Disaster Dads

we also decided to talk about smart phone education for you kids and when should you start it. Specifically, if you don't have a landline, make sure your kids know how to use a smart phone to call someone

Hey Disaster Dad family!  This summer is full of travel (work and family), so we are having a haphazard recording schedule with the Dads. We appreciate your patience and hope you stick with us.  This week we had plans to discuss the importance of alternate plans, but then Disaster Joe went on a rant about appliances. Luckily, he highlighted the need to have alternate plans for appliance shopping as well.  Make sure to give the #SummerOfDad a go and let us know what's going on. 

The Disaster Dads are here to chat about the summer activities of their youth. And the woes of Refrigerator Joe. 

Hello Disaster Dad Nation! We missed you and I'm sure you missed us. The Dads have been galavanting from one kid party to another. Also, Disaster Erik didn't plan well and took all the recording equipment with him. So we are ramping back into the podcasting you know and love. That said, enjoy our rants and rattles and we look forward to catching back up with you! 

You read that right! This week, the Dads had the great privilege to chat with two of Arlington County Fire Department's amazing Officers; Captain Sarah and Lieutenant Cheryl. We heard about Camp Heat, a great summer camp that the ACFD puts on for girls ages 15-18 and with 7 daughters in the Disaster Dad family, we wanted to chat about it. I mean, how couldn't we....a free summer camp that involves fire? A no brainer.  We really appreciated the time that Sarah and Cheryl took out of their evening to discuss the camp and put up with our shenanigans. If your household has a young girl that may be interested in the fire service....you can't go wrong with a fun summer cam

This episode, the Dads were thrilled, and honored, to chat with Sarah from the Vienna Chapter of Moms Demand Action. Sarah is an instructor for the Be SMART program and she shared the history of the program, who the target audience is (spoiler alert: It's for everyone!), and how you can get involved if you want to. Whether you grew up around guns or have never handled a firearm, the Be SMART program is a great way to prime a conversation about gun safety. 

Second: Disaster Dan was awesomer than usual and had the brilliant that we should ask a smart person about the flu and how it impacts our kids (and the rest of us). So, we got to chat with Dr. Crystal Sparling, MD, MPH, FAAP. She's a pediatrician at Scissortail Pediatrics in Blanchard, OK. She's awesome and was very patient with the questions that Disaster Joe had. Listen to the episode, ask your pediatrician questions, and GET YOUR FLU SHOT. 

The Dads get together to check-in on how Kindergarten is going and what sage words of advice can be shared. That predictably devolved into a well reasoned argument against random snow(less) day's for schools. Enjoy!

The Dads have a candid discussion about cars and the safety features you can find on them. Some Dads are happy about the tech, others are not. *Spoiler Alert for every episode: Disaster Rob has issues with anything new*

The Dads are back and happy to have survived the holiday spirit that enveloped and consumed our little ones. Only 343 days until Xmas. (sorry...I'm sooo sorry) Listen to us chat about our time off and the little ballistic missile issue in Hawaii. Enjoy! 

This episode, the Dads review the second greatest Christmas movie on the market and look at it from the perspective of insurance and what Clark's bonus check really would have gone to. We were happy to welcome Disaster Joe back and appreciated his input. We also issue the #BlessingChallenge and we'd love to hear your stories and how your blessing went over. 

We don't talk about Disaster Erik's wattle, but we do chat about our holiday plans and the decision to fly or not fly with little ones. Also, all the sympathy to Disaster Erik's family...for having to travel with him. The Dads also gain enlightenment from Disaster Joe and feel like they've been missing something for far too long. 

Or report and news. Either way is a valid answer. This episode, Disaster Erik forgot to organize a theme, so he spitballed and asked everyone to bring a book report. Disaster Robin got a pass because he could talk #Astros and that was ok. We chat about the life skills learned from Calvin and Hobbes, how the man who designed awesome trains also worked on Sky Lab, and the benefit of a "go home" back. Listen and enjoy. Also, validate our existence by giving us your favorite rating. 

In this episode, the Dads have grand plans to discuss the Great Shakeout and use Disaster Erik's recent quinquennial physical as a reminder to take your health seriously. In typical Disaster Dad fashion, we were easily derailed and ended up talking about our days working the Marine Corps Marathon and when we should let our kids watch the formative movies of our youth. Worth listening to until the end. The very end.

Following the domestic terrorist attack in Las Vegas, the Dads have grand plans to discuss how to talk to our kids about these attacks, but we easily (predictably?) go off on a tangent. We still have a great conversation, just not about what we planned to discuss. We round out the chat with an armchair review of the recent #Army10Miler and how it became the #ArmyFunRun. We were missing Disaster Joe, but that meant we were 100% beard strong. 

WELCOME TO SEASON 2! That's right, you survived season one because you excellent preparedness skills, get ready for season two...the Toddler Years! We've been walking, asking "What's this?", and generally annoying our older siblings...time to take it to the next level!  We welcome the newest member to the Disaster Dads, Robin! He's always been here, but now it's official. This way Joe can talk even less. BUT, not until after this episode that he put together for an after action report on National Preparedness Month. Grab your favorite lovey, this episode is good! 

This episode, The Dads are honored to be joined by two very special guests. Friend of The Dads, and really one of The Dads, Robin returns to the family table and was able to bring a VERY special friend with him, Michael Walter, the Public Information Officer for the Houston Office of Emergency Management. They shared what it was like for them during Hurricane Harvey and how their personal emergency plans played out while their professional plans were in overdrive. The Dads were grateful to have the opportunity for this chat and wish Robin and Michael, as well of the rest of Houston, a speedy recovery. Visit HoustonRecovers.org to find out what you can do to help. 

4/5s of the Dads gather to finally do the long threatened generators episode! This week the dads take a first look at all the toys you need ... I mean, some tips when you're thinking about using a generator. Topics include how to estimate your power needs, where to put the generator, and how to get the power from the generator to your appliances.

We have the gang back together again! Travel hasn't stopped, but it's pretty nice to have the full Disaster team in one place to celebrate our Podiversary! We can't believe how fast we grew up, or at least appeared to grow up. But we need to talk about the kids. Always the kids. So for that, we chat about when they go to school and the process/steps/issues associated with that. Enjoy the banter and listen to us babble on about many things unrelated to school. And Happy #DisasterDadDay

This week 4/5 of the Disaster Dads are on travel and of those, only one has access to the internet. Guys....Summer travel is hard. But, we are extremely lucky that Disaster Rob was able to sweet talk Disaster GrandBob to join us! Our pre-taping chat went down a road of family travel in the 80's versus family travel now. And GrandBob was part of the Disaster Rob Disney Delight earlier this year, so he is our SME on comparative travel! This was a fun episode and excited to share with the Disaster Dad family! Enjoy!

The Dads have been traveling- some for work, some for fun- and have been caught up in the nuances of life. That means, we weren't able to tape a full episode this week. We only had a short time together and Ebola Joe wasn't making it easier. Enjoy and have fun. More to come next week. Bonus Bonus....you don't get to hear us review Sharknado. 

The Dads (well, 3 of the 5) got online to chat about keeping the household from falling off the rails when the spouse travels or handling the kids when you are traveling solo. We also go WAY off topic and chat about movies and how our kids talk to us. Off topic, but on target for fun! 

The Dads enjoy Fathers (Father's?) Day by going on a certified #DisasterDadRant. Well, not really a rant, but we've had a lot on our minds and decided to talk about it. Podcast therapy. Or something like that. Join us as we chat about the Grenfell Tower fire and the active shooter incident at the GOP baseball practice in Alexandria, VA. We try to bring it up a bit with a recap of our excellent day of Fatherly recognition. 

This week the Dads hear from Rob on his parenting adventure as he took his oldest to visit the Hurricane Hunters. We have a hurricane season to start preparing for, so why not chat about the planes, tech, and pilots that get us the info we need to stay safe. Bonus plug- if you live in a hurricane zone, get your stuff together and be prepared. 

This week's episode focuses on water in places where there shouldn't be water - at home or at work. The Dads chat about how to stay safe, how to prepare for the worst, and how to use a grommeted tarp, DD Nation! 

With 71% of the planet covered in water (science), learning to swim is an important skill for children of all ages. Even if you aren't near an ocean, there is always an opportunity to go chasing waterfalls and not sticking to the lakes and rivers you are used to. From what you can teach in the bathtub to lessons at the pool, The Dads discuss ways to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy some liquid fun. 

The Dads get to hear from Disaster Rob on how his trip to the magical kingdom went. He gives an overview of the planning and execution of a fun family excursion. Join us as we discuss the fun of kid vacations and see if you can hear Disaster Frank celebrating a Caps victory in the background. 

The Dads reach back to the late 20th Century to review the classic disaster flick with AWESOME graphics....Twister! The Dads have always wanted to watch this flick, but we really wanted to honor the life and times of a great, Bill Paxton. You were never a Pullman to us and thanks for the great films.  Also, we talk about disaster prep. Sort of. Enjoy! 

This week, the Dads are a little light because of travel, babies and day jobs. But, that won't stop them from talking about Tornadoes and sharing what they know. Spoiler alert: it's not as much as you'd think. But the Dads had fun and hope you'll join us. 

In this episode, the Dads congratulate Disaster Joe on the new addition to his family. One was fun, two is....a second baby. The Dads catch up on the Oscars and give their picks for best overall confusing look. They finish up with Disaster Erik lamenting his impending death and all around Debbie Downer attitude. 

In this episode the Dads bring back special guest Robin to discuss his role in the emergency management planning for the Super Bowl. Topics include the interagency coordination process, the in depth preparation undertaken by hospitals, fire, police and federal agencies, and Patriots fan Dan's martini consumption during the second half.

The Accidental Tourist - Situational awareness. Knowing the geography. Having a plan. All of this becomes more difficult when you're traveling, especially when you don't know the language. The Dads bring in an expert to talk about all of this: their buddy Jae. He's a former firefighter buddy. He doesn't have kids but he is a security officer with the UN mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. Which may be as challenging as traveling with a two year old. Tough call.

The Dads review one of the most impactful disaster movies of 1998, Deep Impact! That's right, every now and then, the Dads are going to toss in a totally scientific and accurate review of the best disaster movies out there. We listen to President Freeman and wonder if they were hoping to make a TV series on all the random story lines in this movie. Enjoy!

Outdoor preparedness, thinking about large crowds: The Dads discuss how to be prepared for hikes with kids, including how Rob braved the wilderness with the most dangerous animal imaginable - two kids! The dads also give tips on surviving at big events like the presidential inauguration and the million women march. Plus, Frank briefs the Dads on a pleasant return flight from Hawaii where nothing happened ... other than a diabetic emergency and a stroke (in the same row)!

The Dads have been enjoying the holiday bliss and over abundance of family time. They have also had a few localized disasters tossed their way. This all means that they took a holiday hiatus from "planning" and "prepping" for this episode. Enjoy the short banter and look at what to expect in 2017.

The weather outside is frightful, but the conversation is so delightful! And since you've got no place to go...might as well listen to the Dads discuss winter weather emergencies and home front preparedness. Listen to Dan and Joe both fall off the recording, Rob discussing the finer points of living room camping, Frank sharing his tips to preparing an outside faucet for winter, and Erik learning the importance of Calcium Chloride. Bonus, when you join us for emergency preparedness you also get to go down the rabbit hole of excellent movies from the late '80's. Remember, it's not the Christmas until Hans Gruber falls from Nakatomi Tower.

Get yo' gift on! Today's episode has some helpful gift ideas from the Dads, for the Dads in your life. Topics include bear fights, battlefield medicine, the importance of owning multiple Leatherman tools, puppy pads, Christmas trees, and, as always, the importance of grommets.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a full belly! I this episode the Dads talk about safety with family friends as you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving. The knives may be dull in the house, but the Dads are sharp as ever! Listen for the Dads to endorse their official side of the Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy and be safe this Thanksgiving!

Happy Election Day, Disaster Dad Nation! Thanks to some scheduling SNAFUs and a 7 game World Series, the Dads (minus Frank) gather via Skype to talk about the biggest disaster in the news: the election. Topics include Dan ranting about national polls vs electoral college, Joe's distrust of polls in general, and Disaster Dad's official endorsement against informal vote "monitoring."

Set your phasers to FUN! The dads get their geek on with two special guests to talk about how space weather could impact the electrical grid. Other topics include the use of aluminum foil as personal protective equipment, the technical specs on a No. 2 pencil, and Erik's love of the short lived show "Revolution" and that Star Trek movie where they needed to go get the whale and bring it to the future because aliens. Also, Rob speaks!!!

The Dads dive into one of the biggest media topics in the preparedness world: Active Shooters. What are they, how do you prepare, and how do you respond to one near you? What does the term mean? The Dads are joined by special guest Robin, another former firefighter who is an emergency manager for a hospital system in Houston (and Dad -- branding!). The Dads are virtually together again for this one...so please enjoy the background of children chatting until one of the Dads figures out how to use mute.

The Disaster Dads are back to school with a new pod dealing with school preparedness issues and what to do when you hear that a school is in "lockdown." Plus, we have our first interview to get ready for fire prevention week!

The DadsThe Dads round-out the trilogy on preparedness by discussing what to do when you are on the road. Know your surroundings and your options. This is true for your commute and for your trip to the land of overpriced mice. National Preparedness Month is a good way to jump start conversations in your home and office, but it should be a yearlong activity.

With National Preparedness Month around the corner, the Dads discuss being prepared at work and being prepared for disasters beyond the forgotten meeting. Know the plan at work, create a plan for getting home.

The Disaster Dads get things started and figure out how to make a podcast work. A little longer of an episode, but the Dads discuss some recent news: Pokemon Go and the impacts on situational awareness; dealing with active shooters; Zika; and what you should think about when preparing yourself and home for an emergency.