Podcasts about Hurricane Harvey

Steve sits down with your emails and Twitter posts from over the past few months and answers some questions! Steve dishes on what it was like to work with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco in the Attitude Era, his favorite wrestling venues in NYC/NJ, the Brawl For All and Bart Gunn, secondary titles and his favorite Stone Cold Stunner sells. Plus, Steve gives an update on his friends and family down in Texas in the midst of Hurricane Harvey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the final episode of the Texas Series, we sit down with Mike and Zach of Fat Cats at EMG, European Motor Gruppe, in the heart of Houston. What started as pixel cars and forum days in the mid-2000s turned into one of the most recognizable grassroots drift crews in the country. We talk about the early Fat Cats era, the shift to bright team colors, Final Bout memories, surviving Hurricane Harvey on the way to an event, and what it really takes to run a German specialty shop while staying fully invested in drifting. This one feels more like a live hangout than an interview—stories bouncing back and forth, plenty of laughs, and a real look at how long-term friendships keep a scene alive.@fatcats_fatcats@zachtriggs@emg_houstonCheck out our Sponsors!AG1:Check out our AG1 affiliate link:⁠⁠https://shop.drinkag1.com/FACTION⁠⁠You will receive a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler, plus a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 with your AG1 Welcome Kit, when you first subscribe (a $72 value!).⁠⁠⁨@drinkAG1⁩ ⁠⁠ #ag1partnerEAST COAST DRIFT SCHOOL:@eastcoastdriftschoolCHASE BAYS:@chasebayshttps://www.chasebays.com/LIMITLESS AUTO FAB:@limitless_auto_fabhttps://limitlessautofab.com/RAMSTEAD MFG:https://ramsteadmfg.com/We have a Patreon! With Exclusive Content and Podcasts:patreon.com/factionmotorsportsCheck us out on other platforms:Youtube: /FactionMotorsportsInstagram: @factionmotorsportsFacebook: /factionmotorsportsTiktok: @factionmotorsports

The Trump Administration has made little secret of its desire to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency and give states the responsibility to respond to all manner of natural disasters on their own. FEMA has endured tremendous internal strife over leadership, and reports have suggested its mission has been compromised by partisan decision-making: President Trump—the sole arbiter of who ultimately gets FEMA relief—has rejected aid for Democratic-led states at the highest rate in the agency's history.  This has led to accusations of emergency aid being used as a “political cudgel,” and has had a chilling effect on some of the rank-and-file staff at the agency. The New Yorker Radio Hour's Adam Howard speaks to a longtime employee of FEMA about what's going on behind the scenes, and whether it could have a negative impact on the agency's ability to respond to the next emergency.  The subject of this interview is currently working for FEMA, a federal agency, and he asked to remain anonymous. His voice has been digitally regenerated for the audio of this interview. Further reading and listening:  “American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA,” by “On the Media” “Outrage and Paranoia After Hurricane Helene,” by Jessica Pishko “For the Victims of Florence, Trump Needs to Prove that He Can Get Hurricane Recovery Right,” by Doug Bock Clark and Charles Bethea “Inequality and Hurricane Harvey,” by Ben Taub   New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Benjamin Collier, associate professor, risk and insurance, University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses research he co-authored on Hurricane Harvey, showing how severe climate events strain small businesses and create opportunities for insurers.

Salma Abdalla, is an assistant professor in the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis. It's been nearly a year since the May 16th tornado that devastated neighborhoods in our region. And many homeowners and businesses aren't close to rebuilding. Does this lead to storm fatigue for those residents, and even our broader community? She previously studied the impact of Hurricane Harvey on residents of Houston.

My boys said Hurricane Harvey was their favorite part of the year… and we had just lost everything!Today's episode is a special conversation from when I was a guest on Witness the Wonder.We walked through losing everything in Hurricane Harvey—and the mind-blowing, miraculous ways God showed up in the middle of it. I had asked God how to preserve my boys' hearts from this trauma, and he gave me one simple piece of wisdom. I followed it. And at the end of the year, the boys said their greatest time of loss was actually their favorite time of the year. You're never going to believe the miracles we saw. If you find yourself in or recovering from a season of loss or heartache, this episode will inspire you, and equip you with some powerful tools that just might change things for you too. Share this episode with a friend who needs an encouragement this week, and make sure you subscribe to "Witness the Wonder" Podcast for regular episodes of how people see God at work in their stories too! Witness the Wonder Podcast✈️ Come to Greece with Me!We're walking where the Bible happened—Athens, Corinth & Santorini! Eat amazing food, explore history, and encounter Jesus.

A flood can wipe out a classic car in minutes, but it can also set up a comeback you never saw coming. From the Lupe' Tortilla Tailpipes and Tacos cruise-in in Beaumont, we sit down with Charlie Domain and his white 1968 Chevelle SS convertible, a numbers-matching 396 big block that looks as clean underneath as it does in the sun. Charlie walks us through how he found it, how he cares for it, and why a black-and-white muscle car still stops people mid-conversation at a car show. The best part is the origin story. Charlie lost a Buick Skylark GS to Hurricane Harvey, then took a friend's advice to get out of the house and head to the Mecum auction. He targeted a no-reserve Chevelle, landed it for $42,000 plus fees, and realized the final paperwork was being signed with a check that matched what he'd just been paid for the flooded car. We also dig into the details that spark real debate in the classic car world: Baldwin decals that hint at dealer-era performance culture, an automatic column-shift setup, optic lighting, and a bench seat mystery that points across the street to Buick. Then we zoom out to everything else car people care about. We run through the racing calendar with NHRA, NASCAR at Darlington, IndyCar, and Formula 1 schedule updates. “This Week in Auto History” connects Ford's moving assembly line to the explosion of car culture, then tracks big-block milestones and the Clean Air Act's impact on muscle cars before efficient icons like the Honda Civic took off. We finish with straight automotive news: Honda's shifting EV plans around the Prologue and a Hyundai engine recall lawsuit that shows how costly recall decisions can get. Subscribe, share this with a fellow car nerd, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What's the best classic car comeback story you've ever seen?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.----  ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?     In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!  Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.-----   -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com

We welcome Major Cyla Srna of the Texas State Guard, who will tell us about her Marine Corps service as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and her decision to join Texas's State Defense Force, where she's served for the past 12 years. Cyla is also an advocate for women veterans. In 2020, she agreed to enter the Ms. Veteran America competition in order to call attention to the problem of women veterans' homelessness. Cyla has a deep understanding of the problem, as she's experienced it herself. We'll talk about that and about her unique posts in the Texas State Guard, including Emergency Operations during Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. Cyla will educate us about the Texas State Guard, one of twenty examples of a little-known part of America's military system: the State Defense Forces (SDFs). Authorized under Title 32 of the U.S. Code and grounded in states' constitutional authority to maintain militias, SDFs exist alongside the National Guard but cannot be federalized. Their mission is strictly state-focused—responding to natural disasters, public health emergencies, border and infrastructure security, logistics, communications, and community support when governors call. These units are volunteer, uniformed, and trained, often composed of prior-service veterans as well as civilians who want to serve close to home.

On this weeks show John and his pilot buddies get together to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, Rush Limbaugh is in love with Melania Trump, and Randy the Chipmunk has the mob after him.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We visit Fresh Houwse Grocery in Sunnyside, a farmer-owned store in a neighborhood that previously had limited access to fresh food.And Houston author Saadia Faruqi explains why she wanted to use Hurricane Harvey as the backdrop for her latest young adult novel, Some of Us Are Brave, and how her own experiences during the 2017 storm continue to influence her writing. Faruqi will appear at a book launch on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. in Katy.Watch

In this episode of the Deep in the Hunt of Texas podcast, host Connor Little sits down with his friend Curtis Sams, also known as the Brazoria Bandit. They dive into the diverse hunting culture of Texas, discussing the differences in hunting experiences across the state, from the coastal marshes to the plains. Curtis shares his journey into duck hunting, recounting memorable experiences and the evolution of hunting regulations post-Hurricane Harvey. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie that comes with hunting, emphasizing that the social aspect often outweighs the actual hunting itself. As they reminisce about past hunts, they reflect on how the hunting landscape has changed over the years, particularly in terms of bird populations and hunting practices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Is the loudest person in the room ever the smartest—or just hard of hearing?"

When disaster strikes, most people only think about the immediate impact—but what happens next? In this episode of Ready Your Future, we dive deep into strategic prepping by exploring the often-overlooked world of 2nd level effects and 3rd level effects that can turn a manageable situation into a full-blown crisis. Understanding these ripple effects is what separates prepared individuals from those caught off guard when the dominoes start falling. Being a strategic prepper means thinking beyond the obvious. A city-wide flood doesn't just damage your home—it disrupts supply chains, closes businesses, contaminates water, and creates health hazards that compound over days and weeks. This episode walks you through real-world examples, including lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey, to show exactly how emergencies scale and why your preparedness plan needs to account for these cascading consequences. Whether you're just starting your preparedness journey or you're a seasoned prepper looking to level up your planning, this episode provides a framework for 2nd level prepping that will transform how you approach emergency readiness. You'll learn practical methods for mapping out chain reactions, auditing your current preps against deeper scenarios, and developing the "preparedness spidey sense" that helps you see around corners before trouble arrives. Strategic prepping isn't about fear—it's about thinking through problems before they happen so you can live proactively rather than reactively Of Interest Get One Preparedness Tip in Your Email Weekly! For more about Todd and RYF Join the Exclusive Email Group The Christian Prepper Podcast Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prepperwebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive Director John Eckeberger has lived a life shaped by Gulf Coast weather. A native Texan with more than 50 years in ministry, John brings both grit and compassion to his leadership at the 4B Disaster Response Network—a coalition born out of Hurricane Harvey that now serves as a model for coordinated, faith-driven disaster relief.In this episode, John walks us through the mission of 4B DRN, how it all started, and why connecting churches, nonprofits, and volunteers is the secret sauce of effective disaster response. He shares the story behind their new response facility, the surprising ways volunteers stay active between major storms, and how other regions can replicate this community-first model.We also dive into Weathered Wisdom, where John recalls the extreme weather event that left the deepest mark on him—a moment that helped shape his calling.From mobilizing local churches as evacuation centers to equipping everyday people to step into disaster zones with confidence, John brings clarity, warmth, and hard-earned insight.Listeners will walk away with a practical understanding of how disaster resilience really gets built—and how they can support the mission.

From Hurricane Harvey rescues to being honored at President Trump's first State of the Union — this is the remarkable story of a true American hero.In this powerful interview, we sit down with a Coast Guard aviation rescue leader whose journey through life's trials and tribulations shaped her into the warrior she is today. Her experience during Hurricane Harvey, her role as an avionics electrical technician, and her leadership in Coast Guard aviation have inspired countless Americans.We discuss: ✔️ Her personal path of resilience ✔️ Thrilling and emotional Coast Guard rescue missions ✔️ What it was like being honored at the 2018 State of the Union ✔️ The future of women in military aviation ✔️ The motivation, support, and camaraderie that shaped her journey ✔️ Her book The Hurricane Within and the lessons behind itThis interview is a tribute to courage, service, and the unbreakable human spirit. If you're inspired by military stories, leadership, or stories of rising above life's toughest storms, this episode is for you.

When Hurricane Harvey wiped everything away, Shayla and her daughter lost it all — but God wasn't done writing their story. In this episode of Under the Hood, Shayla shares how tragedy led her from Houston to Omaha, how she rebuilt her life with courage and faith, and how Chariots for Hope helped her find freedom through transportation, community, and the love of Jesus.

Did you know the secret to scaling your Fix and Flip business to 47 projects isn't creativity, but being BORING? We're revealing the "Blueprint" that saves time and thousands.

David shares his experience of starting and growing multiple successful organizations. He discusses the vital ingredients of vision, risk taking, skills and abilities, and building the right team. Oelfke goes in depth on each topic and how they contribute to a winning combination. Every resident faces challenges at some point in life. But what happens when an entire community is struck by a crisis? The Carpenters share their experiences supporting residents in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.  

Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-linksIn this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena sits down with Juliette Murphy, CEO and co-founder of FloodMapp, to explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming flood forecasting and disaster response.Juliette shares her journey from water resource engineering in Australia and Canada to building a company dedicated to giving emergency managers and communities faster, more accurate, impact-based flood intelligence. Drawing on real experiences from disasters like the 2011 Brisbane Floods, the 2013 Calgary Floods, and the Queensland floods of 2022, she explains how early warning systems often fail survivors — and how FloodMapp bridges that gap.The conversation breaks down the complex science behind meteorology, hydrology, and hydraulic modeling — the three layers needed to predict where floods will hit, how deep the water will get, and what communities, infrastructure, and lives will be impacted. Juliette also highlights how debris flows, wildfire burn scars, and contaminated floodwaters pose unique risks, and how new data sources — from drones to social media — can be used to calibrate and validate models in real time.John and Juliette also discuss real-world challenges: why agencies sometimes rely on gut instincts in the absence of data, how false alarms affect public trust, and why risk management (not perfection) is the right framework for evacuation and emergency decision-making. With case studies from Oroville Dam, Hurricane Harvey, and more, Juliette shows how better models can prevent loss of life and reduce long-term recovery costs.

Did you know the secret to scaling your Fix and Flip business to 47 projects isn't creativity, but being BORING? We're revealing the "Blueprint" that saves time and thousands. The philosophy of "Boring is Scalable" and how to apply it to your rehabs: use a simple blueprint (same color, same granite) to maximize speed and margins. Why limiting your projects to 3–5 flips at a time can yield more money  with less stress than running a massive operation (The Hurricane Harvey lesson). The hack to drastically cut site disposal costs with a single upfront investment (owning your own dump trailer!). Want to see our "low-stress" projects? Follow us for more insider tips and to see examples of properties we've scaled! ➡️ Follow for more tips! #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateTips #InvestmentStrategy #FixAndFlip #RealEstateMarket #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateMindset #RealEstateSuccess #RealEstateEducation #InvestingInRealEstate #PropertyEntrepreneur #RealEstateEntrepreneur #WealthBuilding #CashFlow #RentalProperties #RealEstatePodcast #FlippingHouses #ScalingBusiness #HomeRenovation

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs […] The post Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers' appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Dr. Quianta Moore grew up in Pennsylvania, moved to Texas, and then found her path through medicine, law, and policy. She now leads the Hackett Center for Mental Health where she’s focused on access to care, early brain development, and what happens to women during times like menopause or postpartum. We’ll learn what shaped her career and why she took risks to tackle gaps in women’s health. We’ll talk about mental health challenges uniquely impacting women, from isolation to the cost and coverage of care. We’ll hear how common sense can make a difference while we wait for research. Learn more about The Hackett Center for Mental Health here. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is Dr. Quianta Moore’s background and journey into medicine and public health? 2. How did Dr. Moore become interested in women’s health? 3. Why did Dr. Moore pursue both medical and legal training, and how did that shape her career? 4. What is the Hackett Center for Mental Health, and what does Dr. Moore do there? 5. How did Hurricane Harvey affect health outcomes in Houston? 6. What is the relationship between mental health and physical health in women, especially around menopause? 7. What disparities do women face in healthcare coverage and costs? 8. What challenges exist for women seeking menopause-related care? 9. How does social connectedness impact mental health, and are there examples from Houston communities? 10. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health, especially for children and adolescents? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Choosing Medicine: A Journey 04:08 Hackett Center for Mental Health Leadership 06:57 Immediate Action over Waiting for Research 12:19 Ophthalmology Fellowship Success Story 15:10 Focus: Early Brain Development Impact 18:34 Women: Disproportionate Health Care Burdens 22:20 Addressing Menopause in the Workplace 24:35 Community Resource Platform Development 28:12 Parental Isolation and Social Connection 31:19 Early Brain Development and COVID ImpactSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a new series from the Hidden History of Texas. In this series I will be discussing the various Extreme Weather Events that have taken place in Texas History. This episode is an introductory one, in which I talk about Texas, what a hurricane is, and then I talk an in-depth look at what took place before, during, and after the 1900 Galveston Hurricane struck the Texas Coast. Texas is a land of extremes. From the dry deserts of the Trans-Pecos to the humid Gulf Coast, from the rolling Hill Country to the flat prairies, no state in America faces such a wide spectrum of natural fury. The very size and diversity of Texas mean that when disaster comes, it comes in many forms, hurricanes that drown entire cities, flash floods that sweep away homes in the night, tornadoes that reduce downtowns to rubble, droughts that starve farms for years, and even man-made catastrophes born of fire, gas, and explosives. In no other place is the saying “everything's bigger in Texas” truer, or more tragic. Disasters here are not just local events. They ripple outward, changing laws, inspiring massive engineering feats, and reshaping the way communities think about safety, survival, and resilience. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the drought of the 1950s, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and the Kerrville floods of 2025—each stands not only as a story of loss, but also as a turning point in Texas history.

August 26th: Crystal Seratte McDowell Reported Missing (2017) Sometimes a case is made more difficult by things far beyond our control. On August 26th 2017 a woman was reported missing in the midst of a natural disaster. One that made her case all the more difficult to solve. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/body-missing-texas-realtor-crystal-seratte-mcdowell-found-ex-husband-n800061, https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baytown-tx/crystal-mcdowell-7552481, https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2019/08/baytown-womans-murder-case-is-solved/, https://www.ajc.com/news/national/sheriff-slain-realtor-tearfully-admits-strangling-her-eve-harvey/KEpCZzYttcdA89nh7qdVUI/, https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/amid-houston-flooding-family-searching-missing-realtor-crystal-seratte-mcdowell-n796691, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-goes-inside-the-search-for-mom-who-vanished-ahead-of-hurricane-harvey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Today on the Jimmy Barrett Show:The anniversery of hurricane Harvey

In this episode of the Christian Prepper podcast, Todd explores "bugging out" through the story of Jacob in Genesis 31. Todd examines how Jacob, at God's direction, made the decision to leave his father-in-law Laban's household after years of mistreatment. The episode draws important parallels between Jacob's experience and the Christian life, highlighting that there are seasons when God calls believers to make significant changes. Beyond the spiritual application, Todd connects this biblical principle to practical preparedness, sharing his personal experience during Hurricane Harvey when he chose to "bug in" despite rising floodwaters while his neighbor evacuated. While acknowledging that bugging in is often preferable, he emphasizes the importance of being ready to leave when necessary, maintaining bug-out bags, emergency binders, and essential valuables. Resources Listen to the RYF Podcast Download the Blackout Checklist

Rose sits down with Leeann Moore, one of the founders of Sister Corps, a nonprofit born from the RV community that mobilizes women volunteers to support disaster relief and community service efforts across the country.Leeann shares how Sister Corps began as a grassroots response to Hurricane Harvey and evolved into a mission-driven organization built on teamwork, compassion, and grit. We dive into what it takes to lead a volunteer-based nonprofit, the emotional labor behind helping families in crisis, and how the RV lifestyle uniquely equips volunteers to show up where they're needed most. Leeann also shares how they blend the heart of a nonprofit with the strategic mind of a business, empowering women to make a tangible difference in the world.Connect & Learn Morehttps://sister-corps.org/https://facebook.com/SisterCorpsTeam/https://youtube.com/@sistercorpsRESOURCEShttps://therventrepreneur.com/talent/

In this conversation, Dr. Jackie Meyer, CPA interviews Brandon Adjei, a CPA with a rich background in accounting and tax planning. They discuss Brandon's journey from working at major firms to establishing his own practice, the challenges faced by international clients, and the importance of IRS resolution work. Brandon shares his experiences during Hurricane Harvey, where he provided pro bono services, and emphasizes the significance of networking and involvement with organizations like AICPA. They also delve into the benefits of using TaxPlan IQ for tax planning and the necessity for accountants to adapt and grow in a changing environment.

#205: From Hurricane Harvey to Beryl: Houston's "One Family" Emergency Response [2024 Houston Live Podcast Tour]Brought to you by:SentinelOne—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.Verizon Frontline—The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!Featuring:Summer Xiao, Deputy CIO - EAS/PMO, City of HoustonJane Wu, Deputy Director - Data Privacy & Business Operations Management, City of HoustonBert Quarfordt, Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) - IT Infrastructure, City of HoustonWhat You'll Learn:How Houston's IT team evolved emergency response protocols through nine federally declared disasters, building bench strength after losing key expertiseWhy pre-positioned contracts and vendor partnerships are critical for rapid emergency deployment without compromising standards or securityHow Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to 350+ city locations serving 2.6 million residents and the specific recovery strategies usedThe "one family approach" that transforms team culture through initiatives like Summer's snack cart and cross-departmental collaborationWhy cloud-first infrastructure strategies provide essential resilience when local data centers fail during natural disastersTimestamps(03:00) 9 Federal Disasters: Building Emergency Response Bench Strength(08:00) Hurricane Beryl: 350+ Locations Lost Power, 2.6M Residents Affected(12:00) Tier One Response: From Prep to Recovery Operations(17:00) 311 Crisis: Data Center Meltdown During Emergency Response(25:00) Keeping 911 Systems Operational When Infrastructure Fails(31:00) The "One Family Approach": Crisis Collaboration That Actually Works(34:00) Summer Snacks: Building Team Culture Through Food and Connection(40:00) AI and Cloud-First: Future-Proofing Against Climate Disasters(45:00) Crisis Leadership Lessons for Public Sector CXOsConnect

The Brewers' offensive doldrums continued with four shutout losses in a stretch of five games and a brutal week of baseball, albeit one that ended with a win over red-hot Minnesota. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe look at all the areas the offense has floundered this year, starting with the left side of the infield. Christian Yelich is having his worst offensive season. Jackson Chourio is up and down (he was up on Sunday with a crazy homer-saving catch). William Contreras is laboring. How are they going to get out of this? At least the pitching has been strong, despite injury setbacks for Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana. Jacob Misiorowski is dominating and ready for promotion. In Three Up Three Down (34:30), a couple intriguing under-the-radar roster moves, a cribbage board and team meetings, Remembrew When looks back at one of the greatest games in stadium history (1:00:45) and Todd's Take of the Week examines a week ahead against lesser competition ... is this already a do-or-die week for the Brewers? (1:04:30). Then, JR is joined by another exciting rookie, Logan Henderson, who's been excellent in two starts. They discuss his late-blooming and injury-obstructed rise to the big leagues, the impact of Hurricane Harvey in his life and his Nickelodeon namesake, plus his scouting report on longtime teammate Misiorowski (1:07:30). Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Hey, friend. Hello, Change Makers. In the words of Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown—Hey, Black girl. We often say it takes a village, but let's be clear—villages don't build themselves. They're shaped, sustained, and often revived by Black mothers who know what it means to care, connect, and carry more than their share. Today's guest, Jetaun Woodley, didn't just recognize the gap—she built something from it. As a veteran communications strategist and Senior Director at Planned Parenthood, Jetaun has spent her career making sure messages that matter reach the right people. But it's her work outside the boardroom that's building legacy: creating H.U. Mommies, a thriving community of over 800 Hamptonian mothers who show up for one another, online and in real life. In this episode, we're unpacking how Black motherhood is often the foundation of community organizing, mutual care, and everyday advocacy. From navigating health care systems and education challenges to disaster relief and doula recommendations, these mothers are doing far more than sharing parenting tips—they're reshaping what support looks like. Jetaun joins Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown and me for a conversation that's both grounding and galvanizing. We talk about the power of peer support, the courage it takes to create a space when one doesn't exist, and what it looks like to protect and evolve a community you've built—especially when the work is personal. If you've ever questioned whether your care counts or whether creating something small could really matter, this conversation is your reminder: it already does. Listen now and be sure to grab the National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit for more ways to connect at nationalblackgirlmonth.com. To our Hampton fam—we see you. And if you're a mama looking for your people, you just might find them in H.U. Mommies. Connect with Jetaun Woodly on Instagram Jetaun Woodly is an award winning public relations and brand communications strategist with 20 years of experience. She has an unwavering passion and focus on working with individuals and companies to translate business goals and objectives into strategic communications plans and deliverables. Jetaun started her career as a public relations coordinator for Novartis Pharmaceuticals' philanthropy and community development division. She spent many years working in healthcare managing public relations for brands ranging from prescription drugs and FDA approvals, to eye care and over-the-counter products before moving to the nonprofit sector. Currently, Jetaun serves as Senior Director of Brand Strategy & Projects at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a reproductive health care nonprofit organization. Prior to joining PPFA, Jetaun served as Director of Network Marketing & Communications for National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. Following the birth of her son in 2015, Jetaun started HU Mommies Group - a support group for Hampton University alumnae. The goal of the group is to share advice, empower Black women, and provide a listening ear as Hamptonians embrace and embark on their motherhood journey. With more than 800 members, the group has planned a number of volunteer efforts across the country, vision board meetups, kid-friendly outings, tailgates at homecoming and a host of other activities. For example, when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, Jetaun coordinated a group donation to local organizations that support mothers and children. In 2019, the group collectively donated to Hampton University's marching band, and sent care packages to current students. In an effort to provide unique learning experiences for the children of alumnae during the nationwide shelter-in-place (COVID19), Jetaun created virtual learning classes on a variety of subjects. Jetaun was featured on Essence Magazine Online for her work with the group. In 2020, Jetaun was admitted into Hampton University's Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society. Jetaun served as a volunteer for the I Have a Dream Foundation - a mentor program in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church and St. Luke's Church in the heart of Atlanta. She is currently a board member of Atlanta Birth Center, a birth center dedicated to empowering families and providing compassionate, individualized birth experiences. A native of New Jersey, Jetaun received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Hampton University's Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications in 2004. While at Hampton, Jetaun was involved in Student Union Board and served as historian for the National Council of Negro Women. She also holds a Masters in Communication & Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Jetaun resides in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Dr. Shaun Woodly (HU '04), and their two children - Brayden and Brooklynn.

IntroductionPeople with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change; however, they have been traditionally excluded from conversations about national plans and responses to climate change. Including the disabled community in decision making is key to addressing potential harms and designing effective, inclusive solutions. Disabled Community Disproportionately AffectedMany studies provide empirical evidence that climate change poses a particularly great risk for the disabled community. A study in Australia documented that between 2001 and 2018,  89% of heat wave fatalities were people with some type of disability, and actually many had multiple disabilities both physical and mental. Additionally, after Hurricane Harvey in Harris County, Texas in 2017, people with disabilities were disproportionately affected and exposed to harms. Areas flooded by Hurricane Harvey were overrepresented by disabled populations. The highest proportion of people living in public housing being exposed to environmental hazards were people with disabilities. While people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, they have often been excluded from decision-making surrounding climate change, including in  drafting national plans and climate responses. Inclusivity and Accessibility In PracticeEngaging people with disabilities in developing, designing and implementing climate resilient solutions can help protect their livelihoods and autonomy. Meaningful participation can look different in many ways including conducting research to have more data on how people with disabilities are affected and specific ways to help. As well, to develop new technologies and innovations that assist people with disabilities in climate emergencies like early warning systems, communication, and adaptive infrastructure. Spaces can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. More research is needed on infrastructure design that both reduces emissions and simultaneously will not put disabled people at more risk in climate emergencies, for example, adding ramps and automatic door openers, widening doorways, and having accessible bathrooms. It is also important to host public events in accessible locations to ensure that people with disabilities feel welcomed and valued. Methods of communication should also be accessible like using captions in videos, adding text descriptions and making online materials that work with screen readers so that low vision individuals can also access them. Disability-Inclusive Climate SolutionsIn addition to educating the community about the importance of disability-inclusive climate solutions and for the disabled community to be educated and equipped for climate disaster risk mitigation, it is vital for the disabled community to be part of the large-scale decision making process and promote meaningful participation. By providing people with disabilities with a greater understanding of the impacts that climate change will have on their lives, then they can be more able to respond to effects of climate change and access the resources they need. Expert Dr. Michael Stein points out that everyone knows their own needs and livelihoods best; hence, it is vital to reach out to the disabled community and include them in the conversation and decision making for climate solutions that will support the disabled community who are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change. About our guestMichael Stein is the co-founder of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability. As a world leader on disability law, Dr. Stein participated in the drafting of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Stein became the first known person with a disability to be a member of the Harvard Law Review. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his work in disability rights. ResourcesAvci, Bratchell, Browning, Coates, Gissing, and Van Leeuwen, Heat wave fatalities, (2001-2008).Chakraborty, Collins, and Grineski, Hurricane Harvey and people with disabilities, (2019).Akyeampong, Alford, Chakraborty, Daniels-Mayes, Gallegos, Grech, Groce, Gurung, Hans, Harpur, Jodoin, Lord, Macanawai, McClain-Nhlapo, Stein, Susteren, Advancing Disability-Inclusive Climate Research, (2024).Szekeres, 8 Ways  to Include People with Disabilities in Climate Action, (2023).Nina D. L, How to Include People with Disabilities, (2021).Hélène T., Disability-Inclusive Approaches to Climate Action, (2023).For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/disability-inclusive-climate-solutions-with-michael-stein/.

May I just say that the stupidest, most despicable, most self-defeating political “tactic” in our present hyper-partisan climate is the accusation that victims of today's horrific wildfires, floods, and such are getting what they deserved because of their political views.Start with this month's catastrophic floods in Appalachia. If you've never had a river gushing into your home and town, you can't imagine the destruction, muck, stench, injuries, death, and despair. Yet, various numbskulls who profess to be progressive have posted taunts online, chortling that these devastated victims are red-state, small-government Trump voters who don't deserve government's helping hand in their time of dire need.Likewise, right-wing MAGA squads, including some GOP congress critters, routinely jeer at wildfire victims in blue states and cities, gloating that hellfire is righteous punishment for “ungodly” people who oppose Trump's “divine mission.”Hello—this is not politics, it's disgraceful inhumanity. And those who engage in it are skuzz, insults to America's democratic ideals of the Common Good.Happily though (even as divisive and violent political rhetoric is being spewed by some of our highest officials), the ingrained ethic in practically every community is to rush to the aid of anyone and everyone in times of disaster. I saw this up close when Hurricane Harvey slammed Houston in 2017. Washington officials played politics for weeks as the city was drowning—but hundreds of working people showed up, even from far away states, bringing their small boats and power tools to organize ad hoc rescue teams, not asking anyone their party affiliation.This is Jim Hightower saying… That's our truest selves—and it's why it's essential to swat down the malignant ethic of anyone who tries to pervert fundamental humanity into their red-blue morass.This post from No Elegy Needed was part of the inspiration for this commentary, and they've shared resources where you can support the people affected by this latest round of climate disasters:Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

Leslie Warren once thought she'd be auditing fashion brands, but somehow, she ended up in oil & gas and she wouldn't have it any other way. From her days as an accounting student at Texas A&M to navigating IPOs and acquisitions, Leslie's journey is anything but predictable. She shares how she fell in love with an industry she never planned on joining, why energy marketing needs a serious overhaul, and how better storytelling could change public perception. Plus, we get into the Houston Producers Forum poker tournament, the quirks of industry camaraderie, and why petroleum products are way more important than most people realize.Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 - Intro00:40 - Leslie's Journey in Oil and Gas03:51 - Leslie's Early Career Insights09:18 - Midstates Petroleum IPO Overview10:28 - Twitter's Impact on Energy15:54 - Houstonian Lifestyle17:38 - Role of a Landman in Energy19:57 - Marketing Strategies for the Energy Industry22:04 - Demi Moore's Influence in Pop Culture25:58 - Comparing Rebecca and Demi Moore27:19 - Ainsley's Contribution to the Industry30:53 - Getting Started in the Oil Industry32:40 - Hurricane Harvey's Impact on Energy Sector36:05 - Industry Gossip and Insights39:40 - Challenges of Being an Audit Partner42:10 - Greatest Inventions in Energy History43:30 - Taylor Swift and Industry Affairs45:50 - Telling the Energy Industry's Story Better49:20 - The Role of Poker in Networking52:57 - Houston Producers Forum Poker Tournament54:18 - OUTROhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@DigitalWildcatters

Guest: Eric Berger4.…3….2….1…. Liftoff! - of this week's episode of Weather Geeks with our special guest - Eric Berger. Launching his career as a science & space writer, Eric's trajectory would be considered - by most in the space industry - as ‘nominal'. However, Eric's late stage separation would send him on a new course to launching the website we all know today - Space City Weather. Since 2015 - Space City Weather has kept Houston informed during extreme weather events. Hurricane Harvey, the February Freeze of 2021, extreme drought to extreme floods, and last year's Derecho - to name a few. In all, you can sum up Eric's career - so far - as one small step for weather and giant leap for science-kind.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eric Berger and His Journey05:31 Transitioning from Space to Weather11:42 The Impact of Hurricane Harvey16:10 Lessons Learned from Hurricane Harvey19:56 Experiencing a Range of Extreme Weather Events25:02 Navigating the Era of Social Meteorology29:43 Key Lessons and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Building Texas Business Podcast, I spoke with Brian Freedman, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, about the region's economic development. We explored the five major industry clusters shaping the area: maritime logistics, aerospace, tourism, healthcare, and petrochemicals. Brian shared updates on aerospace innovations at Ellington Field, including projects by Intuitive Machines and Axiom, while highlighting new opportunities in defence manufacturing. I learned about Project 11, an initiative to expand the Houston port's capacity for larger vessels. Brian explained how this infrastructure project connects to the broader transportation network, particularly the role of trucking in regional commerce. We discussed how the partnership works with legislators and industry leaders to address challenges like insurance costs and maintain economic momentum. The conversation shifted to leadership approaches and team dynamics in Texas business. Brian described how maintaining diverse projects keeps his team engaged and motivated. We explored how the Houston area supports entrepreneurs through community partnerships and mentorship programs while adapting to technological changes like AI integration. Our discussion wrapped up with a look at workforce development in the region. Brian explained how educational partnerships are building talent pipelines across industries. We covered the importance of aligning training programs with business needs while fostering collaboration between municipalities, educational institutions, and industry partners. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS In this episode, I spoke with Brian Freedman, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, about the economic development in the Houston Bay Area, focusing on the recruitment, retention, and expansion of primary employers. We discussed the significant industry clusters in the region, including maritime logistics, aerospace, tourism, healthcare, and petrochemicals, and their impact on the area's economic growth. Brian highlighted developments at Ellington Field, including contributions from companies like Intuitive Machines and Axiom, as well as the emerging opportunities in defense manufacturing and procurement. The episode explored the scale and impact of the Houston port, emphasizing Project 11's role in expanding the port's capacity and the importance of logistics and innovation for regional prosperity. We delved into the leadership style necessary for motivating teams and managing diverse projects, underscoring the Texan entrepreneurial spirit characterized by ambition and a collaborative approach. Brian shared insights on the vibrant business ecosystem in Texas, driven by a skilled workforce, affordability, and a supportive community fostering partnerships and mentorship opportunities. Finally, we addressed challenges like insurance costs and the importance of regional solidarity, as well as efforts to mitigate natural disaster risks and promote responsible development in the area. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About BAHEP GUESTS Brian FreedmanAbout Brian TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: In this episode you will meet Brian Freedman, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Brian shares how his organization works to recruit, retain and expand primary employers in the greater Houston Bay Area region. Brian, I want to welcome you to Building Texas Business. Thanks for joining us today. Brian: Hey, thank you, Chris. Honored to be here and great to catch up. Chris: Yes, likewise. So let's start with you. You're the president and the organizational name's kind of long it's Bay Area, houston Economic Partnership. Tell the listeners a little bit about what that organization is and what it does, to kind of put the rest of our conversation into context. Brian: Sure, so BayHEP is the short version of it. So we're the Regional Economic Development Group and kind of the, as I like to say, in the Houston-Galveston region. We're three o'clock to six o'clock on the watch, face right. So we kind of go out 225, all the municipalities and cities going out east and then going down south 45. We go a little west of 45, but really that 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock and we're really focused on how do you recruit, retain and expand primary employers in the region with the idea that if you can get great companies located here and have a group of industry clusters that are cranking away every day, that we can have a great place to live. We have great involved residents that are in this area and opportunities for the folks who live here and kind of build what the future will look like for this region. So a lot of good stuff going on and, happy to get into that a little further, we do economic development, recruitment, retention projects. So how do we get companies here? We do some grants and then we're a membership organization is how we're funded. So we have about 300 members, 19 municipal members, Harrison-Galveston County, the port, the airport system. It's really how do you get the leaders of a region to work together to advance what we're doing here. Chris: Wow, I mean that's it sounds like it's easier to say and harder to do coordinating that many organizations and trying to get everybody pulling the same direction. Brian: Yeah, it's a lot of fun and we get to work with a lot of great folks. That's how we met Chris, is that, you know, through some of our mutual connections. But yeah, you know, it's really when you can get generally like-minded folks thinking about what the future of a region will look like and pretty aligned and working towards that effort, it's more of a well, it's just fun and you can create a lot of impact and we're seeing that and I'll be happy to dive into some of the specific projects we're working down here. But I mean, you guys do it too at Boyer Miller. Y'all are working with clients all over the spectrum of types of industry and you have to adapt to what's coming up, what's at you, and be ready for that kind of stuff. Chris: Yeah, no doubt. So yeah let's jump into some stuff. Let's talk first, because when I think of your area, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is NASA and all that's going on around that, and that leads me to technology and innovation. So what are some of the emerging technologies or trends that you're seeing that are kind of helping shape the future of Texas and kind of the business opportunities, at least in your region and for Texas? Brian: Yeah, so I call it kind of the big five on the industry cluster. So everybody thinks about this area for NASA, which we love right, because it really is a crown jewel out here, but I call it the big five right Maritime and all the associated logistics with the port aerospace and aviation, so nasa, but also the great work that the airport system is doing with ellington and hobby, tourism and recreation, health care and all the hospitals that have campuses down here, and then specialty and petrochemical and the energy industry partners and every one of those ecosystem has a ton of stuff going on. So I'm happy to talk about some of those more granular. But a couple of observations. One is that often overlooked in this community and really an asset to the greater Houston region is Ellington Field, ellington Airport, the Spaceport and, if you haven't seen or heard about it, the work that's going on at the Spaceport. They have three new beautiful buildings. One is occupied by Intuitive Machines who just put the first commercial lander payload on the surface of the moon. One is occupied by a company called Axiom that's building the next generation of commercial spacesuits and the next generation space station, and Collins who do spacesuit design in our building and maintaining the current spacesuits. They've set up huge facilities down there and so new stuff coming on. But I'm equally excited about just across the runway is the 147th Reserve Group. So there's a reserve unit out there, a reserve base, and the defense opportunities are pretty exciting. So that's highlighted by the 147th. But almost every branch has a reserve unit out there, save the Space Force, and we're working on that. And so the opportunities with defense manufacturing to come out to do more work in Houston and some of their innovation units and, as mundane as it sounds, some of the procurement opportunities, because when it comes to contracting, having a group of folks here would be a great opportunity for Houston businesses to then pipeline the work that they're doing into the broader defense industry, which can be really exciting. One other thing I'll mention, chris, is if you just look at the path of predictable growth for Houston, right, it keeps going out and we see that on our freeways every day. So there are growing pains that come with that, but for our region it's that steady march down Interstate 45. And so while Clear Lake Lake City are starting to get to fully built out and we're looking at what is the next generation of building look like, what's redevelopment look like For communities Dickinson, hitchcock, santa Fe, to some extent Texas City. Although they've got quite an industrial complex too, there's still space, and so it really brings up the opportunity of we can handle big projects, and whether they're industrial or tourism, there's a lot of opportunity that comes with that. And so, as folks you know, as we get built out further and further, those cities that were, they've always been important cities for the regional ecosystem, but they become major players, and so it's exciting to be able to work with them on that stuff. Chris: Sounds like a lot of opportunity for real estate development. Both residential, retail, commercial, industrial kind of all sectors are going to be playing a big part in that ongoing development in your region. Brian: Exactly right, and part of the the fun part is, you know, every municipality has different targets of what they view their economic development to look like, and so we get to work with all those cities where some may be really focused on industrial, some may want to be bedroom communities and be focused on residential. Our task is to support those municipalities in this region and identifying good players to bring to the table. So who are people that we do want to partner with that can follow through on the projects that can complete them and make them successful? Chris: That's great. I think I saw recently in the news the state of Texas, I think it's had something along these lines, but it's like a fund for the space-related projects and I know I don't know the name and you'll help me with that, but I seem to recall the governor being in town and making some big announcement right after the first of the year. Tell us a little more about that. Brian: Recall the governor being in town and making some big announcement right after the first of the year. Tell us a little more about that, exactly, right? So last legislative session, primarily spearheaded by State Representative Greg Bonin, who's also a Princewood resident he's a neurosurgeon by day and State Representative Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee during the legislative session he had this kind of vision of how does the state become a major player in the aerospace community. That's been primarily a federal and private industry ecosystem and so under his vision and with support of the state legislature and certainly the governor, they put a bill that kind of outlined a direction for the state to engage and the resources behind it. It does a couple of things. One was it allocated about $200 million that would go to Texas A&M to build this A&M Space Institute, and they've actually located that property. It will be built on the edge of the campus of Johnson Space Center, so for those familiar with this area, right on Saturn Lane. $200 million building and, as A&M's laid it out, it will have a giant lunar rock yard and a giant Mars rock yard, with the idea that everybody who's going to be doing hardware testing to send vehicles to the moon or Mars is trying to figure out where they're going to do that testing. And it's very expensive to build, obviously. And so companies are making the decision whether they're going to build that themselves and own it or go lease it somewhere. And if they're going to lease it, where do you go to find a giant brockyard to simulate the surface of the moon? And well, the state of Texas answered that question. So what was so unique about that vision was that everybody who's in that ecosystem now wants to come through Houston Texas to do that work. And so with that comes the. You know they'll be have their lab space there, but they may need offices, they're going to be hiring people, and so you know it really is an exciting project. They had their groundbreaking right at the end of last year. I've seen surveyors out there and they think they're going to have it open in 2026. So an aggressive timeline to get that bill. The other part to that bill was they appropriated $150 million for a grant program to incentivize sort of space leadership projects in the state of Texas, and so they have to set up a whole, basically administration portion of this. So they selected nine individuals to serve on the Texas Space Commission who will review those proposals and evaluate them and make awards. Who will review those proposals and evaluate them and make awards, and then they'll also help advise the state on how they can keep their leadership position in the space industry. The first of those awards about 20 million were released a little over a week ago. A couple of them were studies for best use for really cool stuff hypersonic corridors where to be landing sites. And then another one that is to build assets and capabilities for the Space Force in El Paso to have more of a Space Force presence in the state of Texas, which is pretty exciting. So I'm optimistic about what's to come for them. Chris: Yeah, that sounds very exciting, especially the concept of the $200 million grant to A&M and what that will do to attract other businesses that might relocate somewhere else and bring them here, and then all the ancillary things around hiring and jobs et cetera. So that's very exciting news and I think it'll be just around the corner. Let's maybe talk a little bit about. You mentioned Maritime and the port, and most Houstonians People know the Houston port is a significant asset for our area. Anything going on there that's new and exciting, any kind of innovation that you see when you're working with those entities and, I guess, the port authority itself. Brian: Yeah, well, maybe the first thing when you talk about the port is you're absolutely right just how important they are to this well, to all of Houston, but to the country I mean. The scale of the port is hard to appreciate when you just look at the numbers. But the numbers are just staggering. The amount of capability that comes through there and the innovation really is on the logistics and management for how they move, whether it's container, you know, container containers, the container terminal organization and how that whole orchestra is operated, and the capabilities from there is that the crane's getting stuff unloaded, then onto the trucks or rail or whatever. The mechanism to get it out and then get it distributed to wherever it's going is pretty incredible, and so we're fortunate to have them. We just hosted the new port CEO, charlie Jenkins, who's a phenomenal leader, has a career in service of the port, is the right guy to lead that organization into their next chapter. But he made this comment kind of in passing that the port's operations are about a $3 billion a day operation, you know, and you just go like a day of economic impact that go into that. The scale is really something impressive and that's all the trickle out and secondary effects. But it's amazing, the big thing that's going on with them right now is Project 11. That's the deepening and widening of the channel that'll allow additional capacity to go in there, and it's really writing the story for what the next chapter of the port's future is and Houston as a trading hub is, and so it'll allow for larger ships to come through. The additional investments they're making will allow faster turn and movement of all the goods that are on there. So a lot of good stuff going on. I guess the last thing I'll say is anybody who's driven 225 sees all those trucks and I drive it pretty regularly and see that too and as much as nobody likes driving next to a giant 18 wheeler, every one of those trucks is jobs and prosperity for our region, and so the next time you're driving there and you see a hundred trucks going down 225, that's our economic prosperity moving around our region and, candidly, around the country. It's good stuff. Chris: It's a good point. Yeah, I mean it's. You wouldn't want the roads to be empty and no trucks moving. I mean that's not a good sign. So feel blessed that we have all that you know in our area and driving all kinds of different prospects and opportunities for people. So when you are working with, let's talk a little bit about these member organizations and all the different moving parts you know what are you doing? How do you, I guess, keep things organized and people kind of moving in the same direction? Just, I would think that in itself is a full-time job. Brian: Yeah, it's a lot, but you know it's good stuff. I guess I'll start with a phrase that I kind of live by, which is we have a lot of stuff going on and so we'll find something to get on about. Right, we can always find something to work together on, and so, if you kind of start with that attitude, there's a lot of common issues that really require a lot of work but you can get maybe not perfect alignment, but general directional alignment. And so you know, one of the big issues we're working with right now is insurance. Right, we're all dealing with it. I'm sure you've gotten your insurance bill, but whether it's home or your business insurance, all those things, and so you can find a lot of commonality and ideas about hey, how can we work with our state leaders, potentially our federal leaders, with the insurance companies themselves, to try to manage the cost of doing that and find ways could it be grouping, doing kind of what they do in medical where you can have these larger groups or other mechanisms to try and help mitigate some of the costs? For that I'm getting a little granular, but you can find these little pockets where you can go move the ball down the field and get general alignment and so we spend a lot of time doing that. But we are very fortunate that our membership and generally this is kind of a Texan spirit type thing is hey, how do we go get some stuff done? Right, we want to go work on some stuff we want to go work on together. Generally it's a rising tide mentality and I spent a good portion of my career in industry and there are times where we compete like crazy and that's fun and, you know, makes great products and great opportunities for our customers. There are a lot of times where we need the tide to rise and finding alignment about that we try to be an outlet for that and keep things running. Right Is that we have not a big staff but a staff that can help make sure that. You know, our members are doing a lot of this stuff as volunteers, right, but they're bringing ideas to the table. So how can we make sure that they're staying engaged, that we're checking in on them, that we're helping carry these things and that we're creating a forum to have the right discussions and bring leaders together so we can invite in elected officials over relevant stuff, the right industry players, and bring them to the table and figure out what we can do, and then I guess the last thing I'll say is that manifests itself. We have a very active state legislative agenda. That we're going to be spending a fair amount of time in Austin, federal priorities. That we work with our congressional delegation and then very on the ground working with our municipalities and all the companies that are out down here to make movement. Probably talk all day about little one-offs. Advert Hello friends, this is Chris Hanslick, your Building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast, is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders? Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm at boyermillercom. And thanks for listening to the show at boyermillercom. And thanks for listening to the show. Chris: Well it is. You know legislature is in session, so I know that creates a busy time for you. You talked a lot about some of the opportunities and I hope we can talk some more about that, but I do want to ask you at this point what are some of the headwinds that you see you know this region and specifically kind of where you are. You know that could be out there. That you see you know this region and specifically kind of where you are. You know that could be out there that you've got to try to deal with, to get ahead of or navigate through. Brian: I'll start with. It's a great time down here. Just the way that each one of those big five industry clusters is going about is that it's a. You know they're all doing well and have a lot of opportunity that's on the horizon or that they're in the midst of right now, but certainly you know, a few headwinds. One of the things that we're always worried about and we work actively is just natural disaster flood mitigation and storm surge and making sure that we're resilient and prepared for the future, and so the risk from some incident happening. I'm more excited to talk about, when it comes to that, all the things that we're doing to mitigate that. In terms of flood mitigation, the coastal barrier protection work that we've been spending a lot of time on. That's the Ike Dike. It has a lot of names, but most commonly known is that but a system to protect us from storm surge. So one is the risk of natural disaster I don't like it, but it's a real thing, right? The second is that we're in the you know how do we have responsible development? And so when you have a project that comes online, there are, you know, reasonable concerns from citizens saying, hey, is this the best thing to be doing with this piece of land, and so anytime you're talking about a development that's going to take a field and turn it into a thing, people get concerned about that and that's perfectly reasonable for them to be concerned and want to do that. And so part of what I spend time doing is addressing like, hey, here's why this is worthwhile, here's why this funds your local municipality and build more parks so we can have the resources and the tax base that justify expenditures that come elsewhere and make through that. But just the ability for the public's ability to impact development, as it happens, is important. But for them to do that knowing all the ground truth, knowing what the trades are and understanding that, so that if they are concerned about something that they come with that from an educated knowledge base and so that's out there. And then I certainly don't want to get political, but anytime there's an administration change, there's just priorities that get changed. And so we're still waiting to understand all of those. We're kind of watching how things are shaken out in Washington DC and we'll adapt and make sure that we're doing everything we can to put our region in a great posture with whatever those priorities are at the end of the day. Chris: So yeah, to that last point where you're kind of right in throws that change. Right now that's happening pretty fast, so you got to stay on your toes. Let me take you back to the Ike Dike, because that you know something to get after Harvey. Hurricane Harvey got talked about a lot. You don't hear much about it anymore. Any kind of updates for the listeners. That might be curious. Is it really going to happen and, if so, what's really going on down there to make sure it doesn't happen? Brian: And if so, what's really going on down there to make sure it doesn't happen? Yeah, so it's still moving along, you know, and with some enthusiasm. So a couple of big milestones. One is that in December of 22, it became a formal project of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was authorized by Congress as a project, so that says, you know, they can now go focus on that. And so the next big question becomes how do we pay for it? To answer that, the state stepped up in a big way in the last legislative session and they had previously formed what's called the Gulf Coast Protection District. That is the local entity for that project. That will work with the US Army Corps of Engineers. So that group exists and has monthly meetings. They actually have an office in our suite. We lease an office to them them and they have their meeting in our conference room two out of every three months and then they do a rotation on that. Third, and they've been funded to the tune of about a half a billion dollars from the state of Texas. So they're ready to take significant action. We've been working with our federal partners about identifying where the big dollars come from for that project. It's going to be expensive and it's going to take a long time, but it will be likely done in phases and so that allows it. Where you don't need this one giant tranche of money all at once, you can do it sort of in a series and address the most important aspects of that, like the gates, some of the initial most highly populated areas, in phases. But we got to get federal appropriations for it. So in addition to the state entity being in our office, actually the US Army Corps of Engineers is on the fourth floor of this building and so all of the players for that project are in one building in our area right here, so that when what I'm hopeful for is if Corps moved in about six months ago, anytime an elected leader wants to come down and meet, they'll get every leader for that project in the same building and often meeting in our conference room or one of the core conference rooms. But a lot more can get done. There's sort of the opportunity for water cooler conversations between the state and the fed folks, and so I'm optimistic that the cadence just from that proximity will be helpful to that effort. Chris: Very good, that's good to hear. Let's change conversation a little bit. So, as I said, you're the president of BHEP. You mentioned your staff. Let's talk a little about leadership. How would you describe your leadership style and how do you think that's evolved kind of as you've been in this role? Brian: Yeah, well, I don't know that I can quantify terribly well, but I'm a kind of hey, all hands on deck and let's all just lean into wherever we're going. Right, and I kind of have that expectation of our team that we're have a clear set of priorities generally around the growth of this region and the projects that we're undertaking and that we're just leaning into them all the time and focusing. That I've been. You know I love getting down and into projects and so that's as I've been on this journey. That's been one of the big focus points to me is that you know you need a team to get this amount of stuff done and the size of these projects and the scope and so the ability to trust in the team and lean on them and let them go run with the ball is really important. I've been extremely fortunate that we have a great staff and we have a great membership base that we can lean on to help go bring those things to fruition. But it's a lot of fun coming to work. I think the team has a great time and enjoy the work that we do and you can see the difference that we make because there are buildings. We can point to that, wouldn't, you know, if not for the work of us and the leaders in this community wouldn't be there, and I'm looking forward to seeing that one on Saturn Lane with giant Texas A&M buildings sticking out of it coming through. Chris: It sounds like it's going to be impressive with the rockyards and all. But, you know, it made me think, though your team has a lot on its plate, I would think at times it may feel overwhelming. So, you know, what do you do to kind of help keep the motivation and keep the energy level up for a team that probably, at some points is, you know, starting to get to the end of the rope or run out of gas? Brian: Yeah, diversity of projects and lots of different stuff to work on. I'm guessing and actually I'd kind of turn that question on you, chris, because I can only imagine the type of stress that you guys live under, especially working big cases and big projects. There's one part that is, hey, we're just all in this together, right, and the esprit de corps that comes with. We're tackling big projects and that's just part of what comes with it. But there's another part where you just need to shift gears for a little bit and work on something different and give yourself a little recharge time. But how do you guys deal with it? I'm curious how? Chris: Boyer Miller, yeah that's a fair question to turn around on me. I would say it's similar. I think it's. You know to me that you can't underestimate the power of a team and if you have the right people on the team, there's some self-motivation just within that group, Right. And then I think it is the. We are fortunate to have very diverse type projects. We practice in all industries. So we may be doing a, a deal or a project, but it's in a different industry and there's different nuances that make it exciting. And at the end of the day I think it's the one point you highlighted on you can point to something and we're helping clients achieve their goals. So we can, you know, point to a deal that's been done or, you know, maybe it's a merger of two companies, or one that's grown and now has a new building and doing whatever. But you can point to those successes that you, where you've helped the client achieve, you know something really big for them and their business and their life. And so I think all of that continues the motivation. Yes, sometimes at the end of a big deal, you need just a little bit of a breather, but you just jump right back in and get going. So it makes it fun. Brian: Well, if you'll let me share. So you and I first met in person, had an opportunity to meet at one of your big forums, and that was a bunch of your customers and clients were there, and I love meeting new folks, as you probably saw, and I you know, walking around just saying, hey, I'm Brian, what do you do? And almost every one of them I would ask like, hey. So how do you know Chris, how do you know this group? You know, have you worked with them? And they all had a story. That was exactly that. You know, whatever thing it was that you helped them. We did XYZ project and it was awesome. We use them all the time for all these things. It was just very striking how passionate your customers, your clients, are with the help they've gotten from you guys, and so, anyway, that is extremely commendable and what I've seen from your team has just been amazing. Chris: Well, I appreciate the feedback. It's always good to get that, especially from different sources. So you know, like I think, we're always trying to create raving fans so that they'll keep coming back and tell their friends. So you get a unique seat and I think it's similar. You kind of analogize back to us. I think we get a unique seat to work with Texas entrepreneurs, and that's a pretty cool thing to do, in my view. What's, what would you or how would you describe the Texas entrepreneurial spirit if you could, based on your experience? Brian: Yeah well, I'm a native Texan. I have this hypothesis that part of the reason we're such a proud bunch is that when you go through I don't know if you grew up in Texas, chris but then also this sense of like we can do big things and big audacious things and we can make big asks and ask big questions and go get it done. And so we see a lot of that down here. And so you know, if you were sitting in I'll make this up Iowa and you said you know I want to have a space business and we want to go put hardware on the moon, and you know your neighbors would look at you and kind of scratch their head and in Texas they'd go oh yeah, that's intuitive machines and they're down the street, you should go. You know, go talk to them. They'd love to work with you. So that kind of spirit is really something special. When I was in industry I traveled all over the country working projects. There's something very special about this region, this community, this state, and that translates into why people want to come here. You know we keep Texas and Houston keep winning all these awards for business, new businesses coming here, people moving here, and that's not by accident, it's not by coincidence. It's because we have a great, great story to tell, whether that's workforce and the capabilities, the affordability of being here, the caliber of people you can work with and who your competitors are, and the level of intensity in the game that we play here is high and that creates the right ingredients for a really thriving community, for entrepreneurs, but also for industry any size. Chris: Right, very good. So what advice would you give to entrepreneurs out there that might be looking to start a business, let's say specifically, kind of within your region? If not, maybe beyond that in Houston? What's? Some of the advice you might give them if they wanted to get involved in some of the all the things you've been talking about. Brian: Yeah, dive in. It's a great community and a great ecosystem and there's a reason people are investing here and making a great run at it. We try to make that as easy as it can be. Now it is not easy. There's no illusions that starting a company you know scaling and growing a company all those things are very challenging. So the question I find myself asking I don't know that I'm in a position to give you know this immense amount of wisdom about these things, but what can we as a community and we as an organization be doing to help that entrepreneur? How do we help them build a relationship so that if they're having trouble with a permit, they know who to go ask, who to go talk to If they have a big idea, who might be good partners If they want to bounce something off, a retired executive who they might go talk to about that has the right skillset, so that we can create the conditions for them to be successful? And so that's really how we find ourselves interfacing that ecosystem is how do we put the right players together to go make things happen? Chris: Very good. So the other thing I'm curious to know is what do you see? You mentioned your five big industries. What have you observed of those industries working together to create innovative ideas to help each other? You got to move forward. Brian: Yeah, there's been a lot of. So workforce has been one of the biggest, especially over the last few years, where there's been this really high intensity competition amongst folks. And I wouldn't be surprised if you have been in some of that with, you know, recruiting and retaining high talent attorneys, right Is that? That's been, and so we've spent a lot of time and I've observed a lot of our members in this community go with that as a spirit of, hey, we're not really doing anybody any good If we're just poaching each other's people and you know, and creating pain points and friction between senior executives and those kinds of things. Let's go look at other communities and go figure out hey, what are the best universities and how do we get the professors that are training the students in it to send resumes to our area, right, and that we have a coalition of companies, not just one company has a relationship with one professor and that company benefits from that it's. How do we build that relationship as a community and say to them hey, we have a very strong demand signal, let's work together on things like that and so feeding that workforce pipeline so we're not divvying up the pie, we're growing it. And so, on the workforce side. I hate to be cliche because everybody's talking about AI, but we've had a couple of membership meetings about it. We've been working with partners about integration of it. We've adopted different technologies that have come out of it. But that stuff really, I mean it's the wave that we're living in right now, and so the integration of that into systems, both the how to do it and the mitigation of risk. I think I saw over the weekend that the new DeepSeek had a big not terribly surprised, but had a giant data leak and compromise, and so when you know when you're using that, I can only imagine, chris, I'd be curious how y'all are integrating it. But you know everything you put in there. You got to assume that at some point, somebody you don't want to have access will at least have the opportunity to have access to it, and so you have to be quite careful about how you integrate it. I, just as an aside, how are you guys using it much? Have you all banished it? What's the? Chris: Well, I'd say it's a little bit of both. I mean, we are definitely looking at and finding ways to integrate it. We've adopted a policy, but it starts with, as you mentioned, with us. It starts and stops with maintaining client confidentiality. So there's some systems out there through recognized kind of legal researchers. So Westlaw comes to mind, where they developed AI tool that is solely within their database. So it's secure, it's, it's all legal. You don't have to worry about we were still spot. You still have to check things right the human element of that. But if you're searching, for example, using the AI tool within Westlaw, you don't have to worry about the fake cases you've seen in the news. But our attorneys, you know, if you're going to use it, it has to be approved through the firm which are only a handful. You can't use anything outside and everything has to be double checked by a person to make sure for accuracy, etc. But so it is. I mean, the confidentiality side is a real concern, not just for law firms, for everybody, any company using it, and unfortunately that's just gonna be more and more what we see right. The more that we're moving everything to cloud, you're going to have people coming after it to try to. You know, on the bad side of that and certain countries it's not illegal to be a hacker. So it's just, you know, that's the world we live in now. Yeah Well, you know, brian, this has been a very interesting conversation and the you know, the last time we spoke I came away with the same feeling, and that is, we talked a lot about a lot of opportunity going on in the three to six o'clock region of greater Houston and we didn't even scratch the surface, I'm sure. But my takeaways have been it doesn't matter what industry again, I said earlier, you always kind of automatically think of space and NASA, but it's every type of business you could think of. An industry you could think of Sounds like you've got ample opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to start, grow, expand and be there and thrive. Brian: Well, perfectly said, and I think we get a recording. I may use that in some of our promotional material. Chris, that's exactly right. Great time, great place to be and welcome folks to reach out to us to help however we can if they're interested in looking at opportunities down here for that Before I lose you. Chris, one of the favorite questions that you had sent over that I wanted to ask you that you didn't get a chance to ask is what your favorite recreation vacation spot in the state of Texas is. Chris: Well, I'll answer that. I was about to ask you that. I would say if it's kind of a vacation spot in Texas, it would probably be anywhere along the Texas coast to relax a little bit and get some fishing in. Brian: Perfect. Chris: How about you? Brian: We are huge campers, like we love going camping. My kids are eight and 11 and we have state parks pass, and so any day I'm in a state park is a good day for me. But Inks Lake is one of my favorites and McKinney Falls between the two of those. Those are my top two right now, but we've probably been to Keene and we're just checking off the box to hit them all, and maybe we'll upgrade to National Parks as we get a little bit older. But I love our visiting our state park system. They're just absolutely wonderful. Chris: That's great. Okay, last question You're native Texan, so do you prefer Tex-Mex or barbecue? Brian: Oh, I feel like that question is going to get me in trouble, but if you made me choose, I'd pick barbecue. I'll eat it all day, every day, as it shows how about you, how about you? Chris: I think it's a tough one, so I've had some guests. You know, it depends on the day. I probably lean Tex-Mex more than barbecue. But I love the restaurants now that are combining the two, so brisket tacos or brisket nachos or something like that. It's a great combination. Brian: Yeah, there should be an answer all of the above there. Chris: So we're getting close to the rodeo time in Houston, so I have to go with barbecue for now and then back to Tex-Mex, I guess. Brian: Well, I look forward to seeing you at the kickoff event, where we get to go sample a little everything. Deal, that sounds good. Well, I look forward to seeing you at the kickoff event, where we get to go sample a little everything. Chris: Deal. That sounds good. Brian, thanks again for taking the time. Really appreciate your friendship and definitely appreciate what you and your team are doing for all the things business down in the Bay Area. Brian: Well, right back at you, Chris. Thanks for your leadership and all the great work you're doing with your team. Appreciate the opportunity to visit with you today. Thank you. Special Guest: Brian Freedman.

What would happen if more women said each other's names in the rooms that matter? Today, I'm hosting my brilliant friend Veena Jetti, an accomplished real estate investor who's closed over a billion dollars in transactions. We talk about the magic of women lifting each other up, the importance of diversity in leadership, and what happens when you step out of your comfort zone.  From hilarious airplane networking stories to the unfiltered truths about balancing business, family, and self-care, we dive into conversations usually saved for dinner dates. Veena shares how her focus on investing in diversity and unsexy businesses (think roofing and accounting) has led to massive success. Plus, I open up about my own challenges as an introvert navigating extroverted spaces and learning to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth. Trust me, you don't want to miss Veena's take on why women-led companies outperform and some unexpected lessons we've learned along the way, so join the conversation now! “I don't think it matters so much what you're investing into as it does the team that you're investing into ." ~ Veena Jetti  In this Episode: - Extroverts and introverts in friendships   - Veena's airplane networking and how she met Jeezy - Tips for introverts to step outside their comfort zone   - How to end an unwanted conversation politely   - Jen and Veena's meet-cute: women supporting women   - Tips for breaking competitive barriers among women  - Veena's investing criteria: diversity, leadership, and boring businesses   - How Veena balances business, family, and self-care   - Which relationships matter the most?    About Veena Jetti: Veena Jetti is the founding partner of Vive Funds, a unique commercial real estate firm specializing in curating conservative opportunities for investors. Veena brings a dynamic perspective to targeting, acquiring, managing, and operating assets using best practices combined with cutting-edge technologies. Veena also leads a Facebook Community called Mastering Multifamily with Veena Jetti. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Finance at 20 years old, she pursued her passion for real estate. Veena has over a decade of real estate experience and $1Billion+ in multifamily transactions in her own portfolio. Veena is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2017, she was one of only three women to receive the Politico Woman of the Year award for the significant amount of time and focus she spent on aiding in a grassroots Hurricane Harvey disaster response. Website: https://vivefunds.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/veenajetti/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theveenajetti  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veena-jetti-5a87565/  Where to find me: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb    Website: https://jengottlieb.com/    My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren BuffetReal estate investment and asset management leader, founding partner of Vive Funds, and 2017 recipient of the Politico Woman of the Year award for her philanthropic endeavors surrounding the Hurricane Harvey disaster response Veena Jetti is making her inaugural appearance on the show today and we are going to be making the most of it.  Veena and Jay are digging into why understanding the motivations of the people you go into business with will take you a long way, how there is not replacement for hard work but it never hurts to be lucky sometimes, and a desire to learn about the perspectives of others is something everyone should aspire to do.  Veena's unique perspective and experiences make this conversation one for the ages and we're ecstatic that she decided to share with our listeners on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Burnout is a challenge all leaders face at some point. In this episode, Tim Harris explores the key characteristics of burnout, offers practical strategies for breaking the cycle, and shares effective tips to prevent it. This insightful discussion could truly be a lifesaver. Every resident faces challenges at some point in life. But what happens when an entire community is struck by a crisis? The Carpenters share their experiences supporting residents in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.  

Lessons from Historical Disasters| episode 323 History is rich with lessons from disasters, showing us what it takes to endure the worst situations. Survivors of events like hurricanes, wars, and economic collapses often share common factors that contributed to their survival. Preparedness and Resource Management From the Great Depression to World War II, those who managed resources effectively often fared better. During the Great Depression, families with home gardens and stored food were better equipped to weather food shortages. Similarly, rationing during WWII ensured that essentials like sugar and fuel were stretched to meet needs. Adaptability and Ingenuity Survivors often adapted to their circumstances in creative ways. During the Dust Bowl, farmers implemented soil-saving techniques like crop rotation and contour plowing. After Hurricane Katrina, survivors repurposed household items, using coolers as flotation devices or water storage. Flexibility in the face of adversity is key. Community Support and Collaboration No one survives alone. In disasters like Hurricane Harvey, the “Cajun Navy” demonstrated how volunteer efforts save lives. During Canada's 1998 Ice Storm, neighbors shared resources, such as firewood and food, ensuring more people survived the harsh conditions. Knowledge and Skills Practical knowledge saves lives. Indigenous tribes in the Indian Ocean recognized the signs of a tsunami in 2004 and evacuated to higher ground. Similarly, during New York's 1977 blackout, people who knew how to safely use candles and manual tools were less vulnerable. Mental and Emotional Resilience Survivors often credit their mindset for their endurance. Holocaust survivors maintained hope and daily routines. The 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days stayed calm, organized roles, and rationed supplies to stay alive. Learning from these historical lessons helps modern preppers strengthen their readiness for any challenge. Are you prepared?

To help Southern Californian families impacted by wildfires, please review the Community  Organizations Link HERE or here: https://bit.ly/4aduozL  Have you ever wondered how natural disasters reshape real estate markets and create ripple effects far beyond the immediate aftermath? This episode dives into the short- and long-term consequences of these disruptive events on property values, supply and demand, and market resilience. Key Takeaways: - Immediate Market Impacts: Learn how property values plummet, supply tightens, and insurance and financing challenges emerge right after a natural disaster. - Short-Term Effects: Discover how rental rates spike, migration patterns shift, and stigmas affect impacted areas, while unique investment opportunities arise. - Long-Term Resilience: Explore how communities rebuild stronger, innovate, and often see property values exceed pre-disaster levels over time. - Real-World Example: Understand the recovery journey of Houston after Hurricane Harvey and the lessons it provides for disaster-prone markets. This episode offers valuable insights for homeowners, investors, and anyone curious about how markets adapt and recover in the face of natural adversity. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how resilience and innovation can transform disaster into opportunity. Are you REady2Scale Your Multifamily Investments? Learn more about growing your wealth, strengthening your portfolio, and scaling to the next level at www.bluelake-capital.com. To reach Ellie & the Blue Lake team, email them at info@bluelake-capital.com or complete our investor form at www.bluelake-capital.com/new-investor-form and they'll connect with you. Credits Producer: Blue Lake Capital Strategist: Syed Mahmood Editor: Emma Walker Opening music: Pomplamoose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we predict our planet's most powerful forces? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about extreme weather, hurricanes, coronal mass ejections, and preparing for space storms hurtling our way with NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Dwight N Keown, Nathan Veatch, CURTIS J ESSEN, John Havranek, Vanessa Harding, Aiden Chauvette, Matthew Stork, SpaceTimePete, larry hughes, Anselmo Garcia, Nessa Nova, Tanya Henry, Neil Livingston, oliver stanton, Regis, Micheal Stewart, DP337, Rob Butler, Beth, and Caton Smith for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

In “Where There's (Southern) Smoke, There's Help for Restaurant Workers,” Gravy producer Evan Stern introduces listeners to the Southern Smoke Foundation, a relief organization dedicated to providing a safety net for food and beverage workers. As the pandemic reminded us, restaurants aren't just places where people go to satisfy hunger. The best ones reflect, anchor, and at times help define the communities they serve. From diners and drive-thrus to chophouses, maintaining them is a group effort made possible by managers, line cooks, servers, and cleaning staff, whose duties are essential and frequently challenging. They also comprise one of the largest labor forces in the US. Even so, these same workers often lack health coverage, live shift to shift, and don't have the option to work remotely. In times of unforeseen hardship, they might find themselves forced to choose between paying for housing, groceries, and medical care. In the absence of governmental reform, the Southern Smoke Foundation is working to respond to and call attention to these needs. Southern Smoke helps facilitate free mental health counseling and puts immediate cash in the hands of laborers in need. In this episode, we'll learn of its history from Houston-based chef and founder Chris Shepherd, who was inspired to take action in 2015 upon learning his friend and sommelier had been diagnosed with MS. From there, we'll learn about how forces like Hurricane Harvey and the 2020 pandemic reshaped the charity's focus. Finally, Charles Parra tells how Southern Smoke stepped in when his bartending career was upended after a major accident. This episode explores why efforts to make this industry more equitable are worth pursuing. As Shepherd asks, “We are there to serve and take care of people, but who takes care of us?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Genevieve Shaker, Ph.D., professor of philanthropic studies and Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, about the role of celebrities in fundraising. Dr. Shaker shares insights from her research into how celebrities influence nonprofit fundraising efforts. While it's common to see celebrities endorsing products in the private sector, their involvement in philanthropy requires careful alignment between their values and the nonprofit's mission to have meaningful impact. Unlike product endorsements, philanthropic donations are driven by personal values, which makes authenticity and credibility key when involving celebrities. Dr. Shaker explains that while celebrity involvement can help increase awareness for a cause, the financial impact is often modest, unless in cases of urgent crises such as natural disasters. She cites the example of NFL star J.J. Watt, who raised millions for Hurricane Harvey relief, but notes that in general, celebrities do not guarantee a significant boost in donations. Rather, their role is more about drawing attention and generating visibility, leaving the nonprofit to handle relationship-building and donor cultivation. The discussion also touches on changes in the media landscape over time, comparing old models like the Jerry Lewis telethon to modern approaches, such as livestream fundraising by YouTubers. Dr. Shaker emphasizes the importance of selecting the right platform and celebrity based on where the nonprofit's audience and the celebrity's fan base intersect. With today's fragmented media landscape, the alignment between the nonprofit's mission and the celebrity's personal brand is more crucial than ever. Dr. Shaker offers practical advice for nonprofits considering a celebrity partnership. She warns of potential risks, particularly if the celebrity faces a scandal, and stresses the importance of strategic planning. Aligning with a local celebrity or influencer, rather than a national figure, can sometimes yield better results, especially if the individual has a deep connection to the community or cause. As with all fundraising efforts, nonprofits must carefully weigh the benefits and risks before engaging a celebrity.

In this episode of the Building Texas Business Podcast, I interview Kelly Young, CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston. We explore how Houston has become a national model for reducing homelessness through data-driven strategies and collaborative efforts. Kelly shares insights on effective nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of building solid and accountable teams and fostering diverse thinking. We discuss the critical need for sustainable funding in homeless response systems, moving away from reliance on sporadic disaster funding. Throughout our conversation, we delve into Houston's successes and the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness. -- SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Chris introduces Kelly Young, CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston, discussing the organization's role in coordinating the Way Home system. Kelly describes her journey from providing direct services to adopting a systems-thinking approach, emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies and compliance in managing federal funds. We discuss the structure of the Coalition, including key departments like finance, compliance, outreach, landlord engagement, and housing, as well as its unique position working between city and county governments. Kelly shares insights on building strong, accountable teams in nonprofit leadership, balancing visionary goals with improvisational strategies, and fostering an environment where diverse thinking thrives. We explore the significance of clear communication, especially for introverted thinkers, and the importance of acknowledging mistakes openly to build trust and strengthen teams. Kelly highlights the critical need for sustainable homeless response system funding, discussing the inadequacies of relying on sporadic disaster funding and the necessity of evolving data to better serve those still on the streets. We delve into the business rationale for investing in homeless response systems, emphasizing that it's a financially sound decision that ultimately reduces costs on public health and other services. Kelly explains the success of Houston's model for reducing homelessness, including the collaborative efforts among for-profit, non-profit, and public entities, and the innovative use of disaster funds from Hurricane Harvey and COVID. We address the importance of community engagement and understanding how systems work, as well as addressing severe mental illness and substance abuse issues more effectively. Kelly shares leadership lessons learned through experience, including the importance of passion, data integrity, personal and professional integrity in communication, and fostering a culture of risk-taking and growth. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About CFTHhouston GUESTS Kelly YoungAbout Kelly TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: In this episode, you will meet Kelly Young, CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston. Kelly shares several great tips for leaders, including the value of direct communication. She also sheds light on the homeless response system and why Houston is leading the country in reducing homelessness in our community. Kelly, I want to thank you for taking the time to come on Building Texas Business. It's great to see you. Kelly: Lovely to see you and thank you for inviting me. Chris: So you are the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston, and so a little bit different guest than normal, but not outside the box for us. Tell us what the Coalition for the Homeless is and what it does. So. Kelly: I like to think of the Coalition for the Homeless is and what it does. So I like to think of the Coalition for the Homeless as a coordinating body over what we call the Way Home, which is a collective of for-profit or non-profit and public entities that come together to resolve the issue of homelessness. Chris: Very good. So how did you get involved in the homeless response system, how long have you been involved and what really inspired you to do this? Kelly: I've actually been interested in helping people figure out better lives for themselves since I was like 12. I mean, I was what was called a people tutor when I was in a middle school, where I actually helped individuals with physical disabilities learn sports. And then I did some tutoring in high school and then I started working in a shelter for abused kids and I worked with kids who were coming out of psychiatric units. Then I worked in domestic and sexual violence. So I think I was always on a path to be a part of something that helped make other people's lives easier for them to be successful. When you do a lot of that direct work, you see the individual impact and the individual failures. When you get to do it on a systems level, you get to decide whether a system will be helpful in helping someone or whether it's setting up people for failure. So I've been in the Way Home system for about 12 years as an individual agency that helped provide direct services. But I'm actually a systems thinker by nature and so I kept going well, why doesn't this work and why doesn't this work? And the whole system here works. My job was to help it work better. So you know, like with any system or any business, you're constantly thinking about the future and what needs to change and what's going to be different coming up, and so I got the perfect opportunity to come in at a time when there is a major shift in many of the pillars of how the work is done, and I get to help design what that's going to look like, and that, to me, is the purpose of work. Chris: Love it. That's great. So, just to give our listeners maybe some context, let's just talk about the size of the organization, the coalition itself and maybe then, and maybe then, the system, participants and members, so they get an idea of what it is, that the organization is that you're running, as well as a system that you're trying to help manage and, as you said, get better and be more successful. Kelly: Well, I think, like any business, we are well-structured in terms of having enough staff to do the things that are core to our business model, and a couple of those things is we have a heavy compliance and finance department. We are nonprofits, are tax status not our business model, and we think of finance and compliance as sort of the heart of the organization. It pumps the blood through because we manage and help support almost 23 million to $40 million with a federal funding which requires us to follow lots of rules and regulation and make sure it's done correctly, not just for us, but also for our partners. We will provide certain types of services if we think that from a systems perspective, it makes sense to have an overlay. So we have an outreach team, we have a landlord engagement team and I can go more into depth about that when I talk about the system and then we have a housing team and those are really to bolster the system, not to replace the system in those jobs. And then we have this second largest department, which is really our data. We're a data-driven organization. 12 years ago, the coalition made a major shift, which was to use data to drive the construct of how the community actually resolves homelessness or deals with homelessness in the community and in that data. What we did was build out our 100 partners who have to agree to be a part of the database and include all that information but also follow some of our guidelines around standards, so that we can bring more and more money in from the federal government but also provide much better services and a quicker response to somebody who falls into homelessness. Chris: Okay, so, and at the coalition, what is it? Roughly 80-ish, I think, employees. Kelly: Yes, we're at 80. And I think we're also unique because we sit between the county and the city. We are trying to manage both of their expectations around homelessness. So sometimes people think of us as quasi-government. We are not. We are a nonprofit. But we sit there so that we can meter both sides what the county and the city wants and they don't have to be trying to work that through. So we always find the best solution for both Harris County, montgomery County and Fort Bend, and then the city of Houston Very good. Chris: So yeah, let's talk a little bit about the system. You know some people may be aware I think you know a lot aren't but just the success of Houston and how Houston has become the model for the country on addressing homelessness, reducing homelessness in our community. You know a lot's been written, most recently about the Houston Chronicle a little over a year ago, new York Times. You know you've been involved and interviewed in those things. Share a little bit for people to kind of understand how successful Houston's been to date. And of course, we can talk more later about the challenges we still face. Kelly: Yeah, I mean, I think one of the things and again, any good business person or anybody who's looking to innovate understands that you first have to know the problem you have and then understand how you want to solve that problem, and for what I think the system did really well over the last 12 years is to build out the right system mechanisms and then the right interventions to use our money to the fullest extent. So what most people don't understand is that for the homeless response system which we oversee, that is mainly funded by federal dollars and so we are under federal guidelines on how we do that, which means we actually cannot interact or help somebody until they are currently on the street and in that then we have to be able to place them in other places, including permanent supportive housing, which is for somebody with a documented disability who's been on the street for a long time. They still will pay part of their rent out of their disability dollars, but we give them a subsidized apartment and appointments to kind of get off the street and going again. I think the other piece that people don't understand is that we only have two systems. We only have rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing. So our options are very limited, which means you have to be incredibly smart and innovative about how you engage not only the community, the people who need the service, but then the service delivery when we have taken advantage of, which I think is true in Houston. Why I love this city so much is we take disasters and turn them into determination, and so we took both the Hurricane Harvey and COVID and use those additional dollars to build out enough of a safety net, but then also a permanent place for people to live, that we were able to move over the last 11 years, 30,000 people off the street. We reduced homelessness by 60% and I know people are like, well, but I see people on the street, Absolutely, but you don't see the ones we placed in the housing and who moved on with their lives because they're gone. They're doing their lives. Chris: The thing people I think should know is and you can share some details but you know and we know from the research and the data that A lot of what's at the streetlight, those aren't homeless people. Kelly: Right. We also have an issue with people living below the poverty line. So United Way points out and rightfully so, that 40% of the individuals in Houston are $400 away from catastrophe and that means we have a lot of people living on the edge. So if you're unable to get a job or you're unable to work full time, you might see people who are out panhandling to get a job, or you're unable to work full-time, you might see people who are out panhandling. There's also people who take advantage of people who are in those situations and use that as their own mechanism to make money, because they actually place people there and then collect some of their money so that they could go stay in their shelter. So it's an interesting world when you actually find out what's going on in your street corners. Chris: Right, right. Well, I love that Obviously very close to this issue and the system, and so I think it's great to be able to tout the success we're having, as well as you know the challenges we face. You know people talk about the goal of ending homelessness and I love the kind of the phrase that's been adopted is making it rare, brief and non-reoccurring, because, as you said, so many people are living right on the edge. People are going to something's going to happen, people are going to end up homeless, but the question is is there a system there that can rapidly get them into housing and the supportive services they need to recorrect? Kelly: Yeah, absolutely, and I think the important piece of this is looking at equilibrium. So what you want, I don't need to have a lot of additional dollars that are sitting there waiting to do something. I need just-in-time dollars. I need to know that if a downturn has happened in the economy, if there's something happening on the street, return you know, in terms of people falling more readily into homelessness, rents have gone up something else has happened. I want to be able to bolster that very quickly so I can move those individuals off the street within 30 to 45 days. That reduces not only the trauma on that individual but it reduces the trauma on the community and as a community member myself I mean, I live in Midtown, so I often see a lot of individuals I've known for a long time to be on the street and you know what I don't want people to do is to get to the point where they don't care about those individuals anymore because it's disrupting their community. So equilibrium not only benefits the individual, who is facing a really difficult time, and moving them on quickly so it's a blip in their life, not an extension of their life and then also for the community to be able to stay in that caring and compassionate place so that they'll get involved and stay involved in the work of our unhoused neighbors and friends and, quite honestly, brothers and sisters. Chris: So let's turn the page a little bit and talk about you know you came into this organization at the beginning of 2024. Let's talk about what it's like to, you know, step in as a CEO, a new CEO into an organization and some of the how you approach that from a mindset, because I would think you know some of our listeners may find themselves there, may be experiencing it as well. So what was the mindset you kind of took in to make it a smooth transition and so that one you could honor what's been, what was being done by the you know, maybe previous CEO, but you know, make a smooth transition and find a way to put your own mark on the organization moving forward. Kelly: I think one of the best things people can do is first lie to themselves and then tell their truth. The lie you tell yourself is that you know everything's going to change and you list it out and you ready yourself for that. Intellectually, I do think where you probably need to tell your truth is that change is complicated and hard. I think sometimes, when you're in a leadership role, you want to reframe things for other people so that it's easy for them to understand and maybe to jump on board, but you yourself know it's difficult. I mean when you know the financial picture is going to change, the model is going to change, the people are going to change, and those were all true for us. That list sounds great and easy, but it is a constant attention to each small move that you're making and what the long-term impact is. I always describe strategy as visionary and improvisational and I think that's a good balance and that's how I've been able to translate what I think needs to happen in an organization. I mean, obviously you're listening, you know the pillars have sort of changed. You're listening to other people, you're absorbing other people, but I also come in and I'm really clear about how I work and what my accomplishment looks like and how success looks to me, and I drive that home in every single meeting. So people learn to trust that what I'm saying is true. When I make a mistake, I tell everybody straight up. I'm you know it's not falling on my sword. I just think it's important to model that. I think one thing is, for some of us who are more introverted thinkers, one of the hardest things to learn to do is how to over-commun messaging to people. Chris: Because I do so much of it in my head, I have to remember to actually put words to it well, and I mean yeah, go ahead obviously not the right, but I mean I can relate to that because you not only that, there's so many things going on in your brain, right, and you're you like. I just completed this, I got to get to the next thing and it's finding that time to either stop and slow down and communicate before you move on or, you know, remember at some point you need to stop and let people know what's going on through those ears. Advert Hello friends, this is Chris Hanslick, your Building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast, is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders? Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm at boyermillercom and thanks for listening to the show. Kelly: Yeah, I always call it the Kelly Young madness or the Kelly Young magic, because it's like some people are good at waiting to see what's going to happen. Other people are like I have no idea what she's doing and we're just going to hope this all works out. And it's my responsibility as a leader to alleviate both of those misunderstandings. Right, because I need people engaged in the process. I'm a big believer that right buck stops with me. I'm going to make the final decision, but very rarely is the final decision my decision. It's everybody else's input. I'll take the accountability, I'll be the one who pushes it through. But if I don't have the buy-in from the group and they can't be settled in some agreement, especially when you're changing from something that has run successfully for a very long time and all the conditions changed and change and you have to let people know it's not, we're not changing because you did something wrong. We're changing because it's time to move forward. That kind of reframing I think is extremely helpful and that stuff. You should know what you're going to say and how you're going to lay that out to your team before you start day one. Chris: Very good. So, speaking of team obviously you just said this in one of your responses that is, while the buck stops with you, you make the final decision. It's rarely your decision. That's because you have a team around you, right, and you're relying on them and you're pushing them, all those things. So let's talk about building a solid team around you. What are some of the things that you look for? Again, this isn't your first time to be CEO of an organization, so I know you've built teams more than once. Let's talk a little bit about that. What are some of the things you look for in the hiring process, in the evaluation of the people that you have when you take over? I think there's a lot that could be learned from that. Kelly: I'm one of those people. I'm a little super nerdy this way and I learned a decision-making model a long time ago called the seven hats, and the idea behind it is that each person at the table wears a different hat, and so you have somebody who's the white hat, which is the emotional and red hat, and they're the naysayer. And as much as I'd rather have everybody just do what I want and like me and do all that. I also know that's a terrible way to run anything, so I work really hard at actually having very different ways of thinking at a leadership level. Sometimes that causes more conflict or contrast in the way we resolve an issue, but I expect people to come and learn professional communication skills, and if you can't, you should go back to school or learn a YouTube. I don't care, because the purpose should be. I need you to be here for what we're here for. I don't like a lot of internal nonsense. I don't like us spending a bunch of time on stuff that doesn't matter, because the kind of work I've always done meant somebody did not get out of a domestic violence situation because we were spending time arguing about who left the coffee pot on. You know I walk past somebody who's on the street who needs to get housed. I don't want to sitting around arguing because somebody thought somebody was rude one day. Like that just can't be in the workplace. I get why it is, but I want people who come ready to do work and actually can define what work means to them. The second thing is always happens in this field. I just want to help people and that to me, is the death nail answer, because my answer, my question back to you is going to be what does that mean and how does that look? Because you wanting to help people doesn't have very much to do with actually serving people. Those are two very different concepts. So I also am very clear about the environment that I want at work and you have a choice Don't sign up and then come in and want to change it, add to it, make it better. But I'm not going to adjust what I think has to happen in an organization to go to the next level, because I typically have taken jobs where I'm right in the middle of a major change and I do know what needs to be functionally happening on a regular basis to make that shift. Chris: So you know that's very insightful and you know the core of what I think you're saying. If you boil it down, is it comes back to very clear, direct communication, setting expectations, et cetera, and then holding people accountable. All of that then leads to culture when you're building these teams. If you think about what you've done in the last nine months at the coalition, how would you describe the culture that you're striving for, that you feel like you have? You know, growing there. Kelly: I have a speech I used to call the mean speech I never thought it was mean, but somebody had called it where I lay out what I learned over the time of my working, in the time that I made some really serious mistakes, and what I learned from those and how they need to interpret that into their new work environment. And so with that, I think what happens in the culture is they actually see me living the story I told and I bring it up over and over again in different pieces. I think storytelling is important for that reason, but I show them what I did that didn't work, so that they have a clear understanding of what I learned from what I didn't do or what I did wrong. So they understand that this is a learning environment, that part of your responsibility is to be curious and to want to understand how to do things better or differently. If you come in and you say to me well, you know, I just need the training and I need this, you will not last well in my organizations, because I expect that you're more interested than that. You have to want to care about data. Data is most important, particularly in nonprofits, because you are telling the future of how most federal dollars are going to be spent in your case notes or in your reports. I talk a lot about gossip and that you can't stop it, but you have a personal and professional integrity line in how you communicate account. You know, for me I run it this way, which is every single dollar that comes in here is somebody else's dollar and somebody else's money, and so there's very little room to make major mistakes or to waste, because that's your money that you're wasting. And if we cannot do it the best, if we cannot show up in ways that people expect, then we should give that money to somebody else. And I tell people don't be miserable. If you don't like working here, you don't like the here, you don't like the work, you don't like the commute, you don't like any of that stuff, oh my gosh, why are you spending your life doing something you don't like Like? Go be happy. Chris: That's so true, right? I mean I think we talk about it. I know in our organization is, if you don't connect with our mission and our passion, it's okay. You know it doesn't make you a bad person, it just means there's a different organization for you where you're going to be happier. And then you should go find that, because we want the people that if they connect with that mission and passion of our organization, then they're going to be living their best self, which opens them up to serve our clients and each other to their fullest potential. Right. Kelly: And I also think we try to be very or I've always tried to be. I'm not interested in telling you how to do your job because you don't want kelly young's opinion of how to do your job. You want your own opinion. I hired somebody who's smart and talented and knows how to do that and you don't want my limited vision of that. But when people also say, well, I don't like to be micromanaged, I'm like, well, I'd be interested in why people feel like they have to micromanage you. So if you are showing up to work and over-communicating and letting people know, I shouldn't have to do that, but I will if you're not able to do that, because I still need to know what's happening. So I often turn some of those things that people say back on them, just so a little self-awareness, and help them understand, because you will not like working for a CEO who will say, who will call you and be like, why does this number not match this number? And it's not because I don't trust you, it's that I need the number to make sense, because I'm about to go tell a bunch of people this number. So it's interesting. I actually really love building culture. I think I do a good job of creating enough openness that people feel like they can participate if they choose to. Chris: Well, you know, one of the things I think has been written a lot about and it's hard, it's a hard skill for some leaders to get to, but you learn so much by, rather than telling is asking questions. And you know, like you said, turn it around on them and ask the questions and then, a lot of times, as they are forced to answer those questions, they realize where to go. Kelly: Yeah, and it's funny because there's a new book out by the gentleman who wrote Sapiens and his new book is called Nexus and I heard him in an interview and I thought this was really interesting because I do think this is an issue with the workplace and maybe some generational conflict. He talks about information and not that. This is new. Talks about information and not. This is new. But information is not truth and part of the problem is that we tend to try to over inform and over educate to get to truth and neither one of those things will actually get you there, because truth is costly, it takes time, it takes energy and I do think we're in an overload of informing people as though that will change or grow somebody's understanding, when really all it did was add more information, not deeper truth. So, you know, I just find that a fascinating and I thought about it in terms of work we do, because I think one of the things the coalition has always done has been a truth teller and in that truth telling right now we're in huge inundation of information because we're going through a lot of change. How do we settle back into our truth? Chris: Interesting, yeah, okay, so you mentioned this and what I can't wait to hear more about. May not have time on this podcast, but your mean speech. You talked about the mistakes and sharing mistakes you made in the learning. And you know, I don't know if you listened to one of these before, but I love asking people you know, tell us about a setback, a mistake you made, but then how you learn from it. Right, and I think you know to your point, when you share those stories with the people in your organization, it humanizes you and allows for that culture of learning, take risk and it's okay to fail, because that's how we learn and get better. So let's you know, can you share an example that either comes out of the mean speech or something else? You know a Kelly Young mistake and how it made Kelly Young better? Kelly: Yeah, and this one was interesting and I think it sort of aligns in particular with people who work directly with people and I was a very benevolent leader at one point. So this is much more of a self-awareness mistake than an actual business mistake, but I think it's important and I was. It's all about, you know, serving, you know, women. Everybody had on their desk, on their computers what did I do today to end domestic or sexual violence? And I was all gung-ho and and I, you know, I was there for the work and, as I said, and we got a new CEO and I thought that I should have been tapped for the CEO position and nobody asked me. And so I was very self-righteous in my understanding of, first of all, well, if you don't let anybody know you're interested, they probably won't ask you. But second of all, just because you've done this job doesn't mean you're actually ready to do that job. And so I was awful. I mean I was awful for about six weeks and I made everybody hear my pain and how hard it was on me and all this kind of stuff. The hardest lesson to learn in all that was that for all my bravado and my great messaging and whatnot, I really wasn't there for the mission in that moment. I was really there for my ego. And if we are not self-aware enough to understand when you are using ego to sell people on a version of yourself that you think will make them like you better or follow you better, but it's not true because you haven't done enough self-work, I spent six weeks wasting time, I mean, and I find I left, I went and found a different job and that was the best thing for me to do. But in that one moment when you realize that you are a liar to yourself and to other people and you decide you're not going to do that anymore Best moment of my professional career, because I never made a decision ever again around benevolence or around pretending that rhetoric was more important than what I really could show up and do. So I didn't like that and I hate sharing that story because it sounds awful. I sound like a horrible human being, but I think most of us have that moment. Chris: What a powerful story. No, I mean I think to your point. I mean it doesn't make you powerful, think to your point. I mean it doesn't make you powerful, a horrible person. But that's a difficult thing for us as humans to face right, to really look in the mirror that deeply and call ourselves out and, more importantly then, actually do what it takes to change. Kelly: Yeah, and for me, what I learned is that if I really want to lead, lead it is not pretending you can't play at leading, it is a commitment. It's hard, it's lonely, it's complex and you have to build in ways where your mind just stops thinking, because I'm a little bit of an overthinker and you have to do that self-awareness all the time. You're in check, all the time when you're a leader. Chris: Yeah, everyone's watching, right. So that's, I mean, I think, to your point where basically you can't fake it. It's because so many people are watching every move, whether it's internal to your organization or external partners, you'll get exposed really fast. Kelly: Right, and then you lose their trust so they won't show up for you when you need them to and at the end of the day, whatever it is that you because I think about innovators and I have a gentleman I know who helped work on some incubation around medical devices. Well, some people are like, oh well, you work with homeless and it must be so rewarding. I'm like I actually think it'd be pretty cool to make medical devices that make people's lives better. I don't have that talent, but you know. So it doesn't really matter what is at the center of your passion and your mission. I worry when we tell people you know you fake it till you make it, because in leadership you really can't do that. You need to sit down and learn it. You need to know your truth. It goes back to that. You can inform me about all these things about being a leader, but until I know the truth about being a leader, I'm going to waste time and I'm a hyper efficiency person. So for me it's like if I can do it in two steps, I'd rather do that than 15. So I really don't faking. It would be way too easy for me to just practice all the time, so I have to not allow myself some of those, those things, cause I yeah, I'd rather be out riding my bike, only because it's only because it's been a long week. Chris: I get you, I get you. You need that release too. Finding a way to you know release as a leader is equally as important. Yes absolutely so. Let's turn the conversation back around to homelessness Talk a little bit. You know, maybe, where we are, but what the future looks like. You've mentioned a couple of times, you know, facing new challenges in this world of homeless response. Let's talk a little bit about that. I know we have, you know, world Homeless Day coming up. You know, share a little bit about that, but I just wanted you know our listeners to know a little bit about you know, maybe, how they can get involved and how they can help in this issue. Kelly: Yeah, I think you know. I think we have done such an incredible job of getting people into some type of permanent solution, so we're in decent shape there. But it was, as the Chronicle said, it's duct tape and determination. When you have to rely on funding that comes from disasters or pandemics, that is a terrible planning model and not very fiscally sound. So I think a couple of things for us. One is broadening our perspective in this phase we're kind of calling it phase four, and I think it's important to realize that systems should always have phases or pivot points, because systems die when they don't read themselves and make sure they're on the right track is kind of an overhaul of our data. What is our data telling us, but what is it, more importantly, not telling us? What do we need to know about who is still on the street? What do we need to know about our funding sources and what's available? We know that we're gonna run out of funding because of COVID by 2025. I'm going to make the argument over and over again that we are not. Homelessness used to be able to be resolved by people coming together and kind of helping a family or helping an individual. We've had so many other systems end up feeding people into homelessness, that we actually need a system response, and that includes system funding, which typically aligns with some type of consistent, regular money that's funding the system, so we never have to be out of balance again, and that's one of the things we're working on. The second is we've actually been going out and doing community mapping to help people understand community is not given, it's built. So if you want a different kind of community that you live in, you're going to have to get engaged and that's one of the ways that you can volunteer. So maybe you have a church, that you're in a neighborhood that people get fed, but the food containers and stuff get left all over the street or there's whatever. Well, you could complain about the trash, or you could complain the city doesn't pick up the trash, or you all could start a walking group. Everybody needs exercise, so you have choices in how you decide to engage in your community. I do think becoming much more aware and understanding how the system works and doesn't work resolves a lot of people's frustration about seeing somebody on the street. We also have to have much better interventions for individuals who are severely mentally ill and have substance use issues. We have housed a lot of people who apartments and appointments works really well, for we have some individuals who just cannot make good decisions to care for themselves, and we're going to have to address that and I think that's one of those things where people don't understand you said this earlier right now the way the homeless response system is set up. Chris: The federal dollars are all housing, coming from the housing side, and yet what we face and what you know, you and and your team know that we face is a very severe mental illness issue and kind of what's the hardest to serve, yet no dollars from the mental health side of the equation. Kelly: Right and certainly not at the level it needs to be in. Including residential care, additional beds and substance use is even far worse funded and I understand people are like, well, I don't want to. You know that's. People just need to figure out how to get their lives together, I agree. But you're making a choice then. You're either deciding we're not going to help somebody so they'll get where you want them to go, or you'll leave them on the street so they won't go where they're going to go. So you know again, these are choices that we are making. I am so happy to live in a city and a county that is as generous as it is. I mean, houston is one of the, I think, premier cities for the purpose of the fact that people actually care, kind, friendly, smart, innovative. I think the other piece for us is really having to get more upstream. That 40% scares me. That is devastating to a system you want to right-size or actually shrink Like. I don't want you to have me on a call 10 years from now and I've grown the homeless response system by three sizes Like somebody should fire me. That's not-. Chris: Work yourself out of a job. Kelly: Right, exactly, and so right-sizing ours, with the right amount of funding and then really pushing upstream to figure out how healthcare doesn't release people back onto the street with serious illnesses. Re-entry that's dealt with. Somebody who's hit a hard time can quickly get rehoused because we're helping for a few months. That's just being good neighbors, right. So I think that's pretty easy for people. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I have the world's smartest team and the people who built this system and have watched over it the last 12 years. We're only gonna figure out the right and have watched over it the last 12 years. You know we're only going to figure out the right and the best path with the resources and the influence we have coming forward. Chris: Very good. Yeah, I think the future is very bright with the right people. So you know this is, you know, fundamentally, it's a business podcast and one of the things that you know, some of the data that I love to share is I always tell people, you know, when it comes to this homeless response and taking care of our neighbors who have fallen on this, you know, unfortunate time, there's a compassionate side, you know, which is, you know, obvious. But there's also a business side and some people you know connect on that and just share the numbers on the cost it takes to, you know, house someone on an annual basis versus if they're left on the street and use our public health system, et cetera. Because to me, if business owners are listening and thinking about this, the investment in the homeless response system is a no-brainer. Kelly: Right when we look at the numbers and I'm going to add for inflation, because we'll probably be in a recession next year is what I understand. Of course, they say that every year and I'm like, really at some point you know we're either or we're not, I don't know. No reason to even use the R word, right? Can we come up with something else, because this feels like a whole new thing. But I think you know you're talking about to house somebody and to make sure that they have access to the current systems that they need. Through their appointments and I always stress this they do not get to live for free, there is no free housing. They have to pay a percentage of their income or their benefits 30%, like the rest of us, and so for that it's $19,000 to $25,000 a year, not an overextensive amount of money you can go up to, depending on how often somebody uses other services up to $250,000 for them to stay on the street, and the reason for that is that every time you call the police on them, you have to count that money. Every time they go into an emergency room, you have to count all of that money. It's not to say they won't use those services, but they'll use them appropriately, which right sizes the dollars in the systems. So, right now, all this money. People are saying, well, we don't have the money. I'm like we do, we're systems. So right now, all this money. People are saying, well, we don't have the money. Chris: I'm like we do, we're just it's in the wrong bucket. Kelly: That's right. And if we moved it over and we agreed to just pay this for the next three years? I mean, if you're willing to pay a hundred dollars a month for charity, why are you not willing to pay one percent on your beer or your vaping? You don't even see that and get it to the point where you see the reduction in the rest of your costs and then you actually feel the relief on the tax end. You know, because you're not paying more and more on those parts of it. Wayne Young with the mental health services demonstrates that from a diversion point, for people with severe mental health to get into care is a one to $5 save. So it's $1 for him to do. It costs $5 for them to stay on the street, so economically it makes no sense. It's not cheaper. You're avoiding the problem instead of solving it and from any good business standpoint that's not what you do. You define the problem, you solve the problem. Chris: Right To summarize right I mean support the housing homeless response system. It's roughly $19,000 to $25,000 a year to do it and help us move people into housing and off the street. Leave them on the street. You're looking at annual cost of $100,000 to $250,000 to our system. Kelly: Right. And just the burnout rate of everybody trying to solve that and the trauma and the individual. I'm always going to add compassion to the dollars. But if you actually really care about that individual instead of just want them off the individual, I'm always going to add compassion to the dollars. But you know, if you actually really care about that individual instead of just want them off the street, I don't actually even care. You can have either of those opinions, doesn't matter to me. But it's going to be cheaper, more efficient, more effective if you buy into the response system and ensure that we have the right interventions for those people and don't have to wait till something terrible happens to be able to do this again. Chris: And ultimately all of that will make our community better and stronger. Kelly: Absolutely, absolutely. When you look at the best player on a team, you also have to look at the one who's struggling. And you bring up the one who's struggling. You spend less time on the one who's already figured it all out. But if you're in a team, you're in a community, you're looking at who's struggling and how do we get them to some level of consistency in their lives or whatever. Otherwise, we're always going to have to play down to that denominator. Chris: Kelly, this has been a fascinating conversation. Thank you Really appreciated your thoughts and sharing those with our listeners. I want to turn it to a little bit more of a fun, lighter side before we wrap up. Excellent, what was your? You may have said this earlier, cause you mentioned something when you were a teenager. What was your first job? Kelly: My first job was working at an ice cream store called Farrell's. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and every time it was somebody's birthday you had to bang out the drum. You had to slide it over your head and bang out the drum, and they get this big thing called the zoo, which was like 150 scoops of ice cream and you had to wear this horrifying outfit with one of those straw hats that never sits on my head Cause I'm a little pointed, I think, and I you learn very quickly and this is why I love anybody who's ever done food service and was successful in it and why I have an affinity for them. You learn very quickly how difficult it is to run restaurants on margin, but also nobody wanted to do that and had to do it every single time. So that was my first real paying job that I got to check. Chris: Gotcha, yeah, and I knew you weren't from Texas and grew up in the Northwest, but you've been here long enough to be able to answer this question. Do you prefer Tex-Mex or barbecue? Kelly: Well, that's a good question. That's hard to decide, that's hard to define. I probably eat Tex-Mex more often, but I prefer barbecue, okay. Chris: Unique answer. Kelly: Yeah, I like it. That's an and yes answer. That's an improv technique. Very politically motivated or correct answer I just don't go to barbecue as much, but if I really sat down and thought about it, I prefer it. I just don't, for whatever reason, don't get there, which seems weird. Chris: Very good. Well, kelly. Thanks again for taking the time. This has been a great conversation. I'm looking forward to getting this out on all the social media. I hope people will listen and learn more about what is going on in our homeless response system. Kelly: Oh well, thank you so much for having me. I mean, I would do anything for you. I think you're amazing, so appreciate your time this morning. All right, talk with you later. Special Guest: Kelly Young.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Maria Rusca, a senior lecturer in global development at the University of Manchester, who brings her extensive research on urban inequalities and environmental governance to our discussion. Maria will illuminate the pressing issues of gendered access to water and sanitation services in sub-Saharan African cities, with a poignant case study of Cape Town's severe drought from 2015 to 2018. Understand how socioeconomic disparities shape the vulnerabilities and resilience of different communities during extreme climate events, and why equitable urban planning is essential for future sustainability. Our conversation then shifts to the intricate challenges of water management, both in Cape Town and globally, including the United States. We uncover how merely increasing water supply is insufficient without addressing the underlying socioeconomic inequalities that impact water consumption and access. Maria's insights urge us to reconsider societal priorities and the role of sustainable consumption and climate justice in effective climate adaptation strategies. This episode critiques the limitations of technocratic fixes and advocates for more holistic, structural changes. Finally, we spotlight the remarkable advocacy efforts of Shack Dwellers International (SDI) in improving water and sanitation services in informal settlements. Discover how SDI's innovative use of saving groups and data collection campaigns bring affordable, high-quality services to low-income residents, who often pay more for inferior water services. The episode also extends the discussion to developed nations, examining the broader implications of climate change and the need for resilience and equity in our responses. Maria shares inspiring examples of human adaptability, encouraging listeners to remain hopeful and proactive in confronting the challenges ahead. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Key words: Urban Inequalities, Environmental Governance, Gendered Access, Water and Sanitation Services, Sub-Saharan African Cities, Cape Town, Drought, Socioeconomic Disparities, Climate Events, Urban Planning, Water Management, United States, Sustainable Consumption, Climate Justice, Technocratic Fixes, Structural Changes, Shack Dwellers International, Informal Settlements, Saving Groups, Data Collection, Climate Change, Resilience, Equitable Advocacy, Oppressive Measures, Hurricane Harvey, Marginalized Communities, Water Shortages, Inaccessibility, Human Resilience, Adaptability, Hope, Atlantic Current

GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.202 : Our special guest will be Active 33 year FDNY veteran Assistant Chief, FDNY Chief of Safety Command, Operations Chief of the FDNY Incident Management Team Mike Meyers. He was appointed to FDNY in 1991. Assignments are as follows: -Ladder 175 –East NY & Brownsville Brooklyn (1991-1998) -Rescue Company 4 – Woodside Queens (1998-2001) -Ladder 11 - Lower East Side Manhattan LT (2001-2003) -Ladder 4 – Times Square NY Capt (2003-2007) -Battalion 9 – Times Square NY BC (2007-2017) -Deputy Chief -Executive Officer to the Chief of Safety (2017-2018) -FDNY Chief of Safety Command (2018-Present) -FDNY Liaison to NYC Office of Emergency Management (2023-Present) -FDNY Incident Management Team (2004-Present) -Bravest Football Club (1992-2003) During his career he has responded to many large scale operations. Here is just a sample.. 9/11 World Trade Center (2001) Hurricane Irene-NY, NY(2011) SuperStorm Sandy-NY, NY(2012) Hurricane Katrina-New Orleans, LA (2005) Hurricane Gustov- Baton Rouge, LA (2008) Con Edison Steam Explosion NY, NY (2007) Crane Collapse 1 & 2 NY, NY (2008) Miracle on the Hudson NY, NY (2009) Hurricane Harvey, Houston Texas (2017) Join us at the kitchen table on the BEST FIREFIGHTER PODCAST ON THE INTERNET! You don't want to miss this one. You can also Listen to our podcast ...we are on all the players #lovethisjob #GiveBackMoreThanYouTake #OldschoolBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gettin-salty-experience-firefighter-podcast--4218265/support.

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25, 2017, unleashing widespread devastation along the Gulf Coast. In the days and weeks that followed, rescue missions were taking place, but amidst these, it became apparent that a woman had disappeared. However, detectives didn't believe her disappearance was connected to the storm….SPONSORS -ZocDoc: Zocdoc is the only free app that lets you find and book doctors who are patient reviewed, take your insurance & are available when you need them. To find a & book a top rated doctor today. Visit: https://zocdoc.com/morbidologyNutrafol: Hair thinning affects approximately 1 in 2 women, but you're not alone. Nutrafol is the leading dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement. Get $10 off and free shipping with the code “MORBIDOLOGY” at: https://nutrafol.com/Prose: Prose offers custom skincare and haircare, tailored to your specific needs. They are offering 50% off your first order at: https://prose.com/morbidologySHOW NOTES - https://morbidology-the-podcast-253-crystal-mcdowellPATREON - https://www.patreon.com/morbidologyYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/morbidologyAudio Credit:Epidemic SoundEvening of Chaos - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Empty Reflections - ErikMMusic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgq4SPKHlyIA Mothers Sacrifice - OurMusicBox - https://ourmusicbox.com/Dark Tranquility - Anno Domini Beats - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6mBav72AkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/morbidology--3527306/support.