Your Postal Podcast

Postmaster dashes through the snow

Winter weather creates hurdles for mail delivery throughout the country, but dedicated USPS employees always find a way. That includes postmasters, as this month's edition of Your Postal Podcast details.

You'll also hear details about the diverse subjects being featured on this year's U.S. postage stamps. The program concludes with its usual roundup of the latest Postal Service news.

For a transcript of the latest edition, please click here.

Please click here to share comments or ideas for future podcast stories. And don't forget to check out YourPostalBlog.com for more frequent news updates. Thanks for listening!

Photo: Kendall, KS, Postmaster Becky Grusing and her trusted steed, Macho.

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Warm greetings from the coldest Post Office in the world.

The North Pole is a popular mailing address each winter -- but did you know there are people anxiously awaiting letters and packages at the other end of the earth?

This month's edition of Your Postal Podcast takes listeners on a journey to Antarctica to learn how the mail is distributed to the thousand or so scientific researchers braving the icy elements.

You'll also hear the story of how a small-town store's proprietor is offering USPS services to his community via a new Village Post Office. The podcast concludes with the usual roundup of the latest Postal Service news.

For a transcript of the latest edition, please click here.

Please click here to share to share your comments or ideas for future podcasts. And don't forget to check out www.yourpostalblog.com for more frequent news updates.

Thanks for listening!

Photo: Stephanie Prince works as a contract clerk in a Post Office on the edge of Antarctica.

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The future of greeting cards and applause for an honest act

People have long used greeting cards as a means to share important emotions -- but how are they faring in this era of declining mail volume and electronic communication? This month's edition of Your Postal Podcast provides some answers, thanks to Susan January, head of the Greeting Card Association of America.

You'll also hear the story of an Arizona letter carrier whose recent act of honesty didn't go unnoticed. The podcast also features a roundup of the latest Postal Service news.

For a transcript of the latest program, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments or ideas for future podcasts. And don't forget to check out www.YourPostalBlog.com for more frequent news updates.

Thanks for listening!

Top photo: A greeting card display at a Post Office

Bottom photo: Tucson, AZ, Rural Carrier Brian Cota at his letter case.

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A Post Office exhibits Paranormal activity

We've all heard of haunted houses -- some people even seek them out, looking for hints of the paranormal. But a haunted Post Office?

In this month's edition you'll hear about a Southern California Post Office that many believe is tended to by a friendly ghost.

You'll also hear some Arizona customers' opinions about who should be the first living person to be honored on a stamp. As usual, a brief look at postal news headlines concludes the show.

For a transcript of the latest program, please click here.

Click here to share your comments or ideas for future podcasts. And don't forget, there's more postal news at YourPostalBlog.com.

Thanks for listening!

Photo: A spooky place: San Pedro Post Office employees Brian Bundy, left, and Lance McCall stand along one of the hallways in the facility's basement.

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Postmaster delivers pitches to Phillies

A batting practice pitcher with a postal pedigree heads up this month's edition of Your Postal Podcast. You'll also hear some facts and myths about the history of the legendary Pony Express, and a roundup of the latest postal headlines.

For a transcript of the latest program, please click here.

Scroll down to listen to previous editions.

Please click here to share your comments or ideas for future podcasts.

And don't forget, there's more postal news at Your Postal Blog.

Thanks for listening!

Photo: Rob Potts throws batting practice for the Phillies.

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Mail delivery with a splash of history

The idea of delivering mail to lakeside homes by jumping from a boat to a dock and back again likely would have made Mark Twain chuckle.

In this month's edition, you'll hear about Wisconsin youths whose summer job is to stay dry while jumping from a moving boat to deliver Lake Geneva residents' mail. You'll also hear a Mark Twain impersonator's ruminations on the new commemorative stamp issued in honor of the creator of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

The show also features a roundup of the latest Postal Service news and announces the winners of last month's Owney book drawing.

Click here to see a transcript of this month's podcast.

Please click here to share your comments or ideas for future podcasts.

Photo: A mail jumper makes a delivery to a Lake Geneva resident's boat dock.

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One dog if by land, two explorers by sea...

This month's edition of Your Postal Podcast shares details about the past journeys of a famous canine and a future trek across the water by two modern-day adventurers.

 The first story is about Owney, the mail train-riding postal pooch that will be featured on a commemorative stamp issued this month.

The New Mexico author of two books about Owney has obtained a copy of each story for our listeners. For a chance to win one of the books, simply leave a comment about this month's podcast using the "Comments" link below. Two winners will be drawn at random from all who post a comment.

You'll also be let in on the planning stages of an intrepid Washington pair's upcoming trek around the world, before they sail to the Galapagos Islands in order to recreate ancient seafarers' method of getting letters to loved ones.

As always, Your Postal Podcast concludes with a roundup of recent postal headlines.

For a transcript of the latest program, please click here.

Thanks for listening!

Photos: The new Owney commemorative stamp will be available nationwide on July 27th. "Captain and Clark" Tawny Clark and Chris Staudinger practice their navigational skills in preparation for their sail to the Galapagos Islands.

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Celebrating 75 million flat tubs and a golden anniversary

Two postal milestones are celebrated in this month's podcast. The first story marks the completion of the 75-millionth flat tub made for the Postal Service at a Minnesota factory. You'll also hear an Iowa Postmaster reminisce about the changes she's experienced during 50 years on the job. As always the show concludes with a roundup of recent postal headlines.

For a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future editions. Thanks for listening!

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A simple plan for small business mailing

Making direct mail marketing simpler than ever for small business owners is the focus of this month's podcast.

Listen to discover how new businesses are using the new "Every Door Direct Mail" program to target inexpensive mailings to specific delivery routes, without the need of a permit or address list.

Also on this month's program: A recap of the 19th Annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, as well as a summary of recent postal headlines

Photo top: Mark Weingartz, owner of Dan's Barber Shop and Mankato, MN, Letter Carrier Kim Roy take a peek at Belle Mar Center's Every Door Direct Mailing.

Photo bottom: Employees at the Blue Valley Branch of thhe Shawnee Mission, KS, Post Office gather to help "Stamp Out Hunger."

For a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future editions. Thanks for listening!

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Postal delivery: The Green miles

"Going Green" is the focus of this month's edition of Your Postal Podcast. In recognition of the newly-released "Go Green" postage stamps, listen to find out how the Postal Service is doing business in an environmentally-friendly way.

Also in this month's program, take a drive down memory lane as we recall some of the many vehicles USPS employees have used to deliver the mail.

For a transcript of the latest podcast, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future editions, and thanks for listening. For more postal news, go to yourpostalblog.com.

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Tumblin' tumbleweeds, hashknife, and the winds of change

What can tumbling tumbleweeds do that wind, nor rain nor heat can't? Listen to this month's edition of Your Postal Podcast to find out. This month's podcast also follows a posse of Pony Express riders on a mission to deliver the mail, and you'll hear the latest news on changes on the horizon for the U.S. Postal Service.

For a transcript of this month's podcast, please click here.

Comments, questions and story ideas for the podcast are always appreciated -- click here to share yours, and thank you for listening. For more postal news, go to yourpostalblog.com.

Photo left: Chino Valley, AZ, Postmaster David Hyslip stands in front of a mountain of tumbleweeds.

Photo right: Hashknife Pony Express Sheriff's Posse arrives in Scottsdale, AZ.

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All awhirl about stamp art and a rural record

Hear how a renowned Florida artist creates the tiny stamp designs that grace millions of envelopes in this month's edition of Your Postal Podcast. You'll also follow a Kansas rural carrier on what is now the longest rural route in the nation. You'll also hear about Forever Stamps as well as a roundup of the latest postal news.

For a transcript of this month's podcast, please click here.

Comments, questions and story ideas for the podcast are always appreciated -- click here to share yours, and thank you for listening. For more postal news, go to yourpostalblog.com

Photo left: Dean Mitchell's artwork has appeared on several postage stamps, including the recently released Kansas Statehood Stamp. 

Photo right: Of the more than 74,000 rural routes across America, Gridley, KS, Rural Carrier Doug Kraft's route is the longest.

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Postal successes, personal triumphs

Hear from a California postal employee who has overcome blindness to excel at his job, and get updated on the latest news from USPS Headquarters. You'll also hear the origins of the unofficial postal motto.

For a transcript of the latest program, please click here.

Comments, questions and story ideas are always appreciated -- click here to share them, and thank you for listening.

Photo: San Diego Automation Clerk Frank Facio operates Delivery Bar Code Sorter Number 32 at the Margaret Sellers P&DC

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Darkness and might: Journey to Alaska and Kuwait with this month's podcast.

This edition of Your Postal Podcast features a day -- a very cold, dark day, -- in the life of a Fairbanks letter carrier. Hear what it's like to deliver the mail in Alask'a extreme winter weather.

You'll also hear about Priority Mail care packages being received by soldiers stationed in Kuwait, and you'll get a roundup of the latest postal news.

Click here for a transcript of this podcast.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future podcasts. Daily news features about the Postal Service are available at www.yourpostalblog.com.

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A beautiful mind for ZIP Codes and making money with "thank you" notes.

In this edition, you'll get inside the head of a Colorado man who has memorized every ZIP Code location in the country and found a way to make a living showing off this unusual talent.

This new podcast also tells the story of how you can mail handwritten "Thank You" notes with a keyboard and mouse, thanks to a new service created by two Texas entrepreneurs.

To read a transcript of this, the 30th edition of our audio magazine, please click here. 

Please provide feedback, ideas or comments for Your Postal Podcast here.

And don't forget -- news commentary and features about the Postal Service can be accessed every  day at YourPostalBlog.com.

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John Lennon: Artist, legend & stamp collector

This edition of Your Postal Podcast offers a revealing look at the early childhood of John Lennon, seen through his collection of postage stamps, put on exhibit at the National Postal Museum this month on what would have been the Beatle's 70th birthday. Hear one of the Smithsonian's conservators talk about young Lennon's stamp album and the clues it reveals about the man he was destined to become.

Also, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the October edition of Your Postal Podcast features the story of a Missouri postmaster who has a personal interest in being among the nation's top sellers of Breast Cancer Research Semipostal stamps.

To read a transcript of this, the 29th edition of our audio magazine, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future editions. And don't forget -- news features about the Postal Service can be accessed every day at YourPostalBlog.com.

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Hear talk of a hail of a tale and a spherical (stamp) miracle

Believe it or not, this edition will wow you with tales of both a giant hailstone verified via Post Office scale and a world-record giant ball made of postage stamps.

You'll also hear about the postal sleuths at Atlanta's Mail Recovery Center who get items without addresses to the right customers. For a transcript of this, the 28th edition of our audio program for postal employees, please click here.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future editions, and thanks for listening.

While you're at it, check out Your Postal Blog for daily updates and discussion on the latest postal news.

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Click here for the transcript of the 27th Edition of Your Postal Podcast. YPP is always looking for your feedback and story ideas. To reach us, please click here

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Do you want to hear a secret?

The recipient of thousands of postcards bearing people's innermost confessions is featured on the latest edition of Your Postal Podcast. The man behind PostSecret.com is interviewed about why these anonymous secrets must come to him via the mail as part of the 26th edition of the audio program for Postal employees and friends. Also on this month's show: A look at how letter carriers deliver in the middle of summer heatwaves, plus details on the new stamps honoring Negro Leagues Baseball.

For a transcript of the program, please click here.

Be sure to catch up on previous shows below. All of the podcasts can also be downloaded free at the iTunes store or via any other RSS feeder. Please click here to share your comments and ideas for future podcasts.

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VP explains new pricing proposal

In this "Extra Edition" of Your Postal Podcast, USPS Vice President, Pricing, Maura Robinson summarizes the exigent price change request just submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Robinson provides a brief overview of the proposed pricing sent to the PRC on July 6. She also explains how the request fits into the Postal Service's overall "Delivering the Future" action plan.

For a transcript, please click here.

The 25th edition -- and all previous podcasts -- can also be downloaded free at the iTunes store or via any other RSS feeder.

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Must-hear advice from the Postal Service's 'Biggest Loser'

This edition features an interview with a Minnesota postal manager who discusses the energy and strength he gained -- and the weight he lost -- as a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser."

You'll also get the latest news on the Postal Service's search for new alternative fuel vehicles from Vice President, Engineering, David Williams. Finally, a recap of some big ideas postal employees have suggested to reverse our economic woes, as submitted via yourpostalblog.com.

For a transcript, please click here.

The 25th edition -- and all previous podcasts -- can also be downloaded free at the iTunes store or via any other RSS feeder. A transcript of every program is available at the website, as well.

Please click here to share your comments and ideas.

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Welcome to the second anniversary edition of Your Postal Podcast.

In this edition, you’ll get an exclusive, on-the-scene report from the Postal Regulatory Commission public hearing in Las Vegas concerning the Postal Service’s request for delivery flexibility. VP of Sales Susan Plonkey was on hand to talk about the Postal Service’s proposal. And we’ll take you to the front lines of a city council meeting where members proposed a “Do Not Mail” registry. You’ll hear how the Postmaster, employees, the mailing industry and small businesses pulled together to tell the truth about Direct Mail.

Also featured is news about the latest financial status of USPS and the NALC Food Drive.

For a transcript, please click here.

Like all previous editions, YPP #24 can be downloaded free from the iTunes store or through any other RSS feeder. Or simply listen directly from the YourPostalPodcast.com website.

Please click here to share your comments or story ideas

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Chief Financial Officer Provides Forecast for USPS Future

An exclusive talk with USPS Chief Financial Officer Joseph Corbett about the Postal Service's long-term prospects leads off the 23rd edition of Your Postal Podcast. Also featured is news about the May 8th Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, and some new stamps that raise awareness about shelter pet adoptions.

For a transcript of this, the 23rd edition of the podcast produced by USPS Corporate Communications, please click here.

Like all previous editions, YPP #23 can be downloaded free from the iTunes store or through any other RSS feeder. Or simply listen directly from the yourpostalpodcast.com website.

Please click here to share your comments or story ideas.

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Postal help for Haiti and the environment in this month's Podcast

The March edition of Your Postal Podcast features an interview with a Postal Inspector who went to Haiti in hopes of helping the earthquake-ravaged country reestablish postal services. In addition, we travel to New York City to hear about the Morgan Processing & Distribution Center's unique "Green roof." Also, an English professor from Texas Tech University discusses the origins of the term "snail mail" and whether people mean any harm when they say it. Finally, we take a look at the latest national news involving the Postal Service, including comments from U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves as he kicked off the 2010 Census forms' national mailing.

For a transcript of this, the 22nd edition of the podcast produced by USPS Corporate Communications, please click here.

Like all previous editions, YPP #22 can be downloaded free from the iTunes store or through any other RSS feeder. Or, simply listen directly from the YourPostalPodcast.com website.

Please click here to share your comments or story ideas.

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Everything from itty-bitty to a Carrier City

The February edition of Your Postal Podcast features two stories from Florida: Tour the tiniest Post Office in the country and then learn about a town whose population is made up entirely of former letter carriers and their families.

You'll also hear from the editor of a newspaper devoted to stamp collecting and get a summary of the latest national Postal news. For a transcript of this, the 21st edition of the podcast produced by USPS Corporate Communications, please click here.

Like all previous editions, YPP #21 can be downloaded free from the iTunes store or through any other RSS feeder. Your Postal Podcast is always seeking your feedback or story ideas. To reach us, please click here.

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Mother Teresa! iPhones! OPRAH!

Our stories this month include news about how to use your iPhone to track packages, as well as a review of this year's new stamps. You'll also hear from a letter carrier recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show as a result of her heroic deed.

YPP #20, like all previous editions, can be downloaded free from the iTunes store.

For a transcript of this podcast, click here.

Also, check out YourPostalBlog.com for daily news & information about all things Postal.

Your Postal Podcast is always seeking your feedback or story ideas.  To reach us, please click here.

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This special holiday edition of the podcast produced especially for U.S. Postal Service employees includes a visit with syndicated radio host Kim Komando. Kim talks about her campaign to help listeners from around the country send holiday military care packages via Priority Mail.

You'll also learn how two Postmasters have been bitten by the craze surrounding the Twilight series of books and movies because they serve the towns where the stories are set.

Finally, a grateful customer shares her heartfelt letter of thanks to the Postal Service for a special holiday delivery.

YPP #19, like all previous editions, can be downloaded free from the iTunes store. Or, simply listen directly from  YourPostalPodcast.com.

For a transcript of this podcast, click here.

Also, check out YourPostalBlog.com for daily news & information about all things Postal.

Your Postal Podcast is always seeking your feedback or story ideas.  To reach us, please click here.

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This month's Edition includes news on why Flat Rate Priority Mail packaging provides the perfect recipe for creating special holiday care packages.

Also, you'll hear about one Postmaster's personal story of determination that has helped make Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps a big hit at her Post Office.

Finally, meet a California letter carrier who's cultivated a unique hands-on approach to beautifying the neighborhoods he serves.

For a transcript of this podcast please click here.

Check out Your Postal Blog, a daily place for news, information, and a lighter side of the Postal Service.

Your Postal Podcast is always seeking your feedback or story ideas for future shows.  To reach us, just click here.

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