Welcome to State of Disaster, Season 3. It’s been just about a year since I published my first episode, but it feels like an entire lifetime. This show has become a staple of my life and I’m as always, so grateful for everyone I’ve gotten to know through this adventure. This season is called Emergent States. For the last year, I have been recording interviews with some really smart people about what happens when big systems fail and what emerges when individuals, organizations, and communities self organize to solve the seemingly unsolvable. We’re going to talk about complexity science, systems thinking, and grassroots emergency management models. We’re also going to take a look at the emerging technologies, startups, and solo emergency management entrepreneurs that are shifting the paradigm of the work we do. I’m starting this season off with Brandi Hunter, celebrating the work she’s done as the founder of Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), a supportive community bridging the gap between education and careers in emergency management. Brandi and the AEMO team empower students and emerging professionals with mentorship, job resources, and real-world insights. With the competitive nature of EM hiring, where experience is often a barrier, AEMO helps members navigate challenges like networking, certifications, and interview prep. Joining AEMO offers access to a network of peers and seasoned experts, including me, who are passionate about making emergency management more inclusive and accessible for all backgrounds. Premium subscribers will be able to access Emergent States early, extended, uncensored, ad-free, and with enhanced show guides giving you more immersive resources, links, discounts, research, access to ask guests questions, and more. We’re also reducing premium subscription costs to reduce the barrier to entry for this awesome content. An annual subscription is now $50 instead of $100 and will remain at this price through the end of the year.
