Wildfires, Floods, and Chaos Communications: Management of Issues, Crises and Disasters

Butterfly Effect Communications, Stories and Strategies
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We explore effective strategies for managing misinformation, coordinating resources, and maintaining public trust during wildfires and floods. Hear personal stories from the front lines, lessons from past emergencies, and insights on preparation and training. Our podcast offers valuable knowledge for professionals and anyone interested in crisis communications. Follow Wildfires, Floods, and Chaos Communications and stay informed on managing chaos in disasters, emergencies and crises. Find us on YouTube where you can watch recent episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVR9ZZ8PTuX6NAeUwUcCtdkZxeGh58fJF&si=hSeSjoS5X0nfujTV

  1. When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka | A conversation with Heather Shtuka and host Tim Conrad

    FEB 17

    When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka | A conversation with Heather Shtuka and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text On February 17, 2018, at a residence on Burfield Drive in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada. 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka, a worker at Sun Peaks, vanished without a trace.  Ryan's mother, Heather, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, MCPRS, to reflect on what she learned when someone you love goes missing and how to keep the search alive.  Key Topics Covered Heather’s emotional opening and the moment everything changedThe text message that shattered normal lifeCommunicating with children during a crisisBuilding and managing a volunteer‑driven search operationThe role and limits of social mediaWalking the route Ryan may have takenHow misinformation and cruelty impact familiesNavigating ambiguous loss and long‑term griefThe Free Bird Project and supporting other familiesAdvice for crisis communicators and emergency responders  Notable Quotes “You have no idea how this story wounds me now.” “There were five more minutes of bliss before my life collapsed beneath me.” “We are now working for Ryan, all of us.” “Misinformation breaks families. It broke me that day.”   Resources & Links Find Ryan Shtuka websiteThe Free Bird Project – Support, resources, and advocacy for families of missing loved onesFind Ryan Shtuka Facebook Group – Community updates and ongoing search effortsButterfly Effect Communications – Crisis communications and public engagement (host’s organization)  About the Guest Heather Shtuka is the mother of missing 20‑year‑old Ryan Shtuka. Since his disappearance, she has become a powerful advocate for families navigating missing‑person cases, co‑founding The Free Bird Project and speaking widely about communication, resilience, and ambiguous loss. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    1h 2m
  2. Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers with host Tim Conrad

    JAN 27

    Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers with host Tim Conrad

    Send a text In this conversation, Tim Conrad and Karen Knight discuss the challenges and strategies in managing volunteers, especially during emergencies. They explore the importance of understanding volunteer motivations, maintaining their well-being, leveraging their skills, and the benefits of role rotation. The discussion emphasizes building relationships with volunteers, streamlining training processes, and recognizing the impact of lived experiences. They also highlight the mental health benefits of volunteering and the potential for career development through volunteer work. Effective communication and appreciation for volunteers are key themes throughout the conversation. Takeaways People are still interested in volunteering, but in different ways.Leaders must monitor volunteer well-being to prevent burnout.Understanding volunteer skills can enhance organizational impact.Role rotation keeps volunteers engaged and brings fresh perspectives.Building relationships with volunteers fosters better communication.Streamlining training encourages more volunteers to participate.Lived experiences of volunteers can improve service delivery.Encouraging organized efforts prevents chaos during emergencies.Recognizing volunteers boosts morale and retention.Volunteering has significant mental health benefits. Chapters 00:00 Challenges in Volunteer Management 02:49 Volunteer Fatigue and Burnout 05:29 Building Relationships with Volunteers 08:12 Effective Role Management 10:58 The Importance of Role Rotation 13:39 Lived Experience in Volunteerism 16:23 Encouraging Teamwork Over Solo Acts 20:48 Streamlining Volunteer Engagement 23:09 The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering 25:58 Personal Stories of Volunteering 28:07 Volunteering as a Career Path 30:48 Effective Communication with Volunteers 34:10 Recognizing Volunteer Contributions 39:43 Resources for Crisis and Volunteer Management Links mentioned by Karen: How to lead in a crisis by Amy C. Edmondson https://www.ted.com/dubbing/amy_c_edmondson_how_to_lead_in_a_crisis?audio=en&language=en  From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement by Susan J. Ellis. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3a7bfe1ca1db5972&rlz=1C1UEAD_enCA1088CA1088&sxsrf=ANbL-n7kzzo02qSejZIDsm3UMaopRHkW-A:1769145490970&q=From+the+Top+Down:+The+Executive+Role+in+Successful+Volunteer+Involvement&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAABXHvQrCMBAA4EEEKU6OToejy0VBhMxa6KrF3YazLU3uSv5sX8cnVbfvWy02BTpUpzzNqt2tscXDsRmVyua83w5GYyMy4DPFTrz-O4CwnT_LqvTiIHYEtYxwkTdrqH-7TmRS7DPBTSxBz3BPxlAIr2ThITZxJPJQcRabyRHHLwhibQ2EAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1ja7E9KCSAxWsGTQIHSFiNKgQ9OUBegQIHBAF&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1&aic=0  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    45 min
  3. What Makes STANDARDIZATION So Important For Emergency Management? | With guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org and host Tim Conrad

    11/25/2025

    What Makes STANDARDIZATION So Important For Emergency Management? | With guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text Discover the crucial role of standardization in emergency services and how it saves lives. Standardization is the backbone of efficient emergency response, enabling services to respond quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations. In this podcast, we explore the importance of accreditation in emergency services, including its impact on communication, equipment, and procedures. By standardizing protocols and practices, emergency management can reduce errors, improve response times, and ultimately save more lives.  Guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org shares with Tim the importance and benefits of accreditation in this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    37 min
  4. Cybersecurity MISTAKES That Will Cost You BIG | With information technology expert Hunter Geerts and host Tim Conrad

    03/18/2025

    Cybersecurity MISTAKES That Will Cost You BIG | With information technology expert Hunter Geerts and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text Knowing what mitigations to have ahead of a cyberattack is one step in many as cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities on mobile devices, computers and entire operations. Learn about the cyberattacks individuals and organizations face today from Kit Professionals' Hunter Geerts.  Listen for:  1:20 Attack methods 12:18 Ransomware and phishing, with a side of mitigation 25:27 VIP impersonation, payroll and vendor fraud, and credential phishing 33:22 Finale - Three quick questions Connect with Hunter Geerts LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Tim Conrad LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    39 min
  5. Is it trash or truth? Information and the California wildfires | With Ventura County Battalion Chief Pete Jensen and host Tim Conrad

    01/16/2025

    Is it trash or truth? Information and the California wildfires | With Ventura County Battalion Chief Pete Jensen and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text Conspiracy, AI-created imagery, misinformation and false information now dominate disasters, overpowering truthful and honest information. It is mainstream on social media, podcasts and traditional media, and often repeated by broadcasters, hosts and celebrities.  Pete Jensen is on the front lines of the southern California wildfires, where, in the past, he has served in many roles, including public information officer. Much of what he shares applies no matter where you are. What we know about wildfires, how they move and how we fight them is international.   Listen For: 01:29 - Status of the Southern California Wildfires, Water Supply, Staffing and Equipment 33:42 - Forest Management, Resources, and Managing Wildfires 1:11:58 - Finale - Three quick questions Connect with Pete Jensen  LinkedIn Connect with Tim Conrad LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    1h 19m
  6. The BEST Way to Work with Family Liaison Officers During Emergencies | With search and rescue author Moose Mutlow and host Tim Conrad

    12/04/2024

    The BEST Way to Work with Family Liaison Officers During Emergencies | With search and rescue author Moose Mutlow and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text National Parks' search and rescue family liaison officer, Moose Mutlow, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, and shares how they connect incident command to families and friends to ensure strong communication throughout searches. Listen For: 01:50 - The roles of search and rescue and family liaison officers 10:33 - Setting the stage 28:40 - The idea of truth 40:28 - Finale - Three quick questions Connect with Moose Mutlow Website | LinkedIn | Online FLO Course | Amazon - Buy Books Connect with Tim Conrad LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    45 min
  7. How TRUST HAS SHIFTED news consumption and how to adapt | Part 3 of 3 with author Doug Levy of The Communications Golden Hour® book and host Tim Conrad

    11/26/2024

    How TRUST HAS SHIFTED news consumption and how to adapt | Part 3 of 3 with author Doug Levy of The Communications Golden Hour® book and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the final of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues. Listen For: 01:08 - Who to trust? 11:17 - Is that a trusted spokesperson? 15:22 - They turned off the news and turned on an app 22:53 - Finale - Three quick questions Connect with Doug Levy LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon - Buy Book Connect with Tim Conrad LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    28 min
  8. Communicating in a time of chaos, war and conflict with guest, author Doug Levy | Part 2 of 3 with The Communications Golden Hour author, and host Tim Conrad

    11/19/2024

    Communicating in a time of chaos, war and conflict with guest, author Doug Levy | Part 2 of 3 with The Communications Golden Hour author, and host Tim Conrad

    Send a text Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the second of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues. Listen For: 01:05 - Communicating in the chaotic Trump style 10:40 - Media literacy 14:12 - Navigating global conflicts 19:45 - How values can be used to navigate division Connect with Doug Levy LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon - Buy Book Connect with Tim Conrad LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram  Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

    28 min
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About

We explore effective strategies for managing misinformation, coordinating resources, and maintaining public trust during wildfires and floods. Hear personal stories from the front lines, lessons from past emergencies, and insights on preparation and training. Our podcast offers valuable knowledge for professionals and anyone interested in crisis communications. Follow Wildfires, Floods, and Chaos Communications and stay informed on managing chaos in disasters, emergencies and crises. Find us on YouTube where you can watch recent episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVR9ZZ8PTuX6NAeUwUcCtdkZxeGh58fJF&si=hSeSjoS5X0nfujTV

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