How to Disaster

Jennifer Gray Thompson
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How to Disaster is a podcast for people navigating the aftermath of disaster — and for the leaders, helpers, and decision-makers working to support them. Hosted by Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, the show makes disaster recovery clearer, more human, and less overwhelming. Each episode helps listeners understand what happens after the headlines fade: how recovery systems work, why decisions matter, what communities need, and how people find their way forward. Through thoughtful conversations with survivors, practitioners, policymakers, storytellers, and community leaders, How to Disaster translates complex issues into grounded, accessible insight. Alongside Jennifer’s conversations, wildfire survivor, Kim Marshall, brings listeners closer to the lived reality of recovery through on-the-ground conversations with people impacted by disaster. The show does not sensationalize crisis or debate climate politics. Instead, it offers clarity, context, and connection for people living through disaster and those trying to help. If you are recovering, supporting someone who is, or trying to better understand how disaster reshapes lives and communities, this podcast is here to help you feel less alone and understand what comes next.

  1. 3. "We've Been Fighting Fire Wrong for 100 Years" - Ralph Bloemers on What the Fire Service Can't Tell You

    19 HR AGO

    3. "We've Been Fighting Fire Wrong for 100 Years" - Ralph Bloemers on What the Fire Service Can't Tell You

    Ralph Bloemers is an environmental law attorney, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work has taken him from burn landscapes in eastern Oregon to the halls of Congress and the screens of PBS. He is the co-creator, with filmmaker Trip Jennings, of Elemental and Weathered, two landmark films on fire, forests, and the communities living with both. In this episode, Ralph joins Jennifer Gray Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about why fire is not the enemy, what it actually takes to protect a home, and how we change a culture that still doesn’t fully understand what it’s up against. They cover the suppression era that set the West up for mega fires, the indigenous fire practices that were criminalized for generations and are only now being restored, the physics of ember storms and what mesh on your vents can actually do, why community-level ignition resistance matters more than any single home, the storytelling innovations, from reggae music videos to a cartoon of a house in a psychiatrist’s chair, that Ralph is using to make the prepare message actually land, and the policy and insurance battles that Jennifer and Ralph have fought side by side on behalf of fire survivors. Ralph is one of the most original thinkers working in this space. This is a conversation worth your time. Resources: How to DisasterLearn more about After the Fire USAAfter the Fire USA Resource LibraryGreen Oregon Watch ElementalWatch Weathered on PBSCultural Fire Management Council - Margot RobbinsCAER Earth - mycoremediation for Fire-Affected SoilsFoothill Catalog Foundation Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA

    1hr 31min
  2. 2. They Said It Wasn’t His Lane. He Built It Anyway | John Mills of Watch Duty

    1 MAY

    2. They Said It Wasn’t His Lane. He Built It Anyway | John Mills of Watch Duty

    John Mills is the co-founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a nonprofit emergency alerting app that gives civilians real-time wildfire intelligence drawn directly from first responder radio traffic. In this episode, John joins Jennifer Gray Thompson to talk about how Watch Duty was built, why it was necessary, and where it is headed. They cover the problem Watch Duty was created to solve, how it scaled from a single county in Sonoma to all 50 US states, the harrowing experience of staying live and accurate during the LA fires, and what it means to build something disruptive in a space that does not always welcome disruption. John also speaks to the future of Watch Duty as it prepares to expand beyond wildfire into flooding and other natural disasters. Resources: How to Disaster Download the Watch Duty appLearn more about After the Fire USAAfter the Fire USA Resource LibraryConnect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA

    1hr 27min
  3. 1. Why We Relaunched How to Disaster, and What Survivors Need Most

    1 MAY

    1. Why We Relaunched How to Disaster, and What Survivors Need Most

    In this relaunch episode, Jennifer Gray Thompson explains why How to Disaster is returning now and what the show is here to offer people living through disaster and recovery.  She shares how After the Fire began, what the organization has learned from years of walking alongside fire-affected communities, and why recovery works better when people do not try to carry it alone. The episode also introduces the show’s larger mission: helping listeners feel less isolated, more informed, and better able to face what comes next. Resources: How to Disaster Learn more about After the Fire USAAfter the Fire USA Resource LibraryConnect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA

    46 min

  4. 13/10/2025

    029: Day 3 Closing Remarks

    In this heartfelt closing session of the Wildfire Leadership Summit, Jennifer Gray Thompson reflects on the journey from disaster to recovery. She shares the powerful story of how communities across California, Oregon, and Hawaii have rebuilt after devastating wildfires—from Santa Rosa and Paradise to Greenville and Lahaina. With gratitude for her dedicated team, partners, and community leaders, Jennifer honors the progress made, the resilience of survivors, and the unbreakable spirit that drives recovery. A moving reminder that rebuilding is possible—together.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

    13 min

  5. 13/10/2025

    028: Day 3 Closing Keynote: The Heart of Ohana: Leading with Hope Through Loss

    A heartfelt address on Maui's wildfire recovery, community resilience, and rebuilding efforts, delivered by a local leader. The speaker reflects on the importance of community-led recovery, cultural preservation, emergency preparedness, and housing stability. Highlights include progress on rebuilding Lahaina, strengthening emergency management, and ensuring residents can return home. The talk closes with a personal ukulele performance celebrating Haleakalā, Maui's iconic mountain.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

    22 min

  6. 13/10/2025

    027: Day 3 Tech Driven, People Centered

    Join moderator Reva Feldman and an expert panel as they explore the role of technology in disaster response and recovery. Panelists include iO Wright, co-founder of Post Fire; John Mills CEO, Watch Duty; and Adrienne Heinz,Clinical Research Psychologist, VA National Center for PTSD and Stanford University School of Medicine. Learn how innovative tools like Watch Duty and Post Fire are helping communities access timely information, navigate recovery, and support mental health in the wake of disasters. The discussion highlights the importance of human-centered technology, partnerships, and equitable recovery for all survivors.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

    43 min

  7. 13/10/2025

    026: Day 3 Video Presentation: Ben Allen

    State Senator Ben Allen shares a heartfelt message at the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, highlighting the challenges and progress in wildfire recovery for communities across Los Angeles County. He reflects on lessons learned from past disasters, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and survivor voices, and thanks the network of recovery professionals and volunteers supporting affected communities.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

    5 min

  8. 13/10/2025

    025: Day 3 From the Ground Up: Local Voices in Advocacy

    In this insightful panel discussion, community leaders share their powerful stories and strategies for equitable wildfire recovery. Tawnya Somauroo, Co-Founder, Marshall Together, discusses how her organization supports fire survivors through advocacy, legislative reform, and community rebuilding. Ash Level, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement, & Storytelling, Altadena Rising, underscores the importance of centering Black and other vulnerable communities in disaster recovery. Paele Kiakona of Lahaina Strong highlights their landmark success in passing SB 2919, enabling counties to phase out short-term rentals and potentially return 7,000 homes to local residents. Together, they explore how community-led recovery can create lasting change rooted in justice, culture, and sustainability.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

    43 min
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About

How to Disaster is a podcast for people navigating the aftermath of disaster — and for the leaders, helpers, and decision-makers working to support them. Hosted by Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, the show makes disaster recovery clearer, more human, and less overwhelming. Each episode helps listeners understand what happens after the headlines fade: how recovery systems work, why decisions matter, what communities need, and how people find their way forward. Through thoughtful conversations with survivors, practitioners, policymakers, storytellers, and community leaders, How to Disaster translates complex issues into grounded, accessible insight. Alongside Jennifer’s conversations, wildfire survivor, Kim Marshall, brings listeners closer to the lived reality of recovery through on-the-ground conversations with people impacted by disaster. The show does not sensationalize crisis or debate climate politics. Instead, it offers clarity, context, and connection for people living through disaster and those trying to help. If you are recovering, supporting someone who is, or trying to better understand how disaster reshapes lives and communities, this podcast is here to help you feel less alone and understand what comes next.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Gray Thompson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yes
  • Show Website
    How to Disaster