Beyond the Comments: What It Really Takes To Communicate For Topeka | Dan Garrett

We talk with Dan Garrett, Director of Communications and Media Relations for the City of Topeka, about how a modern city communicates through storms, potholes, rumor mills, and the daily work that rarely makes headlines. He shares practical tools residents can use, why tone matters online, and where Topeka is quietly moving forward.• path from TV reporter to city communications lead• what city PR covers across social, media, and web• potholes versus construction trade‑offs and winter patching• SeeClickFix for reporting issues that get real responses• managing the 100‑year snow and a misunderstood police action• when humor backfires and why tone must fit the moment• video series on city history and department spotlights• momentum planning, city flag adoption, and regional interest• reaching offline residents with banners, libraries, and Channel 4• local life: food, trails, haunted woods, and favorites________________________________________0:00 - Dan’s Path To Topeka2:15 - From TV News To City Hall4:25 - What City PR Actually Does7:05 - Potholes, Construction, And Public Expectations11:10 - Reporting Issues: The SeeClickFix App12:45 - The One‑In‑A‑Hundred‑Year Snowstorm17:15 - Handling Backlash And Media Pressure21:30 - Humor, Tone, And City Social Media25:40 - Video Series: History And Behind The Seal28:10 - National Attention And Correcting Rumors32:40 - Momentum, Governance, And Real Progress35:30 - Beyond Social: Reaching Offline Residents38:00 - Life In Topeka: Food, Trails, Events42:00 - Rapid Fire: Local Picks And Pet Peeves46:20 - Where To Follow And State Of The Community_________________________________________Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KSWebsite -- https://topekainsider.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/Follow Your Hosts: 📱Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!