The 2023 Stamps Program

This week on Mailin' It!, we’re joined by Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge at the Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group, to shine a light on investment fraud. From cryptocurrency scams to smishing, we discuss the myriad of tactics fraudsters use to deceive people and share tips on how to identify them. Join us as we uncover the inner workings of these schemes and provide you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to deceptive practices.

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer Jakki Krage Strako and Chief Logistics Officer Kelly Abney to discuss a very serious issue, the shipping of hazardous materials. With more and more items relying on lithium batteries, understanding how the Postal Service maintains rigorous safety protocols and the pivotal role shippers play is essential. Join us to learn about the potential dangers of shipping everyday items such as cleaners or cellphones, and what the Postal Service is doing to raise awareness on the hazardous chemicals they contain.  

This week on Mailin' It, we get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of choosing the annual stamp lineup and what makes this year's collection truly extraordinary. In the studio with us, is someone at the heart of all things stamps, Lisa Bobb-Semple, the Postal Service's Stamp Services Director. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of the stamp selection process, including the committee's anonymous voting system and the quest for new ideas. Get ready for a stamp-tastic journey! 

When we think about the Postal Service, mail carriers often come to mind. However, there are thousands of different types of jobs within the Postal Service, beyond the familiar faces we encounter in our neighborhoods. This week on Mailin' It, we're diving deep into the realm of Postal Service recruiting, hiring, and career development. Join us as we learn about the diverse array of jobs, how the organization identifies the right talent for these roles, and invaluable insights for those considering a career with the Postal Service.

Having an effective pricing strategy is not only a key factor in driving business success but also imperative for an organization like the Postal Service. In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of postal pricing, where the stakes are high and the implications of pricing decisions are far-reaching. Guiding us through the discussion is Sharon Owens, the VP of Costing and Pricing at the Postal Service. Join us for a deep dive into the world of pricing and its vital role in the Postal Service's long-term success.  

This week on Mailin' It, we're shedding light on the marvels of technology that powers our mail and package processing. To guide us through this journey of innovation and technology, we welcome back Linda Malone, our Vice President, Engineering Systems. Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the Postal Service's technology strategy and the profound impact that new types of automation have on our service. So, get ready to be amazed by the world of automation at the Postal Service.

Each year, we eagerly await the unveiling of the holiday stamps, posters, and heartwarming commercials, all designed to capture the spirit of the season. Here to give an exclusive look at how the Postal Service is gearing up for this year’s campaign is returning guest Sheila Holman, VP of Marketing. We'll dive into this year's holiday message, share tips for ensuring your mail arrives in time for the festivities, and explore all the exciting elements of the holiday campaign. The holiday season is just around the corner, and it's that magical time of year when the Postal Service takes center stage in connecting people and spreading holiday cheer.

This week on Mailin' It, we discuss the pivotal role the Postal Service has played in shaping the history of transportation in the United States. What's truly fascinating is that the Postal Service wasn't just a passive observer in this journey of transportation evolution. It actively provided support to help transform these transportation innovations into thriving industries that would serve the American people. To shed light on this aspect of postal history, we’re joined by expert Dr. William (Bill) DeWitt, who has dedicated decades to the study and teaching of transportation. Get ready for an insightful conversation that will unveil the hidden gems of transportation history! 

This week on Mailin' It, we explore how the Postal Service became a conduit for America's Indigenous communities during a time of profound change. We’ll discuss some of the intricacies around Native Americans who found themselves on government-sponsored reservations, encouraged to embrace American culture and their ingenious utilization of the United States Postal Service. Guiding us through this conversation is Justin Gage, Author and Assistant Professor of History at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Together, we'll explore how America's Indigenous population harnessed the power of education, specifically learning to read and write in English, as a means of empowerment. You don’t want to miss this enlightening conversation that uncovers the hidden layers of history.

Envision a time when our nation was engulfed in a Civil War, and the only connection with loved ones was through the exchange of letters. In this episode, we’ll delve into the profound impact of letter writing during the Civil War era and the importance of the Postal Service. Guiding us through this conversation are special guests Lynn Heidelbaugh, the Curator of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum's history department, and Tom Paone, a Civil War historian and Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum.