The PIO Podcast

Hosted by Robert Tornabene

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Episodes

255

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 341 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.

September 2, 2026Episode 3348 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.

August 26, 2026Episode 3248 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.

August 19, 2026Episode 311 hr 0 min

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.

August 12, 2026Episode 3043 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.

August 5, 2026Episode 2934 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.

July 29, 2026Episode 2849 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.

July 22, 2026Episode 2736 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: J erri 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.

July 8, 2026Episode 2640 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.

July 1, 2026Episode 2546 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.