IEM Unscripted: DisasterSmiths™

Latest Episodes:

Special 3-Part Series: Recovery Unpacked - Individual Assistance Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In part 2 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we explore FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) Program, a crucial support system for disaster survivors that provides direct services and financial aid for unmet needs. Unlike Public Assistance, IA is designed to help individuals and families begin their recovery.
This time, our host Chris Smith, IEM's Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing, takes a seat on the other side of the mic alongside Elizabeth DiPaolo, IEM Project Manager and former FEMA Region 8 IA Branch Chief. Together, they unpack how IA works, what it covers, and why it’s often misunderstood.
Our guests dive into how eligibility is determined, what assistance survivors can realistically expect from the IA program, and how partners play a vital role in delivering aid. As communities transition from immediate relief to long-term recovery, our guests explore who needs to be at the table to ensure survivors stay connected, informed, and supported throughout their recovery journey.

Special 3-Part Series: Recovery Unpacked - Public Assistance Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In part 1 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we dive into one of FEMA’s most essential disaster recovery tools: the Public Assistance (PA) Program. From clearing debris to rebuilding public infrastructure, PA funding plays a critical role in helping communities bounce back after federally declared disasters. The Smiths are joined by Anne Bink, IEM Director of Recovery, and Jake Ganieany, Bureau Chief of Mitigation and Recovery for Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. Together, they unpack how the program works, who’s eligible, and how it’s evolved to strengthen communities recovering from catastrophic events.

We explore the lifecycle of a PA grant—from application to reimbursement—and tackle common challenges and misconceptions jurisdictions face along the way.

Mutual Aid in the Dust: The Burning Man Project’s Emergency Ecosystem Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a rural desert county of 7,000 people transforms into a pop-up city of 70,000 practically overnight? In this episode, we step into the playa with the emergency management and event planning professionals who help make Burning Man possible—and safe. Our guests include the local emergency manager for Pershing County, Nevada, and a Director from within the Burning Man project. Together, they offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how public agencies, private teams, and event organizers collaborate in one of the most unique and logistically complex annual gatherings in the world. From mutual aid agreements and contingency planning to sandstorms, heavy rain, and medical emergencies, we explore the critical partnerships that form the backbone of Burning Man’s emergency ecosystem.
As emergencies become more complex and collaboration is more essential than ever, this is more than a story about managing risk—it's about trust, communication, and the power of relationships when it matters most.

Anthems of Resilience: The Soundtrack of Recovery Jun 04, 2025

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DJ, drop that beat! This DisasterSmiths episode hits differently.

Our DisasterSmiths hosts are turning up the volume on resilience, diving into the powerful role music plays in recovery after disaster. From community singalongs to global benefit concerts that raise millions, music becomes more than a mood after a crisis; it becomes a movement. Join our hosts as they explore how songs from artists like Led Zeppelin and Kacey Musgraves transform into emotional lifelines, stitching hope into heartbreak and rhythm into resilience.

For this episode, we are the DJs of Disasters—curating a playlist where every note tells a story of survival. Whether it’s the anthem that carried you through the storm or the beat that brought a community back together, this episode will leave you humming a tune of hope.

Explore our playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HgtclBMQa7pkVeTt6sqyb?si=v6jFJfgdSu2-xKPrITAEEg

Public + Private: The Business Equation for Recovery May 07, 2025

Show notes

When disaster strikes, it's not just power grids and roads, rather entire local economies hang in the balance. In this compelling episode of DisasterSmiths, we pull back the curtain on Business Emergency Operations Centers (BEOCs). Sometimes overlooked, BEOCs are vital hubs where public agencies and private enterprises join forces in crisis. Joined by seasoned experts, our hosts dive deep into how BEOCs serve as the bridge between government response and business continuity, helping communities rebound faster and stronger. From pre-disaster planning to boots-on-the-ground coordination, discover how building these partnerships before disaster hits can mean the difference between temporary disruption and long-term devastation. This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking differently about the private sector's place in disaster response.

Critical Alliances: Elected Officials and Emergency Managers Apr 02, 2025

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When disaster strikes, leadership and coordination can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. In this gripping episode, we explore the high-stakes partnership between emergency managers and elected officials. These leaders must work in lockstep to protect and serve their communities. While their roles and perspectives may differ, their mission is the same: to lead with clarity, act decisively, and restore order amid crisis.

Join us as we unpack real-world case studies, uncover the challenges of crisis communication, and reveal how trust, collaboration, and swift decision-making shape disaster outcomes. From emergency declarations to community messaging, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical alliances that keep communities resilient when every second counts.

The Journey to 40: A Founder’s Reflection Mar 05, 2025

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In this special milestone episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts sit down with IEM Founder and Chairwoman, Madhu Beriwal, to reflect on four decades of resilience, innovation, and impact. From humble beginnings to building a thriving legacy, she shares the proud moments that shaped IEM's journey, the impacts that drive our mission, and the vision that propels the company forward.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that uncovers the heart, soul, and future of IEM and the disaster management industry.

When the Smoke Clears: Resilience and Recovery in the Face of Fire Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts delve into the resilience and recovery efforts that follow devastating wildfires, emphasizing the critical role of mitigation in preventing future disasters. They are joined by Jennifer Gray Thompson, whose firsthand experiences and expert insights have jump-started recovery efforts for wildfire survivors across the country. Together, they explore how communities are rebuilding and healing, while learning about proactive measures—such as controlled burns, creating defensible space, and improving land management—that can reduce wildfire risks.

This episode highlights the strength of those affected and the importance of understanding the science behind wildfires, ensuring we’re better equipped to face the next challenge when the smoke clears.

2025 and Beyond: The Next Generation of Emergency Managers Jan 08, 2025

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Step into 2025 with an exclusive episode featuring IEM President and CEO Bryan Koon, a seasoned emergency management expert with over two decades of leadership experience, and Emily Zegowitz, a trailblazing innovator reshaping the field. Together with our DisasterSmith hosts, they dive into the forces transforming emergency management and reveal how the next generation of leaders is redefining resilience in an era of rapid change. From the power of mentorship to the critical role of education and passion, this conversation uncovers what it takes to inspire and equip tomorrow’s emergency managers. Hear firsthand insights on fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and creating a safer, more prepared future.

Join us for a compelling dialogue that connects experience with vision, spotlighting the synergy between established leaders and emerging talent shaping the future of disaster response and recovery.

Holiday Havoc: DisasterSmiths Break Down Iconic Disaster Movies Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

This holiday season, the DisasterSmiths podcast delivers an unforgettable gift: a high-energy episode diving into the thrilling world of disaster movies! Join hosts Chris and Diana as they break down iconic cinematic chaos, exploring the pulse-pounding action, unexpected humor, and timeless appeal of blockbuster hits and some oldies, but goodies. Special guest Stephanie Tennyson, IEM’s Chief Communications Director, adds her expert perspective to the mix, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you're unwinding from a whirlwind year or seeking a dose of entertaining nostalgia, this episode promises to keep you hooked. Don’t miss this epic end of the year episode (read in the movie trailer voice)!

What is your favorite disaster movie? Let us know in the comments!

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