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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August 12, 2026Episode 3043 min
The Hidden Complexity of Disaster Recovery That Practitioners Often Overlook
Send us Fan MailIn 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 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.
August 5, 2026Episode 2934 min
Mastering Military Communication: Lessons from Sergeant Major Daniel Wallace
Send us Fan MailSummary: 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 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.
July 29, 2026Episode 2849 min
Mastering Crisis Communication: Insights from Alicia Johnson
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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.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.
July 22, 2026Episode 2736 min
Inside the FBI: Myths, Stories, and Public Trust - with Jerri Williams
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 policeprocedurals 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 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.
July 8, 2026Episode 2640 min
Uncovering True Boldness in Leadership: Strategies for Public Safety Professionals
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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.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.
July 1, 2026Episode 2546 min
From Baseball to Government: Rox Cruz's Journey in Public Service
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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: PlotTwistOffScriptLinkedIn Rox CruzSupport 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 24, 2026Episode 2450 min
Rebuilding Trust in Media: Insights from a Former Reporter with Ted Czech
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 LinkedInLink to Ted's Book Saving the Beast 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 17, 2026Episode 2338 min
Supporting Families of Fallen First Responders: Lessons from the 100 Club
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 IllinoisSupport 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 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.
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