Crisis Lab (Crisis Lab)

Special Episode: Disaster Tough Podcast – A 2022 Retrospective for Emergency Management Worldwide - Interview with Kyle King by John Scardena

This month we are sharing with you an episode of John Scardena's Disaster Tough Podcast with Kyle King as a guest.

In this episode, we take a look back at the various disasters that have happened in 2022, both in the US and abroad. From the war in Ukraine, to the recent damage done by Hurricane Ian, Kyle gives his take on what citizens and Emergency Management experts can learn from the events of this year, and what the focus of both sides should be heading into 2023.

Check out Disaster Tough Podcast and Disaster Tough Podcast Youtube Channel

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Special Episode: Youth Preparedness with Sam Johnson

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Join us for global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce the risk of global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

In our next episode, we are joined by Sam Johnson. Sam is the Program Lead for Youth Preparedness for National Headquarters at the American Red Cross. She manages two emergency and disaster preparedness education programs, Prepare with Pedro (Kindergarten – 2nd grade) and The Pillowcase Project (3rd-5th grade) that have reached over 1.4 million students across the continental US and on military bases abroad. She began her career as an AmeriCorps member with the American Red Cross of Alaska and supported long term recovery efforts in the US Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. She has a Master of Science from Tulane University in Disaster Resilience Leadership. 

You can learn more about her programs at redcross.org/youthprep. 

LinkedIn

Sam Johnson | Senior Associate Community Preparedness Education and Youth Preparedness  Program Lead, Youth Preparedness | youthprep@redcross.org American Red Cross | National Headquarters  sam.johnson@redcross.org 

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society. You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

The State of Humanitarian Assistance with Sir Mark Lowcock

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Join us for global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce the risk of global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

In our next episode we are joined by Sir Mark Andrew Lowcock, a British economist and accountant who served as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) between 2017 and 2021. Prior to his appointment in May 2017, he was the Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development (DFID). He is currently a Visiting Professor in Practice at the Department of International Development at the London School of Economics and a Distinguished Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC. He is also a Trustee/Director of The Howard Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust of schools (including for children with learning disabilities) in Surrey. Sir Lowcock's new book "Relief Chief: A Manifesto for Saving Lives in Dire Times"

Sir Lowcock's Twitter account

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Complications of Humanitarian Help Distribution with Yosuke Okita

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Today we are joined by Dr. Yosuke Okita to discuss what kind of complications can arise during distribution of humanitarian help, including in rich nations. Dr. Okita has significant experience working in international disaster and emergency management, including some emergency missions as a member of JDR (Japan Disaster Relief team) and UNDAC (UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team); He was deployed to Algeria Earthquake (2003), Indonesia Tsunami (2004), Pakistan Earthquake (2005), Great East Japan Earthquake (2011), Christchurch Earthquake (2011), Typhoon Haiyan (2013) and Nepal Earthquake (2015). After working with the JICA's offices in Japan, Indonesia and St. Lucia, from 2014 to 2017, he worked for OCHA in Geneva as the Asian regional focal point for INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group) and UNDAC. Since 2017, he has worked for the ASEAN Secretariat (Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Management Team) and JICA's Indonesia Office as Project Formulation Advisor for ASEAN Partnership. Currently, he is working in Hanoi, Viet Nam as JICA's Expert in charge of Biodiversity and Admin Coordination in the Sustainable Natural Resource Management Project Phase 2 (SNRM2). He received LL.B. from Kyoto University, M.A. in International Relations/Master of Diplomacy from The Australian National University, and PhD in Media and Governance from Keio University in Japan. He published many academic articles in international urban search and rescue (USAR) in English and Japanese.

Yosuke Okita can be reached via such channels:

LinkedIn 

ResearchGate

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Food Security and Instability with Prof. William Chen

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

What is the role of food security in terms of driving insecurity? In this episode of Crisis, Conflict, and Emergency Management we are discussing food security and the impact of this topic on our communities. We are joined by Prof. William Chen. Professor William Chen received his university education (from BSc to DSc) from Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. He attended the Food System Leadership Institute in the US. Prof. Chen has joined Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) since 2002 and is now the Michael Fam Endowed Chair Professor and Director of Food Science & Technology Programme. He is also Director of Singapore Agrifood Innovation Lab (SAIL@NTU), Co-Director of NTU Future Ready Food Safety Hub (FRESH@NTU), and Director of F&N-NTU Joint Innovation Lab. Prof. Chen’s food tech innovations and opinions on food security have been featured in Nature and The World Economic Forum, and extensively covered by local and international media. The ‘Going Green’ program by CNN in 2019 described Professor Chen as a Game-Changing Leader in the green revolution of the food system. Professor Chen is an advisor/consultant to government agencies, The World Health Organization, The Asian Development Bank, The Good Food Institute APAC, food industry, and overseas universities on matters related to food technology and food security.

Prof. Chen can be reached via such channels:

Twitter  

LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

"Crowdsourcing" of Conflict with Bridget Johnson

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Today we’re discussing Anonymous hacktivists and #OpRussia campaign: An Online Frontier in the Russian war in Ukraine. We are joined by Bridget Johnson – a veteran journalist, newsroom leader and terrorism analyst with a specialty in online open-source extremist propaganda, recruitment, and training. Bridget has diverse experience in radio, TV, and live speaking engagements. She is a host and presenter of Homeland Security Today law enforcement training webinars studying a range of CT topics including conspiracy theory extremism, complex coordinated attacks, critical infrastructure attacks, arson terrorism, drone and venue threats, anti-Semitism and white supremacists, anti-government extremism, and WMD threats.

Bridget Johnson can be reached via social media channels:

LinkedIn

Twitter

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Water Security and Conflict with Ashok Swain

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

In this episode of Crisis, Conflict, and Emergency Management we are going to discuss water security, and the impact on our societies, which may lead to conflict or crisis. To help us navigate this complicated issue, we are joined by Dr. Ashok Swain. Dr. Swain is a Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, UNESCO Chair of International Water Cooperation, and also the Director of Research School for International Water Cooperation at Uppsala University, Sweden. Swain received his Ph.D. from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi in 1991, and since then he has been teaching at the Uppsala University. He has been a Mac Arthur Visiting Fellow at the University of Chicago, visiting professor/fellow at UN Research Institute for Social Development, Geneva; University Witwatersrand, South Africa, University of Science, Malaysia, University of British Columbia, University of Maryland, Stanford University, McGill University, Tufts University and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He has worked as a consultant on development issues for several UN agencies, OSCE, NATO, EU, IISS, various government agencies of Sweden, the Netherland, the UK, and Singapore. Professor Swain published extensively on new security challenges, international water-sharing issues, and democratic development.

Ashok Swain can be reached via such channels:

LinkedIn

Twitter  

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Medial Intelligence and Crisis Management with James Wilson

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Today we are joined by Dr. James Wilson. James is the CEO and Founder of M2 Medical Intelligence, Inc. Dr. Wilson is a board-certified, practicing pediatrician who specializes in operational health security intelligence, with a focus on the anticipation, detection, and warning of infectious disease crises. He has led the creation of several systems used for the anticipation and detection of infectious disease crises and disasters. Dr. Wilson was the first operations chief of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Biosurveillance Integration Center. Dr. Wilson led the private intelligence teams that provided tracking of H5N1 avian influenza as it spread from Asia to Europe and Africa, detection of vaccine drifted H3N2 influenza in 2007 and 2014, warning of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the discovery of the United Nations as the source of the 2010 cholera disaster in Haiti, warning of the COVID pandemic in December 2019, and several investigations of alleged and confirmed laboratory accidents and biological weapon deployments. Dr. Wilson is a strong advocate for effective and accountable global health security intelligence and the need for credible and balanced threat assessments.

James Wilson can be reached via such channels: 

LinkedIn  

Email: jwilson@m2medintel.com

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today at and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com and let us know!

Climate, Security, Conflict, and Resilience with Josh Bowen

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Today we are joined by Josh Bowen. Josh has more than 18 years of crisis leadership and emergency management experience and training in disaster, military, and academic settings. He is currently faculty in the Disaster and Emergency Management program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and teaches select crisis leadership courses for NAIT’s Centre for Applied Disaster and Emergency Management. Josh is also serving as a Subject Matter Expert supporting Public Safety Canada’s National Risk Profile initiative and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy. Before joining NAIT, Josh served 13 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Infantry Officer and was directly involved in five disaster response operations. He holds a Master of Disaster and Emergency Management from York University and is a graduate of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University.

Climate Security: A Special Series

The relationship between climate change and deadly conflict is complex and context-specific. Climate change affects every aspect of life, damaging food systems, displacing millions, and shaping the future of conflict. It is undeniable that climate change is a threat multiplier that is already increasing food insecurity, water scarcity, and resource competition while disrupting livelihoods and spurring migration. In turn, deadly conflict and political instability are contributing to climate change.

Climate change and conflict (climate and environmental crises) affect every aspect of our lives, from our physical and mental health to our food, water, and livelihoods. While these crises affect everyone, those hit hardest are the poorest and most marginalized communities. People living through conflict frequently tell us about the massive environmental changes they are witnessing. Their daily lives are not only made more difficult by the violence they experience, but also by a changing climate and environment. They are often ill-prepared for repeated climate hazards. 

NATO Climate Change and Security Action Plan NATO has been addressing environmental challenges for over half a century, initially mostly from a science and research perspective. Since the turn of the century, a number of environmental standards and guidelines have been developed. Climate change featured in the 2010 Strategic Concept, a Green Defence framework was adopted in 2014, and climate issues were highlighted in Summit Statements since Lisbon 2010. However, further work and sustained political ambition are needed to ensure that NATO is fully prepared to continue to deliver in a changing climate.  

Josh Bowen can be reached via such channels: LinkedIn

Emergency Planning and Recovery from Disaster with Prof. Lucy Easthope

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crisis, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Join us for international conversations addressing key challenges and risks that undermine our efforts to build more resilient societies.

This podcast is brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI) and sponsored by The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Today we're joined by Lucy Easthope. Lucy is a world-leading authority on recovering from disaster. She has been at the center of the most seismic events of the last few decades, advising on everything from the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami to the 7/7 bombings, the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, the Grenfell fire, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In every catastrophe, Lucy is there to pick up the pieces and prepare for the next one. She holds governments to account, helps communities rally together, returns personal possessions to families, and holds the hands of the survivors. Prof. Easthope's new book "When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster" is coming out on the 31st of March 2022 and is available for pre-order.

In her moving memoir, she reveals what happens in the aftermath and explores how we pick up and rebuild with strength and perseverance. She takes us behind the police tape to scenes of destruction and chaos, introducing us to victims and their families, but also to the government briefing rooms and bunkers, where confusion and stale biscuits can reign supreme. Telling her own personal story, Lucy looks back at a life spent on the edges of disaster, from a Liverpudlian childhood steeped in the Hillsborough tragedy to the many losses and loves of her career. 

Another book by Dr. Easthope "The Recovery Myth: The Plans and Situated Realities of Post-Disaster Response" (2018) provides an innovative re-examination of the 'recovery' phase of a disaster by one of the UK's most experienced disaster management specialists. Drawing on two decades of work, the book develops an ethnography of the residents and responders in one flooded village and applies this to other cases of UK flooding, as well as to post-disaster recovery in New Zealand. The book shows how localized emergency responders find ways to collaborate with residents, and how an informal network uses nationally generated instruments differently to co-produce regeneration within a community.  

Prof. Easthope can be reached via such channels:

Twitter

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today at and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to us at info@capacitybuildingint.com

Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast

Global perspectives and conversations about international crises, preparedness, and how to build more resilient societies in a challenging and ever-changing world.

Overview

If anything at all, the last two years have shown us that we are truly living in and subject to what is happening in our global society. As the world moves to reduce risk to global threats, we need to recognize the vulnerabilities, connectivity, and perspectives that drive instability. Just how vulnerable are we to the changing international environment? Are we more vulnerable than we think we are, and what can we learn from other societies to improve our safety, security, and preparedness back home as we strive towards building more resilient societies? From AI to space warfare, to community development and crisis communications, there’s something for everyone. Join us for unique international conversations and perspectives into the current threats, challenges, and risks to our society.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS). You can join TIEMS today at www.tiems.info and also sign up for the International Emergency Management newsletter by CBI at www.capacitybuildingint.com.

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? Reach out to me on Linkedin and let me know or email CBI at info@capacitybuildingint.com

What is energy security? In this conversation with Ameren Project Manager, Andy Chastain, he shares with us his knowledge of the subject and what exactly it means. With his background and more than a decade of electrical utility experience, Andy helps us answer some questions surrounding green technologies, renewable energy, and how we can integrate renewable energy into the grid systems. It also highlights the importance of having a long-term strategy, changing the messaging, and understanding the people and their needs to have an effective strategy with better results in the process.

Episode Highlights
[01:40] Renewable energy and Andy's thoughts on what it means to have energy security

[04:45] The usual timeframe when it comes to finishing projects and making significant changes

[07:41] The state of infrastructure and energy infrastructure

[12:09] On meeting guidelines and why it's difficult for grid operators and utilities to meet them

[17:39] The utilities’ response to demand level, including discussions on net metering

[19:24] Long-term strategy and the problem with decentralizing the power grid

[23:59] On why we need to have a long-term grid strategy that focuses on reliability then resiliency, adjusts the messaging, and understands the consumers

Follow Andy:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

This podcast is brought to you in partnership between Capacity Building International (CBI) and The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).

Welcome to the second season of the Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management Podcast brought to you by Capacity Building International (CBI), where we discuss all aspects of international crisis management and the nexus between crisis, conflict, and emergency management as well as impacts on communities. 

In this episode, let's talk about disaster management and risk reduction.

From tsunamis and hurricanes to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the understanding of disaster management and risk reduction has changed. It is no longer just about hazards. International organizations are now taking into account all other aspects of the risk formula to detect early signs of the next health crisis or natural catastrophe to hit the world. 

In this conversation with host Kyle King, former Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Mr. Ricardo Mena dives deeper into the major changes in disaster risk reduction, the current state of how international organizations fund risk mitigation, where the responsibility of implementing an integrated DRR ultimately falls on, the important tools that can influence nations to mitigate risk, and the role of local emergency managers in preventing what could go wrong in the future.

Show Highlights

[01:18] What has changed in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) over the last few years and where it is going

[06:34] Ricardo explains this is how society should start seeing hazards moving forward

[07:10] The topics Ricardo talked about when he started in DRR vs. the topics he talks about now, 29 years after

[13:40] The five catalysts Ricardo thinks fueled change in the way international organizations approach DRR

[19:26] How investments and funds are allocated in the implementation of DRR programs today

[23:39] Why incorporating climate change scenarios into future planning prevents the creation of new risks

[25:06] Where the responsibility to integrate all aspects of DRR ultimately falls on

[30:37] What Ricardo believes to be the most important tool to influence nations in mitigating risk

[36:08] What could go wrong in DRR today and the issues Ricardo thinks society should keep an eye on

Connect with Ricardo on LinkedIn

Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Or are you a functional expert and want to be featured on our show? We'd love to connect with you! Reach out to us anytime at info@capacitybuildingint.com

Is sustainable transport merely a fancy phrase to describe an elusive future without traffic? City and transportation planning professional Dana Hoffman tells us otherwise, as she helps enable more sustainable modes of transport in Denver. Integrating sustainability into urban life is challenging but the trade-off is highly beneficial: having pedestrian-centric roads, safer bike lanes, and more resilient infrastructure. Moving the needle on progress and innovation will take time but Dana offers insights into what we can do to drive solutions in action.

Dana Hoffman’s work is centered on sustainable transportation, infrastructure planning, hazard and climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies. Dana has 11 years of experience working with local governments on long-range plans to achieve a more sustainably developed future. She is focused on climate impact and making our cities more livable, equitable, and environmentally resilient through smart land use and transportation plans and policies.

Show Highlights

[00:02:48] How Dana’s work is paving the way for sustainable transportation in Denver

[00:06:28] What Dana says are the challenges in integrating sustainability into urban planning

[00:09:41] What Dana thinks are the necessary changes to achieve traffic-free transportation

[00:12:24] Why Dana believes new technology is not always the answer to advancing sustainable and innovative solutions

[00:17:10] What Dana thinks is the value of engaging a tragedy-stricken community in rebuilding damaged infrastructure

[00:19:52] How Dana defines the gap time in building back better and more sustainable infrastructure

[00:23:27] What Dana thinks will move the needle on implementing institutional changes to build back better

[00:25:18] What Dana sees as the challenges of urban and transportation planning in the next five years

[00:30:08] Where Dana thinks more professionals could join and contribute to the field of sustainable urban and transportation planning

[00:33:40] What Dana believes to be extremely helpful in her learning process

[00:35:25] How Dana frames ideas to cultivate openness in discussing solutions

Connect with Dana on LinkedIn

In this latest episode of the CCEM Podcast, Systems Engineer CJ Unis argues that emergency managers often face complex and interconnected problems that are difficult to plan for. During a crisis, emergency managers must consider a range of factors, such as the availability of resources, the needs of different communities, and the impact of policy decisions on their response efforts.

These factors are all interconnected and can have a significant impact on the success or failure of emergency response efforts. CJ highlights the importance of systems thinking and looking at emergency management through a systems lens. But what is systems thinking?

Listen to the episode and learn about the critical foundational pillars of systems thinking and the advice CJ has for crisis and emergency management professionals.

Show Highlights:

[00:02:56] How CJ defines systems thinking and the five pillars of effectively framing a problem

[00:04:14] Key takeaways from CJ’s Master’s thesis and what the academia overlooked in it

[00:07:25] How CJ deconstructs a highly integrated and interconnected system to solve a problem

[00:10:49] What CJ sees as the bottleneck of innovation and implementation

[00:13:39] How a rapid adoption of technology can lead to a knowledge gap and unintended consequences

[00:17:07] What CJ believes as the future of systems thinking in crisis and emergency management

[00:19:41] How emergency managers can integrate systems thinking at a community level

[00:21:40] How CJ thinks systems thinking could benefit emergency management and first response

[00:22:51] What CJ did using systems thinking that massively improved problem-solving efficiency

Connect with CJ on LinkedIn

This bonus podcast episode features a conversation focused on the impacts of climate change on communities around the world. Guest experts Patrick Marchman, Paul Turner, Sara Belligoni, and host Kyle King discuss the challenges associated with sustainable technology and engineering, the importance of understanding what makes communities resilient, and the need for outside-the-box thinking to address climate change. They also give insights on the challenges related to climate migration, legal frameworks to protect climate refugees, and the impacts of mass migration on political tensions and national security concerns.

Show Highlights 

[00:04:41] Challenges of climate change, managed retreat, economic realignments, vulnerability of ports and airports, and supply chain resilience. (Patrick Marchman)

[00:10:52] Climate security, migration, and changing identities. (Paul Turner)

[00:14:49] Legal frameworks to protect climate refugees and implementing adaptation measures at the local level. (Sara Belligoni)

[00:21:34] Challenges of natural hazards and climate change in emergency management, migration effects on tax bases and response capability, and mitigation and prevention. (Kyle King)

[00:22:44] Challenges of revising infrastructure in the face of climate change. (Kyle King and Patrick Marchman)

[00:26:21] Challenges of addressing climate migration, lack of legal mechanisms and resource requirements, and stressors on host communities. (Kyle King and Paul Turner)

[00:32:46] Challenges of reconciling slow migration with large-scale catastrophic humanitarian migration and need for a better framework to address these movements. (Kyle King and Sara Belligoni)

[00:37:12] Impacts of mass migration and displacement on political tensions and national security concerns related to climate migration in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. (Sara Belligoni)

[00:40:59] Impacts of climate change on communities around the world, challenges faced by Pacific Island nations and traditional farmer-herder dynamics. (Paul Turner)

[00:44:48] Challenges of reintegration after the loss of a nation state due to climate change, potential for conflict, and the role of technology and engineering. (Kyle King)

[00:47:11] Importance of sustainable design, production, and disposal of renewable and alternative sources of energy to mitigate climate change. (Sara Belligoni)

[00:50:07] Challenges associated with solar panel supply chains, geopolitical and security issues, and need for outside-the-box thinking. (Paul Turner)

[00:53:01] Importance of sustainable technology and understanding what makes communities resilient in addressing climate change. (Discussion)

Connect with our experts on LinkedIn

- Patrick Marchman

- Paul Turner

- Sara Belligoni

- Kyle King

In this latest episode of the CCEM Podcast, Sara Belligoni, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Rutgers University, discusses the impact of climate change on coastal communities and the challenges faced by climate migrants. She also talks about the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and practical solutions to address the complex issues surrounding climate change.

Show Highlights:

[00:02:55] How climate change affects migration, and how emergency management planning reduces its likelihood

[00:04:12] The impacts of climate-induced migration on communities, and what Sara thinks is the kind of planning necessary to avoid failing both the people and the community

[00:09:32] Why Sara believes providing a welcoming and safe environment is crucial for the integration of migrant populations, and the kind of planning is necessary to achieve this

[00:13:26] How geopolitical considerations complicate international migrations due to climate change, and how domestic migrations are viewed differently

[00:16:34] How international organizations can shape a country’s approach to climate change and migrations, and why Sara thinks local problems require different solutions

[00:20:25] The unique challenges coastal communities face in adapting to climate change, and how they become more resilient to natural disasters and sea level rise

[00:24:21] How climate change is causing massive migrations and displacement of vulnerable populations, and why there is currently no clear framework for climate refugees

[00:27:13] The impacts of climate change on communities beyond direct physical effects, and why they should be considered when discussing emergency management and community well-being

[00:32:38] What Sara thinks is the kind of approach needed to address climate change, and why there is a need to focus on practical steps and incremental changes

Connect with Sara

- LinkedIn

- Sara’s website

Host Kyle King sits down with business continuity expert Erika Andresen, founder of EaaS Consulting, who shares her insights on the intersection between emergency management and business continuity. She emphasizes the need for proactive measures to minimize suffering and enable communities to thrive even in the face of crisis.

Throughout the interview, Erika discusses her career path, the importance of business continuity programs and community response in disaster management, and the merging of public and private sectors in resilience efforts. Her book, "How Not to Kill Your Business: Grow Your Business in Any Environment, Navigate Volatility, and Successfully Recover When Things Go Wrong" provides entrepreneurs with strategies to deal with volatility and uncertainty in the face of crises and disasters.

Show Highlights

[00:02:20] How Erika transitioned from military service and law to founding her own business continuity consulting company

[00:07:15] What Erika wants everyone to understand about business continuity and how her book helps entrepreneurs deal with volatility

[00:10:15] Where Erika found the perfect marriage between emergency management and business continuity, and what makes the relationship work

[00:14:39] What Erika believes the government lacks when responding to disasters, and why resilience entails everyone taking responsibility

[00:20:45] What Erika thinks should take priority when getting started on business continuity programs

[00:23:32] Erika describes how the merging of private and public sectors has become extremely beneficial to resilience and economic security

Connect with Erika

- LinkedIn

- Website

Check out Erika’s book “How Not to Kill Your Business: Grow Your Business in Any Environment, Navigate Volatility, and Successfully Recover When Things Go Wrong”

- Amazon

In this podcast episode, Kyle King interviews Chris Kremidas-Courtney, a globally recognized thought leader, on how to navigate the information maze on crisis and emergency management. The interview covers the importance of taking disinformation seriously, the difficulties of quantifying its impacts, and the need for clear communication and community engagement.

Kremidas-Courtney also emphasizes the importance of transparency and including the most critical people in the response process to gain citizen satisfaction with political decisions.

They also discuss the value of delivering a response to debunk disinformation and avoiding repeating disinformation narratives.

The podcast concludes by highlighting the role of information first responders in actively communicating with the public and combating disinformation.

Show Highlights

[20:10] How disinformation can disrupt disaster response efforts?

[20:44] What makes believable disinformation difficult to debunk?

[21:12] Revealing the secret: Who holds the key to citizen satisfaction with political decisions?

[22:01] Navigating the disinformation maze: what's the best approach to debunking disinformation without promoting false narratives?

[25:31] The missing link: What strategies are effective in countering the rapid spread of disinformation?

[29:02] Behind closed doors: What challenges hinder quantifying the impacts of disinformation?

[29:36] The untold power: How does the future of communication shape the fight against disinformation?

[31:02] What can information first responders do to combat disinformation?

Connect with Chris

• Friends of Europe
• LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, experts Prof. William Chen, Dr. Roman Tandlich, and Dr. Ashok Swain discussed the challenges of water and food security, exploring the political, technological and educational solutions needed to tackle the problem.

Show Highlights

[00:33:24] The potential of indigenous knowledge in water management and food production, fostering collaboration between communities and scientists.

[00:36:57] Revolutionary water treatment innovations impacting food security and the urgent need for efficient water usage.

[00:40:45] Effective solutions to combat water and food scarcity through public education, technology transfer, and collaborative research.

[00:48:18] Balancing economic demands with universal access to water, recognizing it as a basic human right.

Overall, the experts stressed the need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to water and food security, involving education, political will, technological developments, and a focus on the importance of water as a basic human right.

Connect with our experts on LinkedIn

Prof. William Chen

Dr. Roman Tandlich

Dr. Ashok Swain

Mr. Kyle King

In this episode, Kyle King and Aaron Marks discuss the role of governance in emergency and crisis management, including defining resilience and preparedness, the changing environment and risk factors, and the challenges of communicating and educating the public about these issues.

Show Highlights

[04:00] How is the changing environment impacting communities and their ability to adapt?

[23:00] What role do insurance companies play in managing risk, and why is transparency and communication crucial?

[28:00] How does governance contribute to maintaining the status quo, and why is public engagement and trust essential for progress?

[34:00] What are the challenges of building cultural preparedness and community engagement, and how do they relate to trust and defining standards?

[36:00] Why is questioning and effective communication vital in governance, and what are the goals and intended outcomes of emergency and crisis management?

Connect with Aaron
-LinkedIn
-Website

In this podcast episode, host Kyle King sits down with Professor Rajib Shaw to discuss the intersection of climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Asia. Professor Shaw is a distinguished professor in the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University in Japan, and has extensive experience in community-based disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

Tune in to learn about the current state of climate change and DRR in Asia, including other topics like the importance of community-based approaches, collaboration between international organizations and governments to address disaster risk, and the role of technology and education in DRR efforts.

Show Highlights

[01:31] Why Prof. Shaw got into climate change adaptation and community-based disaster risk management

[05:52] The challenges of climate and non-climate disasters and their impact on income groups in Asia

[14:07] How companies can lower risks, boost awareness, and provide incentives for all stakeholders

[24:01] The importance of customizing local risks and actions in response to disasters

[25:37] Innovative DRR approaches in the Philippines and Japan

[35:24] What inclusive technology is, and the role of digital transformation in driving innovations

[40:14] “Co-learning” and the overlooked concept of knowledge-sharing in community-based DRR

Connect with Prof. Shaw
- LinkedIn
- Website

In this episode, host Kyle King sits down with Dr. Ilan Kelman as he shares his insights on disaster diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. Dr. Kelman is a Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, England and a Professor II at the University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway. His overall research interest is linking disasters and health, integrating climate change into both.

Join Dr. Ilan Kelman in this insightful podcast episode as he shares his expertise on disaster diplomacy and migration, and the importance of investing in the stability of countries to reduce the potential for mass migration.

Show Highlights

[01:56] Dr. Ilan Kelman explains the origins and the evolution of disaster diplomacy. [03:47] How disaster diplomacy can promote peace, and the importance of understanding the politics behind disasters

[08:17] The challenges in using diplomacy for disaster response and aid

[12:32] How international diplomacy evolved in leveraging disasters for aid and exploring changes in international mechanism

[18:05] How climate change may shift disaster diplomacy towards relief, science, and cooperation in food and water security

[23:35] Expectations for future climate-induced forced migration and its impact predictions. [28:20] The challenges of quantifying disaster diplomacy, and the need for personal connections and informal links to promote peace

[31:11] Balancing neutrality and politics in disaster response for long-term peace and saving lives

[35:11] The importance of incremental efforts to increase stability, and the need for people with power to seek peace

Connect with Dr. Ilan Kelman
-LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King interviews Professor Daniel Aldrich, an expert in social capital and disaster recovery. They delve into various aspects of building resilient communities and the role of social capital in post-disaster recovery.

Professor Daniel Aldrich extensively studied social capital's influence on disaster recovery, offering insights on community resilience through strong social connections, including strategies, government involvement, and technology's impact.

Join Kyle and Daniel as they delve into the crucial role of social capital in disaster recovery and learn how communities can strengthen resilience through robust social ties.

Show Highlights

[01:33] Naive assumptions vs. the reality of how people recover from disasters

[06:50] How Daniel found literature to be dissonant from his experiences

[10:42] The overlooked role of social ties in disasters

[16:22] The role of government in fostering social capital today

[18:05] How technology can be balanced with social capital while integrating community programs into city policies for disaster preparedness

[32:37] How cultural differences affect social capital and disaster recovery

[37:52] What businesses and organizations can contribute to building social capital

Connect with Daniel Aldrich

-LinkedIn

-Twitter

-Website

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King interviews Professor Dewald van Niekerk, an expert in disaster risk and governance based in Africa. They explore African disaster risk governance, addressing challenges, stakeholder roles, successes, past lessons, and climate change's impact.

Dewald van Niekerk, a Professor at North-West University, specializes in disaster risk governance, resilience, and transdisciplinary disaster risk reduction. He's an expert with numerous publications and extensive project leadership experience, including founding the Southern Africa Society for Disaster Reduction. His research aims to reduce the impacts of natural hazards and climate change on vulnerable communities.

Show Highlights

[01:49] How Dewald established the African Center for Disaster Studies

[04:42] The challenges of implementing disaster risk reduction strategies amid climate change

[08:43] Why the conventional disaster response framework may no longer be efficient

[14:59] The role of different stakeholders in advancing disaster risk governance in Africa

[22:38] Why climate change is two sides of the same coin

[25:58] Initiatives in empowering local ownership and enhancing urban resilience

[30:20] On disaster risk reduction being “lost in translation” within African national governments

Connect with Dewald van Niekerk 

-LinkedIn
-Website

In this episode of the Crisis. Conflict. Emergency Management. podcast, host Kyle King interviews emergency manager Jorge Rodriguez. They discuss the complexities of mass migration, its impact on emergency services, and unique challenges it presents. Jorge Rodriguez, with extensive crisis management experience, shares insights into El Paso's dynamic landscape, providing a comprehensive view of emergency management in the context of mass migration.

Join Kyle and Jorge as they explore this evolving field, emphasizing the critical role of communication, adaptation, and preparedness.

Show Highlights

[02:18] How Jorge started in emergency management

[04:57] The challenges associated with managing mass population movements in emergency situations

[25:53] The systemic effects of rapid population explosion in Jorge’s community

[29:19] Which public communication methods Jorge used after the terrorist incident

[31:40] Jorge's outlook for the coming years and the path ahead for community emergency managers

Connect with Jorge Rodriguez

-LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King interviews Tim Lannan, former head of the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) within NATO. They delve deep into the intricate landscape of civil-military planning, exploring the strategies and mechanisms employed in disaster response.

As Head of NATO's EADRCC until June 2023, Tim oversaw the alliance's response to disasters across 31 allied and 37 partner nations. Responsible for civil emergency coordination, the center collaborated with international organizations, including the UN, World Food Programme, and WHO.

Tune in to gain insights into civil-military planning and lessons learned from managing NATO's response to disasters in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Show Highlights

[02:26] Tim’s perspective on the civil-military planning domain

[07:03] Challenges in civil-military planning, resource constraints, and current obstacles

[17:42] On managing duplication in international efforts

[23:44] The complexities in disaster response coordination

[28:01] Tech advancements aiding relief coordination

[30:40] Recommendations on civil planning from an institutional perspective

Connect with Tim Lannan
-LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King interviews Dr. Stuart Meyers, the CEO of Operations Tactics International and an expert in SWAT operations and incident command. They share insights into effective leadership strategies, decision-making models for high-stakes situations, and the psychological aspects of crisis response.

Dr. Stuart Meyers is a seasoned SWAT expert, author, and educator. With an Ed.D. from Columbia and an M.A. from Harvard, he's been the Director of SWAT Operations in Abu Dhabi and Program Director at Louisiana State University, Eunice. Tune in for expert insights on high-stakes leadership, decision-making, and the psychology of crisis response.

Show Highlights

[01:16] How Dr. Meyers transitioned from law enforcement to crisis leadership

[06:44] On global practices versus US standards

[09:49] Impact of research insights and decision frameworks in the U.S.

[14:00] Global perspectives on decision-making in high-threat scenarios

[18:57] Weighing in conscious vs non-conscious choices during high-stakes decision-making

[28:04] On prioritizing predictive analytics versus over gut-reactions

[32:09] Blending adaptive leadership with situational viewership in questioning culture

[38:28] How decision-making frameworks adapt to complex, multiple threats

Connect with Dr. Stuart Meyers
-LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King interviews Brendan Monahan, the Head of US Resilience and Business Continuity Program for a major global pharmaceutical company. Together, they discuss crisis management and complex organizations, delving into the intricacies of building meaningful capabilities in your organization.

Brendan Monahan, a security intelligence and crisis professional with nearly 20 years of experience, has led major US companies through significant crisis responses. Currently directing crisis, resilience, and business continuity programs for a global pharmaceutical company, Brendan, also the Chair of the ASIS Crisis Management and Business Continuity Community, draws from his extensive expertise in his recently published book, "Strategic Corporate Crisis Management: Building an Unconquerable Organization," released in 2022.

Tune in as they explore strategies, lessons learned, and best practices for fostering a robust crisis management framework in today's ever-evolving business environment.

Show Highlights

[01:52] Brendan’s experience in securing critical infrastructures and ensuring pharmaceutical continuity

[03:55] How organizations can transition from plan dependency to meaningful capabilities.

[06:44] How businesses break free from planned dependency

[11:21] Private vs. public challenges in profit-driven organizations

[13:14] On building ‘unconquerable’ organizations with decisive actions

[16:04] Understanding escalation and global interconnection in organizations

[19:06] Understanding nuances across businesses, stressing resilient decentralized decisions

[28:22] How private sectors determine the necessity of a crisis team

[32:06] The importance of human touch amidst tech evolution and info flow

Connect with Brendan Monahan

-LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Conflict Emergency Management podcast, host Kyle King reflects on the lessons learned in 2023 and the future of crisis and emergency management. Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of crisis and emergency management, exploring the complexities of collaborative approaches, the potential of technological advancements, and the exciting launch of Crisis Lab.

Learn how Crisis Lab is revolutionizing professional development in the field, providing a hub for interdisciplinary learning experiences and empowering professionals to navigate the challenges of managing crises and emergencies in an increasingly interconnected world.

Tune in as we revisit the highlights of 2023 and explore the future of crisis and emergency management

Show Highlights

[01:17] 2023 Reflections: Crisis insights unveiled

[18:13] The dynamic future of crisis and emergency management

[20:23] How Crisis Lab will revolutionize crisis management education

In the debut episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host and founder Kyle King introduces a pioneering peer-to-peer platform focused on revolutionizing crisis management education. Explore the challenges within today's dynamic crisis landscape and the importance of proactive, strategic responses.

Tune in to discover how Crisis Lab equips professionals with the necessary knowledge, tools, and insights to anticipate and effectively manage crises.

Show Highlights

[01:48] Challenges in crisis management today

[04:28] How Crisis Lab seeks to address these challenges

[06:22] How Crisis Lab's innovative learning experience transforms how senior professionals approach their development

[07:58] Future vision of Crisis Lab

In this episode of Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Mr. Vitālijs Rakstiņš to explore the complex concept of resilience, with a special emphasis on security and defense, and a particular focus on the Russo-Ukrainian War. The conversation aims to deepen the understanding of resilience and its role in anticipating, preventing, dealing with, and recovering from security threats and challenges.

Mr. Vitālijs Rakstiņš, a seasoned security expert with an 18-year career in the Latvian government and NATO, is now an academic, author, and educator. He focuses on security, resilience, and media literacy, having authored books like "Diaries of the Information War" and "Resistance Handbook." Additionally, he has developed educational initiatives such as the "Debunk NATO" media literacy game.

Tune in as Kyle and Vitālijs discuss resilience in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, touching on different aspects of resilience, including cyber and societal resilience.

[02:50] Unpacking the dynamic nature of resilience

[10:29] International and national efforts for a resilient society

[23:32] The need for a cultural shift in cooperation among private companies

[27:16] Mr. Rakstins on the importance of community resilience during crises

[37:22] On defense nations, civilian support, and nonviolent resistance

[41:58] Challenges and developments in resistance

[46:11] Future developments and challenges in the field of resilience

Connect with Vitālijs Rakstiņš

-Linkedin

Are you a seasoned professional in crisis management, public safety, or business continuity looking to navigate the complexities of your field? "Crisis Lab" is your guide and ally in this journey.

We understand that the world of emergency response is constantly evolving, and keeping up can be challenging. That's where "Crisis Lab" steps in – to illuminate the path and empower you with knowledge and insights. Each episode of "Crisis Lab" is a stepping stone towards mastery. We bring to you voices of world-renowned experts who have walked the path and conquered challenges you might be facing right now. They share not just their knowledge, but also their stories of resilience, innovation, and success. But "Crisis Lab" is more than just a podcast. It's a community where you can connect with peers, share experiences, and grow together. Our conversations delve into crucial topics like the latest in risk management, the impact of technology in crisis scenarios, and strategies for effective emergency response.

By tuning into "Crisis Lab," you’re not just listening to a podcast; you're taking a significant step towards enhancing your professional skills and staying ahead in your career. You're joining a movement of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the world through enhanced preparedness and strategic thinking.

Subscribe to "Crisis Lab" on your preferred platform and become a part of this transformative experience. Let’s navigate the challenges of crisis management together and emerge stronger and more resilient.

In this episode of Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Mr. Robert Fagan, a retired Colonel from the U.S. Army and an expert in public health, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.

They dissect the intricate differences between leadership and crisis leadership emphasizing the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes needed for effective crisis leadership. They also explore the importance of crisis leadership in the face of disruptions to normal operations, and Mr. Fagan's experiences with crisis leadership in various contexts, from the military field to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Mr. Robert Fagan is currently a Senior Emergency Manager and Exercise Planner at Global Eagle Consulting. In addition to his 30 years in combat, he worked on several contingency deployments in various positions during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Mr. Fagan holds multiple master's degrees, certifications as a Certified Emergency Manager, and has graduated from high-level crisis management programs at Harvard, Yale, and NATO.

Tune in as we explore leadership in times of crisis.

Show Highlights

[02:08] The evolution of leadership to meta-leadership
[06:12] How crisis leadership differs from general leadership principles
[10:54] The significance of adaptability and inclusivity in leadership, especially in multicultural and disaster response scenarios
[16:56] Why humility and continuous learning drive effective leadership and response strategies
[21:05] The necessity of individual and community in the face of growing global threats
[28:30] Why Rob stresses proactive planning for mitigation, prevention, preparedness, and protection in effective crisis leadership.

Connect with Robert Fagan
-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Aaron Marks, founder and principal of One Thirty Nine Consulting and an expert in consequence management, civil-military coordination, and crisis planning in emergency management.

Kyle and Aaron discuss the concept of 'consequences' in crisis scenarios, exploring their inherent nature, impacts, and role in decision-making. They also delve into factors that determine consequence severity and the importance of prioritization. Finally, they touch on various mitigation strategies for crisis management, aiming to provide practical strategies for managing consequences.

Aaron Marks is a Civil Expert for NATO's Civil Emergency Planning Committee and has also developed programs for government and private sector clients focused on consequence management and crisis planning following incidents involving weapons of mass destruction or toxic industrial materials. Previously a Paramedic, Aaron specialized in hazardous environment care and tactical medicine, responding to multiple large-scale incidents and disasters. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and a master’s in Public Administration with a focus in Emergency Management.

Tune in as we delve deep into managing consequences, providing practical strategies and insights for navigating crisis scenarios.

Show Highlights

[02:55] Aaron Marks reflects on care vs. consequences in emergency response

[07:12] Unintended consequences of humanitarian aid and crisis management complexities

[12:36] How consequence management in crisis response anticipates and mitigates future risks

[23:10] Balancing hard and soft sciences in evolving consequence management

[29:33] Why sharing data matters in managing consequences

[34:04] The unexpected lesson Aaron discovered in decision outcomes and effective management

Connect with Aaron Marks

-Linkedin

-Website

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Patrick Marchman, principal of K.M. Sustainability and an expert in climate adaptation, resilience, and hazard mitigation planning.

Kyle and Patrick discuss climate migration and managed retreat, from local to global perspectives. They explore the effects of climate-induced relocation and the complexity of responses from different government and community levels. They also highlight how climate change is not only an environmental issue but a humanitarian one as well.

Patrick Marchman, principal at KM Sustainability, has nearly two decades of expertise in climate adaptation. His background includes public-sector work with FEMA, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Army Reserve. Now in the private sector, he assists clients with climate risk assessments and adaptation planning. His work also involves international development and leading projects on climate-induced relocation.

Tune in as we examine the challenges of climate relocation and security preparedness

Show Highlights

[02:10] The complexity and acceleration of climate-induced migration, from local to international movements

[07:23] How climate change is influencing economic and insurance landscapes globally

[12:03] The challenges that arise from large-scale human movements caused by 'slow disasters’

[16:59] Complexities of managed retreats in the face of climate change

[28:48] How Marshall Islands face climate change challenges

[31:44] On finance, migrant integration, and global awareness as strategies for cities facing climate-induced relocations

Connect with Patrick Marchman
-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski, a seasoned professional in civil protection, humanitarian action, and disaster preparedness and resilience.

Kyle and Rade discuss how the European Union (EU) and NATO strengthen the resilience of their member countries and communities. They also look at how the EU’s sustainable projects and NATO’s civil protection efforts can work together to build stronger communities.

Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski, an expert in civil protection and disaster resilience, held a position as a Professor at the Faculty of Security in Skopje, St. Kliment Ohridski University in Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. His academic journey began in 2006, enriched with experiences in the military, civil protection, and private security sectors. His expertise spans policing, civil protection, humanitarian action, and disaster resilience. Recently, he was appointed as the Head of the Secretariat of the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South East Europe (DPPI SEE).

Tune in to compare perspectives on resilience in civil preparedness.

Show Highlight

[04:01] EU's comprehensive approach to resilience

[06:13] NATO's pragmatic approach to resilience

[12:40] EU's Resilience Dashboards

[17:35] NATO's national and collective capacities

[21:48] Resilience in the context of Ukraine

[25:53] Future of resilience and potential fatigue

[30:38] The role of local communities in resilience

Connect with Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski

-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Kristin Demoranville, an expert in security risk resilience for the food sector, and the Founder and CEO of AnzenSage.

Kyle and Kristin delve into the practical aspects of ensuring resilient food systems. They focus on community-level implementations, providing actionable steps for local stakeholders, and highlight the crucial role of cybersecurity in food security.

Kristin Demoranville is a passionate, customer-centric leader with over 20 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. As the Founder & CEO of AnzenSage and Co-Founder & CEO of AnzenOT, she specializes in security risk resilience for the food sector, helping businesses protect their data, people, and processes from cyber threats while aligning with strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.

Tune in as they navigate the intersection of community action, agricultural technology, and cybersecurity to safeguard your food supply against any threat.

Show Highlights

[03:15] The overlooked importance of food and water in critical Infrastructure

[04:00] The role of technology in modern agriculture

[06:01] Cybersecurity threats in the food industry

[07:38] The complex challenges of the food supply chain

[20:14] How community actions build resilience in cybersecurity

[21:39] Personal and community responsibility in food security

[28:06] The role of technology in urban farming

[28:54] The value of community cohesion in crisis situations

[30:36] Government's role in food security

[32:28] Challenges in food Industry collaboration

[33:09] Cybersecurity and law enforcement

[34:37] Importance of simulated exercises

[39:53] Community involvement and incentives

[41:54] Future of food security and technology

[45:24] Consumer awareness and education

[52:17] Practical cybersecurity tips

Connect with Kristin Demoranville

-Linkedin

-Website

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Alex Fullick, an expert in business continuity planning and the Founder and Managing Director of Stone Road Inc.

In the first part of our discussion, hosted on the 'Preparing for the Unexpected' channel, Alex and Kyle covered the macro-level impact of BCP on global stability, including economic stability, supply chain security, crisis management, and geopolitical risks. Be sure to check out and subscribe to Alex’s podcast, Preparing for the Unexpected.

Now in part two of the podcast series, Kyle and Alex delve into the practical aspects of business continuity at a community level. They explore the role of BCP in preparing for and responding to local crises and discuss the importance of coordination between local businesses, governments, and organizations.

Alex Fullick is a seasoned expert in business continuity planning with over 26 years of experience. As the Founder and Managing Director of Stone Road Inc., he specializes in Business Continuity Management and Resilience, offering consulting and training services. Alex is an accomplished author of eight books and the host of "Preparing for the Unexpected," a global internet talk radio show and YouTube channel focusing on preparing for and overcoming adverse situations.

Tune in for insights on how small businesses can effectively plan for and mitigate risks, build networks, and support community resilience.

Show Highlights

[04:27] Building Local Business Resilience

[10:43] Shared Responsibility in Community Resilience

[17:28] Workforce Considerations in Business Continuity

[22:59] Testing and Exercising for Resilience

[25:27] Understanding Federal Contracts and Small Business Contributions

[26:01] Identifying Business Threats and Risk Assessment

[27:57] Mitigating Risks and Contingency Planning

[30:41] Resources for Risk Assessment and Business Continuity

[33:47] The Importance of Training and Education

[35:33] Practical Training and Real-World Simulations

[41:18] Aligning Business Continuity with Daily Operations

[43:16] Trends in Business Continuity Management

Connect with Alex Fullick

-Linkedin

Listen to Part 1: The Role of Business Continuity in International Security

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Dr. Roman Tandlich, a seasoned expert in public health, water and sanitation, and disaster ethics.

Kyle and Roman explore the moral principles that guide actions and decisions during emergencies. They discuss ethical principles, resource allocation, and military ethics in crises, focusing on fair actions, resource distribution complexities, and the moral duties of military personnel.

Dr. Roman Tandlich has been involved in emergency and disaster management since 2011, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in developing countries. He is currently an Associate Professor at Rhodes University, specializing in public health, water and sanitation, and disaster ethics.

Show Highlights

[01:47] Understanding ethics during a crisis

[08:11] Key ethical theories guiding crisis management decisions

[17:42] How cultural considerations shape ethical responses during crises

[22:15] Ethical dilemmas involving animal welfare during public health crises

[26:21] The complex ethical landscape of military involvement in humanitarian efforts

[30:41] Learn about the ethical management of fatalities in crisis scenarios

[33:24] Emerging trends and future directions of ethics in crisis management

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Lorraine Schneider, Chief Operating Officer of the Resiliency Initiative and an expert in crisis management and emergency preparedness.

Kyle and Lorraine discuss the challenges faced by people working in emergency management, whether they’re in large companies or small nonprofits. They talk about why it’s important to have support from leadership, how the lessons taught in schools can differ from real-world practices, and why resilience is crucial in dealing with today’s complex crises.

Lorraine Schneider shares her experiences from working with companies like Disney and UCLA. She explains how the Resiliency Initiative helps smaller communities and businesses develop strong crisis management plans. Lorraine also talks about her work with the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and the FutureRisk newsletter, which focuses on upcoming global threats.

Tune in to learn more about the future of emergency management and how to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Show Highlights

[02:17] An introduction to the Resiliency Initiative and its mission

[07:15] Lorraine shares insights into the unique challenges of working in public, private, and academic sectors

[08:06] On the need for leadership commitment and adequate resources in emergency management

[09:16] The disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application

[09:50] An in-depth look at the the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and its aim to enhance leadership and resilience

[11:26] How psychological principles can strengthen resilience in crisis situations

[13:12] Lorraine’s predictions on how the field will evolve in the coming years

[21:47] The interplay between governance structures and effective crisis management

[23:33] The importance of cross-cultural learning in emergency management

[24:50] Lorraine provides the latest developments in the initiative

[29:56] The debates and concerns surrounding FEMA's proposed university

[38:11] FutureRisk Newsletter and Emerging Threats

Connect with Lorraine Schneider

Linkedin

FutureRisk Newsletter

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King explores disaster diplomacy, highlighting the inaugural World Fire Congress held in Washington D.C. in May 2024. Guests LamarGonzález-Medlock, an emergency manager, and Lee Howell, a chief fire officer from the UK, discuss the event's themes, which included international cooperation in firefighting, climate change, and emerging technologies. They emphasize the impact of building global networks for resilience and the importance of sustainable diplomatic efforts. They also provide insights into the future of the World Fire Congress and disaster diplomacy.

Lamar brings over 30 years of experience supporting and working for the U.S. government, including as Director of International Affairs for the U.S. Fire Administration. She shares her background and role in organizing the World Fire Congress. 

Lee, with extensive experience in both advisory roles and fire service leadership in the UK, shares the collective efforts and partnerships that shaped the Congress.

Tune in to hear their perspectives and experiences on the future of disaster diplomacy and international cooperation.

Show Highlights

[03:06] Overview of the World Fire Congress

[03:50] The Genesis and Execution of the World Fire Congress

[07:21] Planning for the 2026 World Fire Congress

[08:30] The Importance of International Cooperation

[17:06] Mechanisms of Cooperation and Diplomacy

[26:39] Ensuring Sustainability and Future of Disaster Diplomacy

[33:26] Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Connect with our Guests

• Lamar González-Medlock on LinkedIn
• Lee Howell on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Sophia Klewer, the COO of PREVENCY and an expert in crisis management simulations.

Kyle and Sophia discuss why crisis simulations are essential, showing how these exercises help organizations adapt by testing systems, decisions, and teams in realistic scenarios. They cover the role of technology, common challenges, realistic scenario design, after-action reviews, and involving senior leaders in preparation.

With experience spanning government, military, and private sectors, Sophia brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She shares her expertise in developing PREVENCY’s proprietary crisis simulation software and explains how these exercises build resilience, prepare teams for the complexities of real crises, and go beyond theory. Sophia also talks about her academic role at the Leipzig School of Media, where she trains future professionals in crisis communications.

Tune in to learn how crisis simulations can elevate your organization’s preparedness for the unexpected.

Show Highlights

[03:03] Cross-sectoral lessons in crisis management
[03:38] Challenges in situational awareness and communication
[06:56] The need for cross-sector training
[11:44] Managing pushback and participant frustration in exercises
[14:55] Incorporating cascading events in simulations
[18:48] The role of technology in crisis simulations
[21:41] Designing effective crisis exercises
[27:58] Common misconceptions in crisis preparedness
[32:34] The role of After Actions Review 
[37:55] The future of crisis simulations

Connect with Sophia Klewer

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In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King catches up with Todd DeVoe, a seasoned emergency management professional, on what’s been happening in the field of disaster preparedness and community resilience. This is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how the field of emergency management is evolving—and why we need to rethink our strategies to meet new challenges.

Kyle and Todd dive into the foundational ideas shaping the profession, from the importance of trust-building with communities to the critical need for innovation in preparedness. They share opinions and insights into how emergency managers can pivot from just maintaining stability (resilience) to fostering growth after adversity (anti-fragility).

Show Highlights:

[03:41] The foundation for the research and advancement of EM

[06:06] The importance of a body of work in EM

[07:10] Challenges and misconceptions in EM

[14:01] The role of emergency managers in government and society

[20:26] Practical steps for community engagement

[23:03] Outsourcing mundane tasks

[23:24] Resilience vs. anti-fragility

[24:24] Real-world examples of resilience

[26:58] Building trust in communities

[28:03] The importance of anti-fragility in construction

[34:39] Learning from historical lessons

[41:37] Urban planning and eminent domain

[44:28] Preserving historical and cultural significance

Connect with Todd DeVoe

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🎧 Stay Tuned for Part 2! In the next episode, Kyle and Todd take the discussion further, exploring the challenges of building trust between government and the public in crisis situations. Todd DeVoe shares ideas on responding to the rapid spread of information and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and community involvement.

We’ll also discuss engaging younger generations in public service and ways to strengthen community preparedness. Stay tuned for insights on these critical aspects of emergency management.