The PIO Podcast
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.
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The PIO Podcast
Special Edition with Sarah Lux - What's in your Go Bag?
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In this Special Edition, Sarah Lux discusses the importance of go bags for public information officers (PIOs) and shares her personal experiences and insights on what to include. She emphasizes the need for emergency preparedness and provides practical tips on essential items, balancing technology with traditional tools, and unique, surprisingly valuable items. The conversation also covers power management solutions and personal well-being items for those working during crises. In this conversation, Sarah Lux shares her insights on the essential items for a go bag, the importance of regularly evaluating its contents, and how to customize it for different crises. She emphasizes the need for preparedness in reputational crises and advises new public information officers (PIOs) on building their first go bag. The discussion also touches on the support agencies should provide to PIOs regarding go bags and concludes with key takeaways on the necessity of having a go bag for every PIO.
Sarah's BIO: Sarah Lux earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Public Relations from Full Sail University. Sarah has practiced Public Relations for over 10 years, specifically focusing on community education, government affairs, and crisis communications. She is part of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers’ deployment team and a PIO for Florida’s Region 5 All-Hazards Incident Management Team. She has been deployed by the state of Florida to aid communications in other counties four times, including Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. She earned her Master PIO certification in 2024, a federal training program that has accepted and certified less than 175 PIOs in the nation. Lux prides herself on her ability to clearly explain complex governmental matters to citizens in her community. She currently serves as Public Information Manager for the City of Orlando and owns her own communications consulting firm, Lux Communications.
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