How to Disaster Podcast

Welcome to "How to Disaster," the ultimate podcast for navigating the challenges of climate-based disasters, the defining crisis of our generation. With the increasing frequency and severity of these calamities, it's not a matter of if, but when you'll be affected. Whether you're a disaster survivor or seeking proactive strategies, this podcast is your beacon of hope. 

Recognized by top leaders in government, business, and the nonprofit sector, "How to Disaster" is the go-to podcast for those seeking a 360-degree view of disaster management. From gripping survivor accounts to exclusive interviews with experts, each episode offers a unique perspective that transcends conventional thinking. 

Join our host Jennifer Gray Thompson as we bring you the most compelling insights, innovative solutions, and best practices to equip you with the tools to face any disaster head-on. Together, we can shape a more resilient future.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform including:
Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, and more.

Episodes

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Encore: How to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.

Encore: How to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.   SERIES: Role of the Mental Health Care Leaders   “We have to go beyond education, we need mental health action!” -Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.   What’s more terrifying and costly than cancer? Untreated mental health issues. Mental health is a huge…

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Charles Brooks

Encore: How to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks

Encore: How to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks     “Be very careful what you promise unless you know you can deliver something. There is enough heartbreak in a disaster that people don’t need to hear that you’re going to solve all their problems, and then you don’t.” –Charles Brooks   The last…

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How to Overcome the Challenges of Meeting Urgent Needs Post-Disaster While Building Future Resilience with Michael Morter

How to Overcome the Challenges of Meeting Urgent Needs Post-Disaster While Building Future Resilience with Michael Morter     “You have to have some structure so that when that event happens, there’s a trusted grassroots network in place.” —Michael Morter   It is said that disaster recovery is part problem-solving and part relationship-building. It recognizes…

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Ensuring Equitable Recovery— How to Support Diverse Communities with Alicia Johnson and Dave Reid

Ensuring Equitable Recovery— How to Support Diverse Communities with Alicia Johnson and Dave Reid     “If you’re a local leader, you’re knee-deep in it, moving at the speed that the community wants you to move, in the direction that they’re willing to go. That’s the basis of a successful recovery.” —Alicia Johnson   “We…

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How to Self-Care— Recovery Leaders and Helpers with Jolie Wills

How to Self-Care— Recovery Leaders and Helpers with Jolie Wills     “One of the beautiful things disasters have to teach us is how to not just offer support, but receive it.” —Jolie Wills   Emergent leaders and frontliners are akin to shock absorbers in a car. They absorb a heavy load of impact, cushioning…

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Navigating Financial Challenges in a Disaster with Kate Bulger

Navigating Financial Challenges in a Disaster with Kate Bulger     “Helping people adjust to that new financial reality is really critical in helping them adjust quickly. Because the longer someone goes where they’re spending more than they’re making every month, the harder it is for them to recover long-term.” —Kate Bulger     When disaster…

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HTD Quick Tips with Reina Pomeroy

HTD Quick Tips with Reina Pomeroy     “It’s a matter of keeping the guardrails up and making sure that people continue to be safe.” —Reina Pomeroy   When disaster strikes, there’s no time for mixed messages. Misinformation can fuel panic, hamper recovery efforts, and even endanger lives. Effective disaster response isn’t just about physical…

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How to Address Childcare In the Midst of Disaster with Mikey Latner

How to Address Childcare In the Midst of Disaster with Mikey Latner     “Disaster relief needs a space where we can provide support for kids because it has so many knock-on effects. The only way a community up and running again is if they have reliable childcare.” —Mikey Latner   Natural disasters can be…

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Embracing Climate Resiliency— How to Disaster Season 5

Embracing Climate Resiliency— How to Disaster Season 5     “We didn’t understand the degree to which the constant climate crisis would also layer over the current health crisis that we were having. And so, it’s more important than ever that we find the best minds and best practices to bring to you so that…

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How to Improve Community Preparedness After a Wildfire with Pamela Van Halsema

How to Improve Community Preparedness After a Wildfire with Pamela Van Halsema      “It’s through those human relationships that make this whole thing tolerable to do because it’s about the people involved.” -Pamela Van Halsema   Wildfires are a natural part of the globe’s ecosystem. But in recent years, they’ve become more common and…

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