Pitch Live with Amy Summers

Season One Recap: #PitchHost Amy Summers

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” takes you behind the scenes to explore the origins of the podcast and highlights the most unforgettable moments from its first season. Host Amy Summers, founder and president of Pitch Publicity® and INICIVOX®, shares season one’s most insightful, shocking, and hilarious pitching moments with “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” who know how to harness the power of the pitch to make success happen.

 

“Pitch Live” Season One Episode Guide:

Episode 1: PitchPro: Kim Kaupe

Episode 2: PitchStar: Victoria Najmy

Episode 3: PitchPro: Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak

Episode 4: PitchStar: Afreka Ebanks

Episode 5: PitchPro: Shelley Spector

Episode 6: PitchStar: Taylor Hadden

Episode 7: PitchPro: Akeem Shannon

Episode 8: PitchStar: Jacob McLean

Episode 9: PitchPro: Sansan Fibri

Episode 10: PitchStar: Gillian Stoney

Episode 11: PitchPro: Timothy McLemore

Episode 12: PitchStar: Tiffany McKinnie

Episode 13: PitchPro: Mark Alyn

Episode 14: PitchStar: Ledora Brown

Episode 15: PitchPro: Erica Loewe

Episode 16: PitchStar: Cameryn Junck

Episode 17: PitchPro: Howard Schiffer 

Episode 18: PitchStar: Kylie Morgan 

Episode 19: PitchPro: Marci Zaroff 

Episode 20: PitchStar: LaKendra Tookes

Episode 21: PitchPro: Anthony Zolezzi 

Episode 22: PitchStar: Lee Hathaway

Episode 23: PitchPro: Dr. Wendy Walsh 

Episode 24: Season One Recap: Amy Summers 

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive Season One Recap to access pitching strategies and success stories from “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

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.

Can Your Pitch Attract Love?: #PitchPro Dr. Wendy Walsh

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features America’s Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh. As host of “The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show” on iHeart Radio’s KFI-AM in Los Angeles, Wendy is well known for her impressive media career in television on EXTRA, “The Doctors,” CNN, and FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.” In 2017, she was recognized as a Time Magazine Person of the Year ‘Silence Breaker’ for her pivotal role in advancing the #MeToo movement after speaking out about harassment at a major news network. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Wendy is the author of three books on relationships and serves as an adjunct professor of Psychology at California State University Channel Islands. Her expertise in human behavior and attachment continues to inspire millions and highlights the profound impact that communication has on relationships in our lives.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Dr. Wendy Walsh on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Keep dating profiles short and authentic: 4-5 sentences that reflect the real you.
• Use natural photos of yourself doing what you love—no professional headshots.
• Limit texting to three exchanges before moving to a phone call.
• Start with a quick coffee meet-up "drive-by date" to decide if a full date is worth pursuing. Be clear about your intentions afterward.
• Sandwich requests to partners by starting and ending with encouragement, placing the “ask” in the middle.
• Use “How can we...” questions to encourage collaboration instead of placing blame.

 

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

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with Dr. Wendy Walsh:

X | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @drwendywalsh

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

Website: https://www.drwendywalsh.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.

Harness real-life experiences: #PitchStar Lee Hathaway

This episode of Pitch Live with Amy Summers podcast takes a look at Lee Hathaway’s time at Pitch Publicity®, where his passionate personality and unmatched work ethic left a memorable mark. From jet-setting to major conferences to orchestrating high-profile events, Lee's contributions were pivotal during one of the busiest and most thriving periods for Pitch Publicity® and during the launch of INICIVOX®. Lee’s natural talents, shaped by two decades as a Walt Disney Company entertainer and leader, along with 15 years as an entrepreneur in his family’s nutraceuticals business, brought a unique spark and synergy to his contributions at Pitch Publicity®. By conquering the odds, Lee’s humility, hunger for knowledge, and unique career journey demonstrate that true friendship can thrive, even amidst navigating the challenges of business in a rapidly changing world.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Lee Hathaway on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Show up, tackle the challenges.
• Step back from stress to regain calm.
• Prioritize rest and listen to your body.
• Harness the power of your real-life experiences.
• Embrace new opportunities.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Lee Hathaway 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Lee Hathaway:

Instagram: @the_lee_way

Facebook: @lee.C.hathaway

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hathaway3378/ 

 

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.

Show up with a smile: #PitchPro Anthony Zolezzi

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Anthony Zolezzi, executive vice chairman of Dalrada Financial Corporation and president of Dalrada Home. With a passion for environmental change, Anthony has dedicated his career to driving sustainability and health initiatives on a global scale. He’s known for high-impact collaborations, including consulting with HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, to develop “Harmony,” a book and documentary spotlighting Prince Charles' sustainability efforts. A champion of organic agriculture and recycling, Anthony has improved access to affordable wellness products, pioneered large-scale upcycle projects, and led transformative ventures in food, health, and sustainable business. In this interview, Anthony reveals the business and pitching strategies that have positioned him at the helm of world-changing brands, where he builds powerful connections and drives positive impact with the simple virtues of generosity and respect.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Anthony Zoezzi on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Forget Inspiration. Desperation sparks some of the best ideas.
• Aim high. Skip middle management and reach out to the CEO.
• Prioritize face-to-face meetings - even if you aren’t on their schedule.
• Show up with a smile.
• Be generous in all you do.
• Connect people without expectation or monetization. 
• To make a positive change, restore respect for everyone and everything.

 

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

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with Anthony Zolezzi:

X: @AnthonyZolezzi

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

Website: www.anthonyzolezzi.com and www.dalrada.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.

Embrace the climb: #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast spotlights LaKendra Tookes’ career in entertainment and her short side hustle as a publicist at Pitch Publicity®. LaKendra has an exciting career in entertainment as a writer, actress, TV host, and comedian. From New York City to Los Angeles, her work has been featured on major networks, showcasing her diverse talents across many industry platforms. A proud University of Florida alumna, LaKendra's degree in broadcast journalism laid the foundation in her career journey, which includes writing for Saturday Night Live and serving as a correspondent for Access Hollywood. Currently, she is a vibrant voice on SiriusXM's Radio Andy, a pop culture channel created by Andy Cohen. As host of “Reality Checked,” every Wednesday, known as "KEN'S Day," LaKendra brings her sharp humor and insights to the uncensored world of reality TV.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from LaKendra Tookes on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Secure your basics: Take care of your essential needs so you can focus fully on pursuing your dreams.
• Find the right team: Surround yourself with a strong team that supports you and helps you shine.
• Embrace the climb: Starting from the bottom gives you room to learn, make mistakes, and build confidence before taking on bigger challenges.
• Mirror the energy: Recognize and model the business savvy of those around you to apply those skills in other areas of your life and work.
• Reverse networking: Focus on how you can help others when you network, rather than prioritizing your own needs. By offering value first, the benefits will eventually come back to you.
• Hustle independently: Not having an agent can be an advantage—without one, you learn to hustle and take ownership of your career path.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes:

Instagram | TikTok | X: @lakendratookes

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

SiriusXM Radio “Reality Checked” (channel 102) every Wednesday:

https://sxm.app.link/RealityChecked 

 

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.

Align love with values: #PitchPro Marci Zaroff

This episode of the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Marci Zaroff, the fashionista visionary who coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995. Marci is an internationally recognized ecolifestyle expert, serial entrepreneur, and author of "ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World," (Simon & Schuster). As the founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, she’s built a powerhouse of sustainable and organic brands, from Farm to Home and METAwear to YesAnd, while championing environmental and social responsibility for more than three decades. A pioneer in the industry, founder of Under the Canopy and co-founder of BeyondBrands, Marci’s influence extends through numerous ventures and leadership roles, making her a driving force in sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism worldwide.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Marci Zaroff on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Connect with Consumers: Make it a dialogue, not a lecture. Start with something relatable to build rapport before introducing more complex topics.
• Know Your Product Story: Understand every detail of your product to weave compelling narratives around it.
• Align Love with Values: Offer products people already love, but add an element that allows them to make a positive impact.
• Design for All: Make your offerings accessible and affordable, not just exclusive to high-end consumers.
• Be Genuine: Approach pitching with authenticity and enthusiasm—avoid coming across as scripted.
• Prepare, Get Grounded, and Focus: Before pitching virtually, clear your mind and get into the right headspace hours beforehand.
• Choose Partnerships Consciously: Collaborate with those who align with your brand values, not just big names. Authenticity is key.

 

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

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with Marci Zaroff:

Instagram | X | TikTok | Facebook: @marcizaroff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-zaroff-b5990a3/ 

Website: https://www.marcizaroff.com/ and https://ecofashion.com/ 

Farm to Home: https://www.hsn.com/shop/farm-to-home/23100 

 

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.

 

Keep calm and say “OK”: #PitchStar Kylie Morgan

This episode of the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Kylie Morgan’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the skills she gained that launched her career in public relations. After earning her master’s degree in public relations and communications from the University of Florida, Kylie built upon her internship experience at Pitch Publicity® by working with prominent brands in the tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors. She now serves as a senior account executive at Lou Hammond Group, where her passion for storytelling, focus on relationship-building and calm demeanor has helped her secure media coverage across top national outlets. With a focus on creating innovative, impactful campaigns that support broader business goals, Kylie has demonstrated a proven track record of success.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Kylie Morgan on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Prioritize real-world experience: Interning before jumping into grad school offers invaluable hands-on learning that sets you apart.
• Master the art of follow-up: Stay top-of-mind with media contacts by following up thoughtfully—be persistent but not overbearing.
• Overdeliver to media: Always provide journalists and producers with more than they ask for, giving them options and making their job easier.
• Stay connected while remote: Schedule regular check-ins with your team, even if it feels unnecessary—it helps maintain connection and prevents isolation.
• Create a remote work routine: Establish a daily routine—coffee, walk, dedicated workspace—to mentally prepare yourself for the workday.
• Be proactive with mentorship: Don’t wait for someone to mentor you—ask how you can help and take the initiative to build those relationships.
• Keep calm in stressful moments: Stay composed, even when stressed inside. Your calmness will put others at ease, helping to defuse tense situations. Simply saying “OK” works wonders.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Kylie Morgan 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Kylie Morgan:

Instagram: @kyliem0rgan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyliemorgan19/ 

 

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.

Keep your vision forward: #PitchPro Howard Schiffer

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers,” gives an insider’s look at how Howard Schiffer, a former midwife, founded Vitamin Angels—a global public health nonprofit. His mission to provide life-saving vitamin A to children worldwide began with the startling realization that millions of children lacked access to this crucial and affordable nutrient. Since its start in 1994, Vitamin Angels has broadened its mission to include other evidence-based nutrition interventions with proven, high-impact results. In 2022, Vitamin Angels reached more than 71 million underserved pregnant women and children across approximately 65 countries. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Vitamin Angels plans to double its impact, setting an ambitious goal to reach 140 million women and children annually by 2033. In this interview, Howard shares the organization’s humble beginnings and how he propelled the vision of Vitamin Angels forward. 

 

Key pitching takeaways from Howard Schiffer on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Ensure your global program is scalable and sustainable.
• Invite others to join a mission larger than themselves.
• Stay agile—act swiftly without bureaucracy.
• Support urgent requests with compelling data.
• Highlight the dignity, beauty, and possibilities of people.
• Use stories to forge deep connections and reveal our shared humanity.
• Keep moving forward—don’t look back.

 

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

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

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

 

Follow and connect with Howard Schiffer:

Instagram | Facebook: @howardschiffer @vitaminangels 

X: @howard_schiffer @vitaminangels

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-schiffer-06741711/ 

Website: www.VitaminAngels.org 

 

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.