Disaster Zone

The Readiness Lab
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Disaster Zone is hosted by Eric Holdeman, an emergency manager with over 30 years of experience at the federal, state and local levels of government. Disaster Zone is a podcast that focuses on all facets of disasters; the before, during and after of events that are increasingly impacting communities around the world. Podcasts run between 35-45 minutes with a mix of guests covering a range of disasters and issues that flow from them. Story topics and suggestions for people to interview are welcomed. You can contact the host via email.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The National Guard's Role in Disasters

    The National Guard can be found in every state. They play a unique role in being both a federal and state government asset. In this podcast you will learn about the role of the National Guard in our national defense and also when disasters strike. Our guest represents not only the Washington National Guard, but also emergency management for the State of Washington. Therefore, we’ll also examine the anticipated challenges moving forward as FEMA reduces their support of states and local governments before, during and after disasters.   Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh is The Adjutant General, Washington National Guard, at Camp Murray, Wash. Maj. Gen. Welsh was appointed as The Adjutant General of Washington on 29 June 2024. General Welsh is the commanding general of all Washington Army and Air National Guard forces and oversees the State’s Emergency Management and Enhanced 911 programs. He also serves as Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Washington and as State Administrative Agent for all United States Department of Homeland Security grants awarded to Washington’s state, local, tribal and non-profit agencies and organizations.   General Welsh enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1988. He transferred to the Air National Guard in 1992 and was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant in 1994. He has held a variety of positions in air support operations and combat communications units, including command positions at the squadron, group, and wing levels. He is a resident graduate of the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, commanded the 242d Combat Communications Squadron and the 252d Combat Communications Group, served as the Chief Information Officer, J6, and Chief of Staff for the Washington National Guard, and commanded the 194th Wing and the Washington Air National Guard. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    52 min

  2. 5 FEB

    Floodplain Management

    Flooding is the most common hazard we have in the United States. There are many different types of flooding that can occur. Today we’ll be talking with a local flood plain manager about how he and his jurisdiction approaches flood risks.   Helmut Schmidt – Pierce County Planning and Public Works. Floodplain Administrator & Floodplain Services Supervisor. He has 38 years working in floodplain management and restoration design/construction. He has a comprehensive understanding of the tributary drainage and riverine function of the Puyallup River watershed.   A lover of history, he also brings both a researched and lived prospective of infrastructure, policy and flood events that have shaped Pierce County Floodplain Management. As Floodplain Administrator, he ensures development and County regulations stay in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Helmut graduated from St. Martins College and is a Certified Floodplain Manager. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    47 min

  3. 28 JAN

    Emerging Trends in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

    2025 has been a year of turmoil when it comes to emergency management. In this podcast we will be discussing how the future of emergency management will be shaped from one of the leaders in the profession. Bryan Koon is the President and CEO of IEM International, Inc., a leading professional services firm focused on emergency management, disaster recovery, and resilience. At IEM, he integrates innovative technology and best practices to keep the organization of 900+ employees ready to support communities in preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against disasters. Before IEM, Koon was the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), where he enhanced Florida’s emergency response capabilities and fostered public-private partnerships, notably during Hurricane Irma and the Pulse Shooting. As President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) from 2014 to 2016, he advocated for nationwide improvements in disaster response and resilience, testifying before Congress on the importance of controlling disaster costs and investing in mitigation. Koon serves on the FLASH Board of Directors, promoting policies to reduce disaster risks and bolster community resilience. His career is marked by a passion for building resilient communities and developing aspiring emergency managers through higher education partnerships. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    1h 7m

  4. 22 JAN

    A Parametric Approach to Disaster Recovery

    As we look to the future, we need to find new ways of providing financial relief when accidents and disasters damage or destroy private and public property. This podcast looks at the parametric insurance model. Might it be a more efficient and effective way forward to compensate loss?   Examples of Parametric Policies:   NYC MTA: https://www.artemis.bm/news/new-york-mta-seeks-metrocat-re-parametric-storm-surge-cat-bond-renewal/ Caribbean reef: https://oceanriskalliance.org/news/from-risk-to-resilience-a-blueprint-for-reef-positive-parametric-insurance/ Jamaica hurricane parametric policy: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/11/07/hurricane-melissa-triggers-100-payout-of-150-million-world-bank-catastrophe-bond-for-jamaica   Jasper Cooke is a people-centric leader with fifteen years of experience in emergency management. His career includes significant depth in strategy development and implementation, grant management, and community resilience. At WSP, Jasper has leadership roles on multiple projects and is focused on WSP growing the emergency management and resilience business at all levels of government.   Prior to WSP, Jasper led first the Hazard Mitigation and then the Recovery Sections for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) from 2021 to 2023. In each role, he led a statewide team of 40-50 staff managing billions in federal grants. Prior to TDEM, Jasper worked at FEMA, most recently leading the Office of the National Advisory Council where he supported four FEMA Administrators with strategy and program implementation. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    50 min

  5. 14 JAN

    A City Manager Talks Government

    In this podcast we will examine different forms of governance for cities, evaluating the pros and cons of each. We’ll also delve into how civic leaders think about the first responder community, emergency management in general and technology. We will be hearing from someone with vast experience in government having held a wide variety of positions.   Harry Black the podcast guest is a seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. He has served as city manager, Chief administrative officer, chief financial officer, program manager, and chief procurement officer, consistently driving organizational transformation through best practices and outcome-based strategies.   A pioneer in performance management, Black has developed and implemented data-driven programs that enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery. His integrated approach incorporates data analytics, lean techniques, smart technologies, and citistat programs to optimize government performance.   In public financial management, Black has led major municipal finance efforts, overseeing more than $5 billion in bond transactions, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and short-term banknotes.   An accomplished author and speaker, Black has published works on economic development, pension and healthcare reform, and performance management. He has delivered presentations on police-community relations, infrastructure development, public procurement, and long-term financial planning.   Black holds a BS in Public Administration from Virginia State University, an MA in Public Administration from the University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Virginia State University. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    43 min

  6. 7 JAN

    Legal Accountability Following Wildfires

    The 2025 Eaton Fire alone destroyed more than 9,000 structures and claimed 19 lives in Los Angeles County. Investigations by federal agencies and independent experts traced the fire's origin to Southern California Edison (SCE) equipment failures.   Ari Friedman, a partner and trial attorney at Wisner Baum LLP is leading the charge to hold energy and insurance companies accountable and responsible for fire damages caused by their utilities. Ari is a dedicated plaintiff’s attorney, specializing in single-event complex litigation, product liability, commercial transportation disasters, wildfire burn downs, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. With over a decade of experience. His passion for justice, meticulous case preparation, and commitment to client care make him a dedicated advocate for those facing corporate wrongdoing and catastrophic injuries.   He is a graduate of the University of Southern California B.A., International relations, Professional and managerial communication. His law degree is from Pepperdine. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    49 min

  7. 23/12/2025

    Climate. Weather Extremes. Short Term Winter Forecast

    Renny Vandewege GM of climate and weather at DTN, has two decades of meteorological experience, educating business leaders on weather-induced disasters. DTN has an Operational Decisioning Platform that turns complex data into decision-grade insights—empowering customers to expand their margins, accelerate growth, and outpace risk. With more than 1,200 employees globally, DTN serves the companies that feed, fuel, and protect the world. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    47 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    Disaster Costs Will Put State Budgets at Risk

    The Trump Administration has been making statements since January 2025 that they, meaning both the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, want to shift disaster costs, beginning with disaster preparedness and then also disaster response and recovery more to states and local jurisdictions. PEW Charitable Trusts recently released a report, What Waning Federal Disaster Aid Would Mean for State Budgets This is the subject of this podcast. How will a reduction in federal funding for disasters impact state budgets.   As states face growing disaster costs, declining revenue, and an uncertain federal funding landscape, the need to build more disaster-resilient budgets is greater than ever. At the same time, as federal policymakers weigh proposals to reduce disaster assistance to states, they will need to account for the availability of state resources relative to the federal aid they have historically received and recognize that even modest changes in state budgets can have significant effects on other key initiatives.   The podcast guest is Colin Foard. He directs Pew’s managing fiscal risks initiative, which helps state policymakers prepare for new and emerging risks to fiscal stability and manage uncertainty by strengthening budgeting practices across several areas. Previously, Foard worked for Pew’s fiscal federalism initiative, contributing to research and technical assistance on natural disaster spending and other aspects of the federal-state fiscal relationship.   Before joining Pew, Foard spent five years on the staff of a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ appropriations and budget committees, handling committee work as well as a broad policy portfolio that included homeland security, transportation, housing, and immigration issues. He also served as a congressional constituent caseworker and field representative in Oakland, California.   Foard holds a bachelor’s degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and a master’s in Latin American studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Please visit our sponsors! L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com  Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/ Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com Check out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/  For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

    48 min
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About

Disaster Zone is hosted by Eric Holdeman, an emergency manager with over 30 years of experience at the federal, state and local levels of government. Disaster Zone is a podcast that focuses on all facets of disasters; the before, during and after of events that are increasingly impacting communities around the world. Podcasts run between 35-45 minutes with a mix of guests covering a range of disasters and issues that flow from them. Story topics and suggestions for people to interview are welcomed. You can contact the host via email.

Information

  • Creator
    The Readiness Lab
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Readiness Lab
  • Show Website
    Disaster Zone

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