Domestic Preparedness

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and Editor-in-Chief Cathy Feinman sit down with David Brossette and Herschel Sova of Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions to discuss the critical role connectivity plays in emergency response. Drawing on their experience supporting public safety agencies, FirstNet deployments, and disaster recovery operations, they explore lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, and other large-scale incidents where communication failures created operational challenges. The conversation highlights how 5G, satellite communications, and emerging network technologies are helping agencies build more resilient, interoperable communications systems before disaster strikes. 

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips sits down with veteran hazardous materials responder and instructor Alan Finkelstein to discuss the realities of hazmat response, training, and leadership. Drawing on more than four decades in fire service and hazardous materials operations, Finkelstein shares lessons on risk assessment, chemistry, responder readiness, and the importance of building professional networks before an emergency occurs. He also offers practical advice for the next generation of hazmat technicians and leaders seeking to strengthen their capabilities in an increasingly complex threat environment. 

This is an article by Aaron Clark-Ginsberg, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, October 21, 2026. Operational technology disruptions challenge emergency managers to adapt their practices to unfamiliar technical and organizational environments. Learn how understanding these systems can help them develop more effective risk management strategies. Now to the featured article.

This is an article by Carter C. Price, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, October 21, 2026. Artificial intelligence will transform work in public and private sectors, but predictions about which jobs will disappear often outpace the evidence. For critical sectors, policymakers should preserve human capabilities and essential knowledge so that vital services remain even if forecasts about AI’s impact prove wrong. Learn about one approach to create a reserve force of critical workers who can maintain essential skills and knowledge. Now to the featured article.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and Editor-in-Chief Cathy Feinman sit down with preparedness technology entrepreneur Justin Snair to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping emergency management, public health preparedness, and exercise design. Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning military service, public health, research, consulting, and technology development, Snair discusses the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, the importance of ethical implementation, and why agencies should focus on solving real problems rather than adopting technology for its own sake. He also explains where AI can meaningfully improve preparedness and training, and where human judgment must remain at the center of decision-making.