Inside Communications presented by Half Street Group

In the midst of the Blizzard of 2026, we step back from the snowfall totals and power outage maps to examine a different kind of storm: public communication.

Mike Raia — founder and president of Half Street Group and former spokesperson for Governor Gina Raimondo — joins us to break down how governments manage messaging during fast-moving weather emergencies.

What We Cover:

The Anatomy of a Storm Message
How decisions get translated into public language — from executive orders to social posts.
Forecast vs. Certainty
Communicating probabilities without overpromising accuracy — and what happens when forecasts shift.
The Politics of Snow Days
School closures, travel bans, and the public backlash that follows either decision.
Trust in a Whiteout
Why tone matters as much as timing — and how credibility is built (or lost) in moments like these.
Social Media & Misinformation
Managing rumors, viral misinformation, and unofficial “expert” commentary during a crisis.
Lessons from the Governor’s Office
Behind-the-scenes insight from Raia’s time as spokesperson — what works, what doesn’t, and what most people never see.
What Leaders Should Be Saying Right Now
As the Blizzard of 2026 unfolds, what does effective communication look like in real time?

Why This Conversation Matters

Weather events are inevitable. Public panic isn’t. In an era of instant reaction and fractured media ecosystems, crisis communication has never been more consequential.

This episode explores the thin line between preparation and alarm — and how leadership is measured not just by action, but by words.

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