Pitch Live with Amy Summers

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Rick Martin, a three-time Peabody Award-winning journalist, public relations consultant and author who knows what it means to face a crisis from both sides of the headlines. A graduate of the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism, Rick spent 12 years at CNN and decades in major newsrooms, helping lead coverage of some of the nation's biggest stories, from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon bombings. But his most personal story came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he spent 17 days hospitalized, including five on a ventilator, fighting for his life while serving as a government communications leader. That experience inspired his book, “Unmasked: How One Man Overcame Death with the Power of Family, Faith, and Forgiveness.” Rick shares powerful lessons from a career spent telling stories, managing crises and discovering what truly matters when life doesn't go according to plan.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Rick Martin on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Never burn a bridge. Not every situation deserves a reaction. Know when to walk away because you never know when your paths may cross again.
• Lead your pitch with transparency. Journalists are naturally skeptical. Build trust by being upfront about your story angle, intentions and information from the start.
• Find the hope in every story. Positive stories are everywhere if you look for them. Even in a crisis, seek out the silver lining and the human stories worth telling.
• Listen before you lead. Strong leaders ask questions, listen carefully and seek to understand before offering solutions.
• Make your response the last step, not the first. Follow Rick's L.A.S.E.R. strategy: Listen, Assess, Support, Execute and Respond.
• Live and lead with intention. Every day presents an opportunity to make a difference. Be purposeful about how you use it.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Rick Martin to access Rick’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Rick Martin

TikTok: @laserrick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rick_martin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelasersystems 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-martin-1064b84 

Website: https://rickmartinmedia.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast revisits an early chapter in Pitch Publicity® history with Lisa Braswell, APR, and follows her professional journey to becoming a corporate communications leader at a Fortune 100 health insurance company. With more than 20 years of public relations experience, Lisa now leads a team of communications and brand specialists, drawing on her journalism background and business expertise to help organizations connect with their audiences. A University of Florida journalism graduate with an MBA from Louisiana State University, Lisa is an accredited public relations professional (APR) and former president of the Public Relations Society of America’s Tampa Bay chapter. Beyond her corporate leadership role, Lisa is committed to mentoring emerging communications professionals and giving back to her community through volunteer work.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Lisa Braswell on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Sometimes a step back is a step forward. Taking a pay cut or changing direction can be worth it when it means doing work you love or developing valuable new skills.
• Great mentors don’t give all the answers. Let people figure things out for themselves. The lessons they discover often stick the longest.
• Confidence comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Take on new challenges and draw on past successes to remind yourself that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Make your mistakes learning opportunities, not major setbacks. Focus on fixing the problem, learning from it and moving forward, rather than dwelling on what went wrong.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Lisa Braswell to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Lisa Braswell:

Instagram: @lrbraswell3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabraswell 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Alan J. Weiss, nine-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer and documentarian, executive producer of “Teen Kids News” and president of Alan Weiss Productions. Over a career spanning decades, Alan has had a front-row seat to some of the most defining stories in modern news history. As a former program producer for WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” in New York, he participated in coverage of the Son of Sam investigation and capture, the 9/11 attacks, international conflicts and the shooting of Pope John Paul II, and was part of the team that broke the news of John Lennon’s shooting. He has worked alongside journalism legends including Walter Cronkite and Katie Couric and produced award-winning documentaries and nationally syndicated programming. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Alan continues to bring his decades of newsroom experience to the industry as an executive producer, educator and media expert.

Key pitching takeaways from Alan J. Weiss on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• You can lose a journalist at “hello.” Grab their attention immediately.
• Get past a journalist’s natural skepticism by being clear, direct and credible.
• A clever opening line can get attention, but the rest of your pitch has to deliver.
• Learn by watching. In fast-moving environments, not everyone will have time to teach you.
• Stay true to journalism. Don’t let what’s quick and easy replace what’s accurate and important.
• Protect your credibility above all else. Once it’s lost, it’s difficult to earn back, and credible journalism is essential to democracy.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Alan J. Weiss to access Alan’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Alan J. Weiss

X: https://x.com/teenkidsnews 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teen_kids_news/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEENKIDSNEWSTV/# 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeenKidsNewsTV 

Website: https://awptv.com and https://teenkidsnews.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Nicole Perez’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how saying yes to opportunities before she felt fully ready helped shape her career. Originally from Arizona, Nicole became the first Penn State graduate to come through the Pitch Publicity internship mentorship program while earning her degree in public relations, advertising and hospitality management. Her story is featured in Amy’s book, “Lift: 10 Mentorship Touchpoints to Empower Your Team and Accelerate Your Career.” Today, she is a senior associate at Omnicom Media Group, executing high-profile media campaigns across sports and entertainment, while continuing to demonstrate the relationship-building, attention to detail and follow-through that first made her stand out as a Pitch Star. Now building her career in New York City, Nicole has remained closely connected to Amy and Pitch Publicity, most recently returning to help lead the planning and execution of the LIFT book launch.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Nicole Perez on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• “No” doesn’t always mean no. Regroup, refine your approach, find a new angle and try again.
• Be vulnerable when something isn’t working. Ask for help, adjust and don’t let a setback become a stopping point.
• Be professional without losing your personality. You represent your company, but you’re also building your own reputation and relationships.
• Anticipate what people need. Pay attention, make genuine connections and look for ways to add value before you’re asked.
• Say yes to the big opportunity—even when it feels intimidating. Stepping up before you feel fully ready is how you build confidence.
• Don’t absorb someone else’s stress. “Yin and yang” the moment—when the pressure rises around you, stay calm and grounded.
• Trust yourself enough to make good judgment calls. Confidence matters when there isn’t a script telling you exactly what to do.
• Don’t wait for feedback or visibility—ask for it. Seek out face time with your manager, get yourself in the room and earn your seat at the table.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Nicole Perez to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Nicole Perez:

Instagram | X: @nicole.perezzzzz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-perez02

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Kristal Knight, a political strategist, communications adviser and media commentator who has spent her career navigating high-stakes campaigns, complex conversations and deeply divided audiences. Kristal advises national brands on communications and political strategy and regularly provides commentary on Fox News, NewsNation, MSNBC and other national outlets. Her career has spanned local, state and national elections, including serving as political director for Priorities USA, then President Joe Biden’s preferred super PAC, during the 2020 election cycle, and consulting with the NAACP, Demos and Faith in Action during the 2022 midterm elections. She is also the founder and chair of voting rights nonprofit Organize Tennessee and previously led Emerge Tennessee, helping women run for and win elected office in her home state. A Howard University journalism graduate with a master’s degree in international public policy from University College London, Kristal brings a unique perspective to a timely conversation about confronting conflict, communicating across differences and finding ways to keep talking when polarization makes it easier to shut down, walk away or retreat to our own corners.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Kristal Knight on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

 

• Every story has an arc. At the climax, you can either bring people in or push them away. Personal storytelling creates relatability, and relatability opens the door to persuasion.
• One conversation rarely changes a mind. People often need to hear a message multiple times before it moves them.
• Practice situational awareness. Before starting a difficult conversation, ask: Is this the right time and place?
• Neutralize an argument by acknowledging that two things can be true: We can love and support each other, and still disagree.
• Seek to understand before trying to persuade. Listen for the perspective behind the position.
• When emotions take over a debate, return to facts and statistics to create common ground.
• When someone rattles you, smile. It can defuse the moment and help you stay in control of your response.
• Disagreement does not have to end a relationship. Sometimes accepting that you will not reach the same conclusion is part of moving forward.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Kristal Knight to access Kristal’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Kristal Knight

X | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky: @KrisLKnight

Facebook: @kristal.knight.37  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristal-knight-334a366 

Website: https://krislknight.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

 

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Brittney Houser’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the career she has built since graduating from the University of Florida with both a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Business Management. Now a senior account executive at Interdependence PR, Brittney leads B2B technology accounts across enterprise technology, IT services, fintech, cryptocurrency, marketing and advertising technology, taking an active role in strategy, client communications and media relations. Throughout her career, she has represented a diverse portfolio of national brands and secured coverage across top-tier national, business, consumer and trade media. Her progression from PR intern to trusted counselor and media relations professional demonstrates how early career mentorship, hands-on experience and strong communication and organization skills can accelerate career growth.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Brittney Houser on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Stay organized when brainstorming: Structure keeps ideas moving forward.
• Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Pushing through discomfort is how you build confidence.
• Do your homework before you pitch: Follow someone’s work and tailor your approach specifically to them.
• Ask what they are working on: Curiosity helps you uncover opportunities while staying ahead of industry trends.
• Follow up with purpose: Do not just repeat the pitch — add a new detail, angle or piece of value each time.
• Take notes to retain more: Writing things down helps you stay focused, capture details and better understand what you heard.
• Do not underestimate the small work: Everyday tasks build confidence, strong habits and relationships that compound over time.
• Talk it out with a real person: Verbalizing a pitch or problem can reveal what is missing and make your thinking stronger.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Brittney Houser to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Brittney Houser:

Instagram: @brittneyyhouser 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-houser-93082a1b7/ 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of "Pitch Live with Amy Summers" podcast features Richelle Fredson, book publishing coach and author of, “DO THE THING: Take Your Creative Ideas From Uncertain to Unstoppable and Build a Business You Love” (Hachette, April 2027). As the creator of “The Book Proposal Blueprint Program,” Richelle has helped aspiring and published authors secure millions of dollars in book advances from top publishers, guiding them from idea to book deal with strategic publishing expertise. Before launching her own business, she spent 15 years in publishing as director of publicity and book marketing at Hay House Inc., one of the world's largest publishers of self-help books, events and courses, where she also served on the book acquisitions team. Beyond books, Richelle helps entrepreneurs develop creative platforms that expand their influence through podcasts, new products and other ventures. She is also the host of the Forbes-featured "Bound + Determined" podcast, where she interviews leading authors, publishing industry experts and creative business owners. Richelle earned her degree in communication and media studies from San Diego State University.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Richelle Fredson on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Own your lane: Define the expertise only you can bring before you write a book.
• Engagement beats followers: A loyal community matters more than a large social media audience.
• Write for someone, not everyone: A specific audience makes for a stronger book pitch.
• Originality isn't everything: A proven topic with your unique perspective is often more marketable than a brand-new idea.
• Pitch with a complete proposal: A polished book proposal shows publishers and agents you're serious.
• Master the three-part pitch: What's the problem? What's your solution? Why are you the one to write this book?
• Follow up relentlessly: Persistence matters—even when you're told not to expect a response.
• Be patient, but advocate for yourself: Publishing is a marathon, and the authors who keep pushing forward are the ones who succeed.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Richelle Fredson to access Richelle’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Richelle Fredson

Instagram: @richellefredson 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleFredsonBookCoach 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richellefredson 

Website: https://richellefredson.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

 

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Camile Sardina #internship #mentorship one-night experience at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped build her confidence to move to New York City to launch her career after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations. Today, she’s running her own boutique public relations firm at Evolist Media representing brands including Airbnb and Peatos. Camile’s work has been featured across top national media, including Good Morning America, The Washington Post, Forbes, SELF, and Women’s Health. She is also a successful freelance writer and co-author of Change Makers, a storytelling project celebrating women creating meaningful change around the world. Join us as Camile looks back on her journey from PR student to agency founder, revealing the lessons that shaped her success and why mentorship is one of the greatest accelerators of career growth.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Camile Sardina on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Smaller companies often provide faster growth and broader hands-on experience.
• Great pitches depend as much on timing as they do on the story.
• Be transparent with your boss about your career goals to create opportunities together.
• Never underestimate the power of a sincere "thank you" to your team.
• Tell mentors how they have impacted your life—it encourages them to keep investing in others.
• Small gestures, like an invitation to dinner or genuine recognition, can build the confidence that changes someone's career.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Camile Sardina to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Camile Sardina:

Instagram: @evolistmedia @camilesardina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvolistMedia 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilesardina 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolistmedia/ 

Website: https://www.evolistmedia.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.