Using local and national tactics to rally support for hemp and CBD

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Sidener, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Arapahoe Libraries District (ALD), to explore the dynamic role of today’s libraries. Jessica reveals how her team tackles complex cultural, political, and socioeconomic challenges while expanding services to enrich their community. Discover the innovative ways a “library of things” goes beyond books, offering invaluable resources and support to patrons in need. Lastly, Jessica reveals a collective "Move the Stairs" moment, where ALD turned a significant issue into an opportunity that better serves its patrons.

The attack on the CBD and hemp industry is forcing a strong response from national advocacy organizations, such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and impacted grower, Stoney Branch Farms. You'd think their tactics would vary widely, but when we welcomed Kerry Hinkle from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and Justin Ward from Stoney Branch Farms, the basis of their tactical outreach wasn't too dissimilar. Watch as they discuss how elements of their outreach, like growing consumer/advocate loyalty, building media relationships, and tackling systematic problems in the industry, embodies pillars of Brand Protection PR™.

Six years ago, World Lung Cancer Day (WLCD) was an afterthought, with no more impact than Lost Sock Remembrance Day. Yeah, we had never heard of it either. That is until Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) tapped into its network of lung cancer patient advocates to turn WLCD from an unknown to a day that celebrates hope thanks to advancements in research, all while destigmatizing the disease. Our guest today, Jim Baranski, Executive Director for LCFA, often says, "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves to have lung cancer." Listen to today's Move the Stairs podcast, where we talk through the stages of Brand Protection PR™ through the lens of WLCD until we arrive at what people who are truly living with lung cancer do deserve: hope.

Blue Delta Jeans COO and co-founder Nick Weaver joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast to share the remarkable journey of turning a concept into a highly successful luxury jean brand. Alongside his business partner Josh, Nick recounts their cash-strapped early days, their relentless drive to succeed, and how they’ve crafted a product that attracts clients ranging from professional athletes to A-list celebrities. In this episode, Nick delves into the enduring power of “word of mouth” and top-notch communication with stakeholders, revealing how these tactics, in addition to a "one-size fits one" mentality, have fueled rapid growth and widespread endorsements in the digital age.

Recall several months ago the log jam of aid waiting to get into Gaza? Among that aid were 35 pallets of C.U.R.E kits, each containing up to $2,000 worth of medical aid, including wound dressings, sutures, sterile gloves, hemostats, and other critical care items. Through intense logistical operations, Project C.U.R.E. was able to "Move the Stiars" and get its medical aid into the war-torn region. Director of Kits, Meghan McCann, joins us on this new episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to reflect on this triumph and paint a larger picture of the scale and logistical challenges this organization conquers daily to provide needed medical supplies to 135 counties worldwide.

We sit down live with Daniel Paul, Vice President of Marketing at NOBO, a leader in cannabis operations. Listening to this episode, you'll learn consumer loyalty strategies that have fueled expansion possibilities to new markets, invaluable insights into blossoming a robust media relations campaign, which supports brand awareness, and methods to shape a company that not only survives but thrives through innovation and strategic media relationships.

What if there was a way to use precision technology to optimize the benefits of medicine or vitamins? Our latest Move the Stairs Podcast guest, James Matuszewski, joined us to discuss nootropics and his precision medicine delivery method. Nootropics are considered any substance that has a positive impact on mental skills. Operating a business using technology that's unique but also relatively unknown to many, James explains why it's so important to meet the expectations of his consumers while balancing a tightrope of educating them about how the product works.

How do you get your story picked up by local news stations all over the nation? Join us as Scripps News National's segment producer, Maya Saenz, reveals tactics that can help you earn placements you wouldn't know about unless you worked in media! These behind-the-scenes insights can help you develop everything from industry etiquette with reporters to an irresistible story offering that resonates with their viewers and your stakeholders. The latest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast is your gateway to turning media relations into a powerful ally for your brand.

The 2020s have introduced us to many buzzwords and phrases like sustainability, organic, eco-friendly, and more, as brands try to connect with a more environmentally conscious consumer. However, when you peek behind the curtain, sometimes all is not what it seems. That's why we were so excited to speak with Stefanie Reiser, Founder and CEO of Acknowledge Farms, an organic, regenerative farm in Maryland's Pleasant Valley. Stefanie explains how her inspiration and acknowledgment of those who tended the very same land centuries before her have evolved into an ethos for her farm. This ideology she now uses as a building block for the successful branding and culture of her products and employees, effectively helping her stand out!