The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a leading resource for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) working in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Focused on crisis communications, media relations, and public trust, this podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and interviews with experienced communicators across the public sector. Each episode explores the challenges PIOs face, including managing breaking incidents, navigating social media, combating misinformation, and communicating effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. Whether you are a new PIO or a seasoned public affairs professional, The PIO Podcast provides actionable guidance to strengthen your communication skills and leadership impact. Join a growing network of public safety communicators committed to learning, professional development, and advancing the role of strategic communications in government. To support the podcast or connect with the community, email: thepiopodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Episode Summary: In this episode, cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano discusses the evolving threats of AI-driven scams, deep fakes, and human behavior. Learn how organizations and individuals can protect themselves in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Robert's BIO: Robert Siciliano is a security analyst, best-selling author, and the Architect of The Strategic Human Firewall™. As one of the world’s most re...
Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, PR expert Joe Buccino shares invaluable lessons from his extensive experience in media relations, crisis communication, and the evolving landscape of journalism. Discover how to build trust with reporters, adapt to digital changes, and leverage AI without losing the human touch.
Joe's BIO: Joe Buccino is a retired U.S. Army colonel and former Pentagon spok...
Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore Paul's journey in communications and emergency management, which ultimately led to the creation of the PIO Calendar. The PIO Calendar is a centralized platform that connects public information officers with training, conferences, and professional development opportunities across the country and around the world. Through his firm, PDR Strategies, he advises organizat...
Episode Summary: Erika Mantallana shares insights on organizational intelligence, trust, and the strategic role of communication in organizations. Discover how internal trust impacts external reputation and how leaders can better connect with their teams.
Erika's BIO: Erika Mantallana is the founder of Threadwell Studio, a strategic communications consultancy built on a simple but hard-won idea: external trust i...
Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, social media strategist Tallie Proud shares her expertise on social listening, its misconceptions, and how organizations can better interpret online conversations to improve their communication strategies.
Tallie's BIO: Tallie Proud is a UK-based freelance digital marketing consultant specializing in social media training, strategy, digital skills, and more. Sh...
Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Molly Hart, a spokesperson for AAA, shares her expertise on traffic safety campaigns, media strategy, and public education efforts. Discover how AAA leverages data, storytelling, and social media to promote safe driving behaviors and prepare for seasonal travel challenges.
About Molly - In-depth public relations and governmental affairs experience across a variety of dis...
Episode Summary: Nina Jankowicz shares insights on AI, disinformation, and best practices for public information officers in the digital age. Learn about the threats, guardrails, and strategies to maintain trust and integrity in information dissemination.
Nina's BIO: Nina Jankowicz is an internationally-recognized expert on disinformation and democratization, one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in...
Episode Summary: In this engaging interview, Antonia Steinmiller, a dedicated municipal communications manager, shares her insights on effective public-sector communication, community engagement, and trust. Discover her innovative campaigns, strategies for authentic messaging, and how she leverages technology to connect with residents.
Antonia's BIO: As a dedicated communications professional, I specialize ...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Shel Holtz discusses the evolving landscape of organizational communication, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, measurable outcomes, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI. He highlights the unique challenges faced by government communicators, the necessity of crisis preparedness, and the role of internal communications in shaping organizati...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert welcomes Moose Mutlow, a crisis communication and family liaison trainer, to discuss the intricacies of communicating with families during crises. Moose shares his diverse background, which includes years as a wilderness guide and experience in public information and family liaison roles. He emphasizes the importance of truth and immediacy when communi...
In this episode of the PIO podcast, Braden Frame, CEO of the Cartographers Group, shares practical strategies for enhancing public safety communication. We explore how leadership, technology, and authenticity shape community trust and organizational success.
Key Topics:
- The importance of trust and transparency in public safety messaging
- Aligning leadership behavior with effective communication strategies
- The evolvin...
Summary: In this episode, Nick Schuler, the Deputy Director of Communications and Incident Awareness for Cal Fire, shares insights on the evolution of wildfire communication strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in managing wildfire risks. He emphasizes the need for transparency and public trust during emergencies, as well as the significance of preparing communities for wild...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert interviews Brian Townsend, a retired DEA agent and founder of Only2MG, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about the fentanyl crisis. Brian shares his extensive experience in law enforcement and discusses the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States. He explains the historical context of how fentanyl became prevalent in the drug supply, it...
Summary: In this episode, Jen Becker discusses her journey into internal communications and the importance of effective communication within organizations. She highlights the common issues faced by public information officers (PIOs) and offers insights into improving internal communication strategies. Jen emphasizes the need for honesty, understanding employee perspectives, and creating efficient workflows, especial...
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert interviews Kevin Mangan, the public information officer for High Springs, Florida. Kevin shares his journey from a volunteer firefighter to a PIO, emphasizing the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with working in a small agency. He discusses the importance of building relationships within the community, managing communications during crises, and the ...
Summary: In this episode, Brian Murray, the Public Information Officer for Harris County, Texas, discusses his dual role in emergency management and public communication. He highlights the unique challenges faced by Harris County, including its large population and diverse threats. The conversation delves into the complexities of emergency alerts, the importance of effective messaging, and the need for community eng...
Episode Summary: In this conversation, Brenden Elwood discusses the importance of strategic communication for city council members. He emphasizes the need to understand how residents receive information and to implement multi-modal communication strategies. Elwood highlights the significance of being responsive to residents' needs and the impact of timely communication on building trust.
Brenden's...
Summary: In this conversation, Gretchen Papez, the System Director of PR and Media Relations at Valley Health Systems, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare communications. She discusses the importance of proactive messaging, crisis communication preparedness, and integrating various communication strategies. Gretchen emphasizes the need to build trust within the community, adapt to trends like...
Episode Summary: In this conversation, Lisa McDonald shares an intriguing story about a five-foot alligator discovered in a storm drain, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters that can occur in urban settings. She discusses how the video of this discovery went viral on social media, emphasizing the impact of engaging content in public works and community awareness.
Lisa's BIO; Lisa McDonald s...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Gaurav Gupta, head of R&D at Kotter, discussing the transformative role of AI in public information and communication. Gaurav shares insights on generative AI's impact on content creation, the importance of effective communication strategies, and the need for transparency in AI usage. They explore the challenges posed by misinformation, ...
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