The DINFOS Way

On this episode, we’ll explore key questions about the Defense Information School (DINFOS): Who are we, what courses do we offer, and why is our work here essential?
To help answer these questions, we’re joined by Mr. Don Smith, Director of Training at DINFOS since 2019. Mr. Smith oversees a team of more than 200 instructors, including joint-service military members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and contractors. Together, they provide education and professional development to over 1,500 students annually in public affairs and visual information, including military members, DoD and interagency civilians, and international students.

On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and host Jack Rous welcomes a special guest: Katie Spencer. Katie currently serves as a public affairs officer in the Air Force Reserve and is a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel. In her civilian role, she’s the Sports Outreach Program Manager for the Department of the Air Force. Most recently, she supported the Thunderbirds during their flyover at Super Bowl 58. Today, we’ll explore her unique role as a military communicator, and discuss her path to this position and plans for the program.

On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and host Jack Rous welcomes a special guest: Chris Meagher, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. As the principal advisor on public information and the lead spokesperson for the Department of Defense, Mr. Meagher shares insights into his role, public affairs strategy, and his vision for the future of military communication. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion!

On this episode, Defense information School instructor and show host Jack Rous is joined by former DINFOS Public Affairs Officer and current instructor Pete Robertson to discuss our school’s upcoming 60th anniversary! We talk about the events and celebrations we’re having, the history of DINFOS, and where we’re heading in the future. Listen for some stories mixed in from current DINFOS instructors about their favorite school memories, and what our institution means to them.

On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and show host Jack Rous sits down with Sean Hudson, the Washington Nationals Director of Military Affairs. He’s a former military communicator and public affairs professional who’s taken the lessons he learned in the service into the world of professional sports. Join us as they discuss what it’s like to run day-to-day PA for a major sports team, how to handle social media pitfalls and challenges at a worldwide scale, and some positive reminders of effective communications techniques and how our service skills are adaptable anywhere, even in baseball.

Our guest is New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher. Mr. Butcher is the writer and creator of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and the Cinder Spires book series. His immensely popular works have been printed and shared all over the world, and The Dresden Files books have been adapted into a tv show on the SyFy network and a tabletop role-playing game. Mr. Butcher is a master of the art of storytelling, and he joins us today to talk about short-form and long-form storytelling, and the keys to creating and maintaining a devoted audience.

In the most recent episode of The DINFOS Way podcast, host Jack Rous interviews Colonel Dave Butler, the Strategic Advisor for Communications and Outreach for the Chief of Staff of the Army. Colonel Butler, a seasoned communicator and public affairs officer, discusses crucial topics such as communications strategy, information warfare, and the evolving role of public affairs officers. Tune in for valuable insights and best practices for effective communication in the military.

On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and show host Jack Rous has a conversation with three of Adobe’s public sector digital media solutions consultants about generative artificial intelligence. They discuss the creative tools Adobe has developed for its use in their products involving AI, their content authenticity initiative and the idea of content credentialing visual information products, and more examples of the practical applications of generative AI in the daily life of a professional communicator.

On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and show host Jack Rous sits down with the Chief of Community Relations at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Ms. Susan LeRoy. She’s a former DINFOS instructor and student, and she joins us to talk about what makes for a good COMREL program, how to build a successful and meaningful relationship between the community and the command, and some quality tips and tricks for future community relations specialists.

Host and DINFOS instructor Jack Rous interviews longtime Baltimore Sun Columnist, Dan Rodricks about his storied career and his advice for professional communicators at every level.

In this episode of The DINFOS Way podcast, DINFOS Instructor Jack Rous sits down with faculty members Tech. Sgt. Joseph Pagan and Melissa Weatherspoon to talk about the school’s mobile training teams (MTTs). Since March 2020, DINFOS MTTs have trained more than 1,200 students during 54 training events in public affairs, visual information and broadcast maintenance fundamentals for all military services, intergovernmental agencies, and our international partners. On this episode, we’ll learn more about who they are, what they do, and how they operate.

Dr. Bob Britten is a Professor at the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University. He teaches classes specifically focused on media and information literacy, and he is a strong advocate for incorporating these concepts in all courses that involve mass media communication.
Dr. Britten, a guest speaker at the 2023 Social Media Forum, joins us in the studio to discuss misinformation and disinformation—an essential topic for today's communicators. Tune in as he explores the purpose of misinformation, emphasizes the significance of spotting disinformation for DOD communicators, and shares best practices for skepticism and credibility in the global information war.

Retired Marine Capt. Dale Dye, a decorated Vietnam veteran, author, director and 2022 DINFOS Hall of Fame inductee, sits with DINFOS instructor Marine Sgt. Anthony Pio to talk about his career and legacy within the Marine Corps, and how he brought his skills, knowledge and tenacity to Hollywood.

DINFOS Instructor Jack Rous talks to pop culture icon Demetrius Holt. He's a cosplayer turned actor, producer and digital content creator who rapidly shot to fame and decided to use his platform as a force for good. Join us as they discuss how to create and develop a successful brand, managing your online identity, dealing with controversy and more useful tips for communicators as they navigate the world of social media and the digital future.

DINFOS instructor Jack Rous speaks to Demitrius Holt (Actor, cosplayer, brand manager) about branding and fostering a digital identity.

DINFOS instructor Jack Rous speaks to Maureen Stewart, a producer for the DC Video Shoot Off, and Air Force Master Sgt. Brad Sisson, a DINFOS Instructor and staff member for the shoot off, about this year's event, taking place Sept. 14-17, 2023.
The four-day workshop teaches and mentors military video journalists with an emphasis on storytelling fundamentals. Elements include training modules, guest speakers and critiques. It is also an opportunity to network with peers and leaders in the industry.

On the very first episode of "The DINFOS Way" podcast, Host Staff Sgt. Kris Dimond is joined by Stephanie Hatcher, one of the original DINFOS' Subject Matter Experts on podcasting. Together, they discuss the process of starting a podcast for your unit, and share their experience in creating "The DINFOS Way" podcast.
Join us as we explore the intricacies of creating a podcast, including how to pitch your idea, determine the resources required, and decide whether or not your organization even needs a podcast. We will walk through the essential tools we used, such as DINFOS PAVILION, and explain why we ultimately chose the title "The DINFOS Way."

In this episode of "The DINFOS Way," we explore the Mass Communication Foundations Course (MCF) - now in its third year - through the perspectives of our esteemed guests. Staff Sgt. Kris Dimond provides insights from the perspective of teaching the course during its launch, and the challenges and rewards of teaching the course. Pete Robertson, the DINFOS Public Affairs Officer (PAO), sheds light on the strategic implications of the MCF course and its alignment with the Department of... read more

In this episode of "The DINFOS Way," we explore the Mass Communication Foundations Course (MCF) - now in its third year - through the perspectives of our esteemed guests. Staff Sgt. Kris Dimond provides insights from the perspective of teaching the course during its launch, and the challenges and rewards of teaching the course. Pete Robertson, the DINFOS Public Affairs Officer (PAO), sheds light on the strategic implications of the MCF course and its alignment with the Department of Defense's mission. And Brooksann Epiceno, a member of the Facility Development team, offers valuable insights into the strategic planning, developmental considerations, and principles involved in creating the MCF course. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into crafting a comprehensive and effective course like MCF. We also delve into the practical side of things, discussing what the course is like for the students and what leaders can do to promote growth in MCF graduates.   show less

In this episode of "The DINFOS Way," we bring together four accomplished officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to share their unique insights on career success and their individual journeys.
Listen in as they discuss the differences in their services' perspectives, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and opportunities unique to each service branch. Through a lively conversation, they will explore how to effectively mentor enlisted counterparts and foster strong working relationships across service lines.

In this episode of "The DINFOS Way," we delve into the constantly evolving world of social media within the Department of Defense. We're honored to have DINFOS Social Media Subject Matter Expert Kuande Hall - a pioneering figure in DOD social media join us for an in-depth discussion on the future of the digital media landscape.

We examine the ethical challenges and opportunities that military members face as they navigate the complex realm of social media, artificial intelligence, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. We will also talk guidance on how to engage responsibly and effectively in this digital age, sharing best practices for mitigating risks and maximizing impact.