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 everyone.

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 fascinating look at the Postal Service’s efficient customer-focused future.

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.

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 you know is active in online dating, this episode is essential listening to stay informed and safe.

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.

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 voter or just curious about how the process works, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the USPS’s role in the election process.

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.

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.

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by Linda DeCarlo, Senior Director of Occupational Safety and Health, to discuss the critical issue of dog attacks on postal workers and the Postal Service’s 2024 Dog Bite Awareness campaign. We explore innovative strategies designed to protect mail carriers, including mobile delivery devices that alert them to potentially dangerous canines at specific addresses. Plus, we detail the steps dog owners can take to ensure smooth and safe mail delivery. Tune in to learn how the Postal Service and the community can work together to reduce dog-related incidents and create a safer working environment.

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by Vice President of Sales Intelligence and Support, Shibani Gambhir, as part of our new Postal Executive Series. From her early years in operations and logistics to her current role in sales intelligence, Shibani offers a look at her need to find new challenges and how she’s successfully navigated them to get where she is today. Join us as we delve into the crucial role of sales intelligence, the progression of Shibani’s career path, and how the Postal Service is transforming technologically to meet evolving needs.

This week on Mailin’ It, we’re joined by Jennifer Beiro-Reveille, the Postal Service’s Senior Director of Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability. She has some encouraging news to share about the organization’s push to transform its operations into a leaner, greener machine. From new battery powered trucks to optimized shipping routes, join us as Jennifer takes us behind the scenes to unveil how USPS is working towards a more sustainable future while helping its business customers tackle their sustainability goals too.

This week on Mailin' It, we’re joined by the Postal Service’s Chief Information Security Officer, Heather Dyer, as part of a new series on leaders at the Postal Service. From her early days to her current position, Heather shares insights, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. Join us to explore her remarkable career journey, her pivotal role in safeguarding the postal service's digital infrastructure, and the exciting cybersecurity technology upgrades underway as part of the Delivering for America plan.

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!

In this episode, we’re joined by the Postal Service’s Vice President of Product Solutions, Thomas Foti, to talk about direct mail and the value it brings to both stakeholders and recipients. Join us as we’ll learn about how direct mail started and how it’s changed over time with technology. We'll dive into all of it's benefits, how businesses can get connected with direct mail services, and more!

This week on Mailin' It, we welcome back Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, to talk about this upcoming holiday season and all the preparation the Postal Service has done for it. Join us as we’ll learn more about the improvements made to delivery services, peak season staffing, and more. We’ll also get an update from Louis on the 10-year Delivering for America plan, and where the organization is headed in the future.

It’s almost hard to imagine the holiday season without the Postal Service. In this episode, we dive into the Postal Service's role in connecting people and the holidays with Sheila Holman, Vice President, Marketing. Join us as we’ll learn more about the theme of this year’s holiday campaign, the different elements that go into an integrated campaign, defining marketing success, and much more!

In this episode, we dive into why the Postal Service is the one-stop shop for small businesses. We’ll learn more about the marketing and advertising help and package and shipping services tailored for small businesses. Join us as we talk with Peter Timko, the Postal Service’s Manager of Small Business Solutions, and Susan McGowan, a Marketing Specialist for Small Business Solutions, to talk about all the tools and services available to support small businesses.

This week on Mailin' It, we are joined by the Postal Service’s VP of Customer Experience, Marc McCrery, and the Director, Consumer Advocate, Nathan King, to learn how we manage customer care here at the Postal Service. Join us as we’ll dive into the different aspects of customer experience and the work that goes into serving the Postal Service’s extensive customer base. We’ll also talk about addressing customer concerns, methods to track consumer satisfaction, ways you can reach the Postal Service, and more!

In this episode, we talk election mail with the Postal Service’s Executive Director for Election and Government Mail Services, Adrienne Marshall. Election mail is any item mailed to or from authorized elections officials that enables US citizens to participate in the voting process. Join us as we’ll learn about the Postal Service’s official role in the election process, the difference between election mail and political mail, and what you should know if you need or want to vote by mail.

This week on Mailin' It, we are joined by Jennifer Beiro-Réveillé the Postal Service’s Chief Sustainability Officer to discuss the Postal Service's commitment to sustainability and the improvements made over the years. We’ll dive into Postal Services' top sustainability priorities, organizational challenges, accountability practices, and more. We’ll also discuss what you can do to help the Postal Services' sustainability efforts as we work towards a greener tomorrow!

This week on Mailin' It, we are joined by Mike Swigart the Postal Service’s Executive Director for Continuity and Preparedness, to discuss the vital role the Postal Service plays in emergency response. We’ll talk about how the Postal Service supports FEMA and other larger government disaster relief efforts. We’ll also dive into the types of emergencies the Postal Service responds to and the guidelines used to train personnel regularly.

In this episode, we are joined by the Postal Service's Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, and the Vice President of Engineering Systems to discuss the vital role the Postal Service played in the rapid delivery of millions of test kits. We'll learn more about the preparation, logistic details, and technical solutions the Postal Service implemented that ensured a successful delivery operation. We’ll also talk about the skilled workforce that came together to make this possible and the lasting impacts of this success on the organization!

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Linda DeCarlo, the Postal Service's Senior Director of Occupational Safety and Health to talk about how important safety is at such a large and diverse organization. We’ll learn more about employee training and how the Postal Service is focused on building a better workplace for all of its employees. We’ll also talk about the impacts technology has made, things you can do to help with mail carrier safety, and more.

In this episode, we are on the road in the Old City section of Philadelphia to get an inside look at the B. Free Franklin Post Office. We’ll learn more about how this historical landmark reflects the characteristics of the community, as our tour guides Sylvia Herron, a Customer Relations Coordinator at the Postal Service, and Tammy Scott - acting customer relations coordinator at the Postal Service guide us through the museum and Old City’s unique history.

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Mary Anderson, Executive Director of International Postal Affairs, to talk about the important role the Postal Service plays in mail delivery worldwide. We’ll learn about how the Postal Service works with 192 governments around the world to standardize mail transmission. We’ll also discuss international postage, delivery during times of conflict, and more.

In this episode, our hosts Dale and Yasmine dive into some of the biggest questions we get here at the Postal Service. We’ll address important questions like “where’s my package?” and what to do if your mail or package is missing. We’ll also discuss why stamps are so valuable to collectors, famous people who have worked for the Postal Service, and more!

In this episode, our hosts Dale and Yasmine are joined by Lynn Heidelbaugh, Curator at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, to talk about military mail. We’ll learn more about how mail became such an important part of US military history, and how it’s evolved over time to meet the changing landscape of the armed forces. We’ll also discuss how you and members of the armed forces can use it to send mail, and more!

In this episode, our hosts Dale and Yasmine are joined by Alison Bazylinski, Assistant Curator at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, to talk about the history of the Postal Service uniform. We’ll learn more about the importance of the uniform, and how it’s changed over time to reflect societal trends. We’ll also discuss the impacts of integrating women into the Postal workforce and more.

In this episode, our hosts Dale and Yasmine are joined by Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, to talk about the impacts seen across the Postal Service one year after implementing the Delivering for America (DFA) Plan. We’ll learn more about its impact on infrastructure, services offered, and opportunities for partnership growth. We’ll also talk about how leadership and strategic planning will continue to help us grow.

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Gary Reblin, VP of Innovative Business Technology, and Jeffrey Tackes, Director of Digital Business Services, to talk about some of the ways the Postal Service is helping fight fraud and identity theft. We’ll discuss a service called In-Person Proofing, or IPP, how it works and why it matters for customers. We’ll also talk about how the Postal Service partners with other agencies and organizations to support identify verification, hiring efforts, and more.

March is Women’s History Month! In honor of this observance, our hosts Dale and Yasmine sit down with USPS Historian Jenny Lynch to talk about women in the Postal Service and the vital—often unsung—roles they’ve played from the very beginning. We'll discuss the first female postmasters, mail carriers, and women working in the Postal Service Headquarters. We'll also talk about the challenges they’ve overcome, and how their contributions have helped shape what the organization is today.

It’s National Consumer Protection Week! In honor of this observance, we’re sitting down with Ashlea Bowens and Jessica Adams, two of our esteemed postal inspectors, to learn how the USPIS is preventing mail fraud – including taking listeners behind-the-scenes of some of our most notable cases.We’ll talk about the significance of this week and learn about how USPIS is helping to educate consumers on mail fraud and how they can better protect themselves. We’ll also talk about the increase of “work-at-home” scams in the wake of the pandemic and share tips on how consumers can identify and report these schemes.For more information, visit https://www.uspis.gov/ and click on Tips & Prevention.

This week on Mailin’ It, we’re talking to the National Postal Forum’s Executive Director, Maureen Goodson. The National Postal Forum has partnered with the Postal Service for more than 50 years to drive growth and innovation throughout the mailing and shipping industry.We’ll be talking to Maureen about the history of NPF and how their partnership with USPS has helped amplify several new postal offerings over the years – including the ZIP code. We’ll also talk about the National Postal Forum’s annual spring tradeshow, a one-of-a-kind interactive event that brings USPS managers together with their business customers to educate them in the most effective and efficient use of the products and services offered by the United States Postal Service.For more on the National Postal Forum, please visit: https://npf.org/

We'll discuss how USPS Connect™ is addressing the growing consumer demand for quick package delivery through same day and next day local delivery options, helping Main Street to stand out in a big business market. We’ll also touch on the rollout of USPS Connect™ Regional and how large volume shippers are plugging into USPS’s extensive delivery network to ship far, fast, and smart.

From appearances on apparel to toys to non-fungible tokens, the USPS is one of the world's most iconic brands. Join us as speak with Amity Kirby, Manager of Licensing at USPS. We'll learn how USPS found its way onto trendsetting apparel, how licensing opportunities can help introduce the USPS to new audiences, and hear about some of our most successful collaborations.To learn more on licensing with USPS visit: https://about.usps.com/licensing/commercial-program.htm

Long Summary: The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is responsible for protecting the Postal Service’s employees, infrastructure, and customers by enforcing laws that prevent people from using the Postal Service to commit crimes. As America’s first federal law enforcement agency, the Postal Inspection Service has a long proud history of fighting crime against those who would attack our postal system.In this episode, our hosts are joined by Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale to learn about the incredible role of the Postal Inspection Service, tips on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of mail fraud, and the various careers available at the Postal Inspection Service.United States Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov)

As the holidays approach, the United States Postal Service is gearing up for one of its most beloved charitable programs—Operation Santa®. Created in 1912 to help those in need during the holidays, the program facilitates the adoption of letters to Santa to make children’s holiday wishes come true. This week, our hosts chat with Chris Karpenko, Executive Director of Brand Marketing and Sue Brennan, Senior Public Relations Representative about the origin of this iconic social cause, how it works, and its impact on communities in need. Our guests also share ways we can all get involved to spread some cheer this holiday season.USPSOperationSanta.comhttps://www.dearsanta.movie

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In this week’s episode, Isaac Cronkhite (USPS Chief Logistics and Processing Operations Officer) and Josh Colin (USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Operations Officer) chat with our hosts, Yasmine and Dale, to take listeners behind-the-scenes of USPS holiday preparations.Listen in as we learn more about what a typical holiday season looks like for USPS, the unique challenges of the 2020 holiday season, and the adjustments the Postal Service has made to ensure smooth holiday deliveries this season.

On this episode of Mailin’ It, we’re sitting down with the 75th Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy. Join us as we learn about his career as an entrepreneur, his transition into his role at the Postal Service, and what he loves most about his role as PMG.We’ll also be talking to Louis about the Delivering for America plan, including the 10-year transformation that USPS is undergoing and where the organization is headed in the future.Read more about the Postal Service’s 10-year plan here: https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/

In this episode of Mailin’ It, our hosts Yasmine and Dale chat with Bob Dixon, Product Technology Innovation Director for USPS, about one of the Postal Service’s flagship mail innovations of the past few years – Informed Delivery. With over 43 million subscribers, and 1 million more signing up each month, Informed Delivery has quickly become the way to learn what’s coming to your mailbox by looking at your inbox. We'll take a deep dive into how customers and marketers are combining mail and digital with Informed Delivery, and how the Postal service's ongoing investments in technology help make USPS more relevant in the digital world.Learn more about Informed Delivery: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

In this episode, our hosts Yasmine and Dale chat with USPS Historian Jenny Lynch about how the U.S. Postal Service became America’s first communications network. Join us as we walk through the decades, from the 1692 introduction of a postal system in the American colonies, to the role posts played in the American Revolution, and the 1775 appointment of Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service we know today.We’ll talk about the rising political tensions between the British and the colonies, and how the establishment of the U.S. Postal Service helped to preserve the freedoms we hold dear today.To learn more about the history of the U.S. Postal Service, visit https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/

Join us as we chat with the Smithsonian’s National Post Museum curator, Lynn Heidelbaugh, to examine one of the biggest game changers in the modernization of the Postal Service—the ZIP Code. We’ll talk about how a seemingly innocuous string of digits helped to increase delivery performance, as well as how USPS inspired nationwide adoption of the ZIP Code, including the introduction of Mr. ZIP! Hear how the ZIP Code was promoted, the reception it received from the public and mailing industry. Our hosts Dale Parsan and Yasmine Di Giulio go deep into the ZIP Code with Lynn Heidelbaugh on this episode of Mailin' It!

Our goal with Mailin’ It! is to help you better understand the vital, yet often overlooked, role the U.S. Postal Service plays in keeping us connected. To do that, we’ll speak with experts about the latest and greatest going on at the U.S. Postal Service. We’ll also delve into the Postal Service’s fascinating history and its impact on American life today.Some episodes will take a fun look at the Postal Service’s history, which dates back before the American Revolution. In other episodes, we’ll talk about Postal Service innovations past and present.We’ll also take you behind the scenes to hear from key leaders, decision makers and other members of the USPS community who are charting a new course for the Postal Service.Join us for Mailin’ It!