Don McLean Returns to Tales From the Beat to Talk AI, PR Access, and Leveling the Playing Field

Don McLean, the author and longtime marketing and PR strategist, is back on the Tales From the Beat podcast. In episode 143, he sits down with host Ed Garsten to unpack his latest venture: a platform designed to make professional public relations affordable for small businesses and individuals who can't shell out for a full-service agency. McLean explains how the tool aims to tear down the cost barrier that keeps so many worthy stories from being heard.

The conversation also turns to artificial intelligence—specifically how it's reshaping the way pitches are written and press releases are generated. McLean offers a grounded look at what AI does well, like speeding up drafts and helping with structure, but he's quick to point out its limits. Machines still struggle with voice, nuance, and the kind of human judgment that makes a pitch land with a busy editor.

Ed Garsten, creator of The Truth About Cars and host of the podcast, steers the discussion toward the real-world challenges of media relations in 2025. McLean shares practical advice for anyone trying to get noticed without a big budget. Whether you're a startup founder or a solo creator, the episode offers a clear-eyed take on how to tell your story—with or without the help of artificial intelligence.