The DINFOS Way

Latest Episodes:

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 45: From Vietnam to the Hall of Fame: Chip Maury’s DINFOS Legacy Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 45 of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous sits down with Donald “Chip” Maury, a Navy veteran, combat photographer, award-winning photo editor and lifelong mentor to generations of visual communicators. Maury reflects on a remarkable career that began in 1956 as a Navy Photographer’s Mate and included more than 1,500 parachute jumps, underwater demolition diving and three combat tours in Vietnam. He shares lessons from photographing in demanding environments, leading the Pacific Stars and Stripes photo staff to multiple Military Photographer of the Year honors, transitioning to civilian journalism and helping young photographers develop their craft. Inducted into the DINFOS Hall of Fame in August 2026, Maury’s story explores the images, experiences and commitment to mentorship that define his enduring DINFOS legacy.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 44: Practical AI for Military Communicators Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous speaks with Master Sgt. Ben Stratton, emerging technology program manager at the Air Force Public Affairs Agency, about practical and responsible uses of artificial intelligence in military public affairs. Stratton discusses how communicators can use AI and automation to improve workflows while protecting public trust, strengthening content provenance and keeping human judgment at the center of every message. From building foundational AI skills to knowing when to slow down and verify, this conversation offers military communicators actionable insight for working in an AI-enabled information environment.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 43: Communicating That Connects Insights from Amelia of 98 Rock Baltimore Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous talks with longtime 98 Rock Baltimore radio personality and public affairs broadcaster Amelia Ryerse about communicating in ways that truly connect with audiences. Amelia shares how preparation, authenticity and audience awareness shape every show, from rock radio to her “Maryland Perspectives” public affairs program, and offers practical advice DINFOS students and military communicators can apply to their own interviews, podcasts and on‑air work.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 42: Teaching Tomorrow’s Public Affairs Leaders in Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of “The DINFOS Way,” host Jack Rous sits down with instructor Shelby Kay-Fantozzi to explore how the Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course prepares military communicators for the next level of responsibility. Shelby, a former Air Force public affairs professional and award-winning DINFOS instructor, shares how she builds confident, critical-thinking PA leaders in the classroom. From sharpening media literacy and messaging skills to coaching students through real-world scenarios, she breaks down what makes IPASC unique in the DOW training pipeline and what students can expect when they walk through the door.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 41 Balancing a Personal and Professional Brand in Uniform with Army Capt. Angelena Garland May 06, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to represent yourself and the military online? In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous sits down with Army Capt. Angelena Garland to talk about navigating life as both a service member and a social media influencer. From understanding policy and protecting operational security to maintaining authenticity without crossing the line, Capt. Garland shares real-world insight on how to build a presence online while staying compliant and professional. If you have ever wondered what you can and cannot post, this episode breaks it down in a way every military communicator can apply.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 40 Focus & Flash: Mastering the Studio for Mission Success with Justin Pyle Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The DINFOS Way podcast, “Focus & Flash: Mastering the Studio for Mission Success,” host Jack Rous sits down with Justin Pyle, a seasoned DINFOS instructor and retired Air Force master sergeant with more than two decades of photojournalism experience. Pyle, who has taught at the Defense Information School since 2008, shares his expertise in studio photography, explaining how establishing the right lighting environment and mastering technical skills contribute to mission success for military communicators. Together, they explore what studio photography looks like at DINFOS, how students sharpen their craft behind the lens, and why understanding the fundamentals of light and composition remains essential to visual storytelling in defense communication.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 39: Developing Tomorrow’s Visual Storytellers with Johnny Bivera and benefits of DC Shoot Off Visual Media Workshop Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous sits down with master photojournalist Johnny Bivera to explore his decades-long career in visual storytelling across military and civilian arenas. Bivera reflects on his time in the U.S. Navy and his work documenting combat, humanitarian missions and high-level events, sharing what he learned about telling powerful stories through imagery. He also explains the origin and purpose of the DC Shoot Off Visual Media Workshops, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit educational program that helps military and civil service photographers sharpen their craft. Throughout the conversation, Bivera offers practical tips, techniques and perspective for today’s warfighting communicators, giving listeners ideas they can apply to their own visual storytelling.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 38 – Building Authentic Social Media Communities with Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of “The DINFOS Way,” host Jack Rous sits down with U.S. Air Force broadcaster and former DINFOS instructor Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice to bridge the gap between traditional public affairs and the modern creator economy. Brice shares how she balances life as a military communicator and professional cosplayer, and how foundational skills taught at DINFOS still drive engagement in today’s social media feeds. Listeners will hear practical tips for building authentic digital communities, understanding platform algorithms, handling negativity and turning short-form content into a force multiplier for their units. Whether you run a one-person public affairs shop or manage a large team, this episode offers actionable strategies to strengthen your unit’s online presence and connect with audiences who scroll first and ask questions later.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 37 From Time-Lapse to Tomorrow: Drew Geraci on Mastering Your Craft and Embracing AI in Visual Storytelling Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Award-winning cinematographer Drew Geraci, known for his stunning time-lapse work featured in productions like House of Cards, joins The DINFOS Way to share how he turned his passion for visual storytelling into a thriving career. From capturing time-lapse masterpieces to exploring the creative potential of AI, Geraci reveals his process, mindset, and advice for storytellers who want to push creative boundaries.

The DINFOS Way – Ep. 36 Beyond the Canvas: Kate Cornell on Graphic Design, Design Thinking and Preparing Tomorrow’s Military Communicators Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Step into the creative side of military communication in this episode of The DINFOS Way as graphic designer and DINFOS instructor Kate Cornell unpacks how design thinking, visual storytelling and fundamentals of layout, color and typography shape the way audiences receive information. From classroom to operational environments, Kate shares practical insights on collaborating with communicators, critiquing work with purpose and using design to support the mission, giving current and future military communicators tools they can apply on their very next product. Whether you are a new student, a seasoned PAO or a leader guiding creative teams, this conversation highlights how thoughtful design can amplify your message and better prepare tomorrow’s communicators for an evolving information environment.

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