Under the Hood of USPS: Automation, Innovation and AI

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 everyday situations customers encounter most and also learn about the online tools and customer support resources available to help make mailing and shipping easier. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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-overdue recognition you won’t want to miss.    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Be sure to listen in as this episode uncovers the risks she took, the spy skills she used, and the legacy she left on both the Postal Service and American history.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 see how America’s story can be told, one stamp at a time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 these sophisticated crimes, including the terrifyingly effective "Grandparent scam." Stephanie, a security expert who’s worked for both the FBI and CIA, takes our co-hosts through the subtle red flags to watch for—like inconsistencies in video calls and requests for payment via cryptocurrency. Their discussion also touches on preventative strategies, such as multi-factor authentication and what to do if you've been targeted. This is a must-listen for all of us trying to safely navigate our increasingly complex digital world.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 masterfully following the mail paper trail.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.