Episodes

  • Become a subject matter expert: #PitchStar Sloan Savage
    Jan 29 2025

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Sloan Savage’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the pivotal pitching experiences based in research that helped shape her into the diverse communications professional she is today. Now a New York-based director specializing in corporate communications at Forward Global, Sloan has built a stellar career in public relations, managing high-stakes strategic campaigns for a diverse range of international clients. From crafting impactful media relations strategies to navigating complex crisis and reputation management scenarios, Sloan’s expertise lies in helping brands and executives cut through the noise to connect meaningfully with their audiences. With a dual degree in Public Relations and International Studies from the University of Florida, Sloan’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how early mentorship and hands-on experience can lay the foundation for a successful career on the global stage.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Sloan Savage on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Practice and Prepare: Read your pitch aloud and research thoroughly to handle follow-up questions with confidence.
    • Be Journalist-Friendly: Show grace to journalists juggling tight deadlines and early hours.
    • Become a Subject Matter Expert: Know your field inside-out.
    • Pitch with Confidence: Use phone calls to sharpen your communication skills.
    • Empower Others: Ask colleagues what skills they want to learn and delegate tasks to support their growth.
    • Network Authentically: Connect with journalists on social media, celebrate their wins, and align your pitch with their current story focus.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Sloan Savage 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 | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

    X: @PitchAmy

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

    Follow and connect with #PitchStar Sloan Savage:

    Instagram: @sloanysav

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloan-savage

    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.

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    40 mins
  • Lead with your strengths: #PitchPro Greg Horn
    Jan 15 2025

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Greg Horn, a trailblazing entrepreneur and thought leader in the nutrition industry with a remarkable track record of innovation and impact. As former CEO of GNC®, Greg spearheaded the company’s growth to $1.5 billion in revenue and introduced iconic products like Mega Men®. His entrepreneurial foresight also helped launch Celsius®, a brand now valued at more than $20 billion. Beyond his corporate leadership, Greg co-founded Nutrition Capital Network, which has been instrumental in identifying and mentoring early-stage nutrition companies seeking funding to grow and flourish. Currently, Greg is the founder and CEO of Specialty Nutrition Consulting, a trusted advisor for commercializing nutrition innovations, and a Managing Director and Partner at William Hood & Company, focusing on healthy living investments. The bestselling author of “Living Green” and “Living Well”, Greg has championed the health and wellness movement for more than four decades, earning the prestigious NBJ Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Key pitching takeaways from Greg Horn on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Never ask for permission: Do what’s necessary for success.
    • Lead with your strengths: If you aren’t the oldest, be the smartest.
    • Start your day distraction free: Make time for clear, creative thinking.
    • Embrace simplicity: Run with the most obvious ideas.
    • Shift your pitch focus: Go for delivering value, not securing a "yes."
    • Rehearse for Q&A sessions: Anticipate obvious questions post-pitch.
    • Ensure a path to profitability: Ask for more funding than needed.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Greg Horn to access Greg’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

    Connect:

    Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

    Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

    X: @PitchAmy

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

    Follow and connect with Greg Horn

    X: @LivingWellBook

    Instagram: @GregHornLiving

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-horn-living

    Website: www.greghorn.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.

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    42 mins
  • Season One Recap: #PitchHost Amy Summers
    Dec 18 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” takes you behind the scenes to explore the origins of the podcast and highlights the most unforgettable moments from its first season. Host Amy Summers, founder and president of Pitch Publicity® and INICIVOX®, shares season one’s most insightful, shocking, and hilarious pitching moments with “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” who know how to harness the power of the pitch to make success happen.

    “Pitch Live” Season One Episode Guide:

    Episode 1: PitchPro: Kim Kaupe

    Episode 2: PitchStar: Victoria Najmy

    Episode 3: PitchPro: Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak

    Episode 4: PitchStar: Afreka Ebanks

    Episode 5: PitchPro: Shelley Spector

    Episode 6: PitchStar: Taylor Hadden

    Episode 7: PitchPro: Akeem Shannon

    Episode 8: PitchStar: Jacob McLean

    Episode 9: PitchPro: Sansan Fibri

    Episode 10: PitchStar: Gillian Stoney

    Episode 11: PitchPro: Timothy McLemore

    Episode 12: PitchStar: Tiffany McKinnie

    Episode 13: PitchPro: Mark Alyn

    Episode 14: PitchStar: Ledora Brown

    Episode 15: PitchPro: Erica Loewe

    Episode 16: PitchStar: Cameryn Junck

    Episode 17: PitchPro: Howard Schiffer

    Episode 18: PitchStar: Kylie Morgan

    Episode 19: PitchPro: Marci Zaroff

    Episode 20: PitchStar: LaKendra Tookes

    Episode 21: PitchPro: Anthony Zolezzi

    Episode 22: PitchStar: Lee Hathaway

    Episode 23: PitchPro: Dr. Wendy Walsh

    Episode 24: Season One Recap: Amy Summers

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive Season One Recap to access pitching strategies and success stories from “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” 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 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.

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Can Your Pitch Attract Love?: #PitchPro Dr. Wendy Walsh
    Dec 4 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features America’s Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh. As host of “The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show” on iHeart Radio’s KFI-AM in Los Angeles, Wendy is well known for her impressive media career in television on EXTRA, “The Doctors,” CNN, and FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.” In 2017, she was recognized as a Time Magazine Person of the Year ‘Silence Breaker’ for her pivotal role in advancing the #MeToo movement after speaking out about harassment at a major news network. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Wendy is the author of three books on relationships and serves as an adjunct professor of Psychology at California State University Channel Islands. Her expertise in human behavior and attachment continues to inspire millions and highlights the profound impact that communication has on relationships in our lives.

    Key pitching takeaways from Dr. Wendy Walsh on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Keep dating profiles short and authentic: 4-5 sentences that reflect the real you.
    • Use natural photos of yourself doing what you love—no professional headshots.
    • Limit texting to three exchanges before moving to a phone call.
    • Start with a quick coffee meet-up "drive-by date" to decide if a full date is worth pursuing. Be clear about your intentions afterward.
    • Sandwich requests to partners by starting and ending with encouragement, placing the “ask” in the middle.
    • Use “How can we...” questions to encourage collaboration instead of placing blame.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Dr. Wendy Walsh to access Wendy’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 Dr. Wendy Walsh:

    X | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @drwendywalsh

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

    Website: https://www.drwendywalsh.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.

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    39 mins
  • Harness real-life experiences: #PitchStar Lee Hathaway
    Nov 20 2024

    This episode of Pitch Live with Amy Summers podcast takes a look at Lee Hathaway’s time at Pitch Publicity®, where his passionate personality and unmatched work ethic left a memorable mark. From jet-setting to major conferences to orchestrating high-profile events, Lee's contributions were pivotal during one of the busiest and most thriving periods for Pitch Publicity® and during the launch of INICIVOX®. Lee’s natural talents, shaped by two decades as a Walt Disney Company entertainer and leader, along with 15 years as an entrepreneur in his family’s nutraceuticals business, brought a unique spark and synergy to his contributions at Pitch Publicity®. By conquering the odds, Lee’s humility, hunger for knowledge, and unique career journey demonstrate that true friendship can thrive, even amidst navigating the challenges of business in a rapidly changing world.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Lee Hathaway on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Show up, tackle the challenges.
    • Step back from stress to regain calm.
    • Prioritize rest and listen to your body.
    • Harness the power of your real-life experiences.
    • Embrace new opportunities.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Lee Hathaway 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 Lee Hathaway:

    Instagram: @the_lee_way

    Facebook: @lee.C.hathaway

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hathaway3378/

    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.

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    35 mins
  • Show up with a smile: #PitchPro Anthony Zolezzi
    Nov 6 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Anthony Zolezzi, executive vice chairman of Dalrada Financial Corporation and president of Dalrada Home. With a passion for environmental change, Anthony has dedicated his career to driving sustainability and health initiatives on a global scale. He’s known for high-impact collaborations, including consulting with HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, to develop “Harmony,” a book and documentary spotlighting Prince Charles' sustainability efforts. A champion of organic agriculture and recycling, Anthony has improved access to affordable wellness products, pioneered large-scale upcycle projects, and led transformative ventures in food, health, and sustainable business. In this interview, Anthony reveals the business and pitching strategies that have positioned him at the helm of world-changing brands, where he builds powerful connections and drives positive impact with the simple virtues of generosity and respect.

    Key pitching takeaways from Anthony Zoezzi on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Forget Inspiration. Desperation sparks some of the best ideas.
    • Aim high. Skip middle management and reach out to the CEO.
    • Prioritize face-to-face meetings - even if you aren’t on their schedule.
    • Show up with a smile.
    • Be generous in all you do.
    • Connect people without expectation or monetization.
    • To make a positive change, restore respect for everyone and everything.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Anthony Zolezzi to access Anthony’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 Anthony Zolezzi:

    X: @AnthonyZolezzi

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

    Website: www.anthonyzolezzi.com and www.dalrada.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.

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    32 mins
  • Embrace the climb: #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes
    Oct 23 2024

    This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast spotlights LaKendra Tookes’ career in entertainment and her short side hustle as a publicist at Pitch Publicity®. LaKendra has an exciting career in entertainment as a writer, actress, TV host, and comedian. From New York City to Los Angeles, her work has been featured on major networks, showcasing her diverse talents across many industry platforms. A proud University of Florida alumna, LaKendra's degree in broadcast journalism laid the foundation in her career journey, which includes writing for Saturday Night Live and serving as a correspondent for Access Hollywood. Currently, she is a vibrant voice on SiriusXM's Radio Andy, a pop culture channel created by Andy Cohen. As host of “Reality Checked,” every Wednesday, known as "KEN'S Day," LaKendra brings her sharp humor and insights to the uncensored world of reality TV.

    Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from LaKendra Tookes on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Secure your basics: Take care of your essential needs so you can focus fully on pursuing your dreams.
    • Find the right team: Surround yourself with a strong team that supports you and helps you shine.
    • Embrace the climb: Starting from the bottom gives you room to learn, make mistakes, and build confidence before taking on bigger challenges.
    • Mirror the energy: Recognize and model the business savvy of those around you to apply those skills in other areas of your life and work.
    • Reverse networking: Focus on how you can help others when you network, rather than prioritizing your own needs. By offering value first, the benefits will eventually come back to you.
    • Hustle independently: Not having an agent can be an advantage—without one, you learn to hustle and take ownership of your career path.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes 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 LaKendra Tookes:

    Instagram | TikTok | X: @lakendratookes

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

    SiriusXM Radio “Reality Checked” (channel 102) every Wednesday:

    https://sxm.app.link/RealityChecked

    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.

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    39 mins
  • Align love with values: #PitchPro Marci Zaroff
    Oct 9 2024

    This episode of the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Marci Zaroff, the fashionista visionary who coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995. Marci is an internationally recognized ecolifestyle expert, serial entrepreneur, and author of "ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World," (Simon & Schuster). As the founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, she’s built a powerhouse of sustainable and organic brands, from Farm to Home and METAwear to YesAnd, while championing environmental and social responsibility for more than three decades. A pioneer in the industry, founder of Under the Canopy and co-founder of BeyondBrands, Marci’s influence extends through numerous ventures and leadership roles, making her a driving force in sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism worldwide.

    Key pitching takeaways from Marci Zaroff on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

    • Connect with Consumers: Make it a dialogue, not a lecture. Start with something relatable to build rapport before introducing more complex topics.
    • Know Your Product Story: Understand every detail of your product to weave compelling narratives around it.
    • Align Love with Values: Offer products people already love, but add an element that allows them to make a positive impact.
    • Design for All: Make your offerings accessible and affordable, not just exclusive to high-end consumers.
    • Be Genuine: Approach pitching with authenticity and enthusiasm—avoid coming across as scripted.
    • Prepare, Get Grounded, and Focus: Before pitching virtually, clear your mind and get into the right headspace hours beforehand.
    • Choose Partnerships Consciously: Collaborate with those who align with your brand values, not just big names. Authenticity is key.

    Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Marci Zaroff to access Marci’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 Marci Zaroff:

    Instagram | X | TikTok | Facebook: @marcizaroff

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-zaroff-b5990a3/

    Website: https://www.marcizaroff.com/ and https://ecofashion.com/

    Farm to Home: https://www.hsn.com/shop/farm-to-home/23100

    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.

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    41 mins