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The PIO Podcast

Robert Tornabene

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

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S6 · E41
Wednesday · 50 min
The Journey from Journalism to Law Enforcement with Rayna Shipp
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Rayna Shipp, Public Information Officer with the Apache Junction Police Department (AZ), shares her journey from journalism student to police public information officer and highlights the importance of community engagement, effective communication, and empathetic crisis management. Discover practical insights on social media strategy, working with media, and maintaining public trust in law enforcement. Rayna's BIO; Rayna Shipp has served as the Public Safety Information Officer for the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona since December 2022, becoming the department’s first civilian PIO. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public administration, she brings a background outside of traditional law enforcement to the role. Her work covers just about every corner of public safety communications, from high-profile incidents and media relations to social media, video production, recruitment, and community events. As a one-person PIO operation, Rayna has learned to balance the unpredictable demands of the job while finding practical, creative ways to improve how her department communicates with the public. Rayna's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E40
October 21 · 47 min
Social Media Strategy for PIOs: Building Public Trust with Brooke Hahn
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: How can public information officers build public trust, improve social media engagement, and maintain authentic communication in an increasingly AI-driven world? In this episode of The PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene welcomes Brooke Hahn, CEO of Flockler, to discuss how public safety agencies, local governments, and public sector communicators can rethink their social media strategies to strengthen community relationships. Brooke explains why follower counts don't always translate into meaningful engagement, how user-generated content can strengthen public confidence, and why government websites remain essential sources of trusted information. The conversation also explores the growing challenges of AI-generated images, misinformation, changing social media algorithms, and the importance of maintaining authenticity during crisis communications. Topics covered in this episode include: Building community engagement beyond social media followers Using authentic, user-generated content to strengthen public trust Creating effective social media strategies for police, fire, and emergency management agencies Establishing content moderation and verification safeguards Managing AI-generated content and misinformation during emergencies Making government websites reliable sources of information Measuring meaningful social media engagement instead of vanity metrics Improving digital accessibility and understanding WCAG considerations Developing practical communication strategies for small PIO teams with limited budgets Brooke also shares practical advice for public information officers who want to improve their digital communications without producing more content or increasing their budgets. About the Guest Brooke Hahn is the CEO of Flockler, a platform that helps organizations bring social media and user-generated content together across websites, digital displays, and other communication channels. Brooke's BIO: A true growth operator with extensive experience across crowdsourcing, affiliate programs, and social media aggregation. Brooke is co-founder of the marketing agency Northweather and has worked with global brands including LEGO. With international experience spanning SaaS, marketing, and product, she brings sharp expertise in strategy, execution, and driving results through global cross-functional teams at Flockler. Brooke's Email Brooke's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E39
October 14 · 1 hr 13 min
Leadership Lessons from a Father-Daughter EMS Team
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, father-daughter team Brad and Kira Newbury share their journey in EMS education, leadership insights, and innovative approaches to training future public safety professionals. Discover how their organization, NMETC, is transforming emergency medical training and fostering a new generation of leaders. Brad's BIO; Brad Newbury, MPA, NRP is the President and CEO of the National Medical Education & Training Center (NMETC) and the author of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act and The First Responder Advantage. With over 40 years of experience in firefighting and prehospital medicine, Brad has dedicated his life to helping others be ready—and willing—to act when it matters most. A fire captain, paramedic, and educator, Brad has built NMETC into one of the nation’s premier institutions for EMS education. Founded in 2010, the organization has trained thousands of students around the world, empowering the next generation of lifesavers through skill, awareness, and preparedness. Brad also serves with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Fellowship in Disaster Medicine as Associate Director of Prehospital Disaster Operations and speaks nationally and internationally on Fire & EMS leadership, disaster response, and preparedness. Brad Newbury LinkedIn Kiera's BIO: Kiera Newbury, BA, NREMT is an emergency medical professional and emerging author of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Kiera combines clinical training with a deep appreciation for the human side of emergency medicine. A Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician, Kiera has worked alongside the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Disaster Medicine Fellowship and contributed to projects focused on public awareness, emergency preparedness, and healthcare education. She speaks on healthcare, CPR readiness, and mental health—encouraging individuals and communities to become trained, prepared, and willing to act. Kiera Newbury LinkedIn The Saved Effect on Amazon 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.
S6 · E38
October 7 · 55 min
First Responder Trauma Study that will save lives with Victorian Simmons
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Victorian Simmons discusses her research on trauma communication patterns among first responders, the impact of repeated trauma exposure, and strategies for improving mental health and communication within emergency services. This episode offers insights for leaders, families, and first responders to foster resilience and support. Victorian's BIO: Victorian Simmons is a nationally recognized public safety communicator known for turning complex information into clear, compelling messages that people can understand, trust, and act on. As the Public Information Officer for the Apex Fire and Police Departments, she leads strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement for two public safety agencies serving one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities. Her work has earned recognition at the local, state, national, and international levels. Victorian was selected as a 2026 National Rising Star by the National Fire Protection Association and received the 2025 Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Award for an innovative project advancing the fire and emergency services. She was also named the 2024 International Rising Star by Women in Fire Safety and earned first place in the 2025 NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards for Best Social Media Single Post. Beyond communicating for public safety agencies, Victorian is helping shape how the profession communicates. She was one of three contributors selected to develop and author Criterion 9E: Public Information for the Center for Public Safety Excellence Agency Accreditation Program, establishing guidance for evaluating fire department communication programs nationwide. Victorian is a North Carolina Type III Public Information Officer and holds both the FEMA Executive Public Information Officer designation and the Commission on Professional Credentialing’s Public Information Officer designation. She has also completed the FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations program. A sought-after speaker and educator, Victorian has presented at conferences across the country on public information, emergency communication, digital strategy, and human-centered messaging. She also teaches public safety communications through the Guilford Technical Community College Fire Academy and advises agencies on social media, website design, and visual storytelling. Victorian holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Keuka College and a master’s degree in business management from Elmira College. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication at Liberty University, where her research examines communication, trauma, and support within the first-responder community. Social Media: Linkedin 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.
S6 · E37
September 30 · 1 hr 8 min
Officer involved Domestic Violence with Bruce Bieber
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Bruce Bieber shares his personal journey from tragedy to advocacy, highlighting the systemic failures in law enforcement's handling of domestic violence cases and proposing best practices to prevent future tragedies. This episode emphasizes the importance of proactive policies, training, and accountability in law enforcement to save lives. Bruce's BIO Bruce Bieber is a national advocate for Police-Perpetrated / Officer-Involved Domestic Violence (PP/OIDV) awareness, prevention, and reform. His advocacy emerged following the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Abigail Rose “Abby” Bieber, in a PP/OIDV murder-suicide on January 29, 2022. Abby’s two older brothers are both law enforcement officers. A retired commercial construction manager, Bruce and his wife, Sarah, spent more than four decades raising their family in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area before relocating to Florida in 2021 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Public service has long been central to the Bieber family, with careers spanning law enforcement, fire and EMS, a US Army combat veteran, and decades of public school teaching. Following Abby’s death, Bruce embarked on an intensive study of PP/OIDV and the organizational, cultural, and systemic factors that can allow warning signs to go unrecognized or unaddressed. What began as a father’s search for answers evolved into a national advocacy effort. He has collaborated with leading researchers, law enforcement professionals, survivors, policy experts, and advocates across the United States to better understand the causes, consequences, and prevention of police perpetrated domestic violence. Today, Bruce speaks nationally about PP/OIDV, using Abby’s story to promote evidence-based reform. His presentations explore offender behavior, warning signs, accountability, agency culture, victim safety, and the critical role of early intervention. He advocates for mandatory PP/OIDV training, comprehensive agency policies, and cultural change within law enforcement organizations. Bruce’s central message is straightforward: if PP/OIDV is predictable, and it is, then the devastation that flows from it is preventable. Through education, advocacy, and reform, he works to honor Abby’s memory while helping agencies, policymakers, and communities prevent future tragedies, save lives, and strengthen public trust. 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.
S6 · E36
September 23 · 44 min
Mastering Crisis Communication: Lessons from the FBI and Boston Bombing with Jason Pack
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and public information officer, shares insights from his extensive career in law enforcement and crisis communication. He discusses lessons learned from major incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing, the importance of trust and relationships in crisis communication, and how technology and social media are transforming the field. Jason's BIO: Jason Pack is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, former television reporter, and frequent law enforcement and crisis communications analyst for Fox News, CNN, NewsNation, and the BBC. With more than 30 years of experience in public safety, media relations, and emergency response, he has built a unique career spanning journalism, emergency management, law enforcement, and crisis communications. Pack began his career as a firefighter and EMT in East Tennessee before working as a television news reporter and anchor. He later served with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he deployed to major disasters nationwide, including the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the September 11 terrorist attacks. As a FEMA Public Information Officer, he was deployed to Ground Zero in New York City, an experience that inspired him to join the FBI. Following 9/11, Pack served for 20 years as an FBI Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent. During his career, he led communications efforts and supported some of the nation’s most significant crises, including the Boston Marathon bombing, the Pulse Nightclub attack, the Chattanooga military recruiting center shootings, the Nashville Christmas Day bombing, major cyber incidents, child abduction investigations, hostage situations, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. He also served as an FBI crisis negotiator, Acting Legal Attaché, leader of the FBI National Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team, and instructor at the FBI Academy and the FBI National Academy. Today, Pack serves as Communications Director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, overseeing strategic communications for six statewide public safety agencies. He is also CEO of Media Rep Global Strategies, a crisis communications and strategic consulting firm. Pack is the author of the recently published book, The Crisis Code, which shares lessons in leadership, communication, and decision-making drawn from some of the most challenging crises of his career. Jason's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E35
September 16 · 33 min
Misinformation AI Threats to Elections with Tim Miller
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Miller from Dataminr discusses the intersection of technology, AI, and public safety, highlighting how real-time threat detection and cybersecurity are evolving to meet modern challenges. We explore wildfire detection, event management during large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup, and best practices for public safety agencies. Tim's BIO: Tim Miller, Dataminr’s Global Field CTO and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist, has nearly two decades of experience helping public sector organizations adopt and leverage emerging technologies. Prior to Dataminr, he held public sector-facing roles at Socrata, IBM, Adobe, and Oracle. Tim's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E34
September 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Revolutionizing Crisis Communication with AI with Eric Saylors
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric Saylors shares insights on how AI can revolutionize public safety leadership and crisis communication. Discover practical strategies for using AI to enhance messaging, anticipate questions, and improve decision-making during emergencies. Eric's BIO: Eric Saylors is the author of Quantifying a Negative (2015), Sense Making in Risk Assessments (2022), and The 7-Year Active Shooter Study (2026). He is a Fire Chief with over 30 years of experience and holds a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of Southern California. In addition to serving as Product Lead for HEN Technologies, Eric is Fire Chief of the El Cerrito–Kensington Fire Department, having previously spent 25 years with the Sacramento City Fire Department. Over the course of his career, he has served in every rank from firefighter/paramedic to Fire Chief, including engineer, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief. His operational experience includes assignments on ambulances, fire engines, ladder trucks, a Type 1 HazMat team, and a heavy rescue unit. He has responded to and managed a wide range of incidents, including high-rise fires, large commercial fires, wildland-urban interface incidents, basement fires, and balloon-frame construction fires. Prior to joining executive leadership, he served as Battalion Chief 1 in downtown Sacramento, one of the region's busiest operational areas. In addition to his doctorate, Chief Saylors holds two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree in finance, and a master’s degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He regularly consults with fire departments nationwide on active shooter response, leadership development, succession planning, and post-incident analysis, and has published more than twenty articles on homeland security and fire service topics. 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.
S6 · E33
September 2 · 48 min
The Role of Social Media in Modern Law Enforcement: Insights from Rebecca D'Auria
Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of The PIO Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca D’Auria, Public Information Analyst with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, to unpack how one of California’s largest sheriff’s offices approaches social media, crisis communication, and community engagement. Rebecca shares how she got her start in law enforcement communications, why storytelling matters in public safety, and how her team balances planned content with fast-moving breaking incidents. We talk about the shift toward short-form video, the importance of adapting content for different platforms, and why law enforcement agencies should stop treating social media like a press release dump. She also breaks down how audience feedback, analytics, and behind-the-scenes content shape their strategy, as well as how her team handles transparency, legal limits, and the growing role of AI. Her biggest takeaway: don’t post and ghost — social media should be a conversation, not a broadcast. Rebecca's BIO: As the Public Affairs Specialist for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, she manages the department's digital presence, overseeing more than 90 social media accounts. Since joining the team in 2021, she has been dedicated to developing and executing effective social media outreach strategies, ensuring that our digital content resonates with the community and enhances engagement. Her role involves creating and implementing creative content across platforms, analyzing social media trends, and providing valuable insights on analytics to help drive department goals. Rebecca works closely with internal teams to keep them informed of key performance metrics, and my research into emerging digital trends influences how the department's content is presented and received across various platforms. In addition to my work in digital communications, I have a passion for mentoring and training junior communications professionals, helping them build skills in social media management and outreach. Before my current role, I worked as a Staff Writer and Social Media Manager for Behind the Badge, an award-winning news outlet focused on police, fire, and public safety reporting in Southern California. Rebecca's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E32
August 26 · 48 min
From Radio to City Hall: Erinn Reyes on Public Engagement
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Erinn Reyes, Director of Communications for the City of Garden City, Kansas, shares insights on municipal communication strategies, crisis management, and building community trust. Discover how her diverse background and recent FBI training shape her approach to transparent, effective public engagement. Erinn's BIO: Erinn Reyes is the Communications Director for the City of Garden City, where she works at the intersection of municipal government communications and public safety messaging, managing everything from crisis communications to community engagement to citywide information strategies. Erinn is passionate about fostering positive relationships between the local government and the community, advocating for transparency, and promoting a safe, informed environment for all residents and followers, all while adding some humor and good human moments along the way. She has proudly served with the City of Garden City since 2015. Before leading the City’s Communications Department, Erinn also served as the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Police Department. Erinn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and is a graduate of the Emergency Management Institute’s APIO Program (2024) and the FBI-LEEDA’s 177th Media & Public Relations Course (2023). In her spare time, Erinn enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending quality time with her family and friends, her two dogs, and her growing guinea pig farm. Erinn's LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E31
August 19 · 1 hr
Revolutionizing Government: How MyGovTools Enhances Community Engagement
Send us Fan Mail Evan Meyer, creator of MyGovTools, shares insights on government technology, community engagement, and the challenges of modern public communication. Discover how innovative tools can rebuild trust, improve efficiency, and address bureaucratic hurdles. Evan's BIO: Evan Meyer is a tech entrepreneur and civic leader passionate about transportation, urban revitalization through art, and building purpose-driven communities. He founded BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform accelerating mural- driven beautification in cities, and BeautifyEarth.org, a public charity beautifying schools in underserved communities. He also created RideAmigos.com, optimizing commuter travel through intelligent analytics, and MyGovTools.org, rebuilding trust in government through efficiency and transparency. As a former District Director for the California State Senate and neighborhood association president, Evan brings real-world civic experience to every conversation. Evan's Website 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.
S6 · E30
August 12 · 43 min
The Hidden Complexity of Disaster Recovery That Practitioners Often Overlook
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Josh Bear, a research professor specializing in community resilience and disaster response, shares insights into the complex human and community behaviors during emergencies. We explore how recovery can span years, the importance of tailored communication, and the role of simulation in improving disaster management. BIO: Dr. Joshua Behr is a research professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC). He conducts studies, performs modeling, and publishes insights on resilience, catastrophic events, recovery, evacuation and sheltering, and supply chain material & labor convergence. This entails leveraging natural systems data to model storms and flooding, built environment data to characterize the physical structures in our communities, and social- behavioral data related to population perceptions and behavioral response. 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.
S6 · E29
August 5 · 34 min
Mastering Military Communication: Lessons from Sergeant Major Daniel Wallace
Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this in-depth interview, Sergeant Major Daniel J Wallace shares his extensive military career, insights into strategic communication, leadership credibility, and the evolving landscape of military public affairs. Discover practical advice for aspiring public affairs professionals and the importance of authenticity and adaptability in high-pressure environments. BIO: SGM Daniel Wallace enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2003 as a health care specialist before reclassifying in November 2009 to become a public affairs specialist. He is currently assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command as the Chief Public Affairs Noncommissioned Officer at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. SGM Wallace has served in a variety of positions during his 23 years of service, these include: Public Affairs Advisor to the Sergeant Major of the Army at the Pentagon, Virginia; First Sergeant for American Forces Network Pacific HQ at Yokota Air Base, Japan; Public Affairs Plans and Operations NCO for Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys South Korea; and Public Affairs Operations NCO for the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has had multiple deployments, including: Operation Iraqi Freedom to Tikrit, Iraq, and Camp Burhing, Kuwait; and Operation Enduring Freedom to Kabul, Afghanistan. SGM Wallace is a Christian and husband to Jobelle Wallace, and father to three daughters, Althea (22), Tyrish (21), and Ayumi (17), and one son, Gabriel (14). SG< 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.
S6 · E28
July 29 · 49 min
Mastering Crisis Communication: Insights from Alicia Johnson
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Alicia Johnson, founder of Two Lynchpin Road, shares valuable strategies for effective public communication during emergencies. Discover how trust, transparency, and community engagement shape public perception and improve crisis response. BIO: Alicia is an emergency manager, resilience strategist, and Founder and CEO of Two Lynchpin Road — a woman-owned resilience consulting firm. With over 20 years of on-the-ground experience, she has spent her career on the question disaster response never fully answers: why do some communities recover while others don't — and what does trust have to do with it? That question drives her Resilience Operating System, which treats Trust Infrastructure — the measurable connections between institutions and the communities they serve — as a non-negotiable foundation for disaster preparedness. Alicia's work helps governments and organizations build community trust, strengthen public engagement, and create information systems that actually reach people before a crisis demands it. She has served as an expert to NATO, built White House-recognized preparedness resources, and worked with clients ranging from the City of Sonoma to state emergency management agencies across the country. When she's not building trust infrastructure before a crisis tests it, you'll find her taking photographs and planning her next travel adventure. 10 countries, 47 states, and counting. https://twolynchpinroad.com 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.
S6 · E27
July 22 · 36 min
Inside the FBI: Myths, Stories, and Public Trust - with Jerri Williams
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this engaging interview, retired FBI agent Jerri Williams shares insights from her career, debunks common misconceptions about the FBI, and discusses the art of storytelling in law enforcement. Discover how honesty, relationship-building, and effective communication build public trust and how her journey into crime fiction complements her mission to educate the public. BIO: Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author, and podcaster, served 26 years in the FBI, specializing in economic fraud and corruption investigations. She’s now on a mission to show the public who the FBI is and what the FBI does. January 2026 marks her 10th anniversary hosting and producing FBI Case File Review, a true-crime podcast. Jerri has authored four books: two FBI police procedurals and two nonfiction books that debunk misconceptions about the FBI found in books, TV, and movies. Her work helps true crime enthusiasts and aspiring FBI agents learn how the FBI investigates crime. Visit jerriwilliams.com. 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.
S6 · E26
July 8 · 40 min
Uncovering True Boldness in Leadership: Strategies for Public Safety Professionals
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Matt Davis, a law enforcement leader and founder of True Bold Leadership, shares his expertise on trauma-informed leadership, effective communication during crises, and building trust within organizations. Discover practical strategies to enhance public safety communication, foster internal trust, and uncover true boldness in leadership. LinkedIn 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.
S6 · E25
July 1 · 46 min
From Baseball to Government: Rox Cruz's Journey in Public Service
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Rox Cruz, the public information officer for Mooresville, North Carolina, shares her diverse background, innovative communication strategies, and insights on community engagement, language access, and crisis communication. Discover how her unique experiences shape her approach to building trust and connecting with a rapidly evolving community. Rox's BIO: Rox Cruz is a public information officer and marketing strategist who believes government communication should sound human, useful, and maybe even a little interesting... imagine that. In her position with the Town of Morrisville, she leads video storytelling, media relations, crisis communications, digital engagement, website user experience, and community outreach. Her career has spanned local government, nonprofit leadership, the music industry, and sports, giving her a broad perspective on how people connect with organizations. As a domestic violence survivor and CPTSD advocate, Rox is passionate about creating a culture of belonging within the workplace and community, thought leadership, and breaking stigmas through transparency around mental health and single motherhood. She lives in North Carolina with her two wild boys and loves to golf and create art. Instagram: PlotTwistOffScript LinkedIn Rox Cruz 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.
S6 · E24
June 24 · 50 min
Rebuilding Trust in Media: Insights from a Former Reporter with Ted Czech
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Ted Czech, a former reporter turned public information officer, reflects on the state of American media, its challenges, and how trust can be rebuilt. He shares his journey, the systemic issues plaguing journalism, and practical advice for both journalists and PIOs. Ted's BIO: Ted Czech spent 25 years as a crime and emergency journalist for newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Currently, he serves as the Public Information Officer for the York County Office of Emergency Management and York County 911. In 2024, Ted published his first book, Saving the Beast: A recovering reporter reflects on America's broken media and how to fix it, and is now toiling over his second, a retrospective of his chaotic career as a reporter. Ted's LinkedIn Link to Ted's Book Saving the Beast 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.
S6 · E23
June 17 · 38 min
Supporting Families of Fallen First Responders: Lessons from the 100 Club
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: This episode explores the critical support systems for families of fallen first responders, highlighting the work of the 100 Club in Illinois. Caitlyn Brennan and Meg Krase share insights into immediate response, long-term support, and the importance of mental health and community engagement in the context of public safety tragedies. Caitlyn's BIO: Caitlyn Brennan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the 100 Club of Illinois, where she has dedicated her career to championing public servants and fostering resilient communities. With more than two decades of experience in Critical Incident Management and Community Development, Caitlyn has spent the past 13 years deeply focused on the unique challenges facing Illinois’ first responder community through her leadership at the 100 Club. In her role as CEO, Caitlyn acts as a primary liaison and triage point during critical incidents affecting first responders across the State of Illinois. She works in close collaboration with statewide agencies, unions, policymakers, and mental health professionals to ensure that timely and culturally competent support services are available to those on the front lines. A passionate advocate for first responder wellness, Caitlyn is especially committed to expanding access to high-quality, trauma-informed resources that support long-term mental health and organizational resiliency. Meg's BIO: Meg Krase is the Chief Program Officer for the 100 Club of Illinois and serves as the Clinical Director of the organization’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Meg has dedicated her career to supporting the first responder community through trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and wellness programming. Her professional background includes clinical roles with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, the McHenry County Child Advocacy Center, and the Carpentersville Police Department. Meg holds certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), an EMDR-trained clinician, and a Comprehensive Critical Incident Stress Management (CCISM) practitioner. She is a passionate advocate for the mental health and well-being of those who serve and protect, as well as their families. 100 Club of Illinois 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.
S6 · E22
June 10 · 42 min
Mastering Clear and Impactful Communication with Kate Eller Murray
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Kate Ella Murray, founder of Roam Communications, shares deep insights on how organizations can cut through noise, communicate with purpose, and foster trust, especially in the public sector and crisis situations. If you want to elevate your messaging and build credibility, this conversation is packed with practical strategies. Kat's BIO; Kat is a public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in corporate and technology communications, including 12+ years working specifically with startups. Since founding ROAM Communications in 2013, she has supported nearly 90 companies with their communications programs, ranging from product launches and funding announcements to fractional leadership roles and ongoing strategic counsel. ROAM was recognized as a 2025 Inc. Power Partner Award winner for the second consecutive year, making it the only Oklahoma company on the list. The firm operates as a boutique consultancy with a distinctive model: Kat serves as the sole full-time principal, working alongside a curated network of senior-level independent communications experts rather than traditional staff. This approach has fostered exceptional client relationships, with nine clients returning to work with ROAM at new ventures and nearly two dozen extending or expanding their original projects. ROAM is a WBENC-certified Women's Business Enterprise. Prior to ROAM, Kat served as manager of global communications and public affairs at Google, where she managed product launches and communications strategy for Google Apps and Google+. She also worked as a senior account executive at Fleishman-Hillard International Communications in San Francisco. Kat graduated summa cum laude from Emory University, where she became a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and rowed on the varsity crew team. She is a native Oklahoman who returned to Tulsa five years ago, where she lives with her husband, Bryce, and their family, including four dogs. Kat is active in community leadership, serving on the i2E Board of Directors, the Human Rights Commission for the City of Tulsa (Mayoral Appointee), and the Board of Trustees for Riverfield Country Day School (Recording Secretary). She is co-founder and board member of The Lemon-Aid Project, a youth entrepreneurship charity that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since the 1990s. https://www.roamcomms.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-eller-murray/ 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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