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 shares stories of humor, heartbreak, and human connection behind the screens.

They explore how social media evolved from an afterthought to a lifeline in emergencies, why burnout is real for digital practitioners in government, and how building an audience during “blue sky” days prepares you for crisis communications. Plus, Kristy offers powerful advice for anyone transitioning from public service to entrepreneurship.

Whether you're in local government, communications, or just trying to navigate the noisy online world with purpose—this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Learn more about Kristy’s work and join the community at governmentsocialmedia.com

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About Dana
Dana Berchman is an award-winning expert in marketing and communications with a gift for leading teams, connecting people, and telling the human story. An experienced innovator, public speaker and media professional, Dana is a proven expert at developing communication strategies, maximizing reach, creating digital roadmaps for cities and organizations, and delivering data-driven results with heart.

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 can learn from documentary storytelling, and why civic engagement depends on more than just information—it requires connection.

This is a conversation about making impact, building teams that believe in the work, and showing up with stories that actually matter.

Thank you for listening! If you liked this episode, please give us a 5-star rating.
Listen to every episode on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

Stay in touch with us:

• Ohhicommunications.com
• Linkedin
• Instagram
• YouTube

About Dana
Dana Berchman is an award-winning expert in marketing and communications with a gift for leading teams, connecting people, and telling the human story. An experienced innovator, public speaker and media professional, Dana is a proven expert at developing communication strategies, maximizing reach, creating digital roadmaps for cities and organizations, and delivering data-driven results with heart.

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 trying to reclaim my voice, joy, and purpose. Sherice and I talk about what happens when your identity is wrapped in your title, how hard it is to be still when you're wired to keep moving, and why rest can be the most revolutionary thing we do.

Sherice shares what inspired her to step back, the fears she had to overcome, and the new rules she created to guide her sabbatical—built around peace, play, and pleasure. This conversation is for anyone who's hit a turning point, questioned their path, or just needs permission to pause.

Thank you for listening! If you liked this episode, please give us a 5-star rating.
Listen to every episode on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

Stay in touch with us:

• Ohhicommunications.com
• Linkedin
• Instagram
• YouTube

About Dana
Dana Berchman is an award-winning expert in marketing and communications with a gift for leading teams, connecting people, and telling the human story. An experienced innovator, public speaker and media professional, Dana is a proven expert at developing communication strategies, maximizing reach, creating digital roadmaps for cities and organizations, and delivering data-driven results with heart.