The PIO Podcast

Robert Tornabene
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. From Baseball to Government: Rox Cruz's Journey in Public Service

    5h ago

    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.

    47 min
  2. Rebuilding Trust in Media: Insights from a Former Reporter with Ted Czech

    Jun 24

    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.

    50 min
  3. Supporting Families of Fallen First Responders: Lessons from the 100 Club

    Jun 17

    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.

    38 min
  4. Mastering Clear and Impactful Communication with Kate Eller Murray

    Jun 10

    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.

    42 min
  5. Protect Your Identity with Cybersecurity Expert Robert Siciliano

    Jun 3

    Protect Your Identity with Cybersecurity Expert Robert Siciliano

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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.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.

    37 min
  6. Mastering Media Relations: 3 Key Rules for PR Success with Joe Buccino

    May 27

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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/B2COO Joe'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.

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

    May 20

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 Calender 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.

    35 min
  8. Unlocking Organizational Intelligence: The Key to Trust and Leadership, Erika Mantallana

    May 13

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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.

    52 min
See All (248)

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Tornabene
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The PIO Podcast
  • Show Website
    The PIO Podcast

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