On Top of PR with Jason Mudd
On Top of PR is a podcast dedicated to helping corporate communications leaders leverage the power of PR to build a strong brand and great reputation. Each episode features guests to discuss PR and marketing topics, tips, and trends. We want to help every active and aspiring communication professional stay on top of PR.
It is one of the top 2.5% most popular podcast shows globally, according to Listen Notes' Listen Score, and among the top 100 marketing podcasts in the world on Apple Podcasts.
We've featured guests from Microsoft, Disney, Wells Fargo, Tyson Foods, Mall of America, Priceline, Southwest Airlines, and more.
About Jason Mudd
Jason Mudd is a professional public speaker, accredited public relations practitioner, published author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. The World Communication Forum named him North America’s top PR leader. He’s the CEO and managing partner of Axia Public Relations. Forbes Magazine named Axia as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. He is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist to some of America’s most admired and fastest-growing companies. His past PR work includes American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster’s, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon.
On Top of PR with Jason Mudd
Managing communications and PR in the AI era with Brenda Duran
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, LA County communications leader Brenda Duran joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to manage communications and public relations in the AI era through trust and authentic storytelling.
Tune in to learn more!
Meet Our Guest:
Our guest is Brenda Duran, director of external affairs at the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department. An award-winning public affairs and communications executive with more than 12 years of experience, Brenda specializes in crisis communications, community engagement, and building trust through authentic storytelling. A former journalist, she brings a unique perspective on how public institutions can communicate with transparency, empathy, and impact.
Five things you’ll learn from this episode:
1. The rise of AI in public relations
2. Building trust in a digital-first world
3. Leading communications during high-stakes moments
4. The power of authentic storytelling
5. The future of communications leadership
Quotables
“[AI] is not there to replace anything; it's more to enhance what we're already doing.” — Brenda Duran
“Trust isn't really built in with one campaign. It's earned through repeated reliable communication over time.” — Brenda Duran
“AI definitely cannot replace some fundamental things like strategic thinking, relationship building, emotional intelligence, ethics and cultural understanding. Those are things that no machine will ever be able to take from us.” — Brenda Duran
“We need to become AI literate, but you have to also remain human-centered.” — Brenda Duran
“We still have to be trusted strategic advisors, lead with strategy, lead with empathy and humanity, and just make the right choices of what's good and what's ethical for the marketplace.” — Jason Mudd
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review.
Guest’s contact info and resources:
From newsroom to PR: Journalists making the switch
Transition from journalism to PR
Additional Resources:
AI in PR: Transforming communication strategies
The emerging role of AI in public relations
How to speak with clarity and authority during a crisis
Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast.
Find out more about Axia Public Relations.
If you like this episode, you're going to love this:
The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI
When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent
Effective crisis communications
Recorded: July, 2026
- On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.
- On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.