We talked to Admiral John Kirby—former Pentagon Press Secretary, State Department Spokesperson, and Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House—about what it takes to communicate clearly and credibly when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Admiral Kirby shared his unusual entry into the field of communications, why curiosity and humility shaped his decades-long career, and how he learned to shift from reactive crisis response to proactive narrative shaping. We got into the challenges of aligning messaging across sprawling government agencies, the role of military communicators in a democratic society, and how strategic use of imagery and intel helped counter disinformation.
Plus: the hardest briefings he ever gave, why the military-media relationship matters now more than ever, and how to balance message discipline with the need for human connection.
About Admiral John Kirby
Admiral John Kirby is one of the most trusted voices in U.S. government communications. Over a distinguished Navy career, he became the Pentagon Press Secretary and later the Spokesperson for the State Department and National Security Council. Known for his candor, empathy, and command of context, Kirby has shaped public understanding of major military and diplomatic events. He now brings that insight to a broader audience as a CNN commentator.
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