The PIO Podcast

Hosted by Robert Tornabene

Business Marketing Society CultureInterviews guests

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Episodes

245

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 10, 2026Episode 2242 min

Mastering Clear and Impactful Communication with Kate Eller Murray

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 showOur 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.

June 3, 2026Episode 2137 min

Protect Your Identity with Cybersecurity Expert Robert Siciliano

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 recognizable educators in personal and corporate protection, he is the'Straight Talk' voice for a digital age.You’ve seen his expertise on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and Anderson Cooper 360, and read his insights in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Forbes.Robert has served on the board of the Identity Theft Resource Center and is a core contributor to the Realtor® Safety Initiative. He is a man who literally goes to the extremes to prove a point—once even buying a working ATM on Craigslist just to demonstrate how easily our 'secure' systems can be cracked.To contact Robert, ProtectNowLLC.comSupport the showOur 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.

May 27, 2026Episode 2036 min

Mastering Media Relations: 3 Key Rules for PR Success with Joe Buccino

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 spokesman who advised senior leaders during some of the most high-stakes moments in recent national security. He served as Communications Director at U.S. Central Command and spokesperson for Secretaries of Defense James Mattis and Patrick Shanahan, shaping messaging during crises and global operations.He is the founder of Joe Buccino Consulting, where he helps executives and organizations communicate clearly under pressure. Buccino is the author of When Every Word Counts: How to Earn Trust, Command Attention, and Communicate Clearly in Any Situation (Skyhorse, 2026), and a frequent military analyst on CNN, Fox News, and the BBC.To order Joe's Book When Every Work Counts use the link shorturl.at/B2COOJoe's LinkedInSupport the showOur 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.

May 20, 2026Episode 1935 min

I had a dream! How to get PIO Training! Now I turned that into the PIO Calendar with Paul Raymond

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 organizations on crisis communications, leadership messaging, and building public trust through clear, effective communication.Paul's BIO: Paul D. Raymond, Jr. is a strategic communications leader with a background in public safety, emergency management, and government operations. He has held senior leadership roles across New Hampshire state government, including serving as Assistant Commissioner at the New Hampshire Department of Corrections and as the Commissioner’s Strategic Communications Administrator at the New Hampshire Department of Safety.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul led communications within the State’s Joint Information Center, coordinating messaging across agencies during one of the most complex and high-consequence public information environments in recent history.In addition to his government service, Paul is a FEMA contract instructor, teaching courses including L0105 Public Information Basics, E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer, and the Executive Public Information Officer program. His work in the classroom focuses on preparing PIOs to operate effectively in crisis, conflict, and high-pressure environments.Paul is the founder of the PIO Calendar, 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 organizations on crisis communications, leadership messaging, and building public trust through clear, effective communication.His work is grounded in a core belief: communication is not just support—it is a critical operational function that shapes outcomes in crisis and beyond. He is passionate about strengthening the PIO profession by making training more accessible, practical, and aligned with the realities of the job.Paul lives in Concord, in the New England area, with his wife, Viola, and their young daughter.Paul's LinkedIn PIO CalenderSupport the showOur 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.

May 13, 2026Episode 1851 min

Unlocking Organizational Intelligence: The Key to Trust and Leadership, Erika Mantallana

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 is an inside job. After more than 20 years leading communications at Fortune 100 companies, national nonprofits, and publicly traded organizations, she made the leap from the executive suite to entrepreneurship. Now, she works with CMO and CCO-level leaders to reposition communications from a reactive delivery function to a driver of organizational intelligence.Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, culture, and credibility. And because she knows not every team has the budget for a consulting engagement, she's built a growing library of practitioner tools and resources designed to make that same strategic thinking accessible to communications leaders at every level.Connect with Erika on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamatallana/] or visit https://threadwellstudio.com/Support the showOur 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.

May 6, 2026Episode 1732 min

Untitled EpisodeThe Truth About Sentiment Dashboards and How to Use Social Listening Effectively w/Tallie Proud S6 - E17

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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. She previously worked for Social Simulator, a crisis preparedness agency, where she supported international organizations with crisis exercises and social media training. Before that, she was part of the award-winning digital team at The Church of England. You can find her on LinkedIn in/tallieproud or contact her via her website: www.tallieproud.com Support the showOur 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.

April 29, 2026Episode 1629 min

How AAA Uses Data and Storytelling to Promote Road Safety with Molly Hart S6 - E16

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 disciplines and sectors including corporations, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Proven track record of creating and executing targeted programs and campaigns to drive increased visibility, engagement and support of the organization.Molly's LinkedInSupport the showOur 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.

April 22, 2026Episode 1548 min

AI and Disinformation: Protecting Public Trust in the Digital Age, with Nina Jankowicz, S6 - E15

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 AI, and the author of two books: How to Lose the Information War and How to Be A Woman Online.Support the showOur 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.

April 15, 202636 min

Authenticity Is The Key To Trust with Antonia Steinmiller S6-E14

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that align with organizational objectives and engage diverse audiences. With a passion for storytelling, I craft compelling narratives that strengthen brand messaging and foster meaningful connections—particularly within the Homewood community.Relationship-building is at the core of my work. I cultivate strong partnerships with media, stakeholders, and the public to enhance trust and strengthen the organization’s reputation. Trained in crisis communication, I am equipped to lead with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations, ensuring consistent, effective messaging when it matters most. Many years of competitive cheerleading at the high school and collegiate levels prepared me to stand strong in front of an audience. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, I leverage my expertise in social media, content development, and digital marketing to engage audiences and adapt to evolving trends. I am a firm believer in transparency and open communication—principles I carry into my work in government and public service.My approach to civic outreach centers on creating opportunities for public engagement and dialogue, ensuring community members feel heard, informed, and empowered. In Homewood, our messaging is concise and clear. We stand on "informing, educating, and entertaining." Outside of my communications work, I own and operate a full-service portrait photography business and proudly serve as a certified high school competitive cheerleading judge through the Illinois High School Association.Support the showOur 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.

April 8, 2026Episode 1350 min

The Art of Storytelling in Communication with Shel Holtz S6 - E 13

Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 organizational culture. Holtz also addresses the balance between automation and authenticity, the significance of building trust, and the strategic value of communication in achieving organizational goals.Shel's BIO: BIO:Shel Holtz is senior director of communications at Webcor, a commercial builder in California. He brings nearly 50 years of experience to the job in employee communications, corporate public relations, crisis communications, media relations, financial communications, investor relations, marketing communications, and compensation and benefits communications. Since the mid-1980s, Shel has been focused on the role that emerging digital technologies will play in organizational communication. He has been a thought leader on the application of email, the internet, the web, visual media, social media, chatbots, and other technologies to the practice of communication. Today, he is applying his critical eye to the use of Artificial Intelligence in communication. Before joining Webcor in 2017, he had consulted independently for more than 20 years as principal of Holtz Communication & Technology, working with organizations worldwide to employ technology in their communications. Earlier in his career, Shel was director of corporate communications for Allergan and Mattel, assignments that focused on internal communications, and he also spent time at two global human resources consulting firms in their internal communications practices. His first job in the field of organizational communication was with the energy company ARCO in Los Angeles, where he served as an internal communications representative. He has written six communication-themed books, including the internal communication primer, Corporate Conversations, and is co-host of the first and longest-running communication-focused podcast, “For Immediate Release,” which debuted in early January 2005. Shel has been a regular global speaker on topics related to internal communication and the application of online technology to strategic communication. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a Senior Fellow of the Conference Board’s Marketing and Communication Center, and a Founding Research Fellow at the Team Flow Institute. He is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator. He is currently a member of the Global Communication Certification Council and is set to become Vice Chair with automatic succession to Chair. Shel served six years on IABC’s international executive board and is a five-time winner of IABC’s Gold Quill award. Support the showOur 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.