Kiss Cam Crisis: What One Viral Moment Taught Us About Brand Protection

“Do you think anyone will help me?” A young man waiting for a kidney asked Brian Tiell, the Executive Director of "Next Step Next One," that question after losing his job while undergoing dialysis. Brian couldn’t shake it. The moment helped sharpen the mission behind Next Step Next One and the Kidney Convo, where stories of purpose, fear, hope, and human connection help people see living kidney donation differently. Through the lens of Brand Protection PR, Brian and kidney recipient Rachelle Bryant explain how storytelling through candid conversation can correct misconceptions, build trust, and make difficult subjects easier to discuss. They also share the emotional realities people rarely see, from the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant to the healing that can begin when someone finally has space to tell their story. Listen to the latest Move the Stairs episode to hear how education and vulnerability can help people feel seen, inspired, and less alone. If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to Move the Stairs and share the episode with someone who should hear it.

You can plan the tournament, prepare the stadiums, and build the campaign, but you cannot manufacture an entire crowd, international visitors included, singing “Country Roads,” the same group discovering biscuits and gravy, or a volunteer’s excitement turning him into a viral symbol of American hospitality. In this episode of the Move the Stairs Podcast, the M&C team looks at the 2026 World Cup through the lens of Brand Protection PR and what happens when careful preparation leaves room for spontaneity. The host cities and invested brands that made the most of the moment were paying attention to what fans were already sharing and found smart ways to build on that energy without losing what made it feel genuine. Listen to the latest Move the Stairs episode for a conversation about how unscripted moments can strengthen reputation, deepen trust, and create more impact than the most pre-planned, polished campaign. And if you like what you’re hearing, subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.

A concert kiss cam clip, a few seconds of shocking footage, and suddenly, a company’s leadership, employee trust, and public credibility are all on the line. In this Move the Stairs episode, we break down the “Astronomer” viral moment through the lens of Brand Protection PR; what to do first, why silence invites the internet to fill in the blanks, and how to communicate clearly when the crisis is personal but the fallout is corporate. We also dig into the crisis planning that most companies forget, employee-first communication, succession planning, and getting a credible statement out fast enough to stop rumor-driven narratives from taking over. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode!

Journalists are walking, talking "skill sets", even if they’ve never been told that out loud. In this unique episode of the Move the Stairs Podcast, we talk candidly about our team's experience transitioning from news to PR, and what worked when moving on from the newsroom. By listening to this podcast, you'll learn how to: - Lead with your skills (not a job title) - Use 15-minute networking interviews to expand your network - Prioritize warm introductions over “spray and pray” applications. And if you’re stuck on "how do my skills map to this role," we share a simple AI-driven exercise to pressure-test your fit against any job description, identifying gaps before you ever walk into an interview.

Six in ten business owners say they’re confident they’d handle a crisis well. Yet more than 70% admit they don’t even have a plan. It’s an unlikely mix, confidence without a playbook, and it can turn into a real problem the moment something goes sideways. In this Move the Stairs livestream, the M&C team breaks down why that confidence can evaporate overnight, especially when one frontline moment becomes a viral story. They unpack the real-life Senica rooftop bar incident in San Diego, where a tipping confrontation sparked a Reddit firestorm, triggered review bombing, and spiraled, all without any visible response from the brand. Listen in and walk away with a practical approach for forecasting common crisis scenarios, responding fast without pouring gasoline on the situation, and building the kind of trust that protects your reputation when the internet turns up the volume.

When hurricane-force winds threaten a planned power shutoff, you have a narrow window to act before the powers that be flip the switch, and your message gets blown away. In this Move the Stairs episode, Erica Ferris (Director of Marketing, Monarch Casino Resort Spa) breaks down how Monarch Casino prepared for a 36-hour outage in Black Hawk with a clear, fast-moving plan highlighted by early, intentional communication (being specific about what’s open and closed at the resort), prioritizing guest and team safety, and supporting the wider community despite not knowing if the power would be turned off. And because Monarch moved quickly, addressing guests, Team Members, and the community through multiple media channels, the result wasn’t just “good crisis comms.” It was a clear proof point of a resilient company and of trust-building in real time, when it mattered most.

When Aki Smith heard her father’s oncologist say, “We’re in uncharted waters,” she refused to drift without direction. That moment inspired her to create her own chart, building Hope for Stomach Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding patients and families from diagnosis through care and beyond. In this episode of Move the Stairs, Aki reveals how a life-changing second opinion and a “clinically cured” outcome fueled her passion for advocacy, and how strategic PR turned that mission into measurable awareness. Learn how she transforms personal urgency into public action, proving that storytelling and persistence can have a meaningful impact on the lives of people impacted by this awful disease.

What do Colorado roots, West African honey, and the Denver Broncos have in common? Omar Lababidi. In this Move the Stairs episode, the founder and CEO of Goldswarm Honey shares how one spoonful of honey on a trip in Nigeria sparked a mission to bring it to the world. He unpacks the sustainable, farmer-first model behind Goldswarm Honey, which trains smallholder beekeepers, while protecting forests and building credibility through strategic partnerships. That mission has come full circle in Colorado, where Goldswarm Honey is now featured in Breckenridge Distillery’s Denver Broncos Limited Edition Honey Whiskey. For Omar, it’s more than a product win; it’s a meaningful homecoming that connects his Colorado roots to the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers. Listen in as he explains how he’s using this momentum to deepen the cultural and economic bridge between Nigeria and the U.S. with raw authenticity.

In this captivating episode of Move the Stairs, take notes as Deanna Campos-Miller, Director of the Campos Foundation, recounts a standout moment when a student-built robot unexpectedly went rogue during a live TV segment. Watch as she masterfully turns this potential mishap into a teachable moment, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of STEM education – A true "Move the Stairs" moment. You'll also hear how Deanna's journey of overcoming the challenges of growing up in an underserved part of town with a single mom led her to champion STEM initiatives for underrepresented and female students. This episode not only highlights her personal resilience and authenticity that shines bright with the mission of the Campos Foundation but also serves as a masterclass in navigating live media surprises with grace and strategic preparation through Insider Media Relations.

In this episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, we speak with Lindsey Larson, founder of Pictours Paris Photography, who turned a dream of living in the City of Lights into a thriving business. From navigating international bureaucracy red tape to capturing perfect moments for clients, Lindsey shares her journey of determination and resilience. Discover how she leverages word-of-mouth PR, intentional social media strategies, and brand loyalty to build her business while balancing family life. Plus, hear her inspiring “Move the Stairs” moment that turned COVID challenges into creative opportunities.