Sarah Avrin, Charm School Media
💭 Thoughts on Kathleen Hanna’s new memoir, Buffy sheets, and the importance of making space to listen.
Sarah Avrin founded Charm School Media in 2022, a boutique public relations and marketing firm that represents a diverse roster of emerging and established musicians as well as podcast creators, authors, visual artists and entertainers. Her clients include Kathleen Hanna, Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, L7, Bratmobile, of Montreal, Palehound, Grandaddy, Big Joanie, Mediocre, Sarah Mary Chadwick and more.
Sarah previously worked at Girlie Action Media for 15 years, earning the title of Vice President of Media Relations and spearheading campaigns for Tori Amos, Santigold, They Might Be Giants, Donna Summer, Sia, Elliott Smith, Poly Styrene, Shamir and Downtown Boys.
When she’s not working she loves to travel, hike, try new restaurants, attempt to learn to ski and – of course – see live music.
🎧 Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
I am podcast obsessed, especially when it comes to true crime & comedy. It’s my time to tune out the heartbreaking world news and find some joy. Though I have never missed an episode of My Favorite Murder, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is probably my favorite because Conan and his two co-hosts truly make me feel like I’m at dinner with old friends. I was thrilled when Conan’s HBO show turned out to be him visiting the fans he spoke with on the pod.
👂 The importance of making space to listen
Always be kind, listen and be open to new ideas. It’s a hard world out there and our differences can be isolating. We can never know what the person next to us is going through. While I’m not willing to compromise my core life principles, I think it’s important to make more space to listen rather than trying to be the loudest voice in the room.
I handle the press for Kathleen Hanna whose book Rebel Girl: My Life As A Feminist Punk finally comes out next week on Tuesday, May 14 on Ecco/Harper Collins. We announced it a year ago! Kathleen put everything into her book and the press campaign. I’m looking forward to celebrating with the whole team at the NYC book tour launch, also on release day, and am beyond thrilled to be there with Kathleen as her first book is released into the world.
📰 Staying updated on the news with NPR’s “Up First” pod
I think we all know by now that my favorite way to consume content these days is PODCASTS! ;) I start every morning listening to the NPR “Up First” podcast. It gives a brief overview of the biggest news stories of the day and helps me stay attuned to what’s going on when I don’t have time to check news sites or watch the news that day.
📝 Three brands to take note of
Ted Baker - I always thought Ted Baker was a men’s store. Then I discovered that they have gorgeous dresses and boots that are a perfect mix of high fashion & punk rock.
Hoka sneakers - I love to hike but I am a wuss when it comes to comfort. These babies are so comfy!
Buffy brand’s eucalyptus sheets - I was sucked in by the linen sheet craze that was being advertised by all of my favorite podcasts. I won’t name names but I did not like the ones I tried. Then I tried Buffy (because of a different podcast ad!) and their eucalyptus sheets are SO soft! They’re expensive but this is one special wellness item that I truly can’t live, or sleep, without.
🌞 The freedom of a sunny day
I will always love NYC. It’s where I’m from. But moving to LA changed my life. If I’m ever having a bad day or just need to get out I can now go on a hike or even walk around my neighborhood, which is always full of blooming beautiful shrubs and flowers, to clear my head. I’m still working on my work/life balance, but this is an incredibly grounding thing for me and a good first step!
Follow Sarah on Instagram & Linkedin check out her work here.