Oh, hi! Stories Podcast

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories Podcast, Dana Berchman sits down with television producer and development executive Danielle Medina to explore her journey from an entry-level role at MTV to building a career shaping some of the most iconic reality and documentary-style programming. Danielle shares what it was like to grow up professionally inside MTV’s golden era—working on shows like True Life...

In this episode, I’m joined by Rosie Knight, Head of Value Delivery, from Orlo, a Community Engagement Platform designed to help public sector clients create safer, more sustainable communities. Rosie and I explore how tools like Orlo can support the humans doing this work, not replace them, by surfacing what leaders need to see and what residents are really feeling. We get into structure, culture...

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow civic innovator, Luke Norris—Vice President of Platform Strategy and Digital Transformation at Granicus, and one of the most forward-thinking voices in government technology. Luke’s career has been dedicated to helping cities rethink how they use technology to serve people. We talk about the intersection of data, storytelling, and trus...

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories , my sister Andie and I finally let loose on our favorite topic: the unmatched marketing genius of Taylor Swift. We’re both lifelong marketers (and unapologetic Swifties), so yes—we break down the sensation of TS12, the release of The Life of a Showgirl, and what leaders in any industry can learn from Taylor: how to build loyalty, own your narrative, and keep a b...

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories Podcast , I sit down with Joseph Porcelli, Head of Government and Crisis Response at Nextdoor, for a timely and candid conversation about trust, transparency, and the evolving role of neighborhood networks in civic life. Joseph and I go way back—and so does our shared belief that connection builds stronger communities. We explore how the new Nextdoor app is helpi...

What happens when the playful world of social media meets the serious business of government? In this episode, Dana Berchman sits down with Kristy Dalton—founder of the Government Social Media Conference and a true pioneer in digital civic engagement. From her early days as an EPIO for the City of Reno to building a national platform that empowers communicators across government agencies, Kristy s...

Before leading digital transformation in local government, I spent nearly a decade producing Emmy Award-winning content at MTV. In this episode, I reconnect with my former boss and mentor, Betsy Forhan —a Peabody and Emmy-winning producer who shaped my early career and taught me what bold leadership really looks like. We talk about the culture of trust that fueled our best work, what governments c...

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories Podcast, I sit down with marketing powerhouse and change agent Sherice Torres for an honest, vulnerable conversation about redefining success, walking away from the C-suite, and what it really means to take a radical sabbatical. For the first time, I open up about my own journey—leaving a job I built and loved to start something new, grappling with burnout, and t...

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories Podcast , I sit down with Dan Hesse, former CEO of Sprint, to talk about leadership, innovation, and transforming industries. From navigating Sprint through a near-bankruptcy turnaround to becoming the face of a brand through bold and unconventional advertising, Dan shares the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his career. We discuss the power of simplicity in...

In this episode of Oh, hi! Stories Podcast , I sit down with my longtime friend and former colleague, Contessa Brewer, to talk about the evolving world of journalism, storytelling, and navigating a rapidly changing media landscape. From our days at MSNBC to the current state of news and social media, we discuss how trust in journalism has shifted, the challenges of keeping audiences engaged, and t...

In this episode I spoke with Nancy Newell, Head of Strategic Alliances & Marketing Experiences for the Public Sector at Adobe. Our conversation explores how writing and storytelling have helped her process life changes and her legacy. There's a strong focus on the importance of evolving rather than staying stuck in old ways of doing things, whether in business or personal life. We connect...

In this episode, we explore how effective team building and creative staffing can transform public sector communications. I share insights from my time as Chief Digital Officer, including strategies for hiring talent from outside traditional government roles and how to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. We also dive into how organizations can evolve skillsets, attract diverse talent, an...

In this episode of Oh hi! Stories , I sit down with Brian Elms, a thought leader in government innovation with extensive experience helping local governments streamline processes and improve efficiency. Brian is passionate about empowering public sector employees to drive change and create solutions that work in the real world. We dive into how governments can cut through bureaucratic red tape, fo...

In this episode, I sit down with Victor Miller from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to explore his bold and innovative run for mayor—supported by none other than an AI entity named "Vic." Victor’s story is fueled by his deep passions for both technology and public records advocacy. We dig into how these passions drove him to leverage AI as a way to transform local government. He opens up about the le...

In this special "Off the Cuff" series, I dive into how government agencies can stay relevant by embracing social media trends. It’s all about being where your residents are—whether that’s on TikTok, Facebook, or Snapchat—and delivering content that’s timely and engaging. I’ll share practical tips on jumping into trending challenges, involving community figures, and creating content that...

In this episode, Jolean Fleck, Senior Vice President of People & Organizational Development at Delta Dental, shares her journey from modest beginnings in Tennessee to her influential role at Delta Dental of Arizona. Jolean discusses the importance of culture, talent, and continuous learning in shaping successful organizations.  Drawing from her diverse experience across public and private sect...

Communities aren't just built by government; it takes local changemakers with vision to design cities. Join Oh, hi! Communications CEO Dana Berchman as she interviews Joe Johnston, innovative CEO and visionary community builder. In this episode, they explore Joe's journey from his family's KitchenAid roots to becoming a driving force behind Gilbert, Arizona's transformation. Li...

Join Oh, hi! Communications CEO Dana Berchman as she interviews Jenn Daniels, former mayor, working mother, and CEO. In this episode, they explore their collaborative journey, sharing insights on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the power of authenticity. Listen as they discuss the challenges of leadership, the crucial role of communication and transparency in crises, and how to respond...

Dana Berchman, CEO of Oh, hi! Communications, is thrilled to announce the launch of Oh, hi! Stories. We'll be diving deep into the stories that connect us, hearing uplifting tales of innovation & resilience and talking with trailblazers who spend their time thinking about the future. Learn about us: www.ohhicommunications.com Thank you for listening! If you liked this episode, please give...