Disaster Podcast

From coastal flooding in the Northeast to tropical rainfall threats in the Pacific, this episode of the Disaster Podcast explores how changing weather patterns create challenges for communities and responders. Disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin joins hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley to discuss nor’easters, hurricane activity, El Niño, and storms that return after seemingly fading away.

Dan begins by explaining what makes a storm a nor’easter and why these systems can cause problems well beyond snowfall. In the Northeast forecast discussed during the recording, the concerns include coastal wind gusts of 40–60 miles per hour, heavy rain, rough surf, and potential power outages. Persistent onshore winds have already set the stage for coastal flooding, with the Jersey Shore, Long Island, and southeastern New England among the areas of concern.

The conversation then shifts to the Pacific, where tropical systems threaten both island communities and the mainland. Dan describes how tropical moisture interacting with Hawaii’s mountainous terrain can produce extreme rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides. Another concern is moisture moving inland from the eastern Pacific, potentially bringing flooding to parts of the Southwest and central United States. A storm’s effects can extend far beyond its coastal track.

National Hurricane Center Website

El Niño provides a broader backdrop for the discussion. Dan explains how warmer equatorial Pacific waters and changes in atmospheric conditions can influence tropical activity and weather patterns around the world. He also distinguishes those large-scale influences from the ingredients that produce an individual storm: understanding El Niño helps explain the seasonal picture, but it does not mean every weather event has a single cause.

Sam brings a personal perspective to the discussion, recalling a tornado warning while driving through Missouri. She describes taking shelter in a convenience store as warning sirens sounded and later learning that a tornado had struck in the general area. Her experience leads into a conversation about seasonal tornado risks and the importance of paying attention to changing conditions while traveling.

The group also explores so-called “zombie storms”—tropical systems that weaken or lose their tropical characteristics before reorganizing. Hurricane Ivan comes up as the hosts and Dan discuss how a storm’s story can continue long after its initial impact.

Throughout the episode, Dan connects the weather science with the practical concerns facing responders: coastal flooding, inland rainfall, power disruptions, and rapidly changing forecasts. Listen for a conversation about understanding the hazards behind the storm names and keeping the full geographic reach of a weather event in view.

Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast.

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.

Returning guest and author Beth Livingston joins co-hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, along with Dr. Joe Holley, to explore the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan. Beth’s new book, The Lady Elgin Sinking of 1860, examines a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and the extraordinary efforts of people determined to help.

Listeners may remember Beth from her previous visits discussing the Charleston earthquake and the Dayton flood. This time, she brings us to the Great Lakes, where a passenger excursion from Milwaukee to Chicago ended in tragedy.

Beth describes how members of Milwaukee’s Union Guards, accompanied by family members and other passengers, traveled to Chicago for a fundraising outing. After a day of activities and sightseeing, they boarded the Lady Elgin for the return trip. During the overnight voyage, the steamer collided with the sailing vessel Augusta in stormy conditions.

As water entered the damaged ship, Captain Jack Wilson and his crew tried desperately to keep it afloat. Beth recounts attempts to plug the breach and the decision to move passengers onto the upper hurricane deck as the situation worsened. When the vessel went down, survivors faced rough water, floating wreckage, and a dangerous journey toward shore.

The rescue effort brought together crew members, nearby residents, and students who responded as news of the sinking reached land. Among them was Edward Spencer, a student at Garrett Biblical Institute, who is credited with rescuing 17 people. Beth also shares Captain Wilson’s efforts to help passengers survive and the account of his death while trying to save a mother and child.

For Jamie, Sam, and Joe, these stories raise questions that remain familiar to disaster responders today. What drives someone to enter danger to help a stranger? How do people find the strength to keep going when the need seems overwhelming? And how do communities come together when an ordinary day becomes a mass-casualty event?

Author Beth Livingston
Sam brings her responder’s perspective to a conversation about the human side of disaster. Across generations, the equipment and communication systems change, but the impulse to help remains a powerful part of the response.

Beth also takes us behind the scenes of her research. She discusses tracing the people involved, exploring how news of the wreck spread, and discovering how much of the story had faded from public memory. A visit to Captain Wilson’s hometown helped spark renewed local interest in his life and actions.

This episode offers a look at both a historic maritime tragedy and the people whose choices deserve to be remembered. Listen as Beth shares the story behind her new book and helps us connect the experiences of the Lady Elgin’s passengers and rescuers with the challenges responders face today.

Listen to Beth’s Previous Episode of the Disaster Podcast

Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast.

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.

In this episode, we bring back paramedic and professor, Bram Duffee. Bram was previously on the show to discuss the book he co-wrote with Joseph Brigandi, MS, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-S. Psychological Emergency: Communication and Care by First Responders. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away suddenly recently and Bram spends the initial parts of the episode giving tribute to his friend, fellow paramedic, and co-author.

Dr. Joe Holley joins the team and along with co-host, Sam Bradley, talks about the 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and response. Joe responded with a Federal USAR team to the Pentagon attack and Sam was at ground zero in New York with a California DMAT team supporting the responders with medical care after working on the pile at the World Trade Centers sites each day.

The episode also was 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

Psychological Casualties in Disasters

Bram explained the Iceberg Effect, which highlights that for every physical casualty in a disaster, there are 4-10 psychological casualties that go unaddressed. He noted that while physical casualties are visible and what incident commanders plan for, the psychological toll represents a much larger underlying issue that can overwhelm systems designed only for physical injuries.

Sam shared her experience with CISM teams during disasters like Katrina, emphasizing how responders often feel they abandon patients who need long-term psychological support rather than quick medical treatment.

First Responder Family Preparedness

The group discussed the importance of first responders’ family preparedness during major incidents, with Jamie emphasizing that having a well-prepared home life allows first responders to better focus on patient care. Bram shared his experience with government versus private company responses to disasters, noting that government agencies typically provide better support for personnel and their families.

Sam contributed by sharing her role in launching critical incident stress management (CISM) in 1996 with American Medical Response in Northern California, which later expanded nationwide.

Psychological Phases of Disaster Response

Bram explained four psychological phases of disaster response: impact, inventory, rescue, and recovery, drawing from CISM principles and Dwight Polk’s work on pre-hospital behavioral emergencies. He described how each phase represents different emotional states and challenges, with the recovery phase often being the most important but least recognized phase that requires sustained attention and resources.

Bram also outlined how psychological triage can be applied by identifying distinct population groups with different needs, including survivors, witnesses, bereaved individuals, and the wider community, each requiring different approaches based on their specific circumstances.

Individualized Disaster Psychological Support Approaches

The group discussed the importance of individualized approaches when providing psychological support during disasters, noting that different people require specific treatments based on their unique needs and trauma presentations. Bram emphasized how people in states of fear and shock can be particularly vulnerable to hypnotic trances, highlighting the critical importance of careful communication and word choice by first responders. The discussion also touched on how both victims and their caregivers can exhibit signs of psychological distress during disaster situations.

Disaster Management Frameworks Discussion

Bram explained three frameworks – Focus, START, and CALMS – that he created using mnemonics to help with disaster management situations. The Focus framework helps with situational assessment by examining population impact, operational zones, critical phases, urgent needs, and strategy.

START addresses resource allocation, while CALMS provides an interactive approach for individual support. The discussion then shifted to potentially discussing Dr. Joe’s experience at the Pentagon, though the transcript ended before this topic was fully explored.

9/11 First Responder Reflections

The group discussed their experiences responding to the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago. Joe described being deployed within hours of the attack and spending 14 days on-site doing search and rescue work, while Sam shared her experience with the federal team providing medical care to firefighters, noting their psychological distress.

The participants discussed how psychological support for first responders has improved significantly over the past 25 years, with more real-time and robust support systems in place. They also reflected on the long-term psychological impacts on responders, with Joe mentioning that some team members still struggle with PTSD, and Bram comparing the experience to dealing with grief.

First Responder Psychological Impact Discussion

The meeting was a podcast recording discussing the psychological impact on first responders, particularly focusing on a book written by Bram about communication techniques for handling psych emergencies. Sam shared her experience coordinating supervisor check-ins with hospital staff following a crisis, while Jamie emphasized the importance of remembering historical events for future generations.

The discussion concluded with information about where to find the participants online and announcements about upcoming podcast episodes covering hurricane season and recent events in Hawaii.

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!

Jérôme Lebleu, COO of CORE
We have Jérôme Lebleu from the non-profit organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) on the Disaster Podcast weekly episode today. He’s the President and Chief Operating Officer of the disaster response and relief organization. CORE provides immediate response support after a disaster and works to help communities to be self-reliant in the aftermath of a major event.

CORE’s website says their organization is “…powered by a team of relentless optimists.” Founder and Actor Sean Penn says of their mission once boots are on the ground, “We listen, we learn, we act.” Listen to the episode to see how this non-profit puts these core tennets into practice as the team interviews Jérôme.

Click HERE to support CORE’s current efforts in the aftermath of the Venezuela earthquake.

The episode also was 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

Interview with Jerome LeBleu

Jamie and Sam discussed their upcoming interview with Jerome LeBleu, president and CEO of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), a global emergency response nonprofit founded in 2010 after the Haiti earthquake. Jerome explained that CORE focuses on being agile and local in their crisis response approach, emphasizing the importance of working with local partners and empowering communities affected by disasters.

He shared his background working with the International Organization for Migration in the Dominican Republic, where he worked on addressing human trafficking and protecting Haitian migrants’ rights, and noted how his master’s degree in law and diplomacy has been valuable in his current work dealing with international emergency response.

Community Powered Disaster Response Strategy

Jerome explained CORE’s approach to disaster response, emphasizing their Community Powered Response strategy which focuses on rapid deployment, listening to local partners, and acting based on community needs rather than telling communities what to do. He described their long-term commitment to supporting recovery in disadvantaged communities, aiming to help them maximize resources and recover better than before.

Jerome also highlighted the importance of “relentless optimism” in their organization’s work and their aggressive risk appetite when serving underserved populations, noting that greater risk often leads to greater impact for these communities.

Emergency Response Process Overview

Jerome explained the organization’s emergency response process, describing how they convene internal go/no-go meetings to assess crisis situations and determine resource allocation. He detailed their approach to deploying response teams, emphasizing the importance of logistics and building a roster of both domestic and international response personnel. Jerome also outlined their comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness, highlighting their work throughout the disaster life cycle and their implementation of CERT programs in the U.S.

Disaster Mitigation and Resilient Infrastructure

Jerome discussed his organization’s work on disaster mitigation and climate-resilient infrastructure, including programs for cert and physical mitigation works like drainage canals and retaining walls. He explained their approach of working through the entire disaster cycle from response to preparedness and mitigation activities, ensuring long-term resilience in their work. Jerome provided an example of building a berm around a flooded village in Pakistan to prevent future losses during heavy rains.

CORE Priority Areas and Challenges

Jerome outlined CORE’s three main priority areas: emergency response and preparedness, addressing climate change, and improving health access. He explained that while they face resource constraints requiring strategic prioritization, their focus on efficiency and mission alignment helps maximize impact. Jerome noted that while CORE is managing well, the current challenging nonprofit environment presents significant difficulties as needs continue to rise.

Relief Compass Software Platform

Jerome explained Relief Compass, a software platform developed by CORE that allows responding organizations to collaborate and coordinate relief activities in one place, with the goal of improving the survivor experience. He shared an example of its use in Venezuela after an earthquake, where it helped local organizations track donations and distributions in real time. Jamie and Sam expressed appreciation for Jerome’s work and encouraged listeners to support CORE by volunteering or donating at coreresponse.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!

Seamus Leary, MPA, CEM
This week on the Disaster Podcast we chat with returning guest Seamus Leary ,MPA, CEM. He is President of Meridian Strategic Services, Inc. and is an emergency management expert who worked at the state and local levels and later with FEMA at the Federal level. He was previously on the Disaster Podcast talking about leadership in the midst of catastrophe.

Disaster Podcast Episode – Leading Through Catastrophe with Seamus Leary

In this episode, Seamus comes on to talk about resilience and preparedness for what happens when our plans aren’t enough to manage an ever-evolving situation. In these fluid situations that exceed the parameters of the initial disaster plan, adaptation is key to looking at and assessing the situation on the ground and making decisions based on the best possible knowledge managers have at the time.

Meridian Strategic Services on LinkedIn

Great Blizzard of 1888

The episode also featured Dr. Joe Holley and was 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

Culture of Resilience Initiative

Seamus Leary from Meridian Strategic Services discussed his company’s new “Culture of Resilience” initiative, presenting ten key lessons learned from real-world disaster experiences.

The key points include:

plans aren’t enough when disasters outpace them

leadership sets the tone for preparedness

people are the difference when empowered to make decisions

communication creates clarity

partnerships drive strength

real-time decision making is crucial

adaptability is essential

trust is earned through transparency

after-action reports should distinguish between lessons observed and lessons learned

resilience is a choice that requires honest risk assessment and resource-constrained planning

The discussion highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships between diverse organizations during disasters and the need for emergency managers to continuously learn and adapt their approaches.

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!