Heart and Spade in the Pocket – Building an Independent PR for Queer Voices with Matt Gross

Most PR firms spin stories, but Matt Gross built Heart Spade PR from pure heart and grassroots hustle—centered on authentic queer voices in a crowded, commercialized landscape. Discover how he turned a passion for visibility and integrity into a thriving, values-driven agency that defies industry norms. In this episode, Matt shares his remarkable journey from Brooklyn music blogger to a powerhouse in LGBTQ advocacy and entertainment PR. You'll learn how he navigates a busy career without losing his peace—protecting personal time amid the relentless demands of client work and social media. His story reveals the importance of staying true to your values, especially when the industry’s spotlight often favors superficial partnerships like rainbow washing. We break down actionable insights: how to build a grassroots brand with heart, the pitfalls of corporate red tape, and practical tips for maintaining mental peace in a high-stakes world. Matt also discusses the shift in PR strategies—from traditional deep dives to viral moments—and why long-term relationships, authenticity, and community matter more than ever. His work with beloved LGBTQ icons like Jinx Monsoon and Isaac Mizrahi exemplifies a commitment to passion projects that truly make a difference, not just headlines. Why does this matter? Because in a landscape filled with performative allyship, real impact requires courage, consistency, and a deep understanding of community needs. This episode offers a blueprint for anyone who wants to create meaningful change, whether you're a PR pro, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to amplify authentic voices in your world. Perfect for creatives, advocates, and anyone frustrated by the superficial rainbow washing of Pride. If you're eager to see stories told with integrity and heart—without the industry noise—this episode is your playbook. Matt Gross is the founder of Heart Spade PR, championing LGBTQ voices in entertainment and culture through strategic storytelling rooted in authenticity. Get inspired by a founder whose hustle is fueled by heart, and learn how you can align your work with your values—making a difference from the grassroots up. Heart Spade PR: https://www.heartspadepr.com/ Heart Spade PR Instagram:   / heartspadepr   Matt Gross, Gay PR, LGBTQ advocacy, PR, entrepreneurship, queer voices, entertainment industry, grassroots efforts, brand authenticity YouTube Channel:    / @outloudandlaughing   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Gross and Heart Spade PR 02:23 The Journey of Building a PR Empire 05:50 The Shift from Corporate to Personal 08:19 The Meaning Behind Heart Spade PR 12:11 Navigating Rainbow Washing in PR 14:56 Highlighting Grassroots LGBTQ Advocacy 17:16 Proud Projects and Long-Term Collaborations 18:17 Reflections on a Career in Entertainment 20:17 This or That: A Fun Game with Matt 25:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections —-- Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF... Watch on YouTube:    • Season 1 | Full Episodes