On this episode of The Wide Lens Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dan Diamond, MD, a family physician and experienced disaster responder, as he recounts his frontline medical triage work after Hurricane Katrina and reflects on what the crisis taught him about leadership and resilience. Dr. Diamond describes arriving at the Convention Center, coordinating with military and emergency teams, treating urgent cases, and responding to unexpected dangers like waterborne infections. He shares vivid human stories - from volunteers like Augie to rescuers like Sergeant Bailey - and the small practices (even a rubber chicken) that helped teams stay effective under pressure. Throughout the conversation Dr. Diamond draws practical lessons for leaders and caregivers: protect and pace your team, stay curious and humble, and turn trauma into tools for thriving. Please Note: Learn more about Dr. Dan Diamond at www.dandiamondmd.com and watch his TEDx talk here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWyo1qlNd3g

On this episode of the Wide Lens Podcast, we revisit September 11, 2001, through the lens of amateur photographer Robert Fisch. That morning, while having breakfast near his Greenwich Village apartment, the sound of impact drew him toward the World Trade Center. Grabbing his camera, he captured the unfolding tragedy — from the second plane’s strike to the chaos that followed — and later, through his work, found himself at Ground Zero documenting the devastation up close. His images remain a haunting, firsthand record of that day’s events. Please note: View Robert’s full 9/11 photo collection here: https://flic.kr/s/9tJ4

In this episode of The Wide Lens Podcast, Brad Stave interviews humanitarian storyteller Steve Reynolds about his frontline work during the 1980s Ethiopian famine. Discover how Steve helped uncover hidden suffering, aided BBC’s breakthrough broadcast, and witnessed U2’s Bono and his wife Ali Hewson’s quiet, hands-on visit to a feeding camp where they served families and children through both song and social work. Steve reflects on how that moment changed Bono’s life and sparked his passion for global advocacy and urges listeners to serve with humility, train with purpose, and add their light to the sum of light.

Rob Belanger shares his unforgettable experience volunteering at Woodstock ’99. From backstage moments and surprise celebrity run-ins to navigating the chaos of a music festival gone off the rails, Rob offers a raw, personal lens on one of the most controversial concerts in history.   Enjoying The Wide Lens Podcast? Spread the word and leave a review—it helps more than you know. Thanks for listening!

In 1995, Odoi Odotei interned at the Bill Clinton White House—alongside Monica Lewinsky. In this episode, he shares what it was like to witness history from the inside, before the headlines hit.Enjoying The Wide Lens Podcast? Spread the word and leave a review—it helps more than you know. Thanks for listening!