IEM Unscripted: DisasterSmiths

From bustling game days to the quiet moments of overnight operations, emergency management in higher education never takes a day off. In this episode, we dive into the world of collegiate emergency management, a unique and demanding field that spans large-scale event coordination, critical infrastructure protection, community planning, and crisis response. We’ll highlight how campus emergency managers balance the round-the-clock responsibility of keeping students, staff, and visitors safe while advancing resilience across higher education. This conversation shines a light on a niche profession that deserves recognition for its vital role in safeguarding the future of our universities.

As Season 2 of the DisasterSmiths™ comes to a close, we sit down with IEM leadership to reflect on a defining year for emergency management. In 2025, shifting federal priorities, expanding responsibilities, heightened accountability, and accelerated expectations tested the sector at every level – federal, state, local, and territorial – forcing the profession to adapt while continuing to deliver results amid the demands of disaster recovery.Looking ahead to 2026, our conversation turns to the future. IEM leaders share how emergency management is evolving and where the focus must be next: integration, implementation, stabilization, and optimization. This season finale offers a clear-eyed look at where the profession has been and what it will take to meet the moment ahead.

As a pre–New Year’s gift to our DisasterSmiths listeners—and as fans of Netflix’s Stranger Things ourselves—we’re heading straight into the Upside Down to tackle a question no one in Hawkins seems to ask: who would run their Incident Command? (Spoiler warning: we assume you’ve made it past Season 1.)In this special episode, we put a fun (and slightly chaotic) spin on real Incident Command System (ICS) principles, blending our love of the show with our emergency management instincts as we assign Stranger Things characters to key ICS roles. From Chief Hopper in Command, to Joyce leading Safety, Dustin in Logistics, and maybe even Eleven as a very unconventional tactical resource, we build out a Hawkins ICS capable of managing interdimensional threats, missing persons, government secrecy, and one very persistent gate to the Upside Down.Because when strange lights appear, communications fail, federal agencies show up uninvited, and monsters start roaming Main Street, someone still must establish command, set objectives, and keep the incident from spiraling completely out of control.Consider this another end-of-year thank-you for listening, and a little professional fun from fellow ST fans. Light spoilers ahead—nothing from the Upside Down you can’t handle. 

As a small holiday gift to our DisasterSmiths listeners, we are serving up a special episode that tackles the most important emergency management question of the season: who would run the Incident Command Structure (ICS) at the North Pole?With a festive spin on real emergency management concepts, we blend holiday chaos, questionable staffing choices, and plenty of seasonal cheer as we build Santa’s ICS using some of our most beloved — and notorious — holiday characters.From Mr. or Mrs. Clause 🤶 as Incident Commander, to The Grinch handling Logistics, Scrooge overseeing Finance, and maybe even Rudolph or Sam the Snowman ☃️ serving as PIO, we assemble the ultimate North Pole Incident Command Structure. Because when the weather turns icy, the toy supply chain is under pressure, and the sleigh must launch on time, someone has to keep Christmas operational. So consider this our holiday thank you! And a little end-of-year fun… who would you trust to keep Christmas on track within the ICS? 🎄

When severe weather threatens, information isn’t just data—it’s a lifeline. In this episode of DisasterSmiths, we delve into the behind-the-scenes partnership that transforms forecasts into life-saving action. Meteorologists translate the science, emergency managers translate the risk, and together they deliver the clarity communities need to make informed decisions quickly. Our guests break down how this collaboration works in real time: how they share information, bridge uncertainty, and communicate threats with precision and trust. Local broadcasters play a pivotal role in that chain, serving as the steady, familiar voices that residents rely on to understand what’s coming and what to do next.From the broadcast studio to the emergency operations center, discover why the meteorologist–EM partnership is one of the most essential and trusted links in public safety, and how it keeps communities calm, informed, and prepared when every minute counts.

In this episode of DisasterSmiths™, step into the complexworld of emergency management in big cities and urban areas, where every decision carries weight and every incident brings a new set of challenges. Urban emergency managers work under constant pressure, balancing politics,public expectations, and the immense responsibility of keeping millions safe. Their work unfolds in crowded streets, aging infrastructure, and moments when entire systems are strained to their limits.Our hosts sit down with emergency management leaders who know the reality of city response: the endless coordination, the lessons learned in uncertainty, and the resilience it takes to restore order when disaster strikes.

In this community-driven episode of DisasterSmiths™, we dive into the world of rural emergency management, where challenges are big, resources are few, and resilience runs deep. Rural leaders face unique challenges, yet they rise to them with creativity, grit, and the unwavering support of their neighbors. From navigating limited budgets and widespread populations to relying on the power of trust, volunteers, and strong relationships, rural emergency managers are redefining what it means to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Join us as we uncover the ingenuity, collaboration, and community spirit that keep rural America ready when disaster strikes.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already shaping how disasters are predicted, managed, and responded to worldwide. In this episode, we explore why AI should be seen not just as a tool and a partner in crisis management. Our hosts are joined by AI subject matter experts to explore the real-world benefits of incorporating AI into emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation, such as speed, prediction, and coordination, along with the very real risks, from over-reliance to ethical blind spots. As AI becomes standard in the field, emergency managers will need to evolve into emergency orchestrators, guiding people, machines, and data in real time.This isn’t just a shift in tools. It’s a shift in mindset, leadership, and responsibilities.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

In this special episode, our hosts are joined by Andrew Velasquez III, IEM's Account Executive for the Central Region and former federal, state, and city emergency manager. Andrew’s emergency management background began with a calling to serve his community at a local scale, starting a journey that would lead him to notable state and county cabinet-level positions and later being appointed by the President as a FEMA Regional Administrator. Andrew’s multifaceted history gives him a unique perspective and timeline of what it means to be an emergency manager and how that definition has evolved as leaders in the profession tackle new challenges. In grappling with emerging issues like pandemics and rapid technological advancements, we recognize the resilience and adaptability of emergency managers dedicated to protecting their communities. As we conclude 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the year and pose an important question: What is an Emergency Manager?

In this episode, we confront a pressing issue too often overlooked in emergency management: mental health. Join our hosts and guests as they break down the stigma around emotional care for both responders and survivors, highlighting why mental well-being is essential at every stage of disaster response. With crises intensifying and responsibilities growing, taking care of our minds is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Listen in as we explore how building emotional resilience and normalizing mental health support can empower us all. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, creating a stronger foundation for both present challenges and the futures we are dedicated to protecting.

In this compelling episode, we explore the pivotal role that trust plays in emergency management for tribal communities. Trust is not given; it is earned through respect, understanding, and authentic engagement. Our hosts and expert guests illuminate the rich diversity of tribes, each with its own unique culture, history, and identity, emphasizing the importance of honoring these distinctions. More than just a discussion, this episode offers powerful insights into how emergency managers can move beyond the checkbox approach and embark on a journey of true partnership with tribal communities. Packed with real-world stories and practical advice, it’s a call to action for every emergency manager to listen, learn, and forge lasting relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. Tune in and be part of the transformation.

In this episode, we uncover the crucial yet often overlooked role of donations management in disaster response. Our hosts and expert guests explore everything from the strategic placement of warehouses to tailoring aid to a community’s specific needs. They also tackle the delicate art of redirecting well-meaning donations that can, if mishandled, hinder emergency efforts. Join us as we navigate the fine line between public generosity and practical logistics, revealing how to turn goodwill into powerful, effective relief.