Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast

This episode of Mailin' It! celebrates Women's History Month by exploring the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Van Lew, a prominent Richmond socialite who risked everything to operate a successful Union spy ring from the heart of the Confederacy. Joined by historian and former postmaster Sara Martin, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino uncover the story of how Van Lew's espionage and unwavering loyalty led to her groundbreaking appointment as the postmaster of Richmond, Virginia, after the Civil War.

For National Consumer Protection Week, Mailin’ It! tackles the growing threat of AI-powered fraud with Stephanie Glad, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Program Manager for Mail Fraud. Stephanie tells Karla and Jeff how scammers are leveraging sophisticated technology, such as voice cloning and AI-generated text, to make their schemes more personal, urgent, and difficult to detect. She also gives listeners important tips on how to identify these advanced scams, protect their personal information and finances, and the critical first steps to take if they suspect they’ve become a victim.

The Great Migration transformed American cities and communities as millions moved from the rural South to the urban North, but few realize the vital role the Postal Service played along the way. In this episode of Mailin’ It!, we sit down with historian Jim Bruns to discuss how the mail connected families, spread opportunity, and supported economic mobility and civic engagement during one of the largest population shifts in U.S. history.

Digital may dominate the marketing conversation today, but the newest generation of marketers is discovering the power of direct mail through USPS Direct Effect. In this episode, Karla, Jeff, and guests Carl Boettner and Izzie Gerber, dive into the program designed to teach marketing students how physical mail and digital tools work together to build smarter, more creative campaigns. Hear first-hand program experience, from competing in a marketing challenge and creating campaigns for real clients to earning a trip to the National Postal Forum. Whether you are an educator, marketer, or simply curious about the marketing mail in your mailbox, this episode offers a look at how USPS is influencing the next generation of marketing leaders.

In this special episode of Mailin’ It!, USPS’s new Postmaster General David Steiner sits down with hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino. Steiner describes his career journey from law to logistics leadership, shares what drew him to the U.S. Postal Service, and outlines his vision for guiding the organization through a period of transformation. Steiner discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead for an organization now in its 250th year. Keep an eye out for more from PMG Steiner on the USPS Blog in the coming weeks!

In this true crime episode of Mailin’ It!, we are joined by U.S. Postal Inspector Greg Ghiozzi to hear how USPIS uncovered a fake mail-order allergy testing company. Inspector Ghiozzi explains how the fraud scammed over 88,000 people out of nearly $6 million before USPIS put a stop to it. Discover how a mail carrier’s tip sparked a multi-year investigation that uncovered money laundering and ultimately led to an international arrest.

In this special 250th anniversary episode, we are joined by Jim Bruns, President of the National Navy Museum Foundation and former Director of the National Postal Museum, to learn how USPS has shaped the nation from the very beginning. We discuss how mail collection evolved from horse drawn deliveries and tavern drop offs to the blue collection boxes, self-service kiosks, and e-commerce tools we use today. Discover how the Postal Service built America’s first communication network, changing the way we live, work, and stay in touch.

As the United States Postal Service approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re looking back at one of the most transformative innovations in our history: rural free delivery. USPS Historian Steve Kochersperger joins our hosts to explore how this revolutionary service connected millions of Americans living in remote communities—long before phones, radios, or the internet. From delivering newspapers and mail-order catalogues to expanding access to information, rural free delivery reshaped the nation's social and economic landscape. Tune in for a fascinating look at how mail became a lifeline and how its legacy lives on today.

Imposter scams are on the rise, with fraudsters posing as trusted institutions to steal personal information and money. In this episode of Mailin’ It!, we’re joined by Brian Coleman, program manager for mail fraud at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to break down the most common imposter scams, including phishing, smishing, and fake package delivery alerts. Learn how scammers manipulate their victims, the red flags to watch for, and the best ways to protect yourself from becoming a target. Tune in as we explore real cases, new scam tactics, and how the Postal Inspection Service is working to shut them down.

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, USPS Director of Industry Engagement and Outreach, Lindsey Taylor, joins the show to shed light on the crucial role the Postal Service plays in supporting the mailing and shipping industry. USPS delivers to more than 169 million addresses, but did you know it also works closely with businesses of all sizes to optimize their mailing and shipping operations? Tune in to learn how USPS collaborates with businesses to ensure smooth operations, drive innovation, and provide valuable resources that help businesses grow.

The 2024 holiday season is here, and the United States Postal Service is ready to deliver! In this episode, Karla Kirby and Jonathan Castillo chat with Sheila Holman, USPS VP of Marketing, about how the Postal Service is gearing up for its busiest time of year. From a festive new holiday campaign and delightful new stamps to the heartwarming tradition of Operation Santa, discover how the Postal Service is spreading holiday cheer and ensuring a seamless season for senders and recipients alike.

In this episode, we explore how direct mail continues to thrive as a powerful marketing channel in the digital age. Executive Director of Product Solutions, Margaret Pepe, dives into the innovative ways USPS is helping businesses integrate technology, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence, into their direct mail campaigns to drive engagement. Whether you're a marketer or just curious about the evolution of mail, this episode uncovers the future of direct mail in an increasingly digital world.