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Meghan Ely Featured on the Play It Brave Podcast with D’Arcy Benincosa

I’m thrilled to share my recent feature on D’Arcy Benincosa’s Play It Brave podcast, where we sat down for a candid conversation about publicity, visibility, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s wedding industry.

I ran across D’Arcy’s podcast some time ago and after giving it a good listen, just knew we could have a candid and timely chat about getting published. Little did I know, I was one of the first guests to ever be accepted from a blind pitch (a true honor!).

Key Takeaways from the Episode

D’Arcy and I covered a wide range of topics during our discussion, including:

  • Why publicity matters now more than ever in an era where couples are looking for trust and credibility before booking vendors.
  • How to get published without feeling overwhelmed — from smart submission strategies to managing editor relationships.
  • Visibility beyond press mentions — the role of social proof, speaking engagements, and networking in building long-term authority.
  • The mindset shift pros need to move from “chasing features” to building a sustainable publicity plan.

As I shared with D’Arcy, my goal is always to equip wedding pros with tools that position them as experts, while making publicity feel less intimidating and more achievable.

Listen to the full episode here: Meghan Ely on Play It Brave with D’Arcy Benincosa

Why Podcast Features Matter

Podcasts like Play It Brave offer such a powerful platform and can be some of the most manageable education during the busy wedding season. D’Arcy and I both have extensive experience in pitching submissions and it was great to be able to come together from our own point of views to discuss. Once you dive in, you’ll find the content to be meaty so you may want to consider breaking it down into bite-size pieces.

More Features + Resources

If you’d like to explore additional publicity insights, you can also find me featured in:

As always, I’m deeply appreciative to D’Arcy as well as those who bring me in to educate on my favorite topic.
Looking to pitch yourself to a wedding industry podcast? Here are a few of my quick tips-

Listen, then pitch.

Before moving forward with your list, be sure to tune into the podcasts to educate yourself prior to pitching. Many hosts want to invite listeners to their show, so they may ask about your favorite episode, and you’ll want to be prepared to answer! 

It’s wise to curate a list of topic ideas as well – none of which have been covered on the show within the last year. Lean into your unique expertise and offer one-of-a-kind ideas to help your pitch stand out from the rest. 

Follow the host’s pitching guidelines.

Most podcast hosts outline how to pitch and what to include in your submission, so follow their instructions to the T. Many prefer to accept pitches through an online form, requesting details like who you are, what you do, and why you’d be a great guest. Keep it straightforward — draft a few brief lines about your proposed topics and how they’ll provide value to listeners. 

If a podcast doesn’t have a submission form, you can typically send your pitch through an email instead. Be respectful of the host’s time and keep it short, covering the same details you’d share in a form – who you are, what you do, and why you’re an excellent fit for their show. If they request additional information, make sure to include it! 

Remember to follow up.

Popular podcast hosts are often bombarded with pitches on a daily basis, so yours may go unanswered. If you haven’t heard back after a few weeks, don’t hesitate to follow up and offer additional information to help them. Always be sure to thank them for their consideration!

About the Play It Brave Podcast

Hosted by internationally recognized photographer and educator D’Arcy Benincosa, the Play It Brave podcast inspires creative entrepreneurs to build businesses with clarity, strategy, and heart.

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Meghan Ely

Regarded as one of the leading wedding publicists in the US, Meghan Ely is the founder of the OFD Collective, the first wedding-PR membership community, and a sought-after industry speaker. Blending in-the-trenches event experience with strategic media know-how, she has secured client features in The New York Times, People, Brides, Bridal Guide, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, CNN Money, and more. Meghan is also a WeddingPro Expert and a long-time contributor to Catersource.com and SpecialEvents.com.