Local Relief LIVE

Heather Hackett

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NEWS

Local Relief LIVE" is your go-to podcast for disaster preparedness, survival, and recovery. Featuring expert insights, real-life stories, and practical tips, we connect communities with the knowledge and resources they need to stay resilient before, during, and after disasters.

6D AGO

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 12 Heather Hackett with Kirsten Trusko from PaalPay

Moving Money in Minutes: How Fintech Can Transform Disaster Recovery On this episode of Local Relief LIVE, we’re joined by powerhouse fintech leader and Payments As a Lifeline co-founder, Kirsten Trusko, for a deep and eye-opening conversation about the future of disaster recovery — and how financial systems can either slow relief down… or accelerate it with integrity. Kirsten has testified before Congress, been recognized globally as a “FinTech Superhero,” and built coalitions that connect government, nonprofits, and the private sector to move money in minutes — to the right person, at the right time, for the right purpose — with the data to prove it. In this conversation, we explore: • Why traditional disaster funding often gets stuck in bottlenecks • How real-time payments, AML safeguards, blockchain, and AI can reduce fraud and increase transparency • What “traceable, transparent, and accountable” relief funding actually looks like • The importance of dignity in disaster aid delivery • How fintech and community-based platforms like Local Relief can work together • Why moving money quickly isn’t just efficiency — it’s resilience Kirsten shares how Payments As a Lifeline (PaaLPay.org) is building a global coalition to ensure aid funds are delivered faster, safer, and with measurable accountability. She also discusses her work in high-risk, highly regulated sectors and what it takes to align profitability with purpose. At its core, this episode is about something bigger than fintech. It’s about ensuring that when disaster strikes, financial systems don’t become another barrier — but instead become a lifeline. Kirsten’s work reminds us that resilience isn’t just about rebuilding structures. It’s about rebuilding trust — with transparency, speed, and accountability. If you care about disaster resilience, fraud prevention, financial access, or the future of recovery systems, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and learn how moving money for good can change everything.

35 min
10/22/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 11 with Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long

In this episode of Local Relief LIVE, host Heather Hackett sits down with Brock Long, former FEMA Administrator for the United States and current Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting, to discuss the future of disaster recovery, resilience, and the critical role of community in extreme weather response. With decades of experience in emergency management, Brock shares his candid insights on what’s working — and what’s broken — in America’s disaster response system. From federal coordination to grassroots resilience, this conversation highlights why local action and communication are key to saving lives and restoring hope. Together, Brock and Heather explore: Why local communities are the true backbone of disaster recovery The biggest challenges facing FEMA and emergency management today How technology, like the Local Relief app, is redefining how people prepare for and recover from extreme weather Lessons learned from leading FEMA through historic disasters 🎧 Tune in to hear how we can all play a role in creating a more resilient future — one community, one connection, and one recovery at a time. #BrockLong #FEMA #HagertyConsulting #LocalReliefLIVE #EmergencyManagement #DisasterRecovery #Resilience #CommunityStrong #ExtremeWeather

49 min
08/29/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 10: Who Helps Small Businesses After Disaster?

Who really helps small businesses after a disaster? 🌪️ In this episode, Heather sits down with Stacey Dadd, Associate Director at Florida SBDC at USF, to explore how small businesses can find the support, resources, and guidance they need after hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. 👉 You’ll learn: Who small businesses can turn to after a disasterThe critical resources SBDC provides for recovery and rebuildingHow to access disaster assistance, funding, and community supportSteps every business owner should take before and after a disasterThe Florida SBDC has been a lifeline for thousands of businesses across the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Stacey shares her 20+ years of expertise in marketing, communications, and recovery to show entrepreneurs how to rebuild stronger and smarter. 💚 Join the movement: 1️⃣ Donate $1 to the #OneAppOneCommunity challenge (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5544826973) 2️⃣ Download the free Local Relief app — your hub for disaster resources and recovery 3️⃣ Share this episode to help other small businesses prepare 📲 Learn more & get involved: https://www.localrelief.com/

33 min
08/25/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 9: Puddle to Cat 5: 2024's Terrifying New Hurricane Threat

Hurricane season is coming — are you ready? Don’t wait until it’s too late. In this episode, climate expert Bob Bunting joins us to break down what’s changing with today’s storms and how you can protect your home and community. From rising ocean temps to vulnerable infrastructure, we unpack the realities of stronger, slower, and more dangerous storms — and how climate change plays a key role. Whether you're on the coast or inland, knowing your risks and having a plan could save lives. Timestamps: [00:00:50] CAC: A Key Tool" why the climate science is still important [00:04:12] Climate Champions" the good events every year. [00:06:47] A Marine Heat Wave? is this the new norm? [00:20:30] Storms In Florida: Are you taking into account your local infrastructure? [00:26:01] How the location can increase risks and costs? Share this with your community to help others stay safe Subscribe for new life-saving tips every Thursday! #hurricanepreparedness #climatechange #disasterpreparedness #severeweather #bobBunting #hurricaneseason #localrelief #weatherresilience #stormprep #floridaweather #communitysafety #climatecrisis #stormreadiness

31 min
07/17/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 8: Can Your Home Survive a Cat 5 Hurricane? Inside FIU's 157 MPH Wall of Wind

What really happens when a hurricane hits — and how can we be ready? Heather from Local Relief Live sits down with Erik Salna from FIU’s Extreme Events Institute to discuss hurricane risks, the groundbreaking Wall of Wind, the truth about building codes, and how education and mitigation can help you protect what matters most. Don’t wait for the next storm to start preparing. The time is now. Timestamps (0:00:46) What is the Wall of Wind? (0:01:16) Hurricane Andrew (0:02:51) Research and the Build Environment (0:04:36) How did you get involved? (0:06:26) Extreme Events Institute (0:07:32) Building Codes (00:12:50) The Hurricane Zone (00:15:57) The Build Environment (00:19:05) Homeowner Mitigation (00:21:50) Education and Knowledge What are you doing to prepare for hurricane season? Drop your tips and plans in the comments — let’s learn from each other 👇🏻 Share this with your community to help others stay safe Subscribe for more life-saving info every Thursday Connect with featured profiles: Instagram - @fiuinstagram LinkedIn - @florida-international-university Facebook - @floridainternational X (Twitter) - @fiu YouTube - @FloridaInternational Erik Salna LinkedIn - @erik-salna-b0810755 Erik Salna X - @ExtremeWxExp #hurricanepreparedness #wallofwind #hurricaneprep #mitigation #disasterreadiness #extremeweather #stormseason #windengineering #hurricanetips #FIU #ErikSalna #localrelief #preparedness #resilientcommunities #weatherready

23 min
07/01/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 7 with Claire Balsley from SBP

Maximizing FEMA Assistance with | SBP | Claire Balsley What if you could get 90%+ MORE from FEMA? Most FEMA applicants are denied at first — but the story doesn’t end there. In this must-watch episode, Claire Balsley from @SBPUSA and Heather from Local Relief Live break down how disaster survivors can successfully appeal FEMA determinations and receive significantly more support. Discover how SBP equips families with tools like free contractor estimates, expert appeal writing, and critical damage assessments — empowering them to maximize recovery.

38 min
06/16/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 6 with Jason Sutton from Firman Generators

Are you ready for the next power outage? Join Heather from Local Relief Live as she talks with Jason Sutton of @firmanpowerequipment about how to prepare for disasters, stay safe, and keep the lights on during any storm! Save 30% + Free Shipping at FirmanPowerEquipment.com Use code: LOCAL30

30 min
06/01/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 5 with Mike Boylan from Mike's Weather Page

Local Relief talks with Mike Boylan from Mike's Weather Page. You can find Mike at the links below. Website - https://spaghettimodels.com/ FB - / mikesweatherpage IG - / mikes_weather_page YouTube - / mikesweatherpage X - / tropicalupdate TikTok - / mikesweatherpage

30 min
05/12/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 4 with Dr. Guillermo Franco

Local Relief LIVE

43 min
04/25/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 3 with Kevin Miller

Hurricane Insurance & Disaster Prep with Expert Kevin Miller Are you prepared for hurricane season? On this episode of Local Relief Live, we dive deep into the world of disaster insurance with independent insurance adjuster Kevin Miller to share his invaluable knowledge on hurricane preparedness and insurance. Learn about flood insurance options, essential documentation tips, contractor vetting, and more. Get prepared for hurricane season with this expert advice!

30 min
03/21/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 2 with Bob Bunting

Hidden Impact: Climate & Mental Health "Common sense isn't common unless there's knowledge behind it." – Bob Bunting Climate change is more than just storms and rising tides — it’s a mental health crisis. Bob Bunting shares the stories of families struggling to recover after repeated disasters and facing impossible insurance costs. Let’s arm ourselves with knowledge and work together to protect our communities.

33 min
03/07/2025

Local Relief LIVE - Episode 1 with Stephanie Carroll

Local Relief LIVE

27 min

12 Episodes

Local Relief LIVE" is your go-to podcast for disaster preparedness, survival, and recovery. Featuring expert insights, real-life stories, and practical tips, we connect communities with the knowledge and resources they need to stay resilient before, during, and after disasters.

Creator

Heather Hackett
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Local Relief LIVE
Show Website

Local Relief LIVE