so that you can protect your brand online using real people, not software. We offer the strategy behind our tool in today’s Move the Stairs Friday Chat.
Click here to get the downloadable 1-sheet for this episode: Brand Protection Tool™.
Click here for more information on M&C's Brand Protection™ process.
2020-11-031h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Planning a Successful Social Media TakeoverSocial media is a great way to connect with your audience, especially now while travel and interaction is limited. A social media takeover is a great way to connect with your audience. In this Move the Stairs PR podcast, we'll walk you through the steps for creating a successful social media takeover!
Click here for the downloadable 1-sheet: 3 Steps to a Successful Social Takeover.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for Insider Media Relations™.
2020-10-011h 00Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Recover Your Reputation With Help From Your Brand Protection TeamIf you've been in business long enough, you're sure to have weathered a bump or two in the road. You know that a crisis plan can help your recover your reputation when something goes wrong. On this week's Move the Stairs PR podcast, get a head start on your crisis plan with our Brand Protection™ strategies to recover and rebuild your reputation.
Click here for a link to the downloadable 1-sheet: Build Your Brand Protection™ Team.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for crisis communications.
2020-09-241h 01Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™Become a Thought Leader in Your IndustryWhat is thought leadership and why is it important for you and your organization? In this episode of the Move the Stairs PR podcast, you'll learn how to protect your brand and build your CBD oil industry (or any other!) business with a powerful thought leadership plan.
Click here for the free downloadable 1-sheet from this episode: Supercharge Your Thought Leadership Plan.
Click here to see all the M&C resources available for CBD PR.
2020-09-171h 01