Afleveringen
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This episode of DisasterSmiths spotlights how resilience is built long before disaster strikes. Featuring Elizabeth Sanchey, Emergency Environmental Management Director for the Yakama Nation, and Yolanda Jackson, IEMâs Manager of Mitigation and Resilience Program, the conversation explores how FEMAâs BRIC program supported proactive wildfire mitigation efforts that helped protect homes, infrastructure, and culturally significant resources during the Slide Ranch Fire.
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When disaster strikes, one federal program stands between a community and collapse â yet most leaders don't fully understand it until they desperately need it. FEMA's Public Assistance program moves billions of dollars into shatteredcommunities, but its rules, tradeoffs, and limitations can make or break a recovery. In this episode of DisasterSmithsÂź, two of the most experienced voices in the field pull back the curtain on how the program works and why the gap between policy and reality matters more than most people realize.
This is a rare, unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the basics. From the impossible tension between speed and accountability, to the extraordinary challenge of applying an infrastructure-built program to a global pandemic, our guests don't shy away from the hard questions. They distinguish the fair criticisms of FEMA Public Assistance from the myths and offer the kind of high-level strategic perspective that state and local leaders rarely get to hear. If your jurisdiction has ever struggled to navigate federal recovery dollars, this episode will inform how you approach the process.
Featured Guests
Tod Wells, Former Deputy Director, Public Assistance Division, FEMA
Howard Stronach, Senior Advisor, Recovery, IEM
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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You sent the alert. You issued the order. You did everything right. So why didnât they leave?
In this episode of DisasterSmithsâą, a local emergency manager and a resiliency officer get honest about one of the hardest problems in emergency management: the gap between the message that goes out and the decision that gets made.
They break down why fear-based messaging often backfires,how trust built on blue-sky days determines who listens when it matters most, and why the most effective evacuation order sometimes comes from the most unexpected voice. Itâs a conversation about communication, community, and thedeeply human reasons people make the choices they do under pressure. Because closing that gap doesnât start in the EOC. It starts long before the storm.
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When a severe storm tears through a mountain community in Tennessee, the real work begins the moment the rain stops. In this episode of DisasterSmiths, we sit down with a mayor who experienced recovery firsthand, from the coordination, the critical decisions, and what it takes to move a community from disaster declaration to meaningful progress through FEMAâs Public Assistance program.
Heâs joined by IEM subject matter experts and former FEMA officials who examine what it takes to translate federal guidance into practical results at the local level. Our guests break down how disaster funding flows, why documentation and communication are essential at every stage, and what local leaders can do to position their communities for the strongest possible recovery. This is a candid, informed conversation about what Public Assistance looks like when itâs working and what it takes to get there.
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The award letter arrives. The headlines hit. The community exhales. Your agency has been allocated CDBG-DR funds. Now what?
In this boots-on-the-ground episode, we sit down with Chuck Lane, Director of Disaster Recovery Resources for Pasco County, Florida, recently awarded its CDBG-DR allocation, alongside IEM leader and subject matter expert Tim Lagudi. Together, they unpack what happens after the celebration fades: navigating public outreach, untangling the regulatory maze, managing expectations, and building compliant programs that serve real people in real time. They also share how strategic planning, data analysis, partnerships, and capacity building before the award became the blueprint for success after the award.
Because the myth is that funding solves the problem. The truth? Funding exposes your readiness. If your community has receivedâor hopes to receiveâCDBG-DR dollars, this conversation is your roadmap for what comes next. Less theory. More reality. Fewer assumptions. More strategy. The money is just the beginning. -
As Season 2 of the DisasterSmithsâą comes to a close, we sit down with IEM leadership to reflect on a defining year for emergency management. In 2025, shifting federal priorities, expanding responsibilities, heightened accountability, and accelerated expectations tested the sector at every level â federal, state, local, and territorial â forcing the profession to adapt while continuing to deliver results amid the demands of disaster recovery.
Looking ahead to 2026, our conversation turns to the future. IEM leaders share how emergency management is evolving and where the focus must be next: integration, implementation, stabilization, and optimization. This season finale offers a clear-eyed look at where the profession has been and what it will take to meet the moment ahead.
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As a preâNew Yearâs gift to our DisasterSmiths listenersâand as fans of Netflixâs Stranger Things ourselvesâweâre heading straight into the Upside Down to tackle a question no one in Hawkins seems to ask: who would run their Incident Command? (Spoiler warning: we assume youâve made it past Season 1.)
In this special episode, we put a fun (and slightly chaotic) spin on real Incident Command System (ICS) principles, blending our love of the show with our emergency management instincts as we assign Stranger Things characters to key ICS roles. From Chief Hopper in Command, to Joyce leading Safety, Dustin in Logistics, and maybe even Eleven as a very unconventional tactical resource, we build out a Hawkins ICS capable of managing interdimensional threats, missing persons, government secrecy, and one very persistent gate to the Upside Down.
Because when strange lights appear, communications fail, federal agencies show up uninvited, and monsters start roaming Main Street, someone still must establish command, set objectives, and keep the incident from spiraling completely out of control.
Consider this another end-of-year thank-you for listening, and a little professional fun from fellow ST fans. Light spoilers aheadânothing from the Upside Down you canât handle. -
As a small holiday gift to our DisasterSmiths listeners, we are serving up a special episode that tackles the most important emergency management question of the season: who would run the Incident Command Structure (ICS) at the North Pole?
With a festive spin on real emergency management concepts, we blend holiday chaos, questionable staffing choices, and plenty of seasonal cheer as we build Santaâs ICS using some of our most beloved â and notorious â holiday characters.
From Mr. or Mrs. Clause đ€¶ as Incident Commander, to The Grinch handling Logistics, Scrooge overseeing Finance, and maybe even Rudolph or Sam the Snowman âïž serving as PIO, we assemble the ultimate North Pole Incident Command Structure. Because when the weather turns icy, the toy supply chain is under pressure, and the sleigh must launch on time, someone has to keep Christmas operational. So consider this our holiday thank you! And a little end-of-year fun⊠who would you trust to keep Christmas on track within the ICS? đ -
When severe weather threatens, information isnât just dataâitâs a lifeline. In this episode of DisasterSmiths, we delve into the behind-the-scenes partnership that transforms forecasts into life-saving action. Meteorologists translate the science, emergency managers translate the risk, and together they deliver the clarity communities need to make informed decisions quickly. Our guests break down how this collaboration works in real time: how they share information, bridge uncertainty, and communicate threats with precision and trust. Local broadcasters play a pivotal role in that chain, serving as the steady, familiar voices that residents rely on to understand whatâs coming and what to do next.
From the broadcast studio to the emergency operations center, discover why the meteorologistâEM partnership is one of the most essential and trusted links in public safety, and how it keeps communities calm, informed, and prepared when every minute counts. -
In this episode of DisasterSmithsâą, step into the complexworld of emergency management in big cities and urban areas, where every decision carries weight and every incident brings a new set of challenges. Urban emergency managers work under constant pressure, balancing politics,public expectations, and the immense responsibility of keeping millions safe. Their work unfolds in crowded streets, aging infrastructure, and moments when entire systems are strained to their limits.
Our hosts sit down with emergency management leaders who know the reality of city response: the endless coordination, the lessons learned in uncertainty, and the resilience it takes to restore order when disaster strikes.
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In this community-driven episode of DisasterSmithsâą, we dive into the world of rural emergency management, where challenges are big, resources are few, and resilience runs deep. Rural leaders face unique challenges, yet they rise to them with creativity, grit, and the unwavering support of their neighbors. From navigating limited budgets and widespread populations to relying on the power of trust, volunteers, and strong relationships, rural emergency managers are redefining what it means to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Join us as we uncover the ingenuity, collaboration, and community spirit that keep rural America ready when disaster strikes.
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From bustling game days to the quiet moments of overnight operations, emergency management in higher education never takes a day off. In this episode, we dive into the world of collegiate emergency management, a unique and demanding field that spans large-scale event coordination, critical infrastructure protection, community planning, and crisis response. Weâll highlight how campus emergency managers balance the round-the-clock responsibility of keeping students, staff, and visitors safe while advancing resilience across higher education.
This conversation shines a light on a niche profession that deserves recognition for its vital role in safeguarding the future of our universities.
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Artificial intelligence, or AI, is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already shaping how disasters are predicted, managed, and responded to worldwide. In this episode, we explore why AI should be seen not just as a tool and a partner in crisis management. Our hosts are joined by AI subject matter experts to explore the real-world benefits of incorporating AI into emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation, such as speed, prediction, and coordination, along with the very real risks, from over-reliance to ethical blind spots. As AI becomes standard in the field, emergency managers will need to evolve into emergency orchestrators, guiding people, machines, and data in real time.
This isnât just a shift in tools. Itâs a shift in mindset, leadership, and responsibilities.
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In this post-special series episode, the DisasterSmithsâą take a moment to reflect on the journey through our three-part âRecovery Unpackedâ series, connecting the dots between immediate response and recovery, survivor support, and long-term community rebuilding. From FEMAâs Public and Individual Assistance programs to HUDâs CDBG-DR program, weâve explored the critical programs that help communities recover, rebuild, and reimagine a more resilient future after disasters.
To bring it all full circle, we welcome back three of our most insightful voices and former federal executives: host and in this episode guest, Chris Smith, IEMâs Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing; Marion McFadden, IEMâs Vice President of Recovery; and Anne Bink, IEMâs Director of Recovery. Together, they help us bridge the lessons from each episode, examine how these programs intersect in practice, and share what successful, survivor-centered recovery looks like.Whether youâre a seasoned recovery professional or simply curious about how disaster recovery works behind the scenes, this final installment offers a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation on where we go from here.
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We are closing out our âRecovery Unpackedâ series with a deep dive into one of the most substantial, impactful federal recovery programs: HUDâs Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Unlike other programs that focus on immediate relief, CDBG-DR is built for the long game, helping communities rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
This episode features Marion McFadden, IEM's Vice President of Recovery and former HUD senior executive, alongside Seana OâShaughnessy, CEO and President of CHIP (Community Housing Improvement Project). Together, they unpack how CDBG-DR funding gets allocated, who it serves, and the kinds of projects it makes possible, from rebuilding homes to revitalizing entire communities. We also tackle the complexities: the red tape, the timelines, the prep work, and the push for innovation in recovery.
If youâve ever wondered what it really takes to rebuild a community after a disaster, this conversation pulls back the curtain.
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In part 2 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we explore FEMAâs Individual Assistance (IA) Program, a crucial support system for disaster survivors that provides direct services and financial aid for unmet needs. Unlike Public Assistance, IA is designed to help individuals and families begin their recovery.
This time, our host Chris Smith, IEM's Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing, takes a seat on the other side of the mic alongside Elizabeth DiPaolo, IEM Project Manager and former FEMA Region 8 IA Branch Chief. Together, they unpack how IA works, what it covers, and why itâs often misunderstood.
Our guests dive into how eligibility is determined, what assistance survivors can realistically expect from the IA program, and how partners play a vital role in delivering aid. As communities transition from immediate relief to long-term recovery, our guests explore who needs to be at the table to ensure survivors stay connected, informed, and supported throughout their recovery journey. -
In part 1 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we dive into one of FEMAâs most essential disaster recovery tools: the Public Assistance (PA) Program. From clearing debris to rebuilding public infrastructure, PA funding plays a critical role in helping communities bounce back after federally declared disasters. The Smiths are joined by Anne Bink, IEM Director of Recovery, and Jake Ganieany, Bureau Chief of Mitigation and Recovery for Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. Together, they unpack how the program works, whoâs eligible, and how itâs evolved to strengthen communities recovering from catastrophic events.
We explore the lifecycle of a PA grantâfrom application to reimbursementâand tackle common challenges and misconceptions jurisdictions face along the way.
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What happens when a rural desert county of 7,000 people transforms into a pop-up city of 70,000 practically overnight? In this episode, we step into the playa with the emergency management and event planning professionals who help make Burning Man possibleâand safe. Our guests include the local emergency manager for Pershing County, Nevada, and a Director from within the Burning Man project. Together, they offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how public agencies, private teams, and event organizers collaborate in one of the most unique and logistically complex annual gatherings in the world. From mutual aid agreements and contingency planning to sandstorms, heavy rain, and medical emergencies, we explore the critical partnerships that form the backbone of Burning Manâs emergency ecosystem.
As emergencies become more complex and collaboration is more essential than ever, this is more than a story about managing riskâit's about trust, communication, and the power of relationships when it matters most. -
DJ, drop that beat! This DisasterSmiths episode hits differently.
Our DisasterSmiths hosts are turning up the volume on resilience, diving into the powerful role music plays in recovery after disaster. From community singalongs to global benefit concerts that raise millions, music becomes more than a mood after a crisis; it becomes a movement. Join our hosts as they explore how songs from artists like Led Zeppelin and Kacey Musgraves transform into emotional lifelines, stitching hope into heartbreak and rhythm into resilience.
For this episode, we are the DJs of Disastersâcurating a playlist where every note tells a story of survival. Whether itâs the anthem that carried you through the storm or the beat that brought a community back together, this episode will leave you humming a tune of hope.
Explore our playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HgtclBMQa7pkVeTt6sqyb?si=v6jFJfgdSu2-xKPrITAEEg
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When disaster strikes, it's not just power grids and roads, rather entire local economies hang in the balance. In this compelling episode of DisasterSmiths, we pull back the curtain on Business Emergency Operations Centers (BEOCs). Sometimes overlooked, BEOCs are vital hubs where public agencies and private enterprises join forces in crisis. Joined by seasoned experts, our hosts dive deep into how BEOCs serve as the bridge between government response and business continuity, helping communities rebound faster and stronger. From pre-disaster planning to boots-on-the-ground coordination, discover how building these partnerships before disaster hits can mean the difference between temporary disruption and long-term devastation. This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking differently about the private sector's place in disaster response.
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