"Behind The Headlines" — Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley (feat. Alexa Garcia)

Podcast: Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley
Episode Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Savannah Chrisley
Guest: Alexa Garcia (Publicist)

Episode Overview

In this candid episode, Savannah Chrisley sits down with her longtime publicist and friend, Alexa Garcia, to discuss navigating intense media attention and behind-the-scenes realities during and after her family’s highly publicized pardon process. Touching on themes of loyalty, authenticity, media bias, and personal resilience, Savannah and Alexa offer an unfiltered look at what it means to weather headline storms in both the legal and personal arenas. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, direct talk about PR strategies, and reflections on how deep trust and boundaries shape healthy public and private lives—even under the harshest spotlight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pardon Process and Its Fallout

• Initial Reaction & Emotional Overwhelm ([00:55–03:29])

  • Alexa recalls learning about the pardons from Savannah’s call at the Sonic drive-thru, stressing that the reality didn’t hit until it was official.

  • Both recount the chaos that followed, as their phones were inundated with messages, highlighting the immediate impact of news breaking before the family even had a chance to process it privately.

    Alexa: “I didn’t believe it until it was actually there. … Even if, like, you had said, like, it's happening, I didn't believe it until it was actually there.” ([02:10])

  • The fast-paced media scrutiny is described as the “wildest 26 minutes”—with skepticism from some corners, and sudden interest from outlets that had previously avoided the Chrisley story.

2. Navigating Media Loyalty & Authentic Reporting

• Dealing with Opportunistic Press ([04:42–06:17])

  • Savannah and Alexa discuss the flood of requests from publications and reporters who previously wrote negative or false narratives—or ignored the family completely—and now wanted exclusive interviews.

    Alexa: "It's funny, whenever they text and you can see the background of, like, no, no, no, no. And then, 'Oh hey, they're out. Can we schedule an interview?' And I'm like, no." ([05:05])

  • Savannah emphasizes her loyalty to those who've been consistently fair, rather than chasing clout or money.

  • They recount an instance with a specific reporter (featured in an upcoming documentary), illustrating the value Savannah places on honesty—even when relationships with the press have been fraught.

• The Importance of Factual Truth Over Positivity ([06:40–07:36])

  • Savannah is clear that she values true reporting over simply positive coverage.

    Alexa: “You’re very … even on it. You’re just like, ‘I want the truth out there, even if it doesn’t look sparkly and great, sometimes I want the truth.’” ([06:53])

3. Media Bias, PR Challenges & Transparency

• Lessons in Bias & Boundaries ([08:27–10:46])

  • Alexa observes that Savannah's situation opened her eyes to the extent of media bias, particularly around politically charged stories.

  • Both stress the importance of establishing transparency with journalists up front—if the relationship isn’t based on mutual honesty, it doesn’t last.

    Alexa: “I will be transparent with you, or if you are transparent with me. … The first time you’re not, you’re gonna learn this relationship’s not gonna be as good as it could be.” ([09:24])

• Navigating Legal Media & Third-Party Narrative Hijacking ([16:08–18:36])

  • Alexa describes the tricky dynamics with lawyers seeking publicity or credit during the pardon, even when they were not actually involved.

  • Emphasis is put on shutting down misinformation and controlling the narrative through direct communication.

    Alexa: “I always said, it's easy to remember Alex and Alexa, just keep it that way. Like, one extra A.” ([17:58])

• Simplicity of Communication Often Overlooked ([18:22–18:36])

  • Alexa expresses surprise that many media problems could be prevented if outlets simply asked for confirmation or clarity.

    Alexa: “They're like, ‘Oh, all I have to do is ask?’ And I'm like, ‘Yeah, that's all you have to do.’” ([18:36])

4. Managing Personal Headlines: Breakups, Privacy & Boundaries

• Breakup Coverage & Media Overlap ([18:53–20:21])

  • Savannah discusses how media attention on her breakup complicated what should have been a private, healing moment, especially as it intersected with larger family news.

    Savannah: “If I've spoken about something, it's because either this person's written this or that person... That was definitely a challenge.” ([19:47])

• Power of the Podcast for Narrative Control ([19:42–20:03])

  • Savannah finds that having her own platform helps clarify her side of the story and counteract misreporting.

    Savannah: “The podcast has been an easy way to clear up stuff.” ([19:42])

• Taking Breaks & Age Perspective ([20:06–20:45])

  • Alexa insists Savannah step back from the spotlight, reminding her that, despite her maturity, she’s still in her twenties and deserves time to simply live.

    Alexa: "You were operating like you were 20 years older than you were. … you kind of got to be your age again." ([20:22])

5. Social Media, Photos, and the Loss of Private Moments

• TMZ Incident and Birthday Headaches ([21:13–29:46])

  • Savannah recounts how her birthday trip was disrupted by paparazzi and neighbors taking photos, which made their way to TMZ without her knowledge or consent.

    Savannah: “I'm on a birthday trip, like, having fun. ... Stop trying to make this something way more than it is…” ([21:32])

  • The team’s detective work identifies the source, and Alexa and Savannah both denounce the lack of integrity in people seeking payment for personal leaks.

    Alexa: “If you're going to be a bitch, be a whole... Be a bitch all the way. … I respect the authenticity.” ([28:29]) Savannah: “The only reason you're apologizing is because you got caught.” ([28:59])

  • Alexa describes the helplessness of being unable to “tie a bow” on such incidents, having to watch Savannah’s day be soured without recourse.

6. Life After the Headlines: Moving into a New Era

• Personal Growth & Prioritizing Peace ([31:07–32:17])

  • Savannah shares her desire for peace and for more control over how she shares her own story, drawing a line between what she had to make public and what she wishes to keep private now.

• Working Relationships, Boundaries, and Mental Health in PR ([32:17–34:35])

  • Alexa and Savannah explore the differences in PR between corporations and individuals, the importance of enjoying who you work with, and setting boundaries to preserve sanity.

    Alexa: “PR, again, it’s chaos. It’s not my chaos, so it’s fine.” ([32:43]) Savannah: “When I work, I work. But, like, I have found that you have to have boundaries and you have to just have a day or two to yourself, because if you don't, you will absolutely run yourself insane.” ([34:21])

• Upcoming Press & Show Launch ([35:41–37:16])

  • They discuss logistical concerns and nerves about the press day for Savannah’s new Lifetime show—filmed a year prior, now requiring them to relive old wounds through public discourse.

    Savannah: “Part of me is like, oh, do we really have to relive that? Because what people don't realize is this was filmed... at least a year ago.” ([36:36])

• Navigating Reliving Trauma on Reality TV ([37:16–40:48])

  • Savannah worries about being seen as an “absolute basket case” due to raw on-camera emotion, relating her experience to Khloe Kardashian.

• Grayson’s Growth and Media Savvy ([47:04–51:20])

  • The pair delight in Savannah’s brother Grayson’s maturity and his thoughtful relationship with press.
  • Stories about Grayson’s navigation of social media attention and protecting his privacy and family image are both humorous and heartwarming.

7. Maintaining Supportive, Honest Work Friendships

• Mutual Loyalty and Future Together ([51:57–52:18])

  • They close with affirmations of their positive working dynamic, gratitude for friendship, and a lighthearted hope to work together “for the rest of my life.”

    Alexa: “If you ever called me and you were like, I don't want to work with you anymore, I would need... a vacation to go, like, grieve on a grieve morning vacation.” ([52:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alexa on Transparency in PR:

  “I will be transparent with you, or if you are transparent with me. … The first time you're not, you're gonna learn this relationship's not gonna be as good as it could be.” ([09:24])

• Savannah on the Tradeoff of Fame:

  “If I wanted the world to know, I would say it. You know me. … I want my peace.” ([30:51])

• On Media Opportunism:

  Alexa: "It's funny, whenever they text and you can see the background of, like, no, no, no, no. And then, 'Oh hey, they're out. Can we schedule an interview?' And I'm like, no." ([05:05])

• Alexa’s PR Philosophy:

  “If you're going to be a bitch, be a whole... Be a bitch all the way. … I respect the authenticity.” ([28:29])

• About Authenticity in Interviews:

  Savannah: “There’s a way to ask tough questions that are not favorable to me, but I will answer it. … If it’s feeling like you’re being attacked...” ([09:57])

• On Reliving Trauma and TV Editing:

  “I feel like I'm gonna look like an absolute basket case.” ([38:15]) “Everyone editing the show... when you went through the breakup, everyone in the office was just like, when is this girl gonna, like, catch a break?” ([39:13])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment / Highlight | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:55-03:29 | Announcement and emotional recounting of learning about the pardons and initial media chaos | | 04:42-06:17 | On opportunistic press and reporter loyalty | | 06:40-07:36 | Savannah’s attitude toward publicity—truth over just “positive” stories | | 08:27-10:46 | Alexa’s realization of media bias and transparency in professional relationships | | 16:08-18:36 | Legal media complications and third-party actors attempting to claim credit | | 18:53-20:21 | Managing headlines during Savannah’s personal breakup | | 21:13-29:46 | Paparazzi, privacy invasions, and TMZ incident during Savannah’s birthday | | 31:07-32:17 | Desire for peace and boundaries in life after the headlines | | 34:35-35:17 | The necessity of breaks and mental health boundaries in high-stress PR work | | 35:41-37:16 | Anticipation and anxiety over upcoming press for the new Lifetime show | | 38:15-40:48 | On the difficulty of reliving trauma as reality TV re-airs past pain | | 47:04-51:20 | Grayson’s growing role, social media mishaps, and protection of family image | | 51:57–52:18 | Closing affirmations of their positive, long-term friend-employee dynamic |

Takeaways for Listeners

• The episode gives an honest, sometimes raw look at what public figures go through behind the scenes, especially navigating personal trauma under intense public scrutiny.
• Savannah’s commitment to honesty, loyalty, and selective openness offers a template for managing difficult PR in the age of headline-driven media.
• Alexa’s insights show how healthy PR relationships depend on transparency, boundaries, and genuine care—with both the client and the public in mind.
• The pair’s friendship and teamwork are at the heart of their ability to weather crises, demonstrating that trust and authenticity matter as much behind the scenes as in public narrative.

Tone and Language

The conversation is unfiltered, at times humorous, often self-deprecating, and refreshingly direct. Both Savannah and Alexa use conversational southern phrasing, “y’all,” “dear God,” and direct humor. There’s a notable balance between discussing high-stakes publicity and everyday moments, creating a relatable, humanized picture of life behind celebrity headlines.

End of Summary