Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast

In the capital of the Confederacy, wealthy socialite Elizabeth Van Lew had a secret. She was one of the Union’s most effective spymasters. From her family’s antebellum mansion in Richmond, Van Lew built a sophisticated intelligence network sharing vital information with Union generals, including Ulysses S. Grant. After the war, she was rewarded with a presidential appointment as the first female postmaster of a major Southern city. In this role, she modernized the Richmond Post Office by introducing free city-wide mail delivery, installing collection boxes, and championing diversity by hiring women, African Americans, the city’s first Black letter carrier. Be sure to listen in as this episode uncovers the risks she took, the spy skills she used, and the legacy she left on both the Postal Service and American history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if you could hold a piece of the American story in the palm of your hand? In 2026, you can. This episode of Mailin’ It! takes you inside one of the most exciting stamp lineups in a generation—a collection that celebrates the vibrant, diverse, and ever-changing story of American life as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary. From the Revolutionary heroes who founded the nation to the cultural icons like Muhammad Ali who redefined it, the 2026 stamp collection is a tribute to the American experience. Tune in to discover the history and artistry behind these powerful symbols and see how America’s story can be told, one stamp at a time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an era where technology is advancing at a breathtaking pace, so are the methods of those who seek to exploit it. This episode of Mailin’ It! pulls back the curtain on the darker side of artificial intelligence, revealing how fraudsters are creating hyper-realistic scams that can fool even the most discerning eye. From voice clones that can mimic a loved one in distress to flawless phishing emails, the line between real and fake has never been more blurred. Joined by Stephanie Glad, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Program Manager for Mail Fraud, Karla and Jeff explore the anatomy of these sophisticated crimes, including the terrifyingly effective "Grandparent scam." Stephanie, a security expert who’s worked for both the FBI and CIA, takes our co-hosts through the subtle red flags to watch for—like inconsistencies in video calls and requests for payment via cryptocurrency. Their discussion also touches on preventative strategies, such as multi-factor authentication and what to do if you've been targeted. This is a must-listen for all of us trying to safely navigate our increasingly complex digital world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A neighbor goes missing. A stranger moves into his home. A web of forged documents untangles as the U.S Postal Inspection Service helps uncover the true story behind a shocking missing person case. Hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino, joined by Inspector Lyndon Versoza, reveal how a sophisticated fraud ring took over a man’s home after his disappearance, using his identity to orchestrate a scheme that defrauded victims of over $3.9 million. Follow along as they break down the investigation—from a neighborhood watch tip to the final verdict —and share how the Inspection Service brought these criminals to justice by masterfully following the mail paper trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Historian Jim Bruns discusses the Postal Service’s role in the Great Migration, a decades-long movement that saw millions of Black Americans leave the rural South for cities in the North in search of safety and opportunity. This episode explores how the Postal Service became a lifeline during this era, driving expansion in urban neighborhoods and creating new employment opportunities for Black Americans as one of the few federal employers offering stability and advancement. It also examines how the mail laid the groundwork for civil rights organizing, unionization, and voter outreach by helping educate and mobilize new generations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, host Jeff Marino is joined by guests Elvin Mercado and Isaac Cronkhite to discuss how the Postal Service is prepared to deliver during its busiest time of year. Tune in for a deep dive into the planning, technology, staffing, and modernization efforts that will shape this year’s peak season. Hear how automated package processing systems and expanded equipment capacity are driving efficiency while improvements on the retail and delivery side improve customer experience. From major automation upgrades to revamped retail locations, find out what it takes to deliver holiday cheer to millions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino explore how the next generation of marketers is discovering the impact of direct mail through the USPS Direct Effect program. They are joined by Carl Boettner, Postal Service Program Manager for Direct Effect, and Izzie Gerber, a student from UMass Amherst who recently completed the program. They discuss how Direct Effect introduces marketing students to direct mail through hands on learning, competitions, and eLearning courses, all designed to help future marketers understand how physical mail integrates with digital tactics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino jump into the fast-paced world of e-commerce shipping with guest Heather Maday, Senior Director of Sales Enablement at the US Postal Service. Heather shares how USPS has transformed its operations to support today’s eCommerce economy, where shoppers expect speed, visibility, and value with every order. From data driven logistics and new fulfillment technologies to transparent pricing, Heather explains how USPS helps businesses reach customers affordably and efficiently. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Postal Service is entering a new chapter under 76th Postmaster General David Steiner. In this conversation, he joins Mailin’ It! to talk about what lies ahead. Steiner discusses his background and path to becoming Postmaster General, the challenges and opportunities facing USPS, and why employee engagement and operational excellence will be key to long-term success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every day, millions of letters and packages move safely across the country. But what does it take to keep America’s mail secure? In this episode, our hosts are joined by Buck Buckley, Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Bob Dixon, USPS Sr. Director of Delivery & Retail Modernization. Together, they discuss how the Postal Service is using technology to tackle mail theft, porch piracy, and employee safety, and explain how innovative security measures are protecting mail and employees while adapting to new and emerging threats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Uncover the true story behind a $6 million mail-order scam with hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino, joined by Inspector Greg Ghiozzi of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Together, they reveal how a fake allergy testing company duped tens of thousands of people into mailing in locks of hair—while running a multimillion-dollar scheme behind the scenes. Follow along as they break down the investigation and share how USPIS brought this hair-raising scammer to justice through extradition and conviction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Director of Retail Operations, Tracy Raymond, and Senior Director of Delivery and Retail Technology, Bob Dixon, join us to discuss the Postal Service's plans to modernize hundreds of its retail locations and Post Offices across the country. Tune in to hear how USPS is streamlining operations and upgrading the retail experience to better serve today’s customers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To kickoff celebrating the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary, Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino are joined by Jim Bruns, expert in postal history and former Director of the National Postal Museum. Together they explore the Postal Service’s founding during the American Revolution, the rise of letter collection, the introduction of stamps, home delivery, and how the Postal Service continues to innovate today. Whether you’ve dropped a letter in a blue box or tracked a package online, this episode will show you how the mail has been connecting America since before its founding. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

USPS Director of National Preparedness, Rae Ann Haight, joins us to discuss the comprehensive and dynamic preparedness program designed to safeguard mail operations against any type of disruption. She shares real-life stories that highlight how planning, training, and coordination enable USPS to keep mail moving and employees safe no matter the challenge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

USPS Historian Steve Kochersperger joins us to discuss the origins and lasting impact of rural free delivery—an initiative that began in 1896 to bring mail directly to farm families across the U.S. Learn how this historic service helped bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, supported economic growth, and laid the groundwork for modern mail delivery. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re taking a deep dive into the exciting world of 2025 USPS stamps! Join special guests Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS Stamp Services Director, and Daniel Piazza, Curator of Philately at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, as we explore how new stamps are selected, the artistry behind them, and what it takes to bring them to life. Plus, with the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, we’ll discuss how stamps will play a role in celebrating this historic milestone. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about history, design, and the stories behind the stamps in your collection! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Mailin’ It!, Brian Coleman of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service walks us through the world of imposter scams, a leading form of fraud that cost victims billions last year. From fake government officials to fraudulent package notifications, these scams exploit trust and pressure victims into giving up sensitive information. Brian shares how the Postal Inspection Service investigates these crimes, tips for identifying scams before they happen, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, making it harder than ever to tell what’s real and what’s a fraud, whether you’re looking to protect yourself or help others stay safe, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Mailin’ It! continues its True Crime series with an inside look at a shocking fraud case that cost businesses millions. Postal Inspector Jason Thomasson takes us through the intricate investigation that led to the takedown of Lori Ann Talens, the mastermind behind a massive $31 million counterfeit coupon scheme. Hear how law enforcement followed digital trails, uncovered hidden networks, and ultimately brought the operation to a halt. This episode sheds light on the surprising world of coupon fraud and the real consequences of financial crimes that often go unnoticed. Whether you’re a true crime fan or just curious about how Postal Inspectors protect consumers and businesses, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into a case that made headlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.