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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 business, how customer-centric thinking drives real change, and what it means to lead with authenticity. Dan also reflects on the evolving telecom industry, the role of trust in leadership, and what today’s companies can learn from his experience.

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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.

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 the importance of real, impactful storytelling. Contessa shares her insights on what it takes to stay relevant, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and her recent experience working with local governments on crisis communications. We also explore how journalists and communicators can adapt to a world where attention is fleeting, and truth is often questioned.

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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.

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 over shared experiences in embracing change the and finding time for personal growth.

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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.

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, and future-proof their teams to meet today’s communication demands. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for any leader looking to bring innovation into their organization.

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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.

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, foster a culture of innovation, and bring fresh energy to public service. Brian shares his journey from working in government to consulting with cities across the country, offering practical advice on boosting morale and finding creative solutions to everyday challenges.

This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to rethink how government operates and make real, lasting improvements. Tune in to hear how Brian’s work is transforming local governments and helping them meet people where they are.

Thank you for listening! If you liked this episode, please give us a 5-star rating.
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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.