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.
Join a growing network of public safety communicators committed to learning, professional development, and advancing the role of strategic communications in government.
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The PIO Podcast
Mastering Crisis Communication: Insights from Alicia Johnson
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Episode 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.com
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