Episodes

  • Keep calm and say “OK”: #PitchStar Kylie Morgan
    Sep 25 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Keep your vision forward: #PitchPro Howard Schiffer
    Sep 11 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • Start small to make it big: #PitchStar Cameryn Junck
    Aug 28 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Cameryn Junck’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the moves she made since graduating from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Mass Communications and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Cameryn began her professional career at a boutique PR agency, Wynne Communications, as account executive handling both the public relations and events side of the business. There she gained extensive experience hosting business and medical public relations networking conferences in D.C. and New York City. Shortly after the filming of this podcast, Cameryn started working with Spirit Airlines as senior media relations specialist utilizing her pitching skills in both proactive and reactive PR.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Cameryn Junck on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Get to the Point: Skip the fluff and be direct with journalists.
    • Embrace the “No”: Don’t take rejection personally; it moves you forward.
    • Start Small, Learn Big: Gain valuable experience at smaller companies.
    • Stay Composed: Journalists may be intimidating, but don’t let it rattle you.
    • Stay Organized: Detailed notes and lists are crucial for success.
    • Be Direct: Avoid saying, “I’m just following up”—it’s redundant.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Cameryn Junck 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 Cameryn Junck:

    Instagram: @CamerynJunck

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameryn-junck/

    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 more Show less
    37 mins
  • Is your pitch serving others?: #PitchPro Erica Loewe
    Aug 14 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast follows the career of Erica Loewe who rose from intern to Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Public Engagement at The White House. Previously serving as President Joe Biden’s Director of African American Media, Erica has held many key roles in Congress, including Deputy Communications Director for House Majority Whip James Clyburn, and Press Secretary for the House Financial Services Committee under the leadership of Chairwoman Maxine Waters. With a strong background in strategic messaging and stakeholder outreach, Erica has made a significant impact in public affairs, government relations, and providing journalists equal access to The White House.

    Key pitching takeaways from Erica Loewe on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Rejection is sometimes protection in disguise.
    • A 'no' could just mean 'not yet'—use the time to prepare.
    • Tap into your network—ask for introductions.
    • Offer your skills for free to add value and get ahead.
    • Be clear about your goals—tell people exactly how they can help you.
    • Correct mistakes quickly, especially when it comes to misinformation.
    • Inaction is a mistake—be the change you want to see.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Erica Loewe to access Erica’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 Erica Loewe:

    Instagram: @EricaPLoewe

    X: @EricaLoewe46

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

    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 more Show less
    41 mins
  • Get ahead by staying organized: #PitchStar Ledora Brown
    Jul 31 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Ledora Brown’s time at Pitch Publicity® and her deep history with founder Amy Summers. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, Ledora began her career at Pitch Publicity®, where she built a strong foundation in pitching that set her up for success. Working with Pitch Publicity® both during its early start-up phase in the office and later during its pioneering remote days, Ledora developed a unique mentorship relationship with Amy during crucial stages of their careers. In 2020, Amy invited Ledora to co-produce the inaugural INICIVOX® “Elephant in the Room” virtual seminar series, which focused on communication strategies addressing racism. This series won the PR News award for Best Diversity & Inclusion Campaign and was the catalyst that propelled Ledora’s career to the next phase. As a dedicated mother of three, Ledora understands the importance of nurturing future leaders. She is an active member of the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization committed to fostering the development of African-American youth through leadership training, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Ledora Brown on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Be Transparent: Lay everything out upfront in every situation.
    • Work Hard: Success demands effort; nothing comes easy.
    • Hire Mothers: They excel in organization, multitasking and management.
    • Keep Calm: Avoid mirroring unproductive energy.
    • Ask Questions: Rely on experienced professionals and never hesitate to ask.
    • Stay Organized: Maintain a detailed schedule to keep on track.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Ledora Brown 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 Ledora Brown:

    Instagram | X: @luvledora

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

    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 more Show less
    38 mins
  • Is your pitch voice ready?: #PitchPro Mark Alyn
    Jul 17 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast puts talk show host and radio personality Mark Alyn in the interview hot seat! With more than 30 years experience in broadcast media, interviewing 30,000+ experts and celebrities, Mark shares his insider tips on how to best approach and pitch a broadcast journalist. As host of “Late Night Health Radio,” Mark interviews experts who share how to achieve optimal wellness through natural health. Mark is also a seasoned television reporter and anchor and currently hosts a live cooking show, “Mark Alyn Cooks,” where he combines his love of global cuisine with living a healthy lifestyle. He stresses the importance of making sure your pitch is voice ready and why human connection is paramount in pitching.

    Key pitching takeaways from Mark Alyn on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • When pitching journalists, make it newsworthy not an ad.
    • Don’t pitch yourself. Having a publicist means you’ve been vetted.
    • Make it easy for the journalist - they are often overworked and underpaid.
    • Pick up the phone and pitch journalists so they can hear your voice.
    • Present your pitch like a natural conversation, not a scripted recitation.
    • After emailing a pitch, call and leave a message.
    • Tailor your pitches—don't send finance stories to health reporters.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Mark Alyn to access Mark’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 Mark Alyn:

    Instagram: @markalyncooksyourdinner

    Facebook | TikTok: @markalyncooks

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkAlynCooksYourDinner

    Website: https://www.latenighthealth.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.

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Leverage pitching to advance quickly: #PitchStar Tiffany McKinnie
    Jun 26 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Tiffany McKinnie’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the skills she gained to launch her career in public relations. After earning a Public Relations degree from the University of Florida and interning at Pitch Publicity®, Tiffany has gone on to work at other PR agencies in New York City focused on tech, biotechnology, government, and nonprofits. Her work ethic, dedication and pitching skills have quickly made her a standout early on in her career.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Tiffany McKinnie on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Keep it Captivating: Make sure your pitch is anything but boring.
    • Connect the Dots: Show how your story aligns with theirs or contributes to a larger narrative.
    • It's Not Just About You: Highlight what's in it for them, not just for yourself.
    • Confidence is Key: Sometimes you have to fake it till you make it.
    • Be Direct: Get straight to the point on why you are pitching them.
    • Get the Experience: Take advantage of every opportunity to absorb more mentorship and advance your career.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Tiffany McKinnie 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 Tiffany McKinnie:

    X: @TiffanyMcKinni1

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

    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 more Show less
    35 mins
  • Be your authentic self: #PitchPro Timothy McLemore
    Jun 12 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers'' podcast follows the passionate journey of Timothy McLemore, founder of Essential Haus, a Miami-based non-profit that supports LGBTQ+ individuals affected by domestic violence and homelessness. In his book, "Love Is Not Abuse," Timothy shares his own personal experiences with domestic abuse in a gay relationship and provides resources and hope for others in similar situations. As a community organizer, social media influencer, and skilled networker, Timothy's mission is to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ relationship issues, and provide a safe space for anyone living a truth not widely accepted by mainstream society.

    Key pitching takeaways from Timothy McLemore on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Be Genuine: Authenticity is key to yourself and your story.
    • Lead with Pain Points: Begin your pitch with the problems and challenges.
    • Create Community: Cultivate supporters around your cause to gain momentum.
    • Listen Actively: Be real in your interactions and show you care.
    • Return to Your Stomping Grounds: Leverage past connections by revisiting familiar places and people.
    • Embrace Rejection: Your pitch isn’t for everyone, so keep pushing until you find the right people who will open the door for you.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Timothy McLemore to access Timothy’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 Timothy McLemore:

    Instagram: @essentiallytim and @essentialhaus

    Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/essentialhauss

    https://www.facebook.com/essentiallytim

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

    Website: https://essentialhaus.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.

    Show more Show less
    36 mins