Disaster Podcast

Hail Damage
This episode of the Disaster Podcast featured a discussion about resilience and preparedness with guest Jake Sorber from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Jake explained IBHS’s research on severe weather hazards, particularly focusing on hail damage and wind-driven hail, which can cause significant additional damage to homes. He described IBHS’s unique ability to manufacture scientific ice spheres to accurately test building materials’ resistance to hail impacts.

Becky DePodwin, our disaster emergency management expert joined the discussion along with our episode host, Jamie Davis.

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Disaster Podcast: Resilience and Preparedness

Jamie Davis welcomed listeners to the Disaster Podcast and introduced the topic of resilience and preparedness. He noted that Sam was unavailable due to her recent move, but Becky was present as a guest. Jamie then introduced Jake Sorber, a research project scientist at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, who discussed his background in atmospheric science and his current work studying the effects of hail and wind on residential homes and commercial structures.

IBHS Structure Testing and Mitigation

Jake explained how IBHS, an insurance industry organization, was founded to conduct full-scale testing of structures to better understand vulnerabilities to severe weather events like hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, and wildfires. He described a specific hailstorm in Rock Hill, South Carolina in April 2024 that demonstrated how wind-driven hail can cause damage beyond rooftops, including siding and windows, which can lead to water intrusion and significantly increase losses by 2-4 times. Jake emphasized the importance of identifying “damage amplifiers” – structural elements that fail and cause disproportionate damage, which helps in developing mitigation strategies.

Hail Risk and Insurance Insights

Jake explained that there is limited historical data on wind-driven hail frequency, and IBHS is developing an instrument to measure impact angles and forces during their annual hail field campaign. He noted that while storm severity has shifted, socioeconomic factors like urban sprawl and increased building costs have had a greater impact on insured losses than weather changes. Jake mentioned that severe convective storms now cause annual losses of $40-60 billion, up from $15 billion historically, primarily due to increased population in hazard areas rather than increased weather risk.

Hail-Resistant Building Materials Assessment

Jake explained that hail-resistant building materials do exist and are assessed based on IBHS’s testing protocol, which involves simulating hailstorms in a lab. He mentioned that synthetic composite roofs like F-Wave and metal roofs perform well against hail damage, though metal roofs may have cosmetic issues. Jake noted that while some materials like synthetic composites show no damage after multiple hail exposures, the distinction between cosmetic and functional damage is important to consider.

Residential Building Weather Resilience

Jake from IBHS discussed residential building resilience against severe weather hazards. He explained that while completely hazard-proof homes don’t exist, building materials and construction methods can significantly reduce risk, particularly in high-risk areas like Tornado Alley. Jake described IBHS’s work on developing resilience scores for structures and their unique ability to manufacture hailstones for testing building materials. He also covered wildfire preparedness, emphasizing the importance of defensible space and structure separation. The discussion concluded with information about IBHS resources available at ibhs.org.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

Sonnet Daymont, clinical therapist, joins the show this week with a look at the treatment and management of mental health trauma in both victims and responders following a major event. Her experiences following devastating wild fires in the Los Angeles area in January of 2025 help her define the needs of individuals in the short and long term.

Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group and Becky DePodwin, our disaster emergency management expert joined the discussion as well. The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Disaster Podcast Planning Meeting

The team introduced themselves and discussed upcoming topics for the Disaster Podcast. Sam mentioned moving to Missouri and plans to build a tornado shelter in his garage. Becky advised keeping an eye on the severe weather forecast during the move. The group then introduced their guest for the episode, trauma expert Sonnet Daymont, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and consultant on films. They discussed her background and her upcoming book “When Dangerous Feels Like Home,” a true crime memoir about healing from trauma.

Sonnet’s Trauma Therapy Memoir Discussion

The discussion focused on Sonnet’s background as a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma treatment. She explained her upcoming book “When Dangerous Feels Like Home,” which is a true crime-inflected memoir about her journey to becoming a therapist through experiencing relational trauma. The conversation also touched on Sonnet’s work in the film industry, including consulting on a horror film about child abuse titled “Women in the Yard.” When asked about red flags for narcissistic personality traits, she began explaining how these traits relate to antisocial personality disorder and the challenges they present in relationships, though the transcript ended before she could complete her answer.

Narcissistic Behavior Identification Discussion

Sonnet advised that identifying narcissistic behavior involves paying attention to genuine empathy and listening carefully to others. They explained that while some behaviors like love bombing and grandiosity can be normal early in relationships, pathological versions might indicate manipulative or harmful intentions. Sonnet also clarified that mental health disorders like narcissism lack biomarkers and diagnostic criteria change over time, while explaining that Machiavellianism describes manipulative and cunning behavior lacking empathy.

Psychological Disorders and Resilience

The group discussed psychological disorders, focusing on the differences between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder as defined in the DSM. Sonnet explained that while these conditions share some traits like low empathy, they represent distinct diagnostic categories, and individuals can exhibit multiple disorders simultaneously. Becky raised questions about nature versus nurture in personality development, to which Sonnet responded that brain scans show differences in people with reduced empathy or antisocial behavior, though the cause could be either genetic or environmental factors. The conversation then shifted to trauma and resilience, with Sonnet sharing insights about how supportive caregivers or mentors can help individuals process trauma constructively rather than developing problematic behaviors. Jamie introduced a new topic about disaster resilience, asking about preparation methods for people living in disaster-prone areas, but the transcript ended before this question was addressed.

Disaster Responder Mental Health Strategies

The meeting focused on discussing self-care and mental health strategies for disaster responders and survivors. Sonnet explained key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including mindful awareness, thought restructuring, and exposure therapy, as effective tools for managing trauma and anxiety. The discussion highlighted how community support and social connections are crucial during disasters, with examples from recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The group agreed to bring back Sonnet for future discussions on mental health topics, particularly focusing on meteorologists’ experiences with disaster forecasting and its impact on their mental well-being.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

The Disaster Podcast hosted Ben Gilliland from Future Proof Property Intelligence to discuss his company’s AI-powered solution for assessing and mitigating climate-related risks to homes. Ben explained how their technology uses smartphone video scans, NVIDIA AI, and IBM climate data to create 3D models of properties, identify risk factors, and provide remediation plans and cost estimates. The discussion covered how their system addresses the mismatch between rising weather risks and shrinking insurance options, with an average cost of $10,000-$40,000 for home remediation.

Becky DePodwin joined the call as well to offer her thoughts on this technology. The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Disaster Response Program Evolution

The group discussed Joe, a Memphis-based medical director and ER doctor who runs Pentagon Medical Education Group, which provides experiential training for disaster responders using cadaver labs. Benjamin shared that his organization has shifted focus to develop a private sector solution for disaster mitigation after FEMA’s funding changes, working with Thomas Chandler from Columbia on developing remediation programs. Benjamin explained how their program has evolved to include three main areas: remediation, education, and preparedness, moving from a initial focus on house hardening to a broader approach including people engagement and warning systems.

Resilience Technology Podcast Preparation

The meeting focused on preparing for an upcoming podcast episode about using technology to enhance home and workplace resilience. Benjamin Gilliland from Future Proof Property Intelligence was introduced as the guest. The hosts, Jamie and Sam, discussed the format of the podcast and introduced Becky, a meteorologist and emergency management expert, as a participant. The conversation briefly touched on weather conditions and El Nino before transitioning to prepare for the main discussion about resilience technology.

AI-Powered Home Assessment Solution

Benjamin shared his extensive background, from his early career in lighting design for rock bands to his involvement in early Silicon Valley computing, where he funded several technology projects including the first spelling checker and multimedia initiatives. He explained how his non-profit TPHA.org, which focuses on affordable and climate-resilient housing in Hawaii, led to the development of Future Proof’s AI-powered solution. The system uses iPhone video recordings to create 3D models of homes, generating repair plans, budgets, and material lists while also identifying available government grants and financing options for home improvements.

Disaster Preparedness and Risk Mitigation

Benjamin and Sam discussed disaster preparedness and risk mitigation, particularly focusing on a three-silo approach involving home assessments, education, and emergency alerts. Benjamin explained their work with Columbia University, which includes developing a vision system using AI to help homeowners identify safe areas in their homes during disasters, while simultaneously creating video records of their belongings for insurance purposes. They also discussed a comfort bot with patent-pending technology that can adjust its messaging based on the listener’s age and situation during emergency alerts.

AI Emergency Warning Conflicts

Becky raised concerns about how AI systems might handle competing emergency warnings, such as conflicting advice during Hurricane Ida where tornado and flooding warnings contradicted each other. Benjamin acknowledged this was still an area being developed, mentioning NVIDIA’s work on reasoning components and noting that while the system could potentially handle house-related alerts, direct AI instructions for emergency warnings were still 2-3 years away. The discussion highlighted the need to address how AI systems might triage conflicting alerts based on house mapping and personal information, though current AI trustworthiness for direct emergency instructions was deemed insufficient.

Address-Level Risk Assessment System

Benjamin explained that their risk assessment system operates at the address level rather than broader grid squares, providing more granular data than what insurance companies currently use. He described how they can identify specific risk factors like trees near homes in Southern California versus central Missouri, where different hazards prevail. The system aims to empower homeowners with property risk information while creating a bridge between homeowners and insurance companies, allowing for better-informed decisions about insurance and potential remediation work.

AI-Driven Home Hardening Initiative

Benjamin and Jamie discussed the importance of homeowners advocating for themselves with insurance companies regarding home hardening measures. Benjamin shared that they are building a collective expertise, including partnerships with NVIDIA and Lawrence Livermore Labs for AI model validation, and Columbia University for educational content and chatbot development. The team is developing AI tools to help homeowners, contractors, and insurers, with plans to automate forms processing and certification of completed work. Benjamin emphasized the life-saving potential of their technology while ensuring proper guardrails are in place, particularly given the AI’s deep learning capabilities.

Magic Window App Discussion

Benjamin discussed the Magic Window app, which assesses weather risks and helps homeowners address damage, noting that it started as a non-profit educational tool before becoming a public benefit corporation. He shared that the average cost to remediate a house is estimated at $10,000 to $40,000, with an aggressive federal program potentially saving 80% of at-risk homes over 20 years. Benjamin and Becky highlighted the app’s potential benefits, particularly in preventing wildfire damage through defensible space creation, while acknowledging challenges in addressing natural hazards like sea level rise.

Climate Change Risk Assessment App

Benjamin discussed the implications of climate change using his FutureProof app, which analyzes risks for specific locations. He highlighted that Riverside, California, and an area near Dallas are expected to face the worst conditions in the U.S. by 2075-2100. The app, available through the Apple Store and Google Play Store, provides detailed risk assessments and reports for $24, helping individuals understand their vulnerability to seven major disasters. Benjamin encouraged listeners to spread awareness about the issue and visit futureproof.org for more information.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

Dr. Joe Holley in USAR training
The Disaster Podcast’s Dr. Joe Holley has been busy over the last month and a half traveling to conferences and training scenarios. In this episode, we talk with Joe about his recent travels to get his take aways from these events and what he sees in the near future for disaster responders. Also on the show were disaster emergency management expert Becky DePodwin and our disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin.

The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

US Severe Weather Discussion

The group discussed recent severe weather events across the United States, including tornadoes, snowstorms, and a heat wave in the West. Becky explained that March is typically an active weather month due to jet stream patterns, and current conditions are being influenced by an amplified jet stream rather than El Nino or La Nina patterns.

The discussion covered impacts including power outages, road closures, and challenges for emergency services in affected regions. The group noted that while weather conditions have been extreme, the forecast for the coming week appears calmer with no severe weather expected.

EMS Developments and Education Updates

Joe discussed his recent activities in EMS, including attending the National Association of EMS Physicians meeting in Florida and teaching a medical specialist class for urban search and rescue. He highlighted new developments in EMS, such as blood administration programs, changes in DEA regulations, and technological advancements in airways and patient monitoring.

Joe also mentioned his work with Paragon Medical Education Group and the Commission on Accreditation of Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPSE), emphasizing the importance of quality continuing education for EMS providers. The group discussed potential future collaborations, including a planned episode featuring James Corbin to discuss experiential training.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

The Winter X-Games are back! Disaster Podcast OG meteorologist, Kyle Nelson, comes on the show to discuss his work with the 2026 Winter X-Games in his capacity as a leader in the Pitkin County, Colorado Incident Management Team (IMT). The IMT helps to prepare for and run emergency services response to the X-Games.

Kyle discusses the various roles he’s assumed over the years for this special event in Aspen, Colorado. The team explores how the event prepares for managing emergency events and treating injuries for both athletes and attendees.

The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Snow Impact and Emergency Roles

Jamie Davis, Sam Bradley, and Kyle Nelson discussed the impact of recent weather events, particularly heavy snowfall across the East Coast and Colorado. Kyle provided an overview of his roles, including ski patroller, avalanche dog handler, manager of Pitkin County Telecommunications, and Emergency Support Function 2 communications lead. He also shared his background in meteorology and experience as a 911 dispatcher, highlighting his work with state incident management teams and his role as a contract instructor for Argonne National Labs and FEMA’s training centers.

Kyle’s Projects and Weather Update

Sam and Jamie discussed Kyle’s involvement in various projects, highlighting his contributions to the team. Kyle provided a weather update, predicting warm temperatures in the desert southwest and a return of winter in the east. He also explained the significance of the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado, as an Olympic qualifying event and a platform for pushing the boundaries of winter sports.

Olympic Qualifying and Incident Management

Sam and Kyle discussed the Olympic qualifying system, where athletes can make or break their Olympic bid by achieving high scores and podium spots. Kyle explained his role in the Incident Management Team (IMT), which provides structure and coordination for local responders during incidents, whether planned or emerging. The IMT’s mission is to support local entities and coordinate resources, ensuring effective management of events.

X Games Incident Management Evolution

Kyle has been involved with the X Games in Aspen for over 10 years, starting as a ski patrol member and later becoming the Winter X Games lead for Aspen Skiing Company. He helped reshape the athlete medical component and worked with Dr. Joel Buzzi to enhance safety. Kyle transitioned to a 911 dispatcher role, managing event schedules and staff, before joining the Incident Management Team as a Type 3 team member. He initially worked in the planning section, was qualified as a Type III plan section chief, and this year took on the Communications Unit Leader role, combining his experiences in dispatching and telecommunications.

X Games Emergency Communication Strategies

Jamie and Kyle discussed emergency preparedness and communication strategies for events like the X Games. Kyle explained that their team manages venue safety, coordinates with X Games and local authorities, and prepares for various emergencies, including athlete injuries. They emphasized the importance of pre-planned messaging to quickly and effectively communicate with media and the public in case of incidents. Jamie inquired about how such situations are handled at X Games events, particularly regarding the evacuation of injured athletes.

X Games Medical Response Team

Kyle explained the multi-faceted athlete medical team at the X Games, coordinated by Dr. Buzzy, which includes ski patrol from Aspen Skiing Company, the Aspen Ambulance District, and Medicine in Motion. He described how they handle athlete injuries, from minor incidents to major emergencies, ensuring the closest provider assesses and reports the injury while calling for additional resources if needed. The medical team works to provide the best care for athletes, with dispositions ranging from self-care to medical tents or ambulance transport, and noted that helicopter evacuations are not typically necessary due to the venue’s low elevation and efficient toboggan evacuation methods.

Overcoming Language Barriers in Sports

Jamie asked about challenges with translation and language barriers for international athletes and their support teams. Kyle explained that they have systems in place to address these issues, including allowing coaches or parents to assist with communication, using translation apps, and having a dedicated medical team. They emphasized their ability to adapt and solve problems as they arise, ensuring all athletes receive the necessary care and support.

X Games Planning and Operations

Kyle discussed the planning process for X Games, explaining that it starts with a hot wash after the event to capture learning points. He described the scale of the event, comparing it to building a small city for a one-week TV show. Kyle also mentioned his recent promotion to managing people instead of projects, and expressed appreciation for his predecessor’s work.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!