In this must-listen episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols is joined by Jim Entwistle, Course Leader in Journalism and Sports Journalism at Teesside University, to explore how communications education is evolving in response to our fast-changing media and PR landscape.

Whether you're a PR professional, marketing strategist, communications lecturer, or content creator, this episode delivers essential insights into what it takes to prepare the next generation of storytellers for careers that may not yet exist. Jim shares how he equips students with both hard and soft skills, from foundational communication techniques to the confidence to build human connections in an increasingly digital world.

The conversation dives into the vital importance of face-to-face communication, media trust, and the ethics behind creating impactful content in a saturated space. Jim explains why relying solely on digital communication can weaken storytelling, and why picking up the phone is still one of the most powerful PR tools available. He shares real-world examples from his classroom, where he encourages students to embrace uncomfortable tasks like cold-calling and live reporting to build resilience and relevance.

Jim shares his expert thoughts on:
• How digital transformation has shifted the newsroom
• The balance between click-driven journalism and editorial integrity
• The growing role of entrepreneurial content creators and student-led news brands
• Why local journalism still matters in a globalised world
• The blurred line between journalism and public relations

He also shares a powerful final PR tip: “Invest time in people. Human connection is where real opportunities begin.”

This episode is packed with practical PR strategies, critical thinking around ethical communications, and tips on building credibility, confidence, and professional presence.

If you're looking to future-proof your brand, boost your PR effectiveness, or simply stay ahead of the curve in marketing and communications, this 20+ minute listen is well worth your time.

In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols speaks with Katelyn Young, founder of Juin, about redefining what it means to work in marketing today. With a career shaped by determination, critical thinking, and a deep respect for strategy, Katelyn brings a grounded perspective to the evolving role of marketing and communications professionals.

She explores how PR shapes perception beyond media coverage, why authenticity must underpin every comms decision, and how young marketers are often set up to fail in environments that lack leadership, structure and strategic clarity. Katelyn also shares how she’s working to change that, through her agency, Juin, and her coaching role at Fabric.

From her creative approach to early job applications (including a CV designed as a property listing) to her current focus on aligning marketing with business goals, Katelyn makes a strong case for embedding strategic thinking and performance metrics into every marketing function. She also discusses the importance of understanding stakeholder communication styles—and how the book Surrounded by Idiots helped sharpen her approach.

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or mentoring the next generation of marketers, this episode offers practical insights on how to elevate marketing’s role from a service function to a strategic partner.

From farmer to fork, Laura Ryan's knowledge of the meat industry is second to none.

Now Laura – CEO of Lavenpark and Chair of Meat Business Women – joins host Charlotte Nichols to explore how she's harnessed the power of PR to reshape perceptions, amplify women’s voices, and drive real change across the global agri-food sector.

A Chartered Marketer and Executive Coach with over two decades of experience, Laura shares bite-sized insights on reputation building, personal branding, and the importance of strategic networking.

In this episode of Pocket-size PR, she reflects on her proudest campaign, She Looks Like Me, and reveals how it led to a landmark event at the House of Lords. Tune in for expert tips, candid stories, and inspiration on how to turn content into credibility.