Crisis Lab

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with emergency preparedness leader Toni Hauser to examine how the future of emergency management is being shaped by shifting influence, community leadership, and professional development. With debates underway about decentralizing FEMA, the discussion highlights why local voices matter and how change in the field often starts from the ground up. Drawing from her role as co-vice chair of the IAEM 2025 Conference Committee and her experience in public health preparedness, Toni explains how the upcoming IAEM Annual Conference in Louisville is designed as more than a traditional event. She shares how planning adapts to constant change, why flexibility is essential, and how the conference builds resilience through networking, training, and immersive experiences. Tune in to hear how emergency management professionals can navigate policy shifts, balance a wide range of responsibilities, and find new ways to lead in an environment where adaptability is the key to influence. Show Highlights [02:55] Overview of the IAEM 2025 Annual Conference in Louisville [03:16] Debate on FEMA decentralization and shifting influence [06:08] Planning, logistics, and adapting to change [09:20] Gathering feedback and creating meaningful experiences [11:16 ] Inside the IAEM Expo and networking opportunities [14:02] Trends in conference submissions and session topics [15:51] The role of virtual conferences and accessibility [18:50] Speaker liaison roles and supporting presenters [20:40] Challenges of breadth and context switching in emergency management [24:18] Advice for first-time attendees and volunteer opportunities [26:15] Registration details and final thoughts   Connect with Toni Hauser - LinkedIn Check out the IAEM 2025 Annual Conference in Louisville, November 14–20, for the latest trends, tools, and networking opportunities in emergency management: https://www.iaem.org/Events/Event-Info/sessionaltcd/AC25

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King breaks down the professional development paradox in emergency management. As challenges grow more complex and interdependent, senior leaders are often stuck between outdated training models and increasing demands. Many find that after 15 years, professional growth slows, leaving them intellectually stranded. Kyle highlights the false choice between tactical training and generic leadership courses, and argues for a third path: intellectual infrastructure that connects seasoned professionals across fields. Drawing from research and real-world conversations, he challenges listeners to rethink how expertise evolves and why staying curious is essential. Show Highlights [00:53] Training cycles vs fast-moving demands [01:40] Fundamentals and cross-sector challenges [02:05] After-action reviews and slow adaptation [03:14] Climate, cyber, and supply chain risks [03:40] Generalist or tactical: a false choice [04:09] Two categories of development, and the gap [05:11] Burnout, low pay, and lack of strategy [06:20] The silo trap of deep expertise [07:33] Routine vs adaptive expertise [09:42] Why leadership programs fall short [11:06] The convergence of complexity and missing support [12:02] What intellectual infrastructure should provide [14:23] The Forum as a new model [16:00] When were you last curious about your field? If that question made you pause, you are not alone. Many experienced professionals are facing complex challenges with training models that no longer fit the realities they work in. The Forum at Crisis Lab was created to give senior leaders a space to learn with peers, test new ideas, and stay sharp in a changing environment. 🔗 Apply now at crisislab.io/theforum

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with maritime operations expert James Merten to explore how global trade depends on a fragile and often invisible system: ocean shipping. From cargo delays and cyberattacks to major port shutdowns, disruptions in this sector have far-reaching effects—touching everything from factory supply chains to your local grocery store. James draws from his experience with the U.S. Coast Guard and academic research in port resilience to unpack the real challenges of keeping maritime systems running. They discuss why maritime coordination is so complex, how ports prepare for storms and peak shipping seasons, and what new risks are emerging as the industry goes digital and adopts clean energy. Tune in to learn what really happens behind the scenes when maritime systems break down—and what it takes to build them back stronger. Show Highlights [02:28] How everyday goods depend on global shipping routes [04:31] What actually counts as a major maritime disruption [06:48] Inside the tangled web of port governance and response [10:05] The real-world gap between plans and emergencies [11:56] Balancing global supply chains with local recovery needs [13:52] How ports plan for hurricanes, holidays, and heavy cargo flows [16:34] Why digitized ports are vulnerable to cyberattacks [18:38] What port recovery looks like beyond reopening [20:06] A new training course for maritime professionals [21:55] What’s ahead: wind farms, automation, and changing risks Connect with James: Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King introduces the “velocity of crisis”—a powerful yet overlooked concept in emergency management. As disasters escalate faster and ripple through interconnected systems, our current response models are falling behind. Kyle explores how predictive analytics, anticipatory positioning, and automation can help us stay ahead. Featuring real-world examples like the 2021 European floods and innovations like California’s Alert program, this episode unpacks how we can shift from reactive to proactive crisis management—and build systems ready for the speed of modern emergencies. Tune in to discover how understanding crisis velocity could reshape how we protect our communities. Show Highlights [00:00] What is the “velocity of crisis” and why it matters [01:23] The dangerous speed gap in emergency response [02:09] How modern disasters cascade through systems [03:00] Spain & Portugal blackout: a case of systemic failure [05:03] Why warnings failed during the 2021 European floods [06:02] Tech solutions that anticipate crises, not chase them [07:06] Three principles to interrupt crisis escalation [09:19] Matching crisis velocity with automation and AI [10:20] Rethinking emergency management for today’s risks

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, Kyle King unpacks the “Resilience Paradox”—why we expect people to be self-reliant during emergencies while tolerating fragile infrastructure. Triggered by the mass blackout across Spain and Portugal, Kyle examines the deeper disconnect between how cities are planned and how they perform under stress. He makes the case for embedding resilience into the design of power, water, and communication systems—so communities can function even when external support fails. Tune in to rethink how we design for disruption, not just efficiency. Show Highlights [00:00] Examining the massive power outage that paralyzed Spain and Portugal [00:27] Introducing the concept of the Resilience Paradox in modern urban systems [01:29] Unpacking the contradiction between citizen preparedness and fragile infrastructure [02:27] Revealing the professional disconnect in how communities are designed and protected [04:11] Rethinking infrastructure resilience through real-world examples and failures [07:00] Outlining integration pathways to build inherently resilient communities [07:21] Emphasizing the urgent need for governance reform and cross-disciplinary education [07:58] Highlighting the importance of measuring and incentivizing resilience alongside sustainability

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, Kyle King challenges the core assumptions of American emergency management. He contrasts FEMA’s focus on efficiency with Europe’s emphasis on survival, revealing why traditional measures like response time and coordination no longer reflect the realities of modern disasters. Drawing on examples such as the Texas floods, Hurricane Maria, and the Texas winter storm, Kyle explains why it's time to measure how long communities can function without help, not how fast help can arrive. Tune in for a critical look at outdated preparedness models, a fresh perspective from European strategies, and a path forward that prioritizes resilience over speed. Show Highlights [01:38] Why it is urgent to rethink how we measure disaster preparedness [02:05] A look at the performance metrics in American emergency management [03:05] The assumptions built into current disaster response strategies [03:32] How Europe’s wartime mindset shapes crisis preparedness for survival [05:27] Real-world failures from Texas floods to Hurricane Maria [09:13] What the U.S. can learn from Europe’s focus on self-sufficiency and resilience [12:40] A call to shift American emergency management from efficiency to endurance [14:38] Reflections on building readiness for disasters when help may not come

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, Kyle King shows how growing disaster aid has weakened emergency management. He traces FEMA’s move from a coordination role to a relief fund handler, points out the costs of grant-driven processes, and makes the case for rebuilding from first principles. Tune in for a close look at institutional hurdles, a proposal to separate relief and response, and a roadmap to restore true surge capacity—so communities are ready long before the next disaster hits. Show Highlights [00:19] FEMA’s shift from civil defense to all-hazards management [01:18] How coordination gave way to relief-focused work [02:54] The downsides of relying on post-disaster aid [03:40] Key events that reshaped emergency management [05:11] How relief priorities hollowed out coordination skills [09:10] Bringing back rapid national mobilization [10:59] Structural changes to balance readiness and relief [15:58] Putting coordination back at the center of emergency response

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about emergency management. Rather than layering on new frameworks after each disaster, Kyle argues for the courage to admit we don’t have all the answers—and to start over from first principles. He explores how institutional inertia traps us in “adding machine” thinking, why true innovation often comes from outside the field, and how we can design a system where response is truly a last resort. Tune in for a bold vision of embedded resilience and the tools we need to build inherently safer, more adaptive communities. Show Highlights [01:08] Challenges to internal reform amid institutional inertia and failure of imagination [02:15] Applying first-principles thinking to break free from outdated emergency management models [03:25] Innovations emerging from outside the field to drive adaptive resilience [05:56] Reimagining the system through community-centered, anticipatory approaches [08:55] Outlining the path forward for building resilient communities

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King dives into insights from a House subcommittee hearing on FEMA’s future. He critiques the reliance on outdated institutional models amid today’s accelerating, interconnected crises—what experts label as polycrises and perma-crises. Kyle calls for bold rethinking: integrating cross-domain insights, leveraging first principles thinking, and embracing adaptive, failure-informed learning. Tune in to explore how emergency management must evolve to foster truly resilient communities. Show Highlights [01:07] Understanding polycrises and the rise of perma-crisis [01:59] Institutional inertia and the failure of imagination [05:01] The expertise trap and cognitive constraints [07:47] Innovative pathways: cross-domain thinking and first principles [09:48] Reimagining emergency management beyond traditional models

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Quin Lucie, a legal expert and former FEMA official with deep experience in national security and emergency management. Together, they explore the often-overlooked origins of FEMA. Quin reveals the agency’s roots in wartime mobilization and civil defense, offering a stark contrast to its modern disaster relief role. They examine how historical frameworks could inform today’s response to complex crises—ranging from pandemics to geopolitical threats. This episode is a deep dive into FEMA’s evolving mission, the intersection of policy and preparedness, and whether the U.S. needs to rethink its emergency management architecture. Show Highlights: [01:07] FEMA's wartime mobilization roots [02:21] Quin Lucie's insights on FEMA's history [11:17] FEMA's transition to disaster relief [17:03] The modern FEMA and its challenges [25:13] The future of FEMA: emergency management vs. disaster relief [36:06] Policy implications and the path forward for FEMA Connect with Quin Lucie -Linkedin  

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King examines the devastating aftermath of the Lahaina Fire through the lens of governance and emergency management. Drawing from the investigative article "The Most Expensive Report Ever Written," the episode explores how institutional decisions shaped the failure of response systems in Maui. King analyzes official reports from the Maui Emergency Management Agency, arguing that treating emergency preparedness as a side function has deadly consequences. This episode makes the case for why emergency management must be re-centered as a core function of government. Listen to uncover the moral and practical stakes of crisis response—and why change is urgently needed. Show Highlights [00:51] What happened in Lahaina—and why it matters [01:25] How governance shapes emergency response [03:01] When systems fail: the true cost of neglect [03:52] Making emergency management a priority

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Rick Fernandez, an expert in emergency management, humanitarian aid, and international police assistance. Rick brings extensive experience from his work at the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York City Emergency Management Department, and international humanitarian missions. Kyle and Rick explore how human-centered design thinking can enhance planning processes and build stronger community and organizational resilience. They discuss how design thinking can be integrated with traditional emergency planning, foster improved trust and collaboration across agencies, and support the effective use of technology in crisis response. Show Highlights [02:06] Rick’s diverse career journey in emergency management [05:13] Explanation of design thinking and its core steps [06:35] Application of design thinking in emergency planning [08:12] Integrating design thinking with traditional planning methods [14:45] Challenges and solutions in inter-agency collaboration [25:11] The role of technology in supporting crisis planning Connect with Rick Fernandez-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Dr. Jim Wilson and Sharon Parrillo, two leading experts in health security and infection prevention. Dr. Wilson, a health security specialist focused on early warning systems for high-risk infectious diseases, and Sharon, a board-certified infection prevention leader with two decades of experience, discuss the challenges of pandemic response, misinformation, and the evolving role of AI in health security. From striking the right balance between early warnings and avoiding sensationalism to ensuring hospitals can maintain essential services during a crisis, this episode unpacks the critical role of trust and communication in emergency response. Tune in to learn how health leaders navigate uncertainty and build resilience. Show Highlights[02:55] How early warning systems detected COVID-19 before global recognition[05:12] The dangers of misinformation and the challenge of building public trust[17:57] The evolving role of telemedicine and AI in infection prevention[23:41] How hospitals balance infection control with keeping essential services running[28:55] Rewriting the playbook on pandemic response and lessons for the future of health security Connect with Dr. James Wilson and Sharon Parrillo- Dr Wilson's Linkedin- Ms. Parrillo's Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Nathan Gross, a public health and emergency management expert who has led major crisis responses at the CDC—including the Marburg Virus Disease task force and large-scale pandemic vaccination efforts. With deep expertise in climate resilience, emergency preparedness, and crisis management, Nathan shares insights on how emergency management must evolve to address the growing impact of climate change and public health threats. Show Highlights [02:31] Climate change and emergency management [03:26] Social determinants of health and their impact on crisis response [06:37] Community resilience and the rise of climate refugees [09:35] Public health and climate resilience strategies [12:48] The role of emergency managers in shaping policy [15:20] How climate change is reshaping risk assessments and preparedness [18:05] Lessons learned from past climate-related disasters [21:32] Successful implementations of climate resilience strategies Connect with Nathan Gross - Linkedin

In this first episode of season 4, the Crisis Lab Podcast looks at crisis management and emergency response. Host Kyle King talks about the need for a new emergency management system as disasters become more frequent and severe. From the case study of the Los Angeles fires to the problems in FEMA, this episode explains why our current system is failing and what we can do to build resilience for the future. Listen for insights from emergency planners, intelligence insiders, and strategists who share ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Show Highlights [01:43] The future of emergency management in America [02:26] Governance failures and systemic vulnerabilities [03:34] The collapse of emergency management systems [04:34] Historical context and modern challenges [07:34] Universal principles of emergency management [10:58] Building a new framework for crisis response

In the season finale of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King reviews the defining events of 2024, including the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, China's gray zone tactics toward Taiwan, record-breaking climate disasters, and the rise of AI-driven misinformation. This episode explores how these crises are reshaping the world. The discussion also highlights the lab’s achievements, such as launching new courses, podcasts, and events designed to equip leaders with tools for navigating uncertainty. Kyle emphasizes the need for better governance, innovative solutions, and stronger collaboration to address global issues. Looking to 2025, the episode outlines a vision for building resilience and adapting to what lies ahead. Tune in for a reflection on the lessons of the past year and insights into preparing for the future. Don’t miss this year-end wrap-up and roadmap for what’s next. Show Highlights [00:30] Key events from 2024: Syria, Taiwan, climate disasters, and AI misinformation [03:15] The connections between global crises [06:00] Crisis Lab’s work in 2024: courses, podcasts, and events [09:30] Climate change and migration impacts [12:45] Governance and crisis management approaches [15:20] Trust, communication, and misinformation [18:40] The role of AI in crisis response [22:10] Resilience and aid in challenging environments

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King continues his insightful discussion with Todd DeVoe, a leading voice in emergency management. This is Part 2 of the two-part series delving into the critical need to rethink strategies in disaster response and community engagement to address modern challenges. Kyle and Todd unpack pressing issues like the rise of misinformation, the erosion of trust in institutions, and how emergency managers can modernize their communication strategies. They also explore lessons from hybrid warfare, the role of rapid information dissemination, and the importance of fostering proactive relationships with communities. This episode is packed with practical insights for professionals navigating the complex and evolving landscape of emergency management. Show Highlights [01:00] Recap of Part 1: Moving beyond resilience to anti-fragility [03:40] The challenge of misinformation and disinformation [06:12] Trust in government and its effect on disaster response [09:58] Lessons from conflict zones applied to EM [15:20] Using tools to rebuild trust with real-time communication [19:44] Civil defense models and community engagement [25:37] The role of media literacy in misinformation [29:45] Balancing traditional methods with quick, clear responses [35:12] Addressing fear and distrust in public reactions [40:50] Steps to foster collaboration and education in communities Connect with Todd DeVoe Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King catches up with Todd DeVoe, a seasoned emergency management professional, on what’s been happening in the field of disaster preparedness and community resilience. This is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how the field of emergency management is evolving—and why we need to rethink our strategies to meet new challenges. Kyle and Todd dive into the foundational ideas shaping the profession, from the importance of trust-building with communities to the critical need for innovation in preparedness. They share opinions and insights into how emergency managers can pivot from just maintaining stability (resilience) to fostering growth after adversity (anti-fragility). Show Highlights: [03:41] The foundation for the research and advancement of EM [06:06] The importance of a body of work in EM [07:10] Challenges and misconceptions in EM [14:01] The role of emergency managers in government and society [20:26] Practical steps for community engagement [23:03] Outsourcing mundane tasks [23:24] Resilience vs. anti-fragility [24:24] Real-world examples of resilience [26:58] Building trust in communities [28:03] The importance of anti-fragility in construction [34:39] Learning from historical lessons [41:37] Urban planning and eminent domain [44:28] Preserving historical and cultural significance Connect with Todd DeVoe Linkedin 🎧 Stay Tuned for Part 2! In the next episode, Kyle and Todd take the discussion further, exploring the challenges of building trust between government and the public in crisis situations. Todd DeVoe shares ideas on responding to the rapid spread of information and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and community involvement. We’ll also discuss engaging younger generations in public service and ways to strengthen community preparedness. Stay tuned for insights on these critical aspects of emergency management.  

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Sophia Klewer, the COO of PREVENCY and an expert in crisis management simulations. Kyle and Sophia discuss why crisis simulations are essential, showing how these exercises help organizations adapt by testing systems, decisions, and teams in realistic scenarios. They cover the role of technology, common challenges, realistic scenario design, after-action reviews, and involving senior leaders in preparation. With experience spanning government, military, and private sectors, Sophia brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She shares her expertise in developing PREVENCY’s proprietary crisis simulation software and explains how these exercises build resilience, prepare teams for the complexities of real crises, and go beyond theory. Sophia also talks about her academic role at the Leipzig School of Media, where she trains future professionals in crisis communications. Tune in to learn how crisis simulations can elevate your organization’s preparedness for the unexpected.   Show Highlights [03:03] Cross-sectoral lessons in crisis management[03:38] Challenges in situational awareness and communication[06:56] The need for cross-sector training[11:44] Managing pushback and participant frustration in exercises[14:55] Incorporating cascading events in simulations[18:48] The role of technology in crisis simulations[21:41] Designing effective crisis exercises[27:58] Common misconceptions in crisis preparedness[32:34] The role of After Actions Review [37:55] The future of crisis simulations Connect with Sophia Klewer -Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King explores disaster diplomacy, highlighting the inaugural World Fire Congress held in Washington D.C. in May 2024. Guests LamarGonzález-Medlock, an emergency manager, and Lee Howell, a chief fire officer from the UK, discuss the event's themes, which included international cooperation in firefighting, climate change, and emerging technologies. They emphasize the impact of building global networks for resilience and the importance of sustainable diplomatic efforts. They also provide insights into the future of the World Fire Congress and disaster diplomacy. Lamar brings over 30 years of experience supporting and working for the U.S. government, including as Director of International Affairs for the U.S. Fire Administration. She shares her background and role in organizing the World Fire Congress.  Lee, with extensive experience in both advisory roles and fire service leadership in the UK, shares the collective efforts and partnerships that shaped the Congress. Tune in to hear their perspectives and experiences on the future of disaster diplomacy and international cooperation. Show Highlights [03:06] Overview of the World Fire Congress [03:50] The Genesis and Execution of the World Fire Congress [07:21] Planning for the 2026 World Fire Congress [08:30] The Importance of International Cooperation [17:06] Mechanisms of Cooperation and Diplomacy [26:39] Ensuring Sustainability and Future of Disaster Diplomacy [33:26] Closing Remarks and Future Directions Connect with our Guests Lamar González-Medlock on LinkedIn Lee Howell on LinkedIn