Season finale! Celebrate the end of Season 7 with an insightful discussion between host Melissa Vela-Williamson and Ernie Zuniga the host of "Pickup Lines". Ernie shares about taking the leap from being a TV morning news anchor on traditional media, to developing a self-produced show with a unique format.

About Ernie:
For almost 18 years, Ernie Zuniga helped to wake up San Antonio area residents bright and early every weekday as the anchor and co-host of FOX San Antonio’s highly-rated morning show, “FOX News First”. Ernie has stayed very busy, trying his hand at podcasting and going 'all-in' on the digital talk show he created six years ago inside his own car, called "Pickup Lines".

Follow Ernie on Facebook
Connect with Ernie on LinkedIn
Follow Ernie on Instagram
Subscribe to Ernie's YouTube channel
Listen to Pickup Lines on Spotify

Topics covered:
- The format of "Pickup Lines"
- Securing sponsorships
- The best and worst part of creating and hosting your own show
- Using audience feedback to improve
- Advice for pivoting in your career

Resources mentioned:
- Pickup Lines Facebook Live shows
- North Park of Lexus of San Antonio
- North Park of Lexus at Dominion
- PRSA San Antonio
- Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know
- MVW Communications

When you see a lack of representation in media, sometimes the best way to address it is to create the type of publication you're craving. In today's episode, Melissa sits down with April Monterrosa, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, to talk about creating content for a niche audience and an insider's look into becoming a community influencer.

About April:
April Monterrosa, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business mentor. She’s the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, the first woman-owned publication in Southside San Antonio. Her entrepreneurial journey commenced at 12 when she assisted with various responsibilities within her father’s plumbing contracting company, Greg Galindo Plumbing. This early exposure laid the foundation for her journey into business ownership. With over 20 years of hospitality and spa industry expertise in the corporate world, April thrived as the proprietor of her esthetic and wellness business before her media career.

Follow Live From The Southside on Facebook
Follow Live From The Southside on Twitter
Follow Live From The Southside on Instagram

Topics covered:
- An insider's look at Live From The Southside
- The evolution of Live From The Southside
- Advantages from focusing on a hyper-local area of the city
- The effects of becoming an influencer
- Radio in today's world
- Advice on creating content for a niche audience

Resources mentioned:
- Live From the Southside
- Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know
- MVW Communications

You don't have to be a subject matter expert to help create an engaging event for professionals in a certain sector. You just have to be an expert at creating events. In this episode, Melissa talks with Erika Bradbury, an editorial and event content strategist about creating successful events and communications for business-to-business (B2B) audiences.

About Erika:
Erika Bradbury is an editorial and event content strategist. For more than 15 years, she has worked cross-functionally to create and activate B2B content. This has included writing for both print and digital publications, as well as programming large and small conference agendas. Event programs have included Social Shake-Up, IAB Annual Leadership Meeting, IAB Mixx, the Direct Brand Summit and Fashion Digital. She has worked on partner programs for Cannes and Mobile World Congress, as well as produced programs and managed talent at Podcast Upfronts and Newfronts West.

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn
Email Erika at erika.s.bradbury@gmail.com

Topics covered:
- Focusing on business-to-business (B2B) communications and events
- Creating content and experiences for a profession
- Topics that impact how we practice PR
- Creating content and events for social media
- Managing events for professionals
- Advice for pros looking to work for a trade publication

Resources mentioned:
- PRNEWS
- The Social Shake-Up Show
- Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know
- MVW Communications