Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast

For more than a century, the United States Postal Service has helped bring holiday wishes to those in need through USPS Operation Santa. What began as a tradition of receiving letters to Santa has grown into a nationwide effort powered by the generosity of people who want to make the season brighter for others.

In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla and Jeff welcome USPS Brand Marketing Specialist Monica Johnson to discuss the history, growth, and heartwarming impact of Operation Santa.

The conversation begins with real letters from children and families across the country. So...

What would happen to the mail - and the nation’s ability to communicate - if a major Cold War emergency struck? The U.S. government spent decades preparing for that possibility, and the Post Office Department became an important part of its civil defense plans.

Mailin’ It! hosts Karla and Jeff talk with USPS historian Steve Kochersperger and Smithsonian National Museum of American History military history curator Frank Blazich about the Postal Service’s fascinating role in Cold War preparedness.

They explore how roughly 1,500 Post Office buildings were designated as fallout shelters by the mid-196...

Returns have become a defining part of online shopping, with U.S. retail returns reaching an estimated $849.9 billion in 2025. In this episode of Mailin’ It, Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino explore how retailers can move beyond viewing returns as simply a cost and instead make them a strategic part of the customer experience.

Nagee Jackson, Director of New Business Acquisition at the U.S. Postal Service, explains why an effective returns strategy starts with understanding customer expectations, product value, return rates and the true cost of bringing merchandise back. He discusses how different products—from clothing and peri...

In this true-crime episode of Mailin’ It, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino sit down with Postal Inspector Stefan Hinds to explore an investigation that began with a Hampton, Virginia, shooting and ultimately exposed a sophisticated identity theft and check fraud network. A search of an apartment uncovered cash, printers, phones and counterfeit checks, leading investigators to a broader scheme involving “card cracking,” in which fraudsters recruited people to provide access to their bank accounts so counterfeit checks could be deposited and funds withdrawn before the checks bounced. The investigation expanded to a Chesapeake hotel, where inspectors discovered stolen mail...

How did the U.S. Postal Service help build the American West?

In this episode of Mailin' It, USPS Historian Steve Kochersperger takes us on a journey through 250 years of postal history, revealing how the movement of the mail helped shape the nation's growth, transportation systems, commerce, and even criminal investigations.

You'll hear incredible stories about:

Step behind the scenes of a remarkable 90-plus year partnership between the USPS and the Library of Congress as NLS Director Jason Broughton shares how the Free Matter for the Blind program delivers specialized print and audio materials to millions of Americans with print disabilities. This episode goes through the evolution of the program’s technology stack and highlights the diversity of their 300,000-title collection.

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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this special episode of Mailin’ It! explores how the country’s history has been documented for over a century in the corner of envelopes. Hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino are joined by Smithsonian National Postal Museum Curator of Philately Daniel Piazza to examine how U.S. postage has evolved from simple delivery receipts into a "miniature scrapbook" that reflects American culture. Listeners will uncover the stories behind the stamps that have chronicled the American experience, from the 1865 Abraham Lincoln mourning stamp to an Apollo 11 master die that traveled to the moon...

When a mysterious company filed a fraudulent foreclosure claim due to an alleged unpaid $3.8 million loan on Graceland, it sparked one of the most audacious real estate schemes in recent history. In this True Crime episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino are joined by U.S. Postal Inspector Jan Bodón to uncover how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service foiled the plot to steal Elvis Presley’s iconic family home. Inspector Bodón takes listeners behind the scenes of the complex investigation, detailing how a trail of forged documents, digital breadcrumbs, and a burner phone l...

When a package arrives at your door, it’s easy to focus on what’s inside rather than what it’s shipped in—but the United States Postal Service is working to change that. In this episode, our hosts sit down with USPS Chief Sustainability Officer Jennifer Beiro-Reveille to unpack how the Postal Service is helping boost the “circular economy” by keeping packaging waste out of landfills. Discover how the USPS is turning throwaway materials like cardboard and shrink wrap into valuable resources, crushing its greenhouse gas emission targets, and how BlueEarth® services help securely and sustainably process e-waste and undeliver...

What actually happens after you drop a letter in a blue collection box or click “ship” on a package? And why does tracking sometimes look confusing even when everything is moving as it should? In this episode of Mailin’ It!, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino dive into the questions Postal Service customers ask most often and break down what is happening behind the scenes of the nation’s mail network. From package tracking and shipping costs to mail forwarding, delivery safety, scam prevention, and the rollout of new USPS delivery vehicles, we explore how the Postal Service handles the ever...

In the midst of World War II, a massive mail backlog threatened to cut off news and hope for millions of American soldiers. With morale at a low point, the mission fell to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas. In this episode, our hosts are joined by retired U.S. Army Colonel Edna Cummings, who has championed the fight to bring their incredible story out of the shadows. Discover how these unsung heroes achieved the seemingly impossible—clearing a two-year backlog of 17 million letters. This is a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and long-o...

What tech goes into powering a modern delivery network? Go beyond the iconic mail truck and into the world of technology-driven logistics and robotics at the postal service. Join the Mailin’ It! team as USPS’s VP of Applied Engineering Lina Malone pulls back the curtain on the organization’s massive tech innovations – from colossal, automated sorting hubs to a digital backbone that can predict failures before they happen and pinpoint delivery window times.  USPS is building the speed and intelligence needed for mail and package delivery in the 21st century.

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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. ...

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 s...

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 th...

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 ma...

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.

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.

Ho...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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! 

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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...

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...

This week on Mailin’ It!, we welcome Lindsey Taylor, USPS Director of Industry Engagement and Outreach, to explore how the Postal Service builds strong relationships with businesses across the nation. Lindsey shares insights on how USPS helps businesses navigate postal operations, optimize shipping strategies, and stay informed. Whether you're a business owner looking to streamline operations or simply curious about USPS’s broader impact, this episode showcases the Postal Service’s commitment to driving business success and innovation.

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This week on Mailin’ It!, Karla Kirby and Jonathan Castillo welcome back Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge at the Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. With the holiday season in full swing, Eric sheds light on the Postal Inspection Service’s 2024 holiday scams awareness campaign, “Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams,” which focuses on protecting USPS customers and employees during the busiest time of the year. Tune in to hear Eric break down the top scams targeting customers, including counterfeit stamps, phishing and smishing schemes, and mail theft, while sharing actionable advice to protect yourself and your loved ones.<...

This week on Mailin’ It!, Karla and Jonathan are joined by Sheila Holman, USPS VP of Marketing, to discuss the Postal Service’s 2024 holiday season preparations. Sheila shares details about this year’s “Holiday Ride” campaign, showcasing USPS’s modernization efforts and its impact on mail and package delivery. The episode also highlights festive new stamps, Operation Santa updates (including a Toys“R”Us collaboration), and key shipping deadlines. Whether you’re sending cards, gifts, or still planning your holiday shipments, this episode offers helpful tips and a behind-the-scenes look at how USPS ensures a smooth and joyful holiday experience for eve...

This week on Mailin’ It, Karla and Jonathan are joined by Juan Nadal, USPS Executive Director of Strategic Sales & Account Initiatives. Juan discusses the Postal Service’s efforts to streamline package delivery and the broader impact the network transformation will have, giving USPS the tools to support the evolving shipping needs of major retail partners and everyday customers alike. Learn how these advancements are helping USPS compete and what the future holds for customer-focused initiatives like USPS Connect eCommerce and Informed Delivery integration. For shipping professionals or anyone curious about USPS's modern approach to delivery, tune in for a fasc...

This week on Mailin' It, Karla and Jonathan are joined by Margaret Pepe, the Postal Service’s Executive Director of Product Solutions, to discuss the enduring relevance of direct mail in today's digital marketing landscape. As digital ads increasingly flood social media, email, and websites, direct mail offers a tangible, trustworthy, and less overwhelming alternative. Margaret shares how mail creates lasting impressions, often remaining in homes long after digital messages are forgotten. Tune in to discover USPS’s latest innovations and learn how marketers are combining direct mail with digital strategies to maximize engagement.

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This week on Mailin’ It, Karla and Jonathan speak with retired Postal Inspector Natalie Reda about a tragic case of romance fraud that shocked investigators. Laura Kowal, a retired hospital executive, fell victim to an online romance scam, losing $1.5 million before her suspicious death in 2020. Natalie walks us through the investigation, revealing how the scam was connected to a larger fraud network and how law enforcement traced the money. The episode sheds light on the tactics used by scammers, the emotional toll on victims, and steps listeners can take to protect themselves from similar scams. If you or someone yo...

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by Bob Dixon, USPS Director of Product Technology Innovation. Bob discusses his journey into technology and his role in the Postal Service's digital transformation, from pioneering Informed Delivery to addressing new challenges like mail theft. He provides an inside look at how his team is developing advanced keys and high-security electronic locks to protect collection boxes and ensure safe mail delivery. Tune in as Bob shares his insights on leadership and his approach to solving complex challenges, all while keeping USPS at the forefront of innovation.

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This week on Mailin' It, Karla and Jonathan are joined by Adrienne Marshall, the Executive Director for Election and Government Mail Services at USPS. As the nation gears up for the 2024 elections, Adrienne provides an in-depth look at how the Postal Service is preparing to process, transport, and deliver Election Mail, including ballots, voter registration cards, and polling place notifications. The episode explores the history of voting by mail, the difference between election mail and political mail, the specialized measures in place to ensure that every mail-in ballot is handled securely and efficiently, and more! Whether you’re a vo...

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by the Director of Fleet Management, Justin Glass, who takes us behind the scenes of the epic effort USPS is taking to modernize its vehicle fleet. Discover the strategic planning and innovative design choices that are driving this transformation. Join us to learn about the newly designed Next Generation Delivery Vehicles which promise enhanced safety, better ergonomics, lower emissions, and double the cargo space.

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This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by Postal Inspector Clayton Gerber to discuss the Inspection Service’s role in breaking up one of the largest fraud schemes in U.S. history. From dumpster diving to find evidence to international extraditions during the height of the pandemic, the team's relentless pursuit to uncover the truth is nothing short of extraordinary. Grab your detective hat and join us for an eye-opening journey into the world of postal crime and learn how the Postal Inspection Service is working tirelessly to safeguard the public from fraudsters.

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