Me, Myself & Disaster: Recent Episodes
Beyond Disaster
During the Black Summer bushfires, journalist and former co-host of ABC News Breakfast Michael Rowland spent time on the ground with communities directly impacted by one of Australia’s largest disasters. His experience shaped his perspective about the role of journalism in disasters, the evolving role of media during disaster response and the challenges with misinformation.
Andrew and Josh chat discuss Michael’s book Black Summer, which covers the perspectives of ABC journalists involved in the coverage of the 2019-20 bushfires. The ABC played a significant role in the bushfire crisis with journalists across Australia contributing to rolling news stories and updates – including when evacuation warnings were issued. Michael shares his insights about working for the ABC, the trauma journalists face alongside emergency service workers and volunteers, and the challenges journalists face with the emergence of new technologies including artificial intelligence.
Tune in as we chat with Michael Rowland about his story, on Me, Myself and Disaster.
- Black Summer by Michael Rowland
- Michael Rowland on LinkedIn
- ABC News
Ever wondered how we would detect a nuclear disaster in Sydney?
Most people don’t realise that the ground beneath our feet is full of invisible radiation. In this episode, Andrew and Josh speak with researchers at the University of Sydney to discuss how groundbreaking research has mapped natural gamma radiation across Sydney, to build a clear picture of the background environment. This map provides the basis for understanding future changes in the radiation levels – such as during a nuclear disaster.
Researchers Matilda Lawton and Tengiz Ibrayev explain the basics of radiation, how they undertook their study and what this means for disaster managers.
- Sydney Morning Herald – Scientists mapped Sydney’s radiation. One busy suburb stands out.
- Radioverse Map — Global citizen science radiation map for data upload
- University of Sydney – Radiation Research — Research group involved in the studies
- ANSTO — Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation — Australia’s nuclear facility for research and safety
- The spectrometer device mentioned in this episode is a Radiacode – radiacode.com.
- Matilda Lawton – LinkedIn | Twitter
- Tengiz Ibraev – LinkedIn | Research Profile
https://youtu.be/MOUV0bPDmA8As a major city, Tokyo faces one of the highest disaster risks in the world with a 70% probability of being struck by a major earthquake in the next 30 years. In pre-modern Japan, disasters were accepted as a force outside of out control, and subsequently residents had a high level of awareness of disaster risk. Today, with emergency management agencies established and large engineering projects in place, catastrophes are seen as manageable by experts and authorities, leading to disengagement of citizens with their own resilience.
Associate Professor Christian Dimmer joins the show to discuss this challenge, in light of the 15 year anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Christian discusses the concept of a ‘quadruple disaster’, which includes demographic challenges alongside the immediate impacts of the earthquake and tsunami. Christian emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of disasters in Japan, the shift in disaster response culture, and the need for community engagement in disaster preparedness and recovery.
Christian is an Associate Professor for Urban Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo. He has a background in urban planning, disaster recovery and community resilience. He earned his PhD in Urban Engineering from The University of Tokyo and has served on the faculties of both the University of Tokyo and Waseda, teaching courses in transition design, sustainable urbanism and theories of public space. Christian is also a co-founder of the Tohoku Planning Forum and the Tokyo chapter of the design-led disaster response organisation Architecture for Humanity, where he has worked to connect civil society, professionals and communities in rebuilding after major disasters.
Links:
Journal article by Christian Dimmer: Tokyo’s Perpetual Resilience Project: Between Local Knowledges and Universal Modernist Concepts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THGcGKKmvXg
Deputy Commissioner of the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Melissa Pexton shares the recovery story of Fitzroy Crossing, a remote community devastated by tropical cyclone Ellie in 2022 / 2023.
Located 400 kilometers east of Broome, this region faced unprecedented flooding that challenged traditional emergency management approaches.
In this episode, Melissa shares how the recovery process focussed on community empowerment, provided economic opportunities to local Aboriginal businesses and harnessed community leadership. Over 90 Aboriginal businesses were contracted to deliver recovery works, securing more than $90 million in contracts. This strategy not only rebuilt physical infrastructure but also created significant economic opportunities, with local workers trained and employed in reconstruction efforts.
A key lesson from the recovery effort was understanding the community context and allowing local leaders to guide the recovery process. Key insights from the discussion include the critical role of cultural navigation, the need for robust community discussions, and the importance of creating long-term sustainable recovery strategies.
Disaster recovery can be a transformative process that goes far beyond rebuilding infrastructure – join Andrew, Josh and Mel as they discuss the recovery efforts in the Kimberley.
Volunteers clean up flood affected properties in Fitzroy Crossing
Communities have always played an important role during disasters. Australia’s growing population, exposure to increasingly frequent and impactful severe weather events and evolving trends in volunteerism are transforming how communities respond to disasters. As natural hazards become more frequent and severe, non-government organisations and grassroots community groups will increasingly seek to – and must – play a role in during response and recovery efforts.
In 2024, Andrew was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel to some of the most disaster affected countries and those which have experienced large numbers of community members mobilising to assist. Andrew and Josh visited Japan, Türkiye, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, the UK, US and Chile.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh discuss insights and findings from the trip, and lessons for others considering how to better prepare for informal volunteers.
Download the full report from the Churchill Trust website.
Veteran of the Royal New Zealand Navy Stephen Gibson joins the show this month to share his experience transitioning out of the military into humanitarian work, including in disaster zones across the Middle East.
After 23 years in the Navy where he deployed as a peacekeeper to Yugoslavia and the Solomon Islands, Steve joined the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Steve quickly discovered that while his experience in the Navy set him up well for his new career – the humanitarian space was very challenging – he faced mortar attack, vehicle bombs, suicide bombers and a high risk of kidnapping – and one location was evacuated to the airport under gunfire.
This episode provides a rare and insightful look into the realities of humanitarian work in some of the world’s most challenging conflict environments, and the personal toll it can take on those dedicated to helping the most vulnerable populations. Steve emphasises the importance of cultural understanding, building relationships with local staff, and maintaining mental health when living and working in these high-stress environments. Steve shares strategies for communicating, negotiating, and positioning the humanitarian role to be able to deliver aid effectively. The discussion also explores the challenges Steve faced in transitioning back to life in New Zealand after his humanitarian deployments, feeling unappreciated and struggling to find work that matched his unique experiences overseas.
Join Andrew, Josh and Steve for this episode on your favourite podcast platform!
Community organisations are so critical to disaster recovery efforts, and many organisations emerge during and directly after disasters. Following the destructive Marshall Fire in Colorado, one community member co-founded a community organisation to support disaster survivors. Empowered by her experience, she then ran for Public Office and became a Trustee on the Local Council in the town of Superior, Colorado.
Jenn Kaaoush joins Andrew and Josh on the show today to discuss how her experience as a resident impacted by the fire motivated her to become a voice for those impacted by running for public office. When the fire destroyed over 1,000 properties, she sprang into action, co-founding the Superior Rising community organisation to support disaster survivors. Jenn, a former diplomat and fourth-generation Army veteran, shares insights on the importance of communication, empathy and community organising in disaster recovery while reflecting on her own personal growth through the crisis.
This episode offers a unique perspective on disaster recovery, highlighting the power of grassroots community organisations as part of the emergency response and recovery efforts, and the potential for community leaders in disasters to consider taking on a different role to make a difference in their community.
Watch Jenn’s advocacy following the fire on CBS.
As climate change impacts our environment, communities might face a tough choice. Do they stay and accept a lower quality of life, mitigate the effects of climate change, or decide to leave?
This episode explores the complex relationship between climate change, disaster risk reduction, and human mobility. Andrew and Josh speak with Professor Mo Hamza who has been researching people movement for 35 years. Mo provides a clear distinction between disasters and climate change, and how individual vulnerability shapes perceptions and impacts, as well as the challenges of addressing the root causes of vulnerability.
Mo discusses how communities adapt to environmental changes through mobility both domestically and internationally. While international migration comprises a small portion of movement, it raises a range of challenges particularly for people leaving a location suffering environmental degradation. Listen to the episode to understand we can’t call those who move locations as ‘climate refugees’.
Mo Hamza is a Professor of Risk Management and Societal Safety at Lund University in Sweden and has led numerous projects with international development organisations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies, the Swedish Red Cross, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and many others. Mo has consulted across the world with a particular focus on the Middle East.
Learn more about Professor Mo Hamza’s research at Lund University.
When disaster manager Brenden Winder arrived in Christchurch after the earthquake, he found a city with destroyed buildings, chimneys fallen to the ground and windows blown in. The devastation was confronting. As aftershocks continued, rescue crews worked around the clock to pull people from the rubble.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh are joined in Christchurch by Brenden Winder, Head of Civil Defence and Emergency Management at Christchurch City Council. Brenden shares his story working as part of the massive recovery effort following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes which struck the city. The conversation explores key aspects of coordinating the recovery, such as community involvement in decision making, housing and infrastructure planning, and navigating tensions around the property buybacks. Memorialisation and anniversary events are also discussed. Brendan shares how lessons from Christchurch informed his work providing demolition training to over 100 people after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake.
Brenden started his career in the Royal New Zealand Navy before working for adventure tourism company in Queenstown and then moving into emergency management. When the quake struck, Brenden was deployed to Christchurch and ended up staying to help with the clean up. He now manages all hazards in the city and outside of his day job has also travelled overseas to help other nations recover from major disasters.
Brendan is optimistic about Christchurch’s future resilience and growth. The city is modern, vibrant and more resilient to future earthquakes. Join Andrew and Josh on a walk around Christchurch with Brenden Winder on YouTube.
Research as far back as 1992 indicates a disturbing trend in Australia, with increased violence and aggression from men towards woman after a disaster. Today Josh and Andrew are exploring this hidden disaster – the rise in domestic violence following a disaster, such as a bushfire or flood.
What can emergency managers to reduce this violent behaviour altogether? Experts Dr Debra Parkinson and Steve O’Malley AFSM from Gender and Disaster Australia join the show to discuss their research and links between disasters and increased violence towards women. They examine how societal expectations of gender roles can exacerbate relationship issues under the pressure of a disaster, and how expectations of masculinity, such as being strong and self-reliant, can discourage seeking help and lead to misdirected coping behaviours.
The panel consider practical steps that can be taken to prepare for and address domestic violence in disaster planning, response and long-term recovery, including through policy, cultural competency training, mental health support and addressing underlying social factors that enable violence against women.
Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus) is an Australian organisation established to provide evidence-based education, training and resources to address the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disaster.
Dr Debra Parkinson is Executive Director of GADAus and is a social researcher and globally recognised researcher in the field of gender and disaster. She is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Monash University Disaster Resilience Institute (MUDRI) and has led extensive research, policy and advocacy work in the women’s health sector for over 25 years.
Steve O’Malley AFSM is a Senior Leading Firefighter and the current Manager of Emergency Management sector engagement at Gender and Disaster Australia. He has been an operational firefighter for more than 30 years and is an experienced trainer and passionate presenter on gender, diversity and inclusion and passionate advocate for a more equitable and fairer society for all.
If this episode has raised issues for you, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) in Australia. If you are in NZ contact Shine on 0508 744 633, in the UK contact Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 or in the United States call 1800 799 7233.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ulCOyCPzaZ8Y9OuMdAMEdHave you ever visited a location impacted by a disaster, such as Chernobyl, Ukraine or Fukushima, Japan? Dark Tourism involves people visiting sites of death or tragedy, where the extraordinary has occurred.
In this episode, dark tourism expert Dr Philip Stone joins Andrew and Josh to understand the motivations for dark tourism and why people visit disaster sites. Philip explains the history behind dark tourism and examples from around the world. He also shares the challenges of balancing education with sensitivity when memorialising tragic events.
Dr Philip Stone is the Executive Director of the Institute for Dark Tourism Research at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK and has a PhD in Thanatology which involves researching society’s reactions to and perceptions of mortality. He has written several books and published extensively about Dark Tourism and speaks regularly at conferences on the topic, in addition to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in tourism, sociology and management at the University.
Gear up for the year ahead with our insights and highlights from Season 3 of Australia’s leading disaster podcast.
During this season, Andrew and Josh spoke with guests from around the world about disasters. These are some of their favourite highlights.
Money is often said to make the world go round, and targeted investments in strategic projects can indeed wield significant influence, especially when directed towards mitigating disaster risks.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh chat with Steven Goldfinch, Senior Disaster Risk Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Steve explains ADB’s Strategy 2030, a comprehensive plan aligning the bank’s efforts with the pressing needs of the Asia Pacific Region. This includes reducing poverty, adapting to climate change, promoting gender equality, and developing sustainable cities. Steve discusses how the ADB collaborates with nations to integrate disaster risk considerations into infrastructure projects and support low-carbon development. He also highlights ADB’s role in providing both pre- and post-disaster financial assistance.
Throughout the conversation, Steve shares insights into how ADB strategically prioritises projects, balancing developmental needs with climate action – a particular challenge in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. The discussion also covers gender considerations in disaster management, challenges of climate-induced displacement, and tools for assessing long-term climate risks.
In his role, Steve Goldfinch works across the bank, supporting resilient development and recovery. Prior to joining the ADB in 2018, he worked for over a decade with the United Nations in New York, Dhaka and Kampala. Originally from Australia, he holds a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies from the University of Sydney and a bachelor’s degree in Asian studies and political science.
Join Andrew and Josh as they unlock the bank vault and understand how the ADB are working to reduce the impact of disasters in the Asia Pacific.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SRlyyX5hhp9JUfhHq4M8GDr Albrecht Beck joins Andrew and Josh to discuss his award-winning disaster diplomacy work facilitating emergency management cooperation between Israel, Palestine, and Jordan – one of the world’s most complex regions.
Albrecht shares the challenges of building trust between the nations and how focusing discussions on shared risks from natural hazards such as earthquakes helped establish initial cooperation. Over a decade, the project grew to include joint training, exercises, and developing standard operating procedures.
While political tensions remain high, day-to-day coordination between emergency services continues – showing how disaster management can open lines of communication even where diplomacy has stalled.
This episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and successes of using disaster resilience as a starting point for building understanding between adversaries in a high-risk, high-conflict area of the world, and offers valuable lessons for other divided regions facing disaster threats.
Dr Albrecht Beck is the Director of Prepared International and a former United Nations staff member. Albrecht started work on the project while working for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). He has since worked for NATO, lectured at a University and started a consulting firm, Prepared International.
The year was 2002, and Inspector Peter Baines was working with NSW Police in Sydney when he was deployed to Bali following bombings in two busy Kuta nightspots. Two and a half years later, Peter was deployed again overseas – this time to Thailand, to assist with victim identification following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
In this episode, Peter Baines joins Andrew and Josh to discuss his leadership journey. Peter shares his experience working in challenging environments overseas, dealing with post-deployment blues, imposter syndrome, taking on a limitless mindset and the importance of having a presence as a leader during disasters.
Peter’s experience and leadership lessons are also published in his new book, Leadership Matters.
Heatwaves are the deadliest disaster. Climate expert Prof Ben Zaitchik discusses how we can adapt to a warming world.
Dr Darja Kragt explains the science behind leadership and how to improve the culture within emergency services organisations.
A/Prof Roslyn Prinsley explores innovative technology to prevent disasters - hail cannons, cloud seeding, cyclone deflection and early detection of bushfire ignition.
Are we headed for a future without volunteers? And what does the future look like for the wide emergency management workforce?
Andrew and Josh are joined by Dr Blythe McLennan, Node Research Manager (Victoria) at Natural Hazards Research Australia to discuss the shifting landscape, workforce challenges and opportunities for emergency management leaders.
Blythe is a qualitative human geographer with a keen interest in government-citizen relationships in disaster risk reduction, governance and management. Her research has an applied policy focus and prior to her current role, she was undertaking research projects for the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre focussing on emergency management volunteering and workforce challenges.
Blythe will share her thoughts on the emergency management workforce of the future, what skills will be in demand and how organisations can prepare for the impacts of climate change on our future workforce – as well as how we can engage spontaneous volunteers.
Shortly after taking off from Singapore in November 2010, a Qantas A380 suffered a severe engine failure. Engine No. 2 exploded and 400 pieces of shrapnel almost cut the engine off the wing and busted holes in fuel tanks. It took the flight crew an hour and a half to work through the problem before devising a plan to safely land the aircraft back at Changi Airport.
Captain Richard Champion de Crespigny AM was in command of the flight and speaks with Andrew and Josh about the complexity of leading during an unfolding disaster. Richard continued to lead once back on the ground and he shares his approach to how communications were managed with passengers to ensure they were comfortable but also advocates when speaking externally about their experience.
Richard has many lessons for those working in disaster management, including his approach to maintaining chronic unease and always been prepared for the unexpected. This episode covers a range of resilience, leadership and personal growth topics with stories from Richard’s books QF32 and FLY!. Richard also shares his personal story of experiencing post traumatic stress following the incident.
Captain Richard de Crespigny (left)Richard’s books are available for purchase from his website – visit QF32 or FLY!
Learn more about the QF32 incident at QF32.com
The palm trees are swaying gently in the breeze, the water is crystal clear. Phuket, Thailand is picture perfect and an iconic holiday destination for travellers around the world.
On Boxing Day 2004, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern Sumatra resulting in a tsunami that reached as far as South Africa. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand were worst affected, with collectively more than 200,000 deaths and 1.7 million people displaced.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh are joined by local restauranteur and Executive Manager of the Baan Rim Pa restaurant Group, Sue Ultmann. Sue was born in Australia and has lived and worked in Asia for more than 20 years. Prior to moving to Thailand, she was the Associate Publisher of TravelWeek magazine with staff across 23 countries. Back in 2004, Sue was in Phuket at the time of the tsunami, managing three restaurants within the Baan Rim Pa group.
Today on the show, Sue shares her story and experience from the impact of the tsunami in 2004, how the business community recovered from the disaster, and what advice she has for communities preparing for the threat of a tsunami. Sue also discusses the risk perception in the community to future tsunami and what early warnings were received prior to the impact of the tsunami.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb_DfxGChsw
The palm trees are swaying gently in the breeze, the water is crystal clear. Phuket, Thailand is picture perfect and an iconic holiday destination for travellers around the world.
On Boxing Day 2004, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern Sumatra resulting in a tsunami that reached as far as South Africa. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand were worst affected, with collectively more than 200,000 deaths and 1.7 million people displaced.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh are joined by local restauranteur and Executive Manager of the Baan Rim Pa restaurant Group, Sue Ultmann. Sue was born in Australia and has lived and worked in Asia for more than 20 years. Prior to moving to Thailand, she was the Associate Publisher of TravelWeek magazine with staff across 23 countries. Back in 2004, Sue was in Phuket at the time of the tsunami, managing three restaurants within the Baan Rim Pa group.
Today on the show, Sue shares her story and experience from the impact of the tsunami in 2004, how the business community recovered from the disaster, and what advice she has for communities preparing for the threat of a tsunami. Sue also discusses the risk perception in the community to future tsunami and what early warnings were received prior to the impact of the tsunami.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ltkBpGvNVBzMSp71njLpIThe Japanese city of Ishinomaki, with a population of 140,000 people, was one of the worst affected areas following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. More than 3000 people died after 46% of the city was inundated by several tsunami, each up to 10m high.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh travel to Ishinomaki to meet with Richard Halberstadt, Director of the Kadowaki Elementary School ruins, a museum recently opened to share the story of the tsunami and the damage in this local area. Much of the school building remains just as it did on the day of the earthquake – which was followed by a fire and then the impact of the tsunami.
Richard was an Associate Professor at Ishinomaki Senshu University at the time of the earthquake, and we’ll be asking him what happened on that afternoon that changed Japan forever and how this disaster has changed the country’s approach to future disasters.
Ishinomaki now stands behind a significant concrete seawall – which provides protection from future tsunami at the cost of local amenity. We’ll be asking Richard about this during the episode.
Learn more about the Kadowaki Elementary School Ruins here >
Kadowaki Elementary School ruinsSeawalls at IshinomakiKadowaki Elementary School ruins
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MXV8FaRHswkd3H4vWRYFDThe recent Hurricane Ian is a timely reminder of the impact of severe weather events, and the consequences they have on communities. 157 people died in the disaster, with a damage bill expected to exceed $50 billion USD. The scale of this type of disaster is hard to comprehend.
Preparing communities for future disasters and influencing behaviour change in individuals is work often gone unseen. The United States of America has seen its fair share of disasters from hurricanes and tornadoes to flooding and wildfires, but how are they preparing their communities for unimaginable?
Today on the show, Andrew and Josh are joined by Aaron Levy and Shawn Lenore from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington D.C. Aaron is the Director of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division where he leads the Agency’s efforts to help people prepare for disasters. Aaron has deployed across the country in response to disasters, and prior to joining FEMA worked as an advisor to two members of Congress. Shawn is the Director of FEMA’s National Exercise Division, which conducts exercises across Government and with communities to validate readiness and assess capabilities. Shaun’s career’s has spanned many roles in Homeland Security, The Whitehouse and the US Army, where he received the Presidential Service badge.
The team discuss how FEMA is preparing American communities for the disasters of tomorrow and how they are looking to community participation as a method of empowering communities to mobilise in response to disasters, shifting social risk contracts.
On New Years Eve 2019, ‘apocalyptic’ bushfires ripped through the NSW South Coast, destroying 89 properties in Lake Conjola. It was 1030am and local resident Greg Webb was in his office. Within minutes the temperate jumped from 38˚C to 50˚C – which Greg described as same feeling as ‘opening an oven’ when he walked outside.
Greg’s house was engulfed in flames and destroyed in the bushfires – with only the steel and concrete components of the house visible in the smouldering wreck.
While some other residents have chosen to leave the area, Greg is rebuilding – and has designed a resilient and sustainable house using the FORTIS principles.
It has been a long recovery journey to this point, and Greg describes his excitement for building the new home as part of his post-traumatic growth.
In this episode, Andrew and Josh speak with Greg about the impact of the fires, how his house is both resilient and sustainable, and how as a survivor, he’s managed to negotiate the many challenges in disaster recovery.
Watch Greg’s story on our YouTube Channel – @memyselfdisaster.
https://youtu.be/cczZNG_tKjoFollow Greg’s recovery journey on his YouTube channel – Webby Walks.
We speak with one of the architects behind the FORTIS home design – Dr James Davidson earlier on the podcast.
As Pakistan faces the impact of compounding flood disasters, Andrew and Josh speak with a leading researcher about the challenges of flood mitigation and recovery in the country
Dr Robert Glasser explains how a holistic approach is required to effectively reduce disaster risk, and the impact of climate change on national security.
Former Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW Greg Mullins discusses how he gathered together emergency services leaders to lobby for action on emissions reduction and climate change.
As communities rebuild following recordi flooding in Australia, leading architect Dr James Davidson joins Andrew & Josh to discuss how to rebuild with resilience.
Andrew and Josh speak with Ash Carl, Deputy Head of the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Afghanistan about supporting communities impacted by a multi-dimensional crisis.
Social media experts explain the impact of the recent US Senate hearing, the challenges with misinformation, and whether social media has a net negative or positive impact on society.
We explore the challenges of disaster aid following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in the Nicobar Islands, with Professor Simron Singh.
The NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance MP joins Andrew and Josh to talk about the long recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, mental health, politics and leadership during disasters.
As the head of FEMA, Craig Fugate led the nation's response to several super storms and hurricanes. Craig talks with Josh and Andrew about politics, the role of the private sector and emergency management challenges.
Was climate change responsible for the black summer bushfires? Andrew and Josh speak to leading disaster researcher Ilan Kelman to find out.
70% of areas impacted by conflict are affected by disasters. We speak to Rod Mena, researcher and specialist in disasters, conflict and humanitarian aid to learn about how we can reduce disaster risk in conflict affected areas - and the wider world.
Season 2 is here and the Disaster Bros (Andrew and Josh) get ready to explore the the emerging trends in disaster management with new and interesting guests.
When an emergency happens, the first responders on scene are almost always bystanders who render first aid and call for assistance. This week we were talk with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) about their new initiatives.
Chile is one of the most disaster prone countries on the planet, and we speak to the Deputy Director of the Chilean National Emergency Office to learn about their governance model and transparent approach to disaster risk reduction.
How do you support a community during a disaster, while encouraging residents to become active decision makers and coordinators in the local response? Josh and Andrew headed down to Wellington recently to find out!
From FEMA camps to chemtrails designed to start bushfires - conspiracy theories are everywhere. We speak with Jo Uscinski to learn about the links between disasters and conspiracy theories.
How do emergency managers work effectively with the media and interact with social media groups? We discuss trust and transparency, the evolving media environment, preparedness movements, what happens when disaster related community Facebook groups turn on themselves, and how to manage disaster fatigue.
It's time to say goodbye to 'natural' disasters. We speak with Kevin Blanchard, researcher and founder of the #NoNaturalDisasters twitter campaign, about why there's no such thing as a natural disaster.
In 2011 the city of Joplin, Missouri was severely impacted by a EF5 tornado - one of the deadliest in US history with 158 people killed. Following the disaster, volunteers from across America travelled to Joplin to assist.
Part two of our conversation with Amanda Lamont explores how we can better create an environment to attract and engage women in disaster roles. We also speak about Amanda's role establishing the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network.
Join the AWE Network at awenetwork.org.au
Amanda Lamont is the co-founder of the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network and also works on a range of disaster related projects. She volunteers with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Red Cross in Victoria.
”Women do these jobs too. Not better, not worse but simply #ustoo Amanda LamontCo-Founder and Vice President, Australasian Women in Emergencies Network
Amanda Lamont started as a corporate lawyer working in Adelaide and discovered her passion for helping others after spending a year travelling and working in South America.
After a catastrophic bushfire season, Amanda joins us to discuss the unprecedented bushfire season and what this means in terms of 'building back better', community perception of their future risk, investing in recovery and coordinating spontaneous volunteers.
When someone asks what I think disaster recovery is, I say it's about recovering our resilienceAmanda Lamont
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hRliC7JCIBLO9VOG8dhBy
Stay tuned for a second episode with Amanda Lamont next week as we discuss the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network and the strength of a female perspective in disasters.
Volunteering with the Red Cross - Bairnsdale - 2020
South Coast bushfires - Batemans Bay - 2020
Volunteering with the CFA - 2019
UNDRR Global Forum - Geneva - 2019
The first episode of the Me, Myself and Disaster is here! This week we speak with Anthony (Antz) Rohan who volunteered with the Student Volunteer Army following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Thousands of properties were damaged or destroyed, and spontaneous volunteers were key to the community's recovery. Antz talks about his involvement and the resilience of Christchurch in the years following the earthquakes.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aEGksLfqfoo7dYBFl2R0n
Christchurch Post Office