Me, Myself & Disaster

The community is playing an increasing role in disaster response and recovery efforts. In this episode, Andrew and Josh discuss travelling around the world to disaster affected communities to understand new approaches for mobilising communities during disasters - as part of Andrew's Churchill Fellowship.

NZ Navy veteran Steve Gibson shares his experience and discovers the realities of working in humanitarian aid.

Following the destructive Marshall Fire in Colorado, local resident Jenn Kaaoush co-founded Superior Rising to support disaster victims before running for public office.

Professor Mo Hamza discusses the impact of climate change on human mobility.

The head of Emergency Management with Christchuch City Council shares his experience following the Christchurch Earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Research shows domestic violence rises in communities impacted by disasters. Experts from Gender & Disaster Australia discuss why and how this can be addressed.

Dark tourism expert Dr Philip Stone discusses what motivates people to visit areas impacted by disasters and considerations for disaster memorialisation

Andrew and Josh share the best of Season 3, from guests across the globe.

Steve Goldfinch from the Asian Development Bank explains how targeted investment is reducing disaster risk in the Asia Pacific.

Dr Albrecht Beck discusses how shared risks from natural hazards helped build disaster diplomacy in one of the most complex areas in the world.

Peter Baines shares his leadership experience deployed to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and starting Australian charity Hands Across the Water.

Heatwaves are the deadliest disaster. Climate expert Prof Ben Zaitchik discusses how we can adapt to a warming world.

Dr Darja Kragt explains the science behind leadership and how to improve the culture within emergency services organisations.

A/Prof Roslyn Prinsley explores innovative technology to prevent disasters - hail cannons, cloud seeding, cyclone deflection and early detection of bushfire ignition.

The emergency management workforce is rapidly changing. What does the future look like, and how do we attract volunteers in this new world? We ask expert Dr Blythe McLennan.

When a Qantas plane suffered a severe engine failure four minutes after leaving Singapore, there were fears of a significant airline disaster. Captain Richard de Crespigny joins the show to share his experience.

When the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami impacted Phuket, Sue Ultmann was running three restaurants and shares her experience about the disaster and the recovery.

On a visit to Ishinomaki Japan. Andrew and Josh speak with the director of a museum on the ruins of a school impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Aaron and Shawn from FEMA share their insights about preparing American communities for future disasters.

After losing his house in a bushfire, Greg Webb is rebuilding a resilient and sustainable FORTIS-aligned house in Lake Conjola.

As Pakistan faces the impact of compounding flood disasters, Andrew and Josh speak with a leading researcher about the challenges of flood mitigation and recovery in the country

Dr Robert Glasser explains how a holistic approach is required to effectively reduce disaster risk, and the impact of climate change on national security.

Former Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW Greg Mullins discusses how he gathered together emergency services leaders to lobby for action on emissions reduction and climate change.

As communities rebuild following recordi flooding in Australia, leading architect Dr James Davidson joins Andrew & Josh to discuss how to rebuild with resilience.

Andrew and Josh speak with Ash Carl, Deputy Head of the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Afghanistan about supporting communities impacted by a multi-dimensional crisis.

Social media experts explain the impact of the recent US Senate hearing, the challenges with misinformation, and whether social media has a net negative or positive impact on society.

We explore the challenges of disaster aid following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in the Nicobar Islands, with Professor Simron Singh.

The NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance MP joins Andrew and Josh to talk about the long recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, mental health, politics and leadership during disasters.

As the head of FEMA, Craig Fugate led the nation's response to several super storms and hurricanes. Craig talks with Josh and Andrew about politics, the role of the private sector and emergency management challenges.

Was climate change responsible for the black summer bushfires? Andrew and Josh speak to leading disaster researcher Ilan Kelman to find out.

70% of areas impacted by conflict are affected by disasters. We speak to Rod Mena, researcher and specialist in disasters, conflict and humanitarian aid to learn about how we can reduce disaster risk in conflict affected areas - and the wider world.

Season 2 is here and the Disaster Bros (Andrew and Josh) get ready to explore the the emerging trends in disaster management with new and interesting guests.

When an emergency happens, the first responders on scene are almost always bystanders who render first aid and call for assistance. This week we were talk with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) about their new initiatives.

Chile is one of the most disaster prone countries on the planet, and we speak to the Deputy Director of the Chilean National Emergency Office to learn about their governance model and transparent approach to disaster risk reduction.

How do you support a community during a disaster, while encouraging residents to become active decision makers and coordinators in the local response? Josh and Andrew headed down to Wellington recently to find out!

From FEMA camps to chemtrails designed to start bushfires - conspiracy theories are everywhere. We speak with Jo Uscinski to learn about the links between disasters and conspiracy theories.

How do emergency managers work effectively with the media and interact with social media groups? We discuss trust and transparency, the evolving media environment, preparedness movements, what happens when disaster related community Facebook groups turn on themselves, and how to manage disaster fatigue.

It's time to say goodbye to 'natural' disasters. We speak with Kevin Blanchard, researcher and founder of the #NoNaturalDisasters twitter campaign, about why there's no such thing as a natural disaster.

In 2011 the city of Joplin, Missouri was severely impacted by a EF5 tornado - one of the deadliest in US history with 158 people killed. Following the disaster, volunteers from across America travelled to Joplin to assist.

Part two of our conversation with Amanda Lamont explores how we can better create an environment to attract and engage women in disaster roles. We also speak about Amanda's role establishing the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network. Join the AWE Network at awenetwork.org.au Amanda Lamont is the co-founder of the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network and also works on a range of disaster related projects. She volunteers with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Red Cross in Victoria.   ”Women do these jobs too. Not better, not worse but simply #ustoo Amanda LamontCo-Founder and Vice President, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network

Amanda Lamont started as a corporate lawyer working in Adelaide and discovered her passion for helping others after spending a year travelling and working in South America. After a catastrophic bushfire season, Amanda joins us to discuss the unprecedented bushfire season and what this means in terms of 'building back better', community perception of their future risk, investing in recovery and coordinating spontaneous volunteers. When someone asks what I think disaster recovery is, I say it's about recovering our resilienceAmanda Lamont https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hRliC7JCIBLO9VOG8dhBy Stay tuned for a second episode with Amanda Lamont next week as we discuss the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network and the strength of a female perspective in disasters.   Volunteering with the Red Cross - Bairnsdale - 2020 South Coast bushfires - Batemans Bay - 2020 Volunteering with the CFA - 2019 UNDRR Global Forum - Geneva - 2019  

The first episode of the Me, Myself and Disaster is here! This week we speak with Anthony (Antz) Rohan who volunteered with the Student Volunteer Army following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Thousands of properties were damaged or destroyed, and spontaneous volunteers were key to the community's recovery. Antz talks about his involvement and the resilience of Christchurch in the years following the earthquakes. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aEGksLfqfoo7dYBFl2R0n Christchurch Post Office