The PIO Podcast

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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

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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

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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

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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/

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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 

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.