IEM Unscripted: DisasterSmiths™

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 Com...

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...

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...

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. Mor...

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 th...

In this engaging episode, we dive into the transformative shifts in volunteerism sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its profound impact on disaster recovery efforts. Discover how the roles and responsibilities of volunteers have evolved and why understanding these changes is vital for effective crisis management. We uncover the latest trends in community engagement, revealing how emergency manag...

As we face stronger, and more frequent disasters, join the DisasterSmiths as they explore the unifying power of citizen groups in driving community-led recovery. Recognizing the opportunity to tap their skills and passion for service to address unmet needs, our guests share their personal journeys of overcoming adversity and how these experiences became the catalyst for founding their own organiza...

In this episode, we delve into the vital role of faith-based, volunteer organizations in disaster recovery efforts, exploring how they provide practical assistance as well as emotional support and hope to affected communities. From rebuilding homes to offering counseling services, these organizations demonstrate the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis. Join us as we explore their...

In this compelling episode, we delve into the critical role that the private sector plays in disaster recovery, shedding light on their unique position and potential for impact. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and networks, private entities provide immediate relief and support innovative rebuilding efforts that are both efficient and sustainable for communities recovering from disasters....

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of mass care feeding alongside our guests, Kevin Smith and Patrick Crawford. We explore how mass feeding organizations actively work to deepen their understanding of and foster stronger relationships within their communities during blue skies. By cultivating connections and bolstering community infrastructure, nonprofits are working to enhan...

Following disasters, the role of food in aiding recovery varies across affected communities nationwide. Over time, mass care feeding initiatives have advanced significantly, better addressing the diverse needs of those they serve. Transitioning from standardized meals to customizable plates accommodating dietary restrictions, religious practices, and other individual preferences, these organizatio...

The conversation continues with guests Cathy Earl and Liz Gibson as we explore how disaster case management has evolved through the years. As our country healed from 9/11, there was a shift in perspective as to what services were essential to best meet the needs of those impacted, opening up the space to address the emotional and spiritual needs in addition to the physical needs. Our guests guide...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over one million residents were evacuated across the country, leaving them in dire need of emergency services. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) created Katrina Aid Today, a national case management consortium. How did disaster case management evolve from humble meeting...

Community systems are the places where people live, work, and interact with their environment and others. Urban or rural, coastal or inland, everyone lives in a system. These systems can promote resilience or increase the risk of negative disaster outcomes for communities simply by their designs, growth patterns, and community investment choices. How does resilience factor into recovery?  Climate...

Over the last decade and a half, the federal government has taken many steps to offer more inclusive efforts on disaster service delivery. This has been largely achieved through the works of advocacy groups. As a result, laws like the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act adapt the Stafford Act to mandate more accessibility in disaster response services...

A Smith is one dedicated to mastering the hardest metals known to man, responsible for brokering the compromise between nature and people. A DisasterSmith molds and shapes how we respond to and recover from disasters, forging tools and programs to help communities recover, rebuild, and increase resilience as disasters evolve. Our hosts, IEM’s own Chris Smith and Diana Rothe-Smith, share how their...