Smart Talk Series

Welcome to the Smart Talk Series with your host Melissa Vela Williamson, award-winning/nationally syndicated PR Pro. This is the show for professionals, marketing, and communications solo practitioners and teams.

Smart Talk Series is a business podcast hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Melissa Vela-Williamson hosts Smart Talk Series, a business show with 65 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #79

  Building Community with Ansley Partosa

  Sep 29, 202645 minS12

  Being connected with a special interest group is an underappreciated attribute that all communicators can benefit from. The ability to bring people together around interests they love builds community, trust and loyalty. In this episode, Melissa talks with Ansley Partosa, the founder of Rosario Media & Events, about how she stitched together a career at the intersection of gaming, film production and cosplay. About Ansley: Ansley Partosa combines her expertise in digital marketing to make a positive impact in the gaming world. With her business Rosario Media & Events, she uses her love of graphic design, video editing, and content creation to help clients share their unique stories. Ansley also serves as the Head of the Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio, where she leads the charge in hosting esports tournaments, game development meet ups, and inclusive community events. Follow Ansley on Instagram Topics covered: Ansley's journey to her career interests Ansley's experience in the gaming and entertainment industry Sustainable roles in entertainment The intersection of a creative perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset Cosplay skills that translate Resources mentioned: Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio San Japan Cirque Aria Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

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  Episode #78

  The Art of Storytelling with Joshua Sostrin

  Sep 22, 202648 minS12

  Communications work often requires stepping confidently into unfamiliar territory. That's why the ability to simplify complex ideas can be a powerful skill. In this episode, Melissa talks with Joshua Sostrin, the founder and president of Imperative Content, about how his background in comedy launched him into a renowned career in speechwriting and storytelling. About Josh: Joshua Sostrin is a speechwriter with over 20 years of experience and is the founder and president of Imperative Content, an executive communications consultancy. His background spans high tech, national security, academia, law, medicine, politics, and entertainment, with work featured in outlets from the World Economic Forum to The New York Times to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, including speechwriting for members of the U.S. House and Senate and a presidential candidate. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Visit Josh's website Topics covered: Josh's journey to his current career The nonlinear path to speechwriting Josh's storytelling process What it takes to be a successful speechwriter Leveraging research in communications work Tips for creating engaging content Resources mentioned: Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy "A call to kindness: We are stronger together; let's be a force for good" "Storytelling That Elevates" Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

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  Episode #77

  Crafting A Career You Love with Brandon Glass

  Sep 15, 20261h 1mS12

  Aligning your career with the life you want often means weaving together your interests, strengths, and long‑held passions. In this episode, Melissa talks with Brandon Glass, a performer and Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter, about how he blends his creative and professional talents to build the career of his dreams. About Brandon: From touring the world as a professional dancer, stuntman, and live host to coming home to his community and serving as a coach, mentor, and ASL interpreter, Brandon spans the globe embracing his passion and sharing his love for community through live performances, teaching workshops, and connecting with his community in elevating and inspiring ways. Having toured with notable companies such as Odyssey Dance Theatre, Step Afrika, and Ringling Bros., his most recent adventure takes him to South Africa, skating as a Live Host with Disney on Ice. His studies and community engagement provide a space for him to come home and work closely with the Deaf community as a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter as well as a leadership and youth sports coach! Connect with Brandon on Instagram Visit Brandon's website Listen to Brandon's podcast Topics covered: Brandon's journey to creating his career fit The path to working in entertainment Brandon's work as a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter The intersection of working with the Deaf community and entertainment How to make your dreams possible Tips for PR pros and full-time communicators Resources mentioned: Disney on Ice, Mickey's Search Party Cirque Aria Thrive Gym Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

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  Smart Talk Series

  Out Now: Pitch Your Ideas Like a PR Pro

  Sep 14, 20263 minS12

  ! Today, our founder, Melissa Vela-Williamson, is launching her first digital course, , to help anyone who needs support crafting and delivering a strong pitch. This course is built for anyone looking to level up their skills in pitching story ideas to journalists, business ideas to investors, or just trying to land your next opportunity. Presenting your case in a compelling way is invaluable. In just over an hour, you'll hear best-practice insights directly from a seasoned PR pro whose recent local market campaign resulted in 613 pieces of earned coverage with a 660 million audience reach and over 16.6M views. Let Melissa's hard-learned lessons, insider tips, and PR kit tools help your business, nonprofit, institution, or thought leadership pitch an idea in meaningful ways. Enroll now: https://www.mvw360.com/course

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  Episode #76

  Letting Your Passion Lead with Laura Perez

  Sep 8, 202630 minS12

  Sometimes the best career move is letting your passion lead the way. In today's episode, Melissa talks with Laura Perez, the associate director of brand operations at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, about striking the balance between your niche interests and an organization's needs. About Laura: Laura Perez is a sports and entertainment professional with more than 21 years of experience at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. As Associate Director of Brand Operations, she leads operational strategy and workflow management for the Brand Engagement team and has played a key role in major initiatives, including the San Antonio Spurs' 50th Anniversary season, while championing leadership development and community impact throughout South Texas. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Topics covered: Laura's journey to her professional specialty Working in brand operations How to manage change and competing priorities Illustrating your organization's values in your work How a career in sports informs the life of a sports parent Tips for communications students and professionals Resources mentioned: Healthy Sports Parents Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

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