Disaster Zone

The Los Angeles fires will likely be the costliest natural disaster in our history. While they started as wildfire, they changed into an urban conflagration. Thousands of homes were destroyed along with other building structures, including businesses. In this podcast we'll look at these impacts fires their destruction from the perspective of a private business that specializes in disaster recovery efforts.  The podcast guest is Joel Wish, CEO of Bright Harbor, a leading disaster recovery company that has been on the front lines of wildfire recovery efforts across the country. In the wake of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, Joel and his team have been helping survivors navigate the complex and often frustrating process of securing federal aid, insurance payouts, and emergency housing—guiding them through bureaucratic roadblocks that can delay relief for months.  A seasoned entrepreneur, Joel has spent his career tackling large-scale challenges in ways that put people first. Before founding Bright Harbor, he co-led Frontline Foods, an all-volunteer nonprofit that provided over a million meals to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic while supporting struggling restaurants. He also helped build Simple Health, a telemedicine company expanding access to reproductive healthcare. His expertise in crisis response, logistics, and public health now helps disaster survivors access the resources they need when they need them  Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

In this podcast we will be learning about disaster community in Europe and more specifically in Switzerland. That will be in the first half of the podcast. In the second half, we will be talking about a more focused conversation about data and its role in integrated disaster risk management. During the podcast we review Emergency Meeting Points (EMP) in Switzerland. The link provided will give you more information.  The podcast guest is Jurgena Kamberaj a Senior Researcher in the Risk and Resilience Team at the Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich, where she focuses on disaster preparedness and how hazards affect individuals, communities, and ecosystems. Her work aims to strengthen resilience in the face of increasingly complex emergencies.  Prior to joining CSS in 2023, Jurgena worked at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, specifically within the European Crisis Management Laboratory. In this role, she was responsible for real-time monitoring and impact assessments of major disasters worldwide, contributing to the development of the EU's global disaster response strategies.  Jurgena holds an MSc in Environmental Science from Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel in Germany, specializing in ecosystem services and environmental protection. With experience spanning both scientific research and operational crisis management, she bridges the gap between data-driven analysis and practical disaster risk reduction strategies.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

In this podcast we look at a new technology being developed and fielded to help people and organizations, public and private better understand climate risks of all types. From wildfires to floods, climate fueled natural disasters are becoming more and more prevalent.  The podcast guest is Sarah Russell, Managing Director of Bellwether who speaks to the ways that advanced machine learning can help improve disaster response as these events continue to   Bellwether has worked with the Defense Innovation Unit and the National Guard to help these first responder teams more accurately locate survivors and track damage to essential infrastructure.  Bellwether is a fully commercialized business, with clients in the insurance and disaster response sectors. Their software identified an area of Ventura County, CA as high fire risk in 2024, and that area overlapped nearly perfectly with the Mountain Fire in November, 2024.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

There are all sorts of projects, large and small. I've advocated that all work is usually done in the form of a project. Really large projects require a huge investment in time and other resources to be successful. No one plans on failing, but there have been some very public failures in the past. In this podcast we'll examine some general themes for those failures and also solutions you can put to use for your own projects to hopefully ensure success.  Dr. Brian Williamson is a management consultant and Visiting Lecturer in Leadership and Management Studies at the University of Oxford. A global authority in business transformation, employee experience, and purpose-driven project management, he has authored multiple books and is sought after by organizations aiming to unlock hidden potential and align strategic investments with purpose. With a passion for maximizing human potential, Dr. Williamson mentors senior executives, assisting them in creating enhanced human experiences within their organizations, encouraging leaders to challenge conventional thinking, fostering an environment that harmonizes the diverse interests of all stakeholders. Dr. Williamson holds dual master's degrees from NYU Tandon School of Engineering (formerly Polytechnic University) in Management of Technology and Information Systems Engineering. He also earned a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University and Executive Director at project management firm, PMO Advisory.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

Disaster volunteers come in many shapes and sizes. They can be individual citizens but typically are aligned with an organization that is offering aid to their fellow citizens. However, sometimes emergency managers have found that these well-intentioned volunteers seem to cause more headaches than they solve. Donated goods, for example can cause a mountain of work with many of the donations eventually going into a landfill.In this Disaster Zone Podcast David Wells, the Director of Disaster Relief for Disaster Relief for Texans on a Mission will dialog with the host about how best to be ready to volunteer and work with other government agencies. David began his response journey as a Baptist pastor in Wyoming, leading his congregation to provide aid to travelers trapped by routine interstate closings due to snow. He later became state director for Disaster Relief for the Wyoming Southern Baptist Convention. As a pastor in Missouri, he led shower, chainsaw, laundry, and feeding response team among Missouri Baptists, eventually becoming associate director for Disaster Relief for the Missouri Baptist Convention. David joined Texans on Mission in 2019.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

Technology is a driving force in public safety today. There are multiple challenges that come with considering which technologies should be adopted and fielded within an organization. Before that can happen, we need to collectively overcome self-imposed barriers to technology adoption, which is the subject of this Disaster Zone Podcast.  The podcast guest is Garry Briese who has had a distinguished career in the fire service. Only recently retiring in January 2025 as the Executive Director of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs. Previously Garry served for 23 years as the Executive Director/CEO of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in Washington DC and prior was the Executive Director/CEO of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians for 14 years.   Additionally, he was appointed as the Regional Administrator for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 8 of the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush. Prior to DHS/FEMA, he was Vice President, Emergency Management & Homeland Security for ICF International, a $1.5 billion NASDAQ-listed professional services corporation.  Today he serves as one of four independent directors on the corporate Board of Directors of WS Darley Company, a 116-year-old family-owned business founded in 1908.  In 2024, Darley had more than $1 Billion in sales as an international pump & fire apparatus manufacturer & distributor for the military, fire and emergency services.   Garry has presented at conferences in Japan, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom and across the United States. He is a well-known speaker on leadership and followership and on future challenges for both the private and government sectors. He has broad experience in non-profit organizations and for-profit companies in local, state, national, federal, and international domains His visionary and forward-thinking leadership and accomplishments have been recognized by multiple international and national organizations.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been predominantly in the news for many months. Most recently as both President Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security have made remarks that FEMA should be abolished. More recently a 20-person council has been established to examine how best the federal response and recovery efforts to disasters should be accomplished. This then is the topic for this podcast.Craig Fugate the podcast guest served as President Barack Obama's FEMA Administrator from May 2009 to January 2017. Previously, he served as Florida Governor Jeb Bush's Emergency Management Director from 2001-2007 and Governor Charlie Crist from 2007-09.Fugate led FEMA through multiple record-breaking disaster years and oversaw the Federal Government's response to major events such as the Joplin and Moore Tornadoes, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2016 Louisiana flooding.FEMA's effectiveness in dealing with more than 500 Presidentially declared major disasters and emergencies under Fugate's leadership restored the faith of the American people in the Federal Government's ability to respond to disasters.Prior to his tenure at FEMA, Fugate was widely praised for his management, under Governor Jeb Bush, of the devastating effects of the 2004 and 2005 Florida hurricane seasons (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, and Wilma). Craig provides senior level advice and consultation in disaster management and resiliency policy through Craig Fugate Consulting LLC.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

Personally, I have had to inform employees that their jobs were being eliminated. Sometimes because of a budget cut, sometimes due to their performance. How we handle these events is important to the people directly impacted and also to those who remain behind. This podcast will be addressing both topics and how to better structure a layoff scenario—and do it with empathy.  Jim Cichanski, the founder, and Chief Human Resources Officer of Flex HR, has 30+ years experience in human resources, holding senior level positions in companies that were privately held, pre-IPO, foreign owned, joint venture, Fortune 50 and one labeled the “fastest growing F1000 in America.” He has a solid background in high tech, manufacturing, services and management.  His background in human resources includes organizational process evaluation and improvement, labor laws, integration of businesses, cost reduction, organizational development, and all functional areas of human resources. These include but are not limited to Benefits, Compensation, Staffing, Diversity, ERISA, DOL Compliance, Immigration, Learning & Development, Stock Administration, Executive Compensation, Employee Relations, and over 300 Mergers & Acquisitions. Jim's experience includes operational HR management knowledge globally in 32 countries and has transitioned companies from 30 to 67,000 employees worldwide. Companies he has worked for include Unisys, Novell, Premiere Technologies and PaySys International. Jim is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.  Jim also spent 26 years in the Army National Guard achieving the rank of Colonel.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

We continue to see disasters increase in size, frequency and impact. What are we doing wrong when it comes to disaster resilience, especially as it impacts our ability to adapt to the climate impacts that are experiencing and take a longer view to disaster resilience.  The podcast guest is Jeff Schlegelmilch an Associate Professor for Professional Practice in Climate. He is also the Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School, as well as the Director of Executive Education and Non-Degree Programs for the Columbia Climate School. His areas of expertise include public health preparedness, community resilience, and the integration of private and public sector capabilities. In addition to his work at Columbia, he also served as an advisor to private sector organizations on topics related to grid resilience planning and advised leaders on preparedness systems and policy at all levels of government. He is an opinion contributor with The Hill and is frequently called upon as an expert for numerous media outlets. He is also the author of Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to Twenty-First-Century Megadisasters and co-author of Catastrophic Incentives: Why Our Approaches To Disasters Keep Falling ShortPlease visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

As we look to the future of making for a more disaster resilient future, there are new building technologies that are ready for prime time. One of those is the use of 3D technology for the construction of all types of buildings and other structures.  In this podcast we learn from one leader in 3D construction, Ziyou Xu, Founder of RIC Technology. 3D printing using concrete uses less labor and is very flexible in how the materials can be used. When thinking about building for disaster resilience, be it for fires or earthquakes, concrete is an excellent choice of materials. In this podcast you will learn about the advantages of the technology and how its use is expanding widely here in the United States and around the world.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

As this is being written the firestorm in California is continuing. It is not only government that responds to disasters and the needs of disaster survivors and victims. The Disaster Accountability Project was created to help coordinate nongovernmental organizational efforts. To date, the site has more than 900 organizations registered worldwide. Following a stringent review process, organizations are presented with information that displays proximity to a specific crisis, and the range of services provided to survivors, and a detailed but easy-to-digest overview of the organization's financial health – which gives an indication of the percentage of aid that will be directly passed on to survivors. You can find all the details at www.smartresponse.org  The podcast guest is Ben Smilowitz, ben@disasteraccountabilityproject.org  He witnessed the bungled Hurricane Katrina response while managing a high-volume Red Cross Client Service Center in Gulfport, MS. Soon after, Ben launched Disaster Accountability Project, an independent watchdog, to confront the root causes of the failed Katrina response and maximize the impact of billions of dollars of disaster relief and humanitarian aid.   Disaster Accountability Project has successfully advocated for the release of millions of dollars of disaster relief and recovery funds after Superstorm Sandy, investigated deficiencies in emergency planning surrounding 19 commercial U.S. nuclear power plants, and improved the transparency of nearly 2 billion dollars of disaster relief donations after disasters in the U.S., Haiti and Nepal.  Under Ben's leadership, DAP's reports, advocacy, and op-eds have been covered by global news media including The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and CNN. Many of DAP's successes over its thirteen years are attributable to the hundreds of volunteers from around the world that Ben has recruited and managed.  Prior to starting DAP, Ben had a background in youth civic engagement and issue advocacy. He wrote successful legislation in Connecticut and created a Youth Cabinet in Missouri. Ben studied Political Science and Nonprofit Management and holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

In this podcast we explore what makes for effective alerts and warnings with one of the preeminent scholars and researching these topics today. Jeannette Sutton, Ph.D., specializes in disaster and risk with a primary focus on online informal communication, and public alerts and warnings disseminated via short messaging channels. Much of her research investigates the evolving role of information and communication technology, including social media and mobile devices, for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Her current work centers on message design and testing across a range of hazard contexts including atmospheric, meteorological, geological, technological, biological, and human induced threats for communication via Wireless Emergency Alerts and other alerting channels. See this link for The Warning Lexicon   She is employed at the University at Albany, SUNY, as an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security where she directs the Emergency and Risk Communication Message Testing Lab. She is also the founder of The Warn Room, LLC (thewarnroom.com) where you can get more resources to support your mission of warning people, and provides evidence-based advice on effective alert and warning messages. Dr. Sutton holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postdoctoral training at the Natural Hazards Center.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

UPDATED EPISODE! As you may have noticed, we accidently posted Pete's last episode, equally good and worth a listen but you should also check out today's episode talking about the future of FEMA.The new Trump Administration has started out with a slew of news impacting emergency management. There were two trips to disaster areas. One in the Southeast and North Carolina, where the President stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had performed poorly and even politicized the disaster relief. He promised to fix those issues. Then, a trip to Southern California to view the impacts of the Los Angeles fires. Prior to the trip he was critical of the State of California for its water policies and failure to maintain the forests by raking up the leaves, etc. That was followed by executive orders and memos that 1) Cancelled all advisory committees which would include one that advises FEMA. 2) The Office of Management and Budget (OMG) sent out a memo to all federal agencies to pause funding all grants to organizations—later withdrawn. 3) An email was sent to all Federal employees offering them basically seven months of pay—free, if they took the option to leave Federal employment after September 2025. The President also is establishing a group to study FEMA and make recommendations for how to reform the agency. Members of that council have yet to be named at this writing. In this podcast we will be discussing the types of changes that could be made to make FEMA more functional as an organization and then consider what types of major policy changes could be in the offing, e.g. shifting more of the burden of disaster recovery costs to states and local jurisdictions. The Disaster Zone Podcast Guest is Peter Gaynor, an accomplished executive with over 15 years of leadership in Emergency Management & Homeland Security at every level of government. He has led a wide variety of challenging disasters at the local, state, and federal levels. He has served as the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator, and Deputy FEMA Administrator.Visit https://femapete.com/ for Pete's leadership course! Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

I don't know if you have noticed, but things are changing fast. Change is happening at every level of our society, in government, business and culture. Nothing is immune from the extent of change that is occurring. In this podcast we explore the topic of forecasting the future in order to better prepare ourselves and our organizations. You will find this topic engaging and thought provoking. The podcast guest is Donna Dupont the Founder and Chief Strategist for Purple Compass, as well as an award-winning designer and futurist who helps organizations build their future literacy skills to navigate change in today's complex and uncertain world. She brings skills and insights developed over 25 years working with leaders in healthcare, public safety, defense, and security. Her unique style bridges systems thinking with strategic foresight to support organizational decision-making and advancing actions to mitigate future risk, enhance preparedness and adaptive capacity to disruptive events, and leverage opportunities for change, innovation and transformation. She is a recipient of seven government awards at the provincial and federal level for outstanding achievement, excellence, and partner relations in policy and strategic planning. Her unique style bridges systems thinking with strategic foresight to understand patterns and the potential evolution over time. She works with both quantitative and qualitative data, and designs processes to ensure confidence with insights and knowledge theories generated. Donna's professional portfolio of projects have advanced insights on topics such as climate change, international development, environmental security, civil security/emergency preparedness, climate-risk and infrastructure, health and human security, space sector and national defense.L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The modern media world we live in today is nothing like we have experienced to date. Legacy media is fading and we have an entire new suite of information channels sharing good and often time distorted information. Add to that, we now have “machines” that can generate the information without any human interface. This podcast addresses these challenges and some solutions all organizations, public and private need to avail themselves of.The podcast guest is Molly Dwyer is the Director of Insights at PeakMetrics, a narrative intelligence company that empowers organizations to combat harmful online threats. In her role, Molly expands the realm-of-the-possible for PeakMetrics use cases to answer customer challenges in the public and private sectors. Molly brings a decade of experience working in the open-source intelligence start-up space. Previously, she built and directed the analysis team at Predata, now part of FiscalNote. Molly studied politics and Russian at Princeton University. Her passion for combatting mis/disinformation was emboldened by her years spent living in and traveling in Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

This is a different type of Disaster Zone Podcast. The host, Eric Holdeman becomes the interviewee and Kim Guevara, is the interviewer. Kim has been researching different aspects of what it means to be an emergency manager. In her words, “a crisis athlete.” This is not about push-ups, but rather what does it take to be successful in becoming prepared for disasters, responding to them and then the disaster recovery.The podcast Guest is Kim Guevara, MA Founder and CEO at MOZAIK Solutions  Kim has 25 years' experience in emergency management, homeland security, and development. She has provided services to all levels of government, the U.S. military, and the private and non-profit sectors. Kim's combined experience in emergency/crisis management, health community initiatives in humanitarian crises, and organizational leadership also led her to co-create the Crisis Athlete™ program. At its core, the program challenges, questions, and envisions new, more sustainable pathways for crisis leaders to think about resilience by leveraging and applying the power of neuroscience at the individual, organizational, and community levels.You can read about this topic here: Executive Function: The Crisis Leader's Edge in a High-Pressure WorldFor more brain tools see www.crisisathlete.comMajor Endorsements!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

Elizabeth Van Nostrand is an associate professor in the Department of Health Services Administration and Policy at the Temple University College of Public Health. Van Nostrand is an expert in legal epidemiology—the study and application of law as an intervention to prevent disease and injury. She is the co-author of three public health emergency law bench books for health departments in the District of Columbia, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Through a CDC-funded grant, Van Nostrand created the Emergency Law Inventory (ELI), a tool for volunteers engaged in disaster response to navigate responder laws across the United States. She received the National Partner Award from the Medical Reserve Corps (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and two awards from the University of Pittsburgh's Innovation Institute for the development of ELI. In 2022, Van Nostrand received a second grant from the CDC to update ELI's content.Major Endorsements:!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

As individuals we are the sum total of all our experiences. So it is with Michael Lienau. From a childhood interest in film to a career as a documentary filmmaker, he has left his mark. A close encounter with Mt. Saint Helens eruptions set him on a path to study and document volcanoes. On the way he has translated science into videos that inform and educate generations of people. During the podcast several video productions focusing on volcanoes were mentioned.Here is the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Global Volcanism Program for the VolFilm Episodes:https://volcano.si.edu/gallery/VideoCollection.cfm?subject=VOLFilms&language=EnglishAnd specifically the ones produced in English language:Human Experiences with Lava Flowshttps://vimeo.com/666125121Debris Avalanches and Landslideshttps://vimeo.com/666128789Health Hazards of Ashhttps://vimeo.com/666121806For over 45 years Michael Lienau has been an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, working in documentaries, television, feature films, commercials, corporate, government and new media.When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, 20-year-old Michael Lienau was one of the first cinematographers to photograph the devastation around the mountain from the ground. Caught in the second largest eruption, the camera crew barely escaped with their lives. Michael's dramatic footage was seen worldwide in IMAX theaters and on television. His unforgettable experience on the mountain fueled a life-long desire to communicate his own story and those of other eyewitnesses in an independent dramatic documentary, “THE FIRE BELOW US: Remembering Mount St. Helens.” This seven-time award-winner became the longest running, most requested, highest rated independent film on National Geographic Television and was also seen internationally on Discovery Networks and PBS.His life changing experience at the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption led Michael to engage with world-class earth scientists to better understand Earth processes, including plate tectonics related to volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Much of Michael's affinity for science came from his father, a nuclear physicist who later became a leading expert in the development of geothermal resources around the world.Check out Michael's main website: Global Net ProductionsMajor Endorsements:!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

Increasing risks and increasing technology are the topics in this podcast.How to manage technology and risks that extend from the cyber perspective all theway to corporate leadership and climate change. This is one of the most engagingconversations that the Disaster Zone Podcast has had with a true subject matterexpert. Leaders in business and government should listen to this podcast.The guest is Steve Durbin is the Chief Executive of the Information Security Forum(ISF). His main areas of focus include strategy, information technology, cyber securityand the emerging security threat landscape across both the corporate and personalenvironments.He is a frequent speaker and commentator on technology and security issues, and,since 2016, the host of the ISF Podcast featuring conversations with global industryleaders and thought leaders, including Mo Gawdat, Dr. Hannah Fry, Sir Bob Geldof,Apple founder Steve Wozniak, and the first female prime minister of Denmark, HelleThorning-Schmidt.Formerly at Ernst & Young, Steve has been involved with IPOs, mergers andacquisitions of fast-growth companies across Europe and the USA. Having previouslybeen senior vice president at Gartner, he has advised a number of NASDAQ andNYSE listed global technology companies.Steve has served as a Digital 50 advisory committee member in the United States, abody established to improve the talent pool for Fortune 500 boards around cybersecurity and information governance and he has been ranked as one of the top 10individuals shaping the way that organizations and leaders approach informationsecurity careers. He has also been featured on the top 20 most influential list ofleaders whose companies have a vision that shapes the conceptual landscape of theirrespective industries.Major Endorsements:!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024 28-30 October, Orlando, FloridaL3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The purchase of a home is likely the biggest investment that individuals and familieswill ever make during their lifetimes. In this podcast we discuss navigating the potentialrisks of a disaster impacting the property you might purchase and how to avoid makinga home buying disaster.The podcast guest is Michael Crute who is an operational strategist turned Realtor®with a wealth of experience serving prestigious clientele within the NIH, Harvard,Department of Defense, and more. His insights are informed by years of navigating theintricacies of Atlanta's real estate market and corporate needs, offering actionablestrategies for professionals to align their housing choices with their career aspirations.See more at Welcome Home AtlantaMajor Endorsements:!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024 28-30 October, Orlando, FloridaL3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

In this podcast Pete Gaynor, the immediate past Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security shares what he knows about how the national disaster response system functions. The roles and responsibilities of local, state and the federal government. We also dive into some of the malicious lies being told about FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene and Milton.Today he continues to lead by hosting training sessions on “Leading During Crisis.” You can learn more about that at his website, www.femapete.com There are both in-person and on-line options for attending.Before becoming FEMA Administrator, he held leadership positions in emergency management in the State of Rhode Island and was initially the Deputy FEMA Administrator. Prior to his experience as an emergency manager, Mr. Gaynor served for 26 years as an enlisted Marine and Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure in the Marines, he was assigned as the Executive Officer responsible for the security of Presidential Retreat, Camp David; assigned as the Head of Plans, Operations at the Headquarters Marine Corps during the September 11, 2001 attacks; and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.Major Endorsements:!Rescheduled January 2025! Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024 28-30 October, Orlando, FloridaL3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The election system of `the United States was designated a critical infrastructure in 2017. The integrity of our election system is essential for citizens to trust the outcome of local, state and national elections. In this podcast we look at one individual county and the security measures used from a physical and cybersecurity perspective, but then also preventing voter fraud from occurring.The podcast guest is Mary Hall, Auditor, Thurston County, Washington. First elected Thurston County Auditor in 2013, Mary Hall's elections career began in Pierce County in 1996. She received her National Certification in Elections Administration in 2004 through Auburn University and the Elections Center. Hall currently serves on the Elections Center board of directors.   Mary Hall is an award-winning elections administrator and leader. Known for partnerships and innovations, Hall has over three decades of professional leadership experience in the corporate and government sectors. Recent Awards: ·         2022 National Association of County Officials (NACO) Achievement Awards for Racially Restrictive Covenant Modification Outreach and Ballot Processing Observation Programs ·        2020 Auditor of the Year award from the Office of Secretary of State. ·        2020 Presidents Award for Outstanding Service from the Washington State Association of County Auditors (WSACA) ·        2020 National Association of County Officials (NACO) Achievement Award for standing up a drive-thru Voting Center during a pandemic and Presidential Election. ·        2019 NACO Achievement Award for standing up county cybersecurityMajor Endorsements:Emergency Management for Dynamic Populations (DyPop):Hot Mess Express: An emergency management leadership course focusing on response tactics during terrorist attacks. Hot Mess Express includes an immersive exercise during an intentional train derailment scenario. Register for DyPop here:www.thereadinesslab.com/shop/p/dynamic CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024 28-30 October, Orlando, FloridaL3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

This podcast focuses on the depth and breadth of managing an emergency management program for a major university that has multiple campuses. This is a forthright discussion of the challenges and opportunities of operating in a university setting.The podcast guest is Denise Whisman who has served as the Senior Director of Emergency Management at Arizona State University since May 2023 where she plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing standardized emergency response plans across the university enterprise worldwide. Her responsibilities include coordinating with various governmental and non-governmental agencies, providing guidance to campus groups, and leading a team of emergency management specialists.Prior to her current role, Denise served as the Emergency Management Program Manager at Banner Health across Southern Arizona, Cochise County's Risk Management, Safety & Loss Control division, Instructor Supervisor and Disaster Program Manager with the American Red Cross in Arizona and New Mexico, and service in the United States Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, Emergency Medical Technician, and Preventive Medicine Technician.She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Emergency Management and Homeland Security through Arizona State University, officially becoming a master of disaster in 2021.Major Endorsements:CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024 28-30 October, Orlando, FloridaL3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:https://www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

In this Disaster Zone Podcast we will be talking about the significant challenges New Zealand and Christchurch faced in the aftermath of their 2010-2011 Earthquakes. The podcast guest is Brent Winder is a native New Zealander. He has had multiple roles in leadership ranging from ten years in the New Zealand Navy, to positions with Queens Town Lakes District Council and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). He was a founding staff member responsible for operations in the Christchurch Central Business District (CBD) red zone and supporting the largest and most complex demolition project in New Zealand's history. Additionally, he successfully managed widespread and large-scale demolition and land management – in a disaster recovery context. He has also led an expert recovery team to Kathmandu, Nepal post-2015 earthquakes, and he is a member of the deployable New Zealand Emergency Management Assistance Team (EMAT). Like many of us, he Played a regional role inthe Whole of Government emergency response in the COVID-19 Pandemic. In his current role he is lead emergency management for Christchurch City Council. You can contact him at Brenden.Winder@ccc.govt.nzCheck out more episodes and the Disaster Zone Blog: www.thereadinesslab.com/disaster-zoneBecome an insider with the The Readiness Lab Insider Subscription: https://www.thereadinesslab.com/the-eoc

Government and businesses work side by side to prepare their respective organizations to become disaster resilient. In this podcast we focus on what that looks like for businesses; how that matches up government emergency management; and then we delve a little bit into emergency management in the military due to our guest's professional experiences while serving in the US Army. The podcast guest is Erika Andresen, JD, CBCP, MPA  who is a recognized expert and consultant in Business Continuity. Her varied experience gives her a unique perspective on Business Continuity. She has nearly two decades of experience as a lawyer in both the corporate finance world and the military. Erika became a subject matter expert in national security and disaster preparedness and response while advising different commands including during high-risk situations while deployed in Afghanistan. Her work with actual disasters led her to attain a Master of Public Affairs (MPA).   Erika left active duty in 2020 and has since started EaaS Consulting, LLC, with the goal of keeping business in business. To that end, she authored How to Not Kill Your Business: Grow Your Business in Any Environment, Navigate Volatility, and Successfully Recover When Things Go Wrong, a conversational introduction to business continuity enjoyed by CBCP practitioners and business owners alike. Erika is also a professor of emergency management for the MPA program at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Healthcare in a disaster is a basic need that brings many challenges. To achieve success in a disaster, much time and preparation and planning needs to be accomplished before a disaster strikes. In this podcast we have a wide-ranging discussion with Tom Cotter, MPH, executive director of Healthcare Ready Tom brings more than a decade of global health readiness and response expertise to expand the nonprofit's mission-driven work addressing health equity. During his 15-year career as a public health and emergency management professional, Cotter has piloted and launched innovative international strategies to localize emergency response operations and build sustainable response functions worldwide. Cotter holds a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health, a certificate from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public and Community Service Studies at Providence College. He also attended the University of the Philippines as part of an international research team focused on the socioeconomic determinants of health and has served as an emergency response coordinator for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services since 2013.During the podcast Tom referenced a previous podcast, Myths on Public Behavior in Disaster Movies which is linked here. And, the issue of supply chain and blood supply was mentioned, and another previous Disaster Zone Podcast on that topic, Blood Donations, Disasters and Covid-19.Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

El Paso, like many border jurisdictions, works to maintain good working relationships with their cross-border international neighbors. What makes it much more challenging is the mass migration of immigrants that has occurred in recent years, beginning in 2019. Jorge Rodriguez, the podcast guest is the Emergency Management Director for the El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management. He has held that position for over seven years. He leads the Office of Emergency Management's mission to cultivate a resilient community through collaborative partnerships to prevent, prepare, mitigate, respond and recover from large-scale emergencies and disasters. The podcast discusses their challenge of emergency management's role in dealing with the influx of migrants. Jorge also highlights his belief that emergency management is moving to a stage of our profession where we need to be transitioning from an “all-hazards” approach to one that is “all-crisis.” This is because we are being called upon to provide leadership in areas that have not been emergency management's domain. This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Emergency management and crisis leadership demand more than technical skills and knowledge in today's fast-paced and complex world. To better access information on demand, make appropriate decisions, and lead most effectively, it is essential to understand how the brain works. A critical cognitive skill set known as executive function (EF) is at the heart of effective decision-making in high-pressure situations.Leaders with robust EF skills are at a distinct advantage. They are better equipped to make informed decisions under pressure and navigate the intricacies of contemporary organizational landscapes and global challenges. EF is especially critical in crisis management and high-stakes decision-making scenarios where clarity of thought and efficient action can be game-changers. The podcast Guest is Kim Guevara, MA Founder and CEO at MOZAIK Solutions  Kim has 25 years' experience in emergency management, homeland security, and development. She has provided services to all levels of government, the U.S. military, and the private and non-profit sectors. Kim's combined experience in emergency/crisis management, health community initiatives in humanitarian crises, and organizational leadership also led her to co-create the Crisis Athlete™ program. At its core, the program challenges, questions, and envisions new, more sustainable pathways for crisis leaders to think about resilience by leveraging and applying the power of neuroscience at the individual, organizational, and community levels. You can read about this topic here: Executive Function: The Crisis Leader's Edge in a High-Pressure World.For more brain tools see www.crisisathlete.com.Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

A recent cascade of solar flares and coronal mass ejections has ignited vibrant auroras, stretching as far south as Alabama and Northern California. However, alongside this spectacle comes the potential for disruptions to Earth's communications systems throughout the upcoming weekend. This special rebroadcast episode covers "space weather". Everyone is familiar with the functions of the National Weather Service (NWS) and its role in forecasting the weather here on earth. They also have another function which is forecasting “space weather.” That is the topic of this podcast. Yes, there are potential dangers that can come from solar activity. The podcast guest is Mr. Shawn Dahl, a physical scientist who has worked at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) since 2015 as a space weather forecaster. He is now a senior space weather forecaster and also provides Impact-based Decision Support Services (IDSS) issues and relations on behalf of SWPC. In this podcast the threats that come from the sun are reviewed as well as the detection methods and also the various dangers that are possible from solar activity. You can learn more about the SWPC at  www.swpc.noaa.gov.Merit is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Since 2020 John Carr and Samantha Montano have been studying disaster movies and how they influence the public's perceptions of disasters. Multiple researchers attributed the prevalence of disaster myths to disaster movies, but no empirical studies had supported or refuted that claim.John Carr is a disaster Researcher and Educator out of Kansas City, Missouri. John's research interests include citizen engagement in disasters, CERT teams, rural emergency management, and disaster movies. John is an Emergency Management Analyst at Argonne National Laboratory, and also serves as Executive Director for the Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education. His doctoral dissertation was on Disaster Movies and the Perception of Human Behavior Myths in Disasters. It can be found and accessed at: https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_dissertations/18/. This podcast focuses on his research and findings concerning the impact of disaster movies on public perceptions of what will happen in a disaster. This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

The emergency management community and average citizens are always interested in the disaster response aspect of a catastrophe. That interest fades dramatically as a disaster transitions to the recovery phase. With that in mind, this podcast takes a more in-depth look at the policy implications of the recovery phase of the Maui Firestorm of 2023.  The guest for this podcast is Luke Meyers, the Disaster Management Coordinator for the State of Hawaii, who works for the Governor. For the Maui disaster he is the State Disaster Recovery Coordinator. Previously Luke has worked in local emergency management at the city and county levels, serving as a planner, mitigation planner and city emergency management director. He previously served as the Hawaii State Emergency Management Director. You can listen to a previous podcast with Luke at Hawaii Emergency Management.Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

In this podcast Pete Gaynor, the immediate past Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security shares his experiences and ideas on how to hire staff at all levels. He put a special emphasis on hiring and was personally involved in the selection process for senior positions at FEMA.Today he continues to lead by hosting training sessions on “Leading During Crisis.” You can learn more about that at his website, www.femapete.com  There are both in-person and on-line options for attending. Before becoming FEMA Administrator, he held leadership positions in emergency management in the State of Rhode Island and was initially the Deputy FEMA Administrator.Prior to his experience as an emergency manager, Mr. Gaynor served for 26 years as an enlisted Marine and Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure in the Marines, he was assigned as the Executive Officer responsible for the security of Presidential Retreat, Camp David; assigned as the Head of Plans, Policy, & Operations at the Headquarters Marine Corps during the September 11, 2001 attacks; and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.This episode is sponsored by AshBritt, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

In this podcast we have a wide-ranging discussion about the importance of weather to business and government operations around the world. Getting actionable weather forecasts has never been more important. We learn how these forecasts can be both pinpoint and actionable by incorporating what is about to happen with your operational procedures to both protect people and property. The podcast guest is Jonathan Porter, who is AccuWeather's Senior Vice President, Weather Content and Forecast Operations and Chief Meteorologist. He is one of AccuWeather's most accomplished subject matter experts. In this key leadership role, he blends his background in meteorology, weather news, and information technology to oversee AccuWeather's team of over 100 highly experienced expert meteorologists, including some of the most gifted and talented weather forecasters assembled from around the world.Jon is also a broadcast meteorologist, routinely appearing on the AccuWeather Network as well as thousands of media interviews on major networks all around the world on a wide variety of weather and climate topics.Jon joined AccuWeather in 2004, after graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Meteorology and minor in Information Technology. He has held a series of demanding and progressively more responsible positions within the company. A Connecticut native, Jon has always been interested in weather and decided that he wanted to be a meteorologist in the fourth grade. Growing up, he was always fascinated with East Coast snowstorms.Jon is a Professional Member of the American Meteorological Society. He was appointed and served 7 years on the US government National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Environmental Information Services Working group, a federal advisory committee. Jon frequently delivers presentations at conferences and professional meetings – specifically focused on the exchange of weather data and warnings.This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Take any emergency or disaster and you will find that communications is the key ingredient that needs to be present to have a successful outcome. Communications systems are changing rapidly to become lighter with more capabilities, including linking people and organizations with satellites. This is the topic for this podcast. Note, during the recording of this podcast we had our own “communications issues” that we had to work through by using a redundant communications system.Ivan Ruiz, the podcast guest is the Mission Operations Manager at Somewear Labs, a critical communications platform empowering the world's most important organizations to communicate and coordinate during dynamic operations. Ivan works directly with Somewear Labs' customers, from Special Operations Forces to first responders across the country.Prior to Somewear Labs, Ivan spent over 26 years as a Pararescueman in the United States Air Force, retiring at the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. Through his extraordinary heroism, valor, and bravery in combat, Ivan was awarded the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration, and three Bronze Stars with Valor. Ivan is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Emergency Management. Ivan also received his Masters at Arkansas State University in Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness.Merit is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

It is not often that the host of the Disaster zone Podcast learns about an organization that has the depth and breadth of International SOS, and not had any background on the organization before this podcast recording. Based on the guest's experience with the federal government in multiple high-level positions, you will find this podcast of great interest. Josh Dozor is General Manager, Medical and Security Assistance Services servicing the Americas at International SOS where he is responsible for the oversight and delivery of assistance services. Josh oversees the integration and delivery of international operations, medical teams, security, and a global assistance network in the Philadelphia Assistance Center, one of 26 around the world. In this capacity, International SOS provides a variety of essential services for its clients around the global including medical advice and referrals, evacuations, repatriation, international travel, and domestic workforce resilience missions.Prior to joining International SOS, he spent 13 years with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), most recently serving as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Response, where he led an organization responsible for coordinating the federal operational response to all threats and hazards to deliver capabilities needed to save and sustain lives, minimize suffering, and protect property in a timely and effective manner. Prior to his service at FEMA, he served as the Director of Preparedness Policy for the White House Homeland Security Council. In this capacity, he developed and coordinated the administration's policies and programs related to homeland security preparedness assistance, communications, planning, and doctrine.Josh began his government service with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology within the House of Representatives Majority Committee on Homeland Security.  He holds a Juris Doctorate from the Widener University Law School, Wilmington, Del. and a Master's Degree in Public Health and Homeland Security from the Pennsylvania State University. Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

The National Weather Service (NWS) and their Forecast Offices around the nation are key partners for the broader emergency management community. Because of their role in natural disasters, that always have a weather-related connection, we need to have a close working relationship between the two professions. This podcast provides for a wide-ranging discussion of all things related to NWS and forecasting the weather. The podcast guest is Tanja Fransen who has been with NOAA/ National Weather Service for almost 30 years, starting while a college student at the University of Northern Colorado. For the last 19 months she's been the Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC) at the NWS Forecast Office in Portland, OR where she leads a team of up to 28 talented scientists and technicians who are striving to build a weather and climate ready nation. She served on the council for the American Meteorological Society (AMS) from 2017-2020, and was the 2021 AMS Annual Meeting co-chair, bringing in nearly 5000 attendees, and the first time ever as a virtual conference. She was recently elected as a "Fellow" of the AMS in 2024 for outstanding contributions to the field of meteorology. She currently chairs the Major Weather Impacts session at the annual meeting.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Do you ever feel like you don't have the time or resources to accomplish everything that you are being asked to accomplish? If you are an emergency manager or working in another demanding profession, this is a very common feeling. We explore some personal solutions in this podcast. Meg Davis is a Certified Life and Health Coach with Windows Health Clinic based in Sonoma County, California, but has worked with clients around the world who specializes in helping driven, motivated high achieving professionals break down the barriers that are holding you hostage from achieving your highest potential. Before becoming a coach, Meg worked in several high-pressure industries including emergency air medical services and finance. As a coach, she helps her clients to establish a successful mindset, identify the goals in their lives that are most important to them, and develop a strategy that is tailored to their strengths and vision of success. You can learn more about her by visiting her website at: www.windowshealthclinic.com/coaching.She has a new program called Excellence without Exhaustion: Your solution for reaching your full potential in your life, career, productivity and success without exhausting yourself. This program is designed with driven, motivated high achievers in mind to help guide them to their full potential without all the pressure that super high standards, always taking on more work, never taking the time to celebrate their achievements, and all of the other expectations they feel are required for them to achieve the levels of success they know they're capable of.This episode is sponsored by AshBritt, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

One only has to watch or read the national news to see crisis communications being practiced. It could be a train derailment, a poor response by a government to a disaster, or a politician or well-known personality being pilloried in the press for something they are accused of saying or doing. In those situations you need to know something about crisis communications, the topic of this podcast. This episode's guest is Nathan is the CEO and Founder of Miller Ink, a full-service, award-winning strategic communications firm in Los Angeles. He is a communications strategist who brings novel insights into the burgeoning crisis management field. Nathan's services are sought out by executives at the highest levels of business, government, and the nonprofit world. He has helped hundreds of organizations tell their stories better and navigate complex issues and crises around the globe. Throughout the years, Nathan has worked to steer clients through difficult situations and educate attorneys and business professionals on crisis management techniques and best practices. Merit is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

The emergency management workforce of today continues to evolve, as does the necessary training and experience needed to be a fully qualified emergency manager. In this podcast Robin Lindsay is interviewed about what she has seen and is seeing as the workforce matures and also transitions to a new generation of leaders. Robin has a unique background in that she started in emergency management, transitioned to being a first responder/emergency manager, and then dove deep into training and education. She is currently a Faculty Member for the FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA). Additionally, she is an Emergency Management Training & Exercise Consultant – Specializing in NERP/SERP  (National and State level) Emergency Repatriation Exercise Programs and AAR development. Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

This podcast is about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to promote disaster resilience in communities threatened by wildfire. Guy Bayes, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) works at Vibrant Planet where he is focused on using data and AI to power natural climate solutions management, in order to mitigate and roll back climate change. Guy is an engineering leader with twenty years of experience in the data space. He has built and led engineering organizations at some of Silicon Valley's top organizations, including Lyft, Facebook, and Lawrence Livermore National Labs, in addition to founding and growing copious startups. His use of the term “machine learning” (ML) is one we all might want to adopt for when we address audiences with what we are trying to do with this new technology. This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Not everyone can lead during a crisis. Some think they can, others fear that they will not be up to the task. Sometimes the crisis finds you, whether you are ready or not. In this podcast, Pete Gaynor, the immediate past Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator shares his ideas on Leadership Essentials for Unthinkable Events.  See www.femapete.com for more information. Before becoming FEMA Administrator, he held leadership positions in emergency management in the State of Rhode Island and was initially the Deputy FEMA Administrator.Prior to his experience as an emergency manager, Mr. Gaynor served for 26 years as an enlisted Marine and Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure in the Marines, he was assigned as the Executive Officer responsible for the security of Presidential Retreat, Camp David; assigned as the Head of Plans, Policy, & Operations at the Headquarters Marine Corps during the September 11, 2001 attacks; and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.This episode is sponsored by AshBritt, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Regulating artificial intelligence needs to be accomplished at different levels of government and within the business community. The guest for this podcast is a subject matter expert on this topic. Dominique Shelton Leipzig is the author of Trust: Responsible AI, Innovation, Privacy and Data Leadership, her fourth book. She is currently a privacy and cybersecurity partner at Mayer Brown, where she is the leader of the firm's global data innovation team, counseling CEOs and board members on smart digital governance. Her 2020 policy op-ed calling for an Executive Order to solve the cross-border privacy EU stand-off was recently followed by the Biden Administration in a new executive order. She founded the Digital Trust Summit for CEOs and board members to reimagine data governance. She co-founded NxtWork, dedicated to diversifying the C-Suite and boardroom. She's a board member of the AI Governance Center and the International Association of Privacy Professionals and is certified in privacy and board governance. Here's a link to a story on the Presidential Executive Order, Biden Signs Executive Order Regulating Artificial Intelligence Merit is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Some, but not all states have established some form of state representation out in regions of their states. In this podcast to speak with Darin Letzring, with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. He is their Southeast Area Field Officer. He has been performing these functions for over five years. Darin made the transition from being in the Marine Corps to first working as a health regional coordinator. We discuss his duties supporting seven rural counties and how he goes about doing that on a day-to-day basis. Darin just completed a masters degree in emergency management. Congratulations to him for that 18-month effort!Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Best of 2023 podcasts:  One of emergency management's major partners in all things concerning disasters, from the preparation phase to the response and recovery is our public information/affairs officers who support what we are trying to do in communicating with the public. It is critical that they have the knowledge and skill to perform their duties in a manner that helps, rather than hinders, our mission of protecting people, property and the environment. That said, one of the best tools out there comes to us via Peter Sandman and his website. A great reference for everyone having anything to do with risk and crisis communications. In this podcast we learn directly from Peter as we hopscotched over a number of disparate topics having to do with disaster communications. I highly recommend this podcast to your listening. This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program. Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Best of 2023 Episodes:Perhaps you have never heard of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and don't understand what the implications from one being used as a weapon against the United States or other national powers. That is what this podcast does, looking at the full impacts of such a weapon being used in the future. The guest for this podcast is William R. Forstchen who is a New York Times bestselling author and holds a doctoral degree from Purdue University with a specialization in military history and technology. He is a noted expert historian and public speaker and has been interviewed on FOX News, C-SPAN, and Coast to Coast AM on topics ranging from history to technology and cultural issues, to space technology development, to security threats. And, he has a novel One Second After that is a New York Bestseller that addresses via fiction what might happen following the use of an EMP weapon.Correction: Since this podcast went live a listener provided this link: Top Transformer Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA. In the podcast as it was recorded, it was mentioned that “there are no transformers manufactured here in the United States.” As evidenced by the link above, there are such manufacturers.  The size and capabilities of transformers offered by these USA based manufacturers is unknown.Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Logistics is a challenging function, be it just shipping Christmas gifts from one end of the country to another. Add the challenge of logistics during and following a disaster, and the difficulties mount. In this podcast Gerardo Castillo, President of AshBritt Management and Logistics is interviewed about his experience, the challenge of logistics and some history and solutions for the problem of logistics and finding solutions that work. It was impressive how much time his company spends planning during “blue sky” days. We also delve into the role of private enterprise and partnering between governments and companies like AshBritt when disasters strike. No matter if you are at the federal, state or local levels of government, you will find this podcast of interest. This episode is sponsored by AshBritt, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.   Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Karen Kaiser is a currently serving Washington State Senator. She recently had a book published, Getting Elected is the Easy Part: Work and Winning in the State Legislature In this podcast we learn about her personal experiences and then also dive more deeply into her advice for people aspiring to be elected officials.  Here is a description of her book: Across the nation every two years, first-time lawmakers enter state legislatures--institutions steeped in tradition, arcane procedures, and unwritten rules. Although dozens of publications advise candidates on how to run and win campaigns, for those elected, few resources exist. After more than twenty years in the Washington State Legislature, Senator Karen Keiser realized she could address that knowledge gap. Written for legislative newcomers and others interested in state government, her book blends documented research with her personal experiences and observations about how to succeed and achieve real change. She focuses on the culture adjustment and challenges many newly elected lawmakers face, and offers tips and advice to help them achieve their legislative goals.This episode is sponsored by Bent Ear Solutions which offers comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues of your organization. We advise public and private organizations on an all-inclusive approach to disaster preparedness that addresses governance, planning, operational procedures, technology implementation, training, and exercises in order to achieve a successful and sustainable program.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Small, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) drones — classified as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) by the FAA — are proving to be an increasing threat to the homeland. As evidenced by Hamas terrorist strikes against Israel, tactical use in the Ukrainian conflict, and even UAS operations by Mexican cartels along the U.S. Southern border, small drones have demonstrated the ability to compromise security and inflict significant damage upon specific targets. The U.S. has the most expensive aviation security sector in the world. Still, it is primarily focused on manned passenger traffic, resulting in gaping vulnerabilities among U.S. critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and other high-value targets. Presently, only a handful of Federal agencies have the authority to detect and mitigate UAS, leaving State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners without adequate protection from above. The website mentioned in the podcast as a place to go for more information is: https://cuashub.com/ In this episode of the Disaster Zone podcast, we are joined by Christopher Todd, CEM, and executive director of the non-profit DRONERESPONDERS program who recently completed research at Georgetown University to create an integrated conceptual framework surrounding the deployment of Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) to help protect the homeland.  Mr. Todd is a member of the FAA's UAS Detection and Mitigation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), helping to ensure that new technologies designed to detect and mitigate risks from errant or hostile UAS do not adversely impact the safe and efficient operation of the nation's airspace.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Crisis management and crisis communications have become a critical skill, and not just for emergency managers. Politicians, rock stars and companies have all faced situations where they are in the hot seat. The guest for this podcast is Edward Segal a Leadership Strategy Senior Contributor for Forbes, author of the award-winning and bestselling book “Crisis Ahead: 101 Ways To Prepare for and Bounce Back from Disasters, Scandals, and Other Emergencies.” and host of the “Crisis Ahead” podcast on the Federal News Network. He has more than 30 years experience as a crisis management expert, public relations consultant, journalist, and press secretary for members of Congress and political candidates. Segal has managed crisis situations as the CEO of two trade associations and has advised and helped others get through a variety of crises.Merit is a first-of-its-kind, all-hazards, digital credentialing platform that equips emergency responders with innovative tools to securely manage their personnel on-site, no matter the situation. Merit's platform is relied on in mission-critical situations such as the Surfside building collapse and at secure Health and Human Service facilities and is trusted by a growing network of thousands of partners.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

In this podcast we examine the current status of policies and best practices associated with non-military drone operations here in the United States. The podcast guest is Dr. Gloria Totoricaguena, a former university professor at Stanford University and University of Nevada, Reno, and now a policy consultant in Idaho. Her clients and projects in Idaho have included the ID Office of Emergency Management and its creation of a statewide Public Safety Communications Commission, in addition to its coordination with FirstNet. Gloria has helped coordinate Idaho's annual statewide Cybersecurity Summit for 10 years, and is the Coordinator of the Idaho Council for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. She is a registered government affairs consultant in Idaho and regularly assists state agencies with policy and strategy development, research, and public engagement, She recently completed a policy-level research project described below.Dynamis, a leading provider of information management software and security solutions, is a sponsor of this podcast.Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.

Cybersecurity training could seem as exciting as watching paint dry. However, the Idaho National Lab has found a way to make such training much more interesting. In this podcast I interview Jeff Hahn who is the project manager and Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). He leads the Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) training aligned with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Critical Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). They use “Escape Room” concepts to train people and teams on different aspects of cybersecurity. Mr. Hahn is a Professional Engineer, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and has over 35 years of experience in both the public and private sector. For more information, Google “CISA ICS Training” or email itstraining@inl.gov.  This episode is sponsored by AshBritt, a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states.  Eric Holdeman is a professional emergency manager who is passionate about providing information that can help families, businesses & governments become better prepared for disasters of all types. Hear first hand expert insights from Eric on his Podcast, Blog & EricHoldeman.com.