The PIO Podcast

Robert Tornabene
  • 4.9 (19)
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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. Unlocking Organizational Intelligence: The Key to Trust and Leadership, Erika Mantallana

    6D AGO

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

    MAY 6

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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.

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

    APR 29

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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.

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

    APR 22

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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.

    49 min
  5. Authenticity Is The Key To Trust with Antonia Steinmiller S6-E14

    APR 15

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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. The Art of Storytelling in Communication with Shel Holtz S6 - E 13

    APR 8

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

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 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 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
  7. Empathy in Action: Family Liaison Strategies with Moose Mutlow

    APR 2

    Empathy in Action: Family Liaison Strategies with Moose Mutlow

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert welcomes Moose Mutlow, a crisis communication and family liaison trainer, to discuss the intricacies of communicating with families during crises. Moose shares his diverse background, which includes years as a wilderness guide and experience in public information and family liaison roles. He emphasizes the importance of truth and immediacy when communicating with families, contrasting it with the more measured approach often required when dealing with the media. Moose highlights the emotional weight of family communication, noting that it requires a balance between professionalism and empathy, especially in high-stress situations where families are experiencing profound grief. The conversation delves into the operational pressures faced by public information officers (PIOs) and how these can complicate their efforts to support families. Moose discusses the significance of providing families with control over their narratives and the importance of transparency in building trust within the community. He also addresses the concept of secondary harm, the role of silence in communication, and the need for PIOs to prioritize the well-being of families over agency reputation. Throughout the episode, Moose shares practical strategies for effective family communication, emphasizing the need for empathy, honesty, and a human-centered approach in crisis situations. Moose's BIO: Moose Mutlow is an author and crisis-response trainer with extensive experience supporting families after fatalities, disasters, and major incidents. As a Family Liaison Officer, he works with public information officers, law enforcement, and emergency management professionals to strengthen family communication, reduce conflict, and deepen agency credibility during high-stakes events. He is the author of When Accidents Happen, Managing Crisis Communication as a Family Liaison Officer and teaches Family Liaison Officer courses across the country. To Contact Moose www.moosemutlow.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.

    43 min
  8. Mastering Public Safety Communication: Insights from Braden Frame S6 - E11

    MAR 25

    Mastering Public Safety Communication: Insights from Braden Frame S6 - E11

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the PIO podcast, Braden Frame, CEO of the Cartographers Group, shares practical strategies for enhancing public safety communication. We explore how leadership, technology, and authenticity shape community trust and organizational success. Key Topics: The importance of trust and transparency in public safety messagingAligning leadership behavior with effective communication strategiesThe evolving landscape of social media and AI risksBuilding strong relationships with media professionalsDeveloping a written crisis communication planMetrics for measuring communication success — focusing on outcomes, not just outputHow to manage corrections and maintain credibility during crisesLong-term strategic planning with content calendarsSkills future PIOs will need, including technology literacy and relationship buildingPractical tips for internal and external stakeholder engagement I built my career on the front lines of public safety as a firefighter and a nationally registered paramedic. On and off the job, I served in crisis response, political action, and labor leadership, learning how to lead decisively when the pressure is highest. A line-of-duty injury in 2020 ended my time in public service, but not my drive. I went on to co-found Reactor Graphs and the Cartographers Group, building a national force in public safety strategy, campaigns, and lobbying, delivering results that strengthen the lives of public servants and the communities they protect. Most recently, I served as the Chief Commercial Officer for Wrap Technologies Inc, a publicly traded company with technology products in public safety, defense, and the rapidly expanding counter-UAS market. I've led marketing teams, product launches, internal and external partnerships, and executive leadership, as well as product R&D, trademark and patent filings, and training across the United States and Canada. I've spent my life making tough calls in environments where trust and clarity matter most. Today, I help mission-driven partners do the same, operating with purpose, precision, and resilience when the outcome truly counts. As an experienced fractional Chief Operating Officer, I am ready to help your executive team lead and deliver with operational support and design for scale and success. www.bradenframe.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
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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
    241
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The PIO Podcast
  • Show Website
    The PIO Podcast

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