Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast

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. 

This week on Mailin' It, we step into the world of the National Postal Museum, discovering the rich American history and culture woven into its exhibits. Guiding us on this fascinating journey is none other than Elliot Gruber, Director of the Postal Museum. Join us as Elliot shares his deep knowledge and passion for the museum's mission, giving us an inside perspective on the remarkable work they do.

In this episode, we get details on USPS Ground Advantage—a new program that will make package shipping simpler and cheaper for millions of businesses and customers nationwide. Join us as we sit down with Jakki Krage Strako, USPS Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer, to learn about what customers want the most and how Ground Advantage is taking the Delivering for America plan a step further. 

This week on Mailin' It, we discuss the dangers our beloved canine friends can pose to mail carriers. This episode is particularly exciting as we explore Dog Bite Awareness from various perspectives with Linda DeCarlo, Senior Director of Occupational Safety and Health at the Postal Service, Swain Lowe, a dedicated Letter Carrier from Manassas, VA, and Daniel Ettinger, an experienced Animal Control Officer and Trainer joining us from Colorado. While most mail carriers and dogs coexist harmoniously, there are times when tensions arise. Join us we'll shed light on the importance of dog bite prevention and ensure the safety of our dedicated mail carriers.

This week on Mailin' It, we dive into the world of sales and services at the Post Office with Asia Hunter, a talented sales and services associate who has been a part of the Postal Service since 2014. Join us to learn how these individuals play a vital part in providing excellent customer service, answering inquiries, and assisting customers with a wide range of tasks, such as purchasing stamps, shipping internationally, and even obtaining passports.

The original “Women in Postal Service History” episode debuted March 15, 2022.

Want to know about romance or “sweetheart” scams? In honor of National Consumer Protection Week, we’re sitting down with Andrea Avery from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to learn more about romance scams and the warning signs that someone may be getting caught up in one. We’ll also talk about prevention tips, what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim, and what’s being done on a larger scale to help cut down on these types of scams. Join us to learn more about how you can help protect your family and friends!

In this episode, we learn all about a network of local organizations that help connect the Postal Service with large and small business mailers. This network is called the Postal Customer Council® (PCC®). Join us as we learn more about what PCCs are and how they help extend the Postal Services' efforts into local communities with Lindsey Taylor, the Postal Services' Director of Industry Engagement & Outreach. We’ll also dive into some of the great things PCCs have done and how they are essential to the Postal Services' success moving forward!

This week, we get a special look into a side of the Postal Service most people don’t get to see! Join us as we talk about the day in the life of a Mail Carrier with Davita Lawrence, who has been a Mail Carrier with the Postal Service since 2020. We’ll dive into the training, route assignments, and what it's like delivering to businesses. Davita also shares some of her favorite things about the role, the support and community within the Postal Service, and her hopes for the future!

In this episode, we welcome back Bill Gicker, USPS Director of Stamp Services to talk about the Postal Service’s 2023 stamp program. Join us as we’ll dive into the new and exciting designs commemorating historical figures, anniversaries, holidays, and more. We’ll also talk about the selection process, how long stamps remain on sale, and where you can look to find them!

2023 Stamps: 

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/1024-usps-reveals-stamps-for-2023.htm

In this episode, we discuss the U.S. westward expansion with Cameron Blevins, Associate Professor of U.S. History and Digital Humanities at the University of Colorado Denver. We’ll talk about the Postal Service's role, different ways Americans stayed connected, and the impact this growth had on Indigenous populations. Join us as we’ll learn more about how the Postal Service helped the United States grow into the country it is today!