Sand & Shores

05/04/2026

In 2025, controlling the narrative is the real competitive advantage.

From Gregg Popovich’s low-key retirement to journalists to follow, this week’s CTRL the Narrative newsletter dives into how brands, leaders, and creators can ride cultural waves without losing authenticity, plus 5 personal branding moves you should take this week to own your story.

✅ Want to trendjack without the cringe?

✅ Want to build visibility without selling out?

👉 Read the latest issue. Drop your take in the comments. Share with a colleague who’s building their brand in public. Let’s enter the group chat.

Hey Story Controllers,This week’s issue of CTRL the Narrative looks at the legacy of Coach Gregg Popovich through a comms & PR lense, gives you actions to take for your personal brand and some awesome journalists to follow.If you want some game about the game of media and brand narrative control, ...

01/06/2026

Military Vet Matthew Hale built We Gonna Learn Today, doing what school systems keep promising and struggling to deliver, culturally responsive education that actually engages kids, families, and communities.

01/02/2026

🎙️ Coming Up on Leaders & Learners…
I’m sitting down with Rhona Bennett, former En Vogue member and my Sorority Sister of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, if you didn’t know, now you know 💙🤍.
This conversation is about how she is controlling her own narrative, on her terms, in her voice, with her lived experience leading the way.
👉🏽 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
👉🏽 Hit the link and set a reminder
👉🏽 Don’t miss this interview
💬 Do you have any questions for her? Drop them in the comments.
This is what it looks like when women stop letting the industry tell their story and start telling it themselves.
And you already know… we CTRL the narrative over here.

🎙️ The Voice They Heard, the Story They Didn’t: Rhona Bennett UnfilteredIn this episode, I sit down with Rhona Bennett, former En Vogue member and R&B power...

12/20/2025

🚨 Open Speaker Calls 🚨

Only 30 percent of speakers get rebooked.

Not because they lack talent, but because they lack strategy.

The ultimate act of controlling your narrative is telling your own story and sharing your expertise, on your terms, in rooms that matter. That’s why CTRL the Mic exists. We don’t chase stages. We position for them.

Inside this edition you’ll get

• Real speaking opportunities

• Open calls that are actually open

• Straight talk on how to apply, pitch, and get selected

If you are serious about your business, your brand, and your voice, hoping to be “discovered” is not a strategy.

Subscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter. Join a community invested in controlling the narrative around their business, their brand, and themselves.

Because if you don’t control the narrative, the streets will. And they usually get it wrong.

https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com/p/ctrl-the-mic

Open Speaking Opportunities + How to Actually Get Selected

12/03/2025

Here are 4 TEDx speaking opportunities waiting for you in this week’s special edition of CTRL the Narrative.

Public speaking is a career accelerator. If you want influence, visibility, and authority, you must learn to CTRL the Mic. This edition breaks down how speaking elevates your platform, plus 5 powerhouse tips to prep for a keynote or TEDx talk. And yes, subscribers get weekly open speaking opportunities and support landing those stages.

Your voice is your leverage. Use it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tonyamckenziepr/p/tedx-and-other-speaking-opportunities?r=62jp7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

10/26/2025

The speaker shares reflections on what it takes to truly achieve goals. Whether it's high school, college football, or aiming for the NFL, one thing remains constant: you have to earn your place.

10/13/2025

Everyone should have a passport. With the state of the country, you never know when laws or legislation could change. It allows people to open themselves up to experience new things, even a simple trip to Canada or Mexico. Have you felt this?

10/13/2025

Many people associate Dubai with Africa, but it is actually part of Asia. Dubai and Singapore are wonderful and very safe, especially for solo female travelers. Singapore is known for its cleanliness and strict laws.

09/02/2025

Fancy of SwagHer magazine loves writing from a unique perspective. When selecting cover stars, she prioritizes someone recognizable and uplifting to other women. It's important to her that the cover represents positivity. Tag someone who inspires you!

08/18/2025

⚡️ Quick reality check:
➡️ Ask AI about your industry.
➡️ See who it recommends.
➡️ Was it you? 😬
Get your free AIO/AEO brand audit + stop being invisible in the new search era. https://bit.ly/AI-searches

Tonya McKenzie and Sand and Shores helps you Be found in AI searches with AIO and AEO. Most searches will be AI-powered by 2026, not SEO.