In this episode of DisasterSmiths™, 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.
In this community-driven episode of DisasterSmiths™, 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.
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. We’ll 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.
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 isn’t just a shift in tools. It’s a shift in mindset, leadership, and responsibilities.
In this post-special series episode, the DisasterSmiths™ take a moment to reflect on the journey through our three-part “Recovery Unpacked” series, connecting the dots between immediate response and recovery, survivor support, and long-term community rebuilding. From FEMA’s Public and Individual Assistance programs to HUD’s CDBG-DR program, we’ve 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, IEM’s Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing; Marion McFadden, IEM’s Vice President of Recovery; and Anne Bink, IEM’s 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 you’re 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.
We are closing out our “Recovery Unpacked” series with a deep dive into one of the most substantial, impactful federal recovery programs: HUD’s 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 O’Shaughnessy, 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 you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to rebuild a community after a disaster, this conversation pulls back the curtain.
In part 2 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we explore FEMA’s 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 it’s 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 FEMA’s 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, who’s eligible, and how it’s evolved to strengthen communities recovering from catastrophic events.
We explore the lifecycle of a PA grant—from application to reimbursement—and tackle common challenges and misconceptions jurisdictions face along the way.
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 possible—and 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 Man’s emergency ecosystem.
As emergencies become more complex and collaboration is more essential than ever, this is more than a story about managing risk—it'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 Disasters—curating a playlist where every note tells a story of survival. Whether it’s 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
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.
When disaster strikes, leadership and coordination can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. In this gripping episode, we explore the high-stakes partnership between emergency managers and elected officials. These leaders must work in lockstep to protect and serve their communities. While their roles and perspectives may differ, their mission is the same: to lead with clarity, act decisively, and restore order amid crisis.
Join us as we unpack real-world case studies, uncover the challenges of crisis communication, and reveal how trust, collaboration, and swift decision-making shape disaster outcomes. From emergency declarations to community messaging, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical alliances that keep communities resilient when every second counts.
In this special milestone episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts sit down with IEM Founder and Chairwoman, Madhu Beriwal, to reflect on four decades of resilience, innovation, and impact. From humble beginnings to building a thriving legacy, she shares the proud moments that shaped IEM's journey, the impacts that drive our mission, and the vision that propels the company forward.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that uncovers the heart, soul, and future of IEM and the disaster management industry.
In this episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts delve into the resilience and recovery efforts that follow devastating wildfires, emphasizing the critical role of mitigation in preventing future disasters. They are joined by Jennifer Gray Thompson, whose firsthand experiences and expert insights have jump-started recovery efforts for wildfire survivors across the country. Together, they explore how communities are rebuilding and healing, while learning about proactive measures—such as controlled burns, creating defensible space, and improving land management—that can reduce wildfire risks.
This episode highlights the strength of those affected and the importance of understanding the science behind wildfires, ensuring we’re better equipped to face the next challenge when the smoke clears.
Step into 2025 with an exclusive episode featuring IEM President and CEO Bryan Koon, a seasoned emergency management expert with over two decades of leadership experience, and Emily Zegowitz, a trailblazing innovator reshaping the field. Together with our DisasterSmith hosts, they dive into the forces transforming emergency management and reveal how the next generation of leaders is redefining resilience in an era of rapid change. From the power of mentorship to the critical role of education and passion, this conversation uncovers what it takes to inspire and equip tomorrow’s emergency managers. Hear firsthand insights on fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and creating a safer, more prepared future.
Join us for a compelling dialogue that connects experience with vision, spotlighting the synergy between established leaders and emerging talent shaping the future of disaster response and recovery.
This holiday season, the DisasterSmiths podcast delivers an unforgettable gift: a high-energy episode diving into the thrilling world of disaster movies! Join hosts Chris and Diana as they break down iconic cinematic chaos, exploring the pulse-pounding action, unexpected humor, and timeless appeal of blockbuster hits and some oldies, but goodies. Special guest Stephanie Tennyson, IEM’s Chief Communications Director, adds her expert perspective to the mix, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you're unwinding from a whirlwind year or seeking a dose of entertaining nostalgia, this episode promises to keep you hooked. Don’t miss this epic end of the year episode (read in the movie trailer voice)!
What is your favorite disaster movie? Let us know in the comments!
In this special episode, our hosts are joined by Andrew Velasquez III, IEM's Account Executive for the Central Region and former federal, state, and city emergency manager. Andrew’s emergency management background began with a calling to serve his community at a local scale, starting a journey that would lead him to notable state and county cabinet-level positions and later being appointed by the President as a FEMA Regional Administrator. Andrew’s multifaceted history gives him a unique perspective and timeline of what it means to be an emergency manager and how that definition has evolved as leaders in the profession tackle new challenges.
In grappling with emerging issues like pandemics and rapid technological advancements, we recognize the resilience and adaptability of emergency managers dedicated to protecting their communities. As we conclude 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the year and pose an important question: What is an Emergency Manager?
In this episode, we confront a pressing issue too often overlooked in emergency management: mental health. Join our hosts and guests as they break down the stigma around emotional care for both responders and survivors, highlighting why mental well-being is essential at every stage of disaster response. With crises intensifying and responsibilities growing, taking care of our minds is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Listen in as we explore how building emotional resilience and normalizing mental health support can empower us all. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, creating a stronger foundation for both present challenges and the futures we are dedicated to protecting.
In this compelling episode, we explore the pivotal role that trust plays in emergency management for tribal communities. Trust is not given; it is earned through respect, understanding, and authentic engagement. Our hosts and expert guests illuminate the rich diversity of tribes, each with its own unique culture, history, and identity, emphasizing the importance of honoring these distinctions.
More than just a discussion, this episode offers powerful insights into how emergency managers can move beyond the checkbox approach and embark on a journey of true partnership with tribal communities. Packed with real-world stories and practical advice, it’s a call to action for every emergency manager to listen, learn, and forge lasting relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. Tune in and be part of the transformation.
In this episode, we uncover the crucial yet often overlooked role of donations management in disaster response. Our hosts and expert guests explore everything from the strategic placement of warehouses to tailoring aid to a community’s specific needs. They also tackle the delicate art of redirecting well-meaning donations that can, if mishandled, hinder emergency efforts. Join us as we navigate the fine line between public generosity and practical logistics, revealing how to turn goodwill into powerful, effective relief.
