Michael Sitrick and Sallie Hofmeister are the hosts of The Intersection, a podcast that brings together decades of insider experience at the confluence of media, law, and reputation.
Sitrick is the Founder and CEO of Sitrick and Company, one of the most respected strategic communications firms in the country. Widely known as “The Wizard of Spin,” he has advised Fortune 500 companies, political candidates, celebrities, and institutions through high-stakes, high-profile, and often highly sensitive situations.
Hofmeister, a seasoned journalist and editor, joined Sitrick And Company after a distinguished career at The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. She was the first female business editor at the LA Times and later oversaw the paper’s coverage of arts and entertainment as Assistant Managing Editor. Her reporting and editorial leadership helped shape national conversations around media, technology, and business for over two decades.
Together on The Intersection, they explore how to win in the court of public opinion and how that can influence legal outcomes. To stay sharp and informed, they turn to a range of standout podcasts that help decode what’s happening in PR, law, and current events.
Ever wonder how companies, celebrities, and public figures handle PR scandals? Are you a communications or legal professional and want to expand your knowledge on how to handle emerging situations? We’ve gathered ten essential podcasts for you to equip your toolkit with what you need to weather the storm.
The Intersection: Where the Court of Public Opinion and the Court of Law Collide
First up, we have to recommend our own podcast, The Intersection. Every other week, we explore how media narratives shape legal outcomes, because winning in the court of law often depends on what happens in the court of public opinion.
We sit down with top attorneys, crisis PR pros, and media insiders to explore the strategies behind managing reputations, controlling conversations, and influencing public sentiment during high-stakes legal battles. If you care about the intersection of law and public opinion, or if you’re trying to get some tips on how to navigate a legal PR situation, this is the show for you.
Law, Disrupted
When we want expert analysis on cutting-edge legal issues making headlines—or the ones about to—Law, Disrupted delivers. Hosted by powerhouse litigator John B. Quinn, this podcast explores everything from the implications of generative AI and SPACs to trial strategy and prosecutorial overreach, all with help from top-tier legal minds.
Two episodes we highly recommend: Quinn’s interview with the defense team that secured a mid-trial dismissal of manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin, and his deep-dive conversation with elite trial lawyer Alex Spiro. The Baldwin episode is a case study in how prosecutorial missteps and strong defense strategy can turn the tide in high-profile litigation. Spiro’s episode offers rare insight into how one of the most in-demand trial lawyers in America prepares for trial, builds persuasive narratives, and advocates for criminal justice reform—all while managing a relentless caseload.
Advisory Opinions
When we’re looking to dive into the legal issues shaping headlines, Advisory Opinions is a go-to. David French and Sarah Isgur of The Dispatch talk about the law, the courts, their collision with politics, and why it all matters.
Main Justice
We like to tune into Main Justice for its sharp, insider perspective on the legal challenges shaping our federal government. Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord bring deep DOJ experience to the table, offering thoughtful takes on issues that help us understand the broader implications behind the headlines.
The Daily
When it comes to staying on top of current events, The Daily is hard to beat. In just 20 minutes, the New York Times team delivers stories that break down the biggest news of the day. It’s the perfect way to fit big news into a busy routine.
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Hosted by David Remnick, The New Yorker Radio Hour is always informative, always entertaining. It blends great storytelling, sharp interviews, and cultural insight in a way only The New Yorker can — making it one of our favorite listens
The PR Breakdown with Molly
This one’s a must for anyone in the business of managing perception. Molly brings clever, behind-the-scenes analysis to the week’s biggest PR wins and disasters — from celebrity scandals to corporate crises. It’s sharp, strategic, and a fun ride through the world of modern reputation management.
When It Hits the Fan
Few shows get into the mechanics of crisis communication like this one. David Yelland and Simon Lewis bring decades of experience from both sides of the story — media and crisis management — as they unpack the week’s biggest PR disasters. It’s insightful, candid, and full of lessons on how reputations rise, fall, and sometimes survive the storm.
We Fixed It. You’re Welcome.
If you want fresh, no-holds-barred takes on the latest in crisis management, this is the one for you. Each episode the hosts put themselves in charge of a company where the stakes are high, and they break down how they would handle it instead. With viewpoints from Operations, People & Culture, and Marketing, they tackle every angle that companies need to weather the storm.
Bloomberg Law
It’s impossible to be able to know and understand what every single major news headline fully means. Host June Grasso speaks with prominent attorneys and legal scholars to dive into the biggest headlines and dissect what you really need to know, and what it means for you.
Pocket Casts Blog 