253: TV Can Make You Famous - But Don't Read the Comments with Dr. Christina Madison [The Medium is the Message Series]

If you’ve ever thought that you’d like to be on TV as a contributing expert - or if you think you’re not qualified (you are!) - you’ll get so much out of this episode.

We’re continuing our series “The Medium is the Message” and in this episode we’re focusing on TV as a platform that can quickly propel your visibility and credibility.

Since 2005, I’ve appeared (too many times to count) on Orlando-area news stations as a Democratic political analyst.

Being on TV can turn you into a mini-celebrity, as people who see you on the news start recognizing you at the store.

(True story: During the 2016 election cycle, I was on the news frequently. I was at the store one day in yoga clothes, hair in a ponytail, and no makeup and the clerk said to me, slowly and with a hint of uncertainty, “Did I see you on TV?” Why, yes, you did, and I looked a lot more put together then!)

Being on TV gives you built-in authority and credibility because so few people get the opportunity.

TV is one of the last gatekeepers (along with traditional book publishing) where the audience assumes that if they're seeing you on their television, you’ve been selected and vetted as an expert.

Being on TV has lots of advantages for giving you this credibility.

It can also have a downside, especially as a woman and even more so as a woman of color (never read the comments).

My guest today is Dr. Christina Madison, the Founder and CEO of The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC, a public health consulting firm.

Christina has been featured in over 200+ on-air TV appearances since January 2020 related to the pandemic and public health, so when I met Christina recently on a consult call and learned about her background, I knew I had to have her on the podcast.

Christina and I talk about:

• The benefits of being on TV
• The challenges we’ve both faced as women having a public presence and voice
• Tips for working with TV stations so they keep calling you back
• How Christina got her first TV appearance and how she prepared
• What TV as a medium wants (visuals, soundbites, mass market information)
• How to pitch your topic to local news to make it newsworthy
• The importance of representation of women and women of color in the media

{There is one very appropriate f-bomb in this episode, hence the "Explicit" rating. It's worth it!}

About My Guest: Dr. Christina Madison is the Founder and CEO of The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC, a public health consulting firm. She is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice with Roseman University of Health Sciences and works as a clinical pharmacist specializing in public health with a focus on infectious communicable diseases. A trusted and valued health care professional with 14 years of experience in Public Health and 17 years’ experience as a pharmacy professional. She has been asked to share her clinical public health and infectious disease expertise with Local, State, and International Media outlets and NGO’s. Dr. Madison has been featured in over 200+ on-air TV appearances since January 2020 related to the pandemic and public health. Advocating for public health and the profession of pharmacy to improve the health and wellness of vulnerable populations and the underserved is her passion and mission.

About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/253

Christina’s website: https://www.thepublichealthpharmacist.com/

Christina’s speaking reel: https://youtu.be/1ftHfCaVJZw

Apply to join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on social:

• Carol Cox on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Dr. Christina Madison (guest) on LinkedIn= https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristinamadisonthepublichealthpharmacist

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 191: Women in Politics and the Public Sphere with Rep. Anna V. Eskamani
• Episode 209: The Differences in Doing Interviews for Podcasts, TV, & Publications with Marie Fiebach

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
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