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PODCAST

The PIO Podcast

Robert Tornabene

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.

society & culture relationships

All Episodes

52:38

Mastering Public Safety Communication: Insights from...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/03/25

Send us Fan Mail 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 messagingAligning leadership behavior with effective communication strategiesThe evolving landscape of social media and AI risksBuilding strong relatio...

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36:55

Navigating Wildfire Communication: Insights from Cal...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/03/18

Send us Fan Mail 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 wildfire threats. Schuler discusses the challenges of language ba...

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44:45

The Alarming Rise of Fentanyl: A Conversation with...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/03/11

Send a text 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, its integration into other drugs, and the dangers it poses. The conv...

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54:50

S6 - E8: Jen Becker - JB Comms Consulting

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/03/04

Send a text 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, especially in small teams. She also shares her experiences with crisis com...

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46:57

S6 - E7: Kevin Mangan - PIO High Springs Fire Dept,...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/02/25

Send a text 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 necessity of transparency and trust in a close-knit environment. K...

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36:06

S6 - E6: Brian Murray - PIO & Deputy Emergency...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/02/18

Send a text 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 engagement. Brian emphasizes the significance of training for staff a...

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50:20

S6 - E5: Brenden Elwood - Vice President of Market...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/02/11

Send a text 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 BIO: Brenden services as the Vice President of Market Research at CivicPlus. He ove...

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40:58

S6 - E4: Gretchen Papez - Valley Health Systems

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/02/04

Send us a text 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 home healthcare, and manage misinformation. She also highlight...

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41:26

S6 - E3: Lisa McDonald -Communications Manager - City...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/01/28

Send us a text 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 studied Radio and Television Communications at the University of Central...

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42:57

S6 - E2: Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director of R & D -...

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/01/21

Send us a text 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, the need to reskill the workforce, and the importance of aligning AI...

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28:24

S6 - E1 Deana DiPaola - PIO Altamonte Springs, FL

The PIO Podcast ·

2026/01/14

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this conversation, Deana DiPaola discusses her experiences in crisis management, particularly during her first weekend on call when national neo-Nazi groups came to her city, in addition to handling one of the largest 4th of July fireworks events in the state. She highlights the importance of understanding community safety, effective communication, and the challenges of leadership in such critical situations. Deana's BIo: I am a reliable, respectful, empathe...

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2:27

Countdown of the Top Ten Most Downloaded Episodes of...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/12/17

Send us a text Host Robert Tornabene conducts a countdown of the 10 most downloaded episodes of 2025. Support the show 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.

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34:08

S5 - E46: Katie Watts, PIO - Farifax County Police...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/11/26

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Katie Watts, a Public Information Officer from the Fairfax County Police Department. They discuss Katie's journey in law enforcement, the challenges of communicating traffic safety, and the innovative use of Tappy, a social media tool designed to engage the community and educate them about traffic safety. Katie shares insights on public reactions, the demographics engaging with Tappy, and the lessons learned from in...

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40:03

S5 - E45: Brandon Karr - DroneSense by Versaterm -...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/11/19

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Brandon Karr, Director of Customer Success at DroneSense by Versaterm, discussing the transformative role of drones in public safety. Brandon shares insights from his experience in law enforcement and the evolution of drone programs, emphasizing the importance of transparency, community engagement, and the integration of AI technology. The conversation covers real-world applications of drones in crisis situations, t...

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34:12

S5 - E44: Chief of Police Kevin Warych - Sun Prairie...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/11/12

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Chief Kevin Warych of the Sun Prairie Police Department discusses his transition from Green Bay to Sun Prairie, emphasizing the importance of community policing and building relationships. He shares insights on transparency in law enforcement, the challenges of balancing operational security with public information, and the role of social media in connecting with the community. Chief Warych also highlights the importance of fostering...

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50:20

S5 - E43: Susan Simons - Under the Shield

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/11/05

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode, Susan Simons, president and founder of Under the Shield, discusses her journey in law enforcement and the evolution of her organization, which focuses on mental health support for first responders. She introduces the psychological garbage can theory, emphasizing the importance of addressing stress and trauma in law enforcement. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for public awareness, and the significance ...

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49:31

S5 - E42: Jeffrey Wenninger - Law Enforcement...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/10/29

Send us a text Summary: In this episode, Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD officer and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, shares his unique journey into policing, influenced by personal experiences and a desire to improve law enforcement practices. He discusses the insular mindset prevalent in police departments, the need for reimagining policing beyond mere reform, and the importance of community trust and transparency. We will discuss Jeff's latest book, "On Thin Ice." Wenninger emphasi...

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38:16

S5 - E41: Erin Stillwagon - PIO - Garden City Fire...

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/10/22

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Erin Stillwagon, the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Fire Department. Erin shares her unexpected journey into the role of PIO, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially with children, to foster a positive relationship between the fire department and the public. She discusses the strategies used in social media to communicate effectively, without highlighting tragedies, i...

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35:50

S5 - E40: Tiffany Muehlbauer - CEO - Arma Communications

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/10/15

Send us a text Summary: In this episode, Tiffany Muehlbauer, CEO of ARMA Communications, discusses the importance of proactive communication strategies for public sector organizations. She introduces the Pool Theory, which emphasizes the need for consistent community engagement to build trust and visibility before a crisis occurs. Tiffany provides practical advice for Public Information Officers (PIOs) on shifting from reactive to proactive communication, building relationships with skeptical...

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34:20

S5 - E39: Drew Anderson - PIO - Bellevue PD (WA)

The PIO Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Drew Anderson, the Public Information Officer for the Bellevue Police Department, shares his unique journey from political operative to PIO. He discusses the importance of community engagement in a diverse city like Bellevue, the challenges faced during crisis communications, and the strategies employed to effectively communicate with the public. Drew emphasizes the significance of preparation, media training for law enforcement, and...

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235 results

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