The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a platform for Public Information Officers (PIO's) and Public Affairs Officers (PAO's) in public sector organizations, including Police, Fire, EMS, FEMA, state, local, and federal government organizations. The podcast aims to facilitate learning, growth, and discussion of issues that PIO's/PAO's may encounter within their profession. If you would like to support the podcast and connect with other PIO's/PAO's, please email us at thepiopodcast@gmail.com.
Episodes
Episode Summary: In this episode, Sergeant Jessica Shehan, a Public Information Officer for the Virginia State Police, shares her journey into law enforcement and the unique challenges of her role. She discusses the importance of transparency in communication, the impact of social media on public relations, and her experiences in recruitment and community outreach. Jessica emphasizes the rewarding nature of her job an...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Scott Mann, a retired Green Beret, shares his journey from a small town in Arkansas to becoming a leader in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the emotional toll of military service, and the importance of storytelling for healing. Scott also addresses the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan and the abandonment ...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Stephen Kuhr shares his extensive experience in emergency management, discussing his journey from the New York City Emergency Medical Service to his role at Colorado Springs Utilities. He emphasizes the importance of crisis communication, the differences between public and private sector emergency management, and the critical lessons learned throughout his career. Stephen h...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Kent Keller, former police officer and now CEO of OS Media Group, shares his journey from law enforcement to marketing for public safety agencies. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges public information officers face, and how his company aims to support smaller agencies with their communication needs. Keller also explores the role of social me...
In this Special Edition, Sarah Lux discusses the importance of go bags for public information officers (PIOs) and shares her personal experiences and insights on what to include. She emphasizes the need for emergency preparedness and provides practical tips on essential items, balancing technology with traditional tools, and unique, surprisingly valuable items. The conversation also covers power management solutions a...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Carolina Montelongo, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Carolina shares her journey from journalism to becoming a Public Information Officer (PIO), emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially within the Hispanic community. She discusses the structure of the Sheriff's Of...
Author, life coach, entrepreneur, founder of Tornabene Wine, Miss New York 2022.
Baxter Learns to Save (Amazon)
Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Dawn Small, the strategic communications manager for Aurora Fire Rescue. Dawn shares her journey from public relations agencies to the fire service, highlighting her experiences and the changes she aims to implement in communications. The conversation delves into the importance of community engagement, the role of social media, and the daily...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Rick Rice, the public information officer for the Asheville Police Department. They discuss Rick's background in radio, the challenges they faced during Hurricane Helene, and the launch of the APD Pod Squad podcast aimed at improving community engagement. Rick shares insights on managing misinformation during the crisis and the importance of...
Summary: In this conversation, Doug Levy discusses his extensive background in journalism and emergency communications, leading to the writing of his book, 'The Golden Hour.' He emphasizes the critical importance of timely and accurate communication during crises, outlining common mistakes made by Public Information Officers (PIOs) and the evolving role of social media in disseminating information. Levy shar...
Summary of the Podcast: in this episode, Ashley Bradshaw, the Public Information and Engagement Specialist for the Kyle Police Department, shares her journey into law enforcement communication. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of being the first PIO in her department, the importance of community engagement, and innovative strategies for connecting with youth. Ashley emphasizes social media's role in...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, PR expert Molly McPherson shares her insights on navigating media crises, the importance of social media in crisis management, and the common pitfalls faced by public information officers (PIOs). She emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in communications and discusses how to transform crises into opportunities for building...
Summary: In this episode, Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD officer and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, discusses his unique background and the challenges facing law enforcement today. He emphasizes the need for cultural change within police departments, the importance of proper training and competence, and the role of public information officers in crisis management. Winninger advocates for transparency, accountabil...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Holly Stark, Outreach Program Manager with the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Holly shares her journey from journalism to emergency management, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in building trust and empathy within communities. She discusses how effective communication can enhance disaster preparedness and t...
Summary of the Interview: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Kevin Strauss, the communications manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, discusses his journey from college athletics to public communication. He shares insights on the challenges faced in unifying communication strategies post-COVID, the importance of digital advertising, and the management of water resources amid drought conditions. Kevin emph...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Lauren Burton, the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Douglas County District Attorney's Office in Georgia, shares her unique journey from victim advocacy to her current role. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges of digital communication, and the strategies she employs to ensure consistent messaging and effective ...
Summary - In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Summer DeRay, an experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) with a rich background in communications and community engagement. Summer shares her journey from working in newsrooms to her current role at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). She discusses the importance of building relationships with local tribes, the evolut...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Donna Rossi, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Phoenix Police Department. Donna shares her unique journey from being a police officer to a broadcast journalist and leading the Public Affairs Bureau. The conversation covers the current staffing challenges the Phoenix PD faces, the importance of crisis communication, and the innovative ...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Special Projects Coordinator Taylor Merriss from the Evansville Police Department shares insights about her role, community engagement strategies, and the importance of transparency in law enforcement. She discusses her background, the challenges of recruiting, and the innovative ways the department connects with the community, including their podcast 'What's...
Bridget has firsthand experience with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. As the only female on the SWAT team, along with her time on patrol and as an undercover narcotics investigator, she knows what it feels like to have no one to trust and to feel defeated at every turn.
This is why Bridget started the Lady Law Shield: to help those feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by a seemin...
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