DisasterClass Podcast | Your Masterclass in Disaster Preparedness.

Jason Perez & Wesley Long | Instinct Ready Inc.
  • 5.0 (15)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the DisasterClass Podcast, your trusted source for expert guidance on disaster preparedness, emergency management, and building resilience in a chaotic world. Hosted by real emergency responders, EMTs, and risk professionals, this show is dedicated to helping you educate, prepare, and equip yourself for life’s disruptions—whether personal, professional, or community-wide. Each episode features powerful insights, real-world case studies, interviews with industry leaders, and practical tips on topics like: Emergency planning for families, businesses, and schoolsCrisis leadership and decision-making under pressureBleeding control and life-saving medical interventionsBusiness continuity and disaster recovery strategiesRisk mindset development for everyday resilienceEmerging threats and real-time lessons from recent disastersWhether you're an emergency manager, first responder, school administrator, business owner, or proactive individual, DisasterClass delivers actionable content that empowers you to face any crisis with clarity and confidence. 🔔 Subscribe now and join the class—because preparedness isn’t paranoia, it’s power. disaster preparedness podcast, emergency management, emergency planning, bleeding control, business continuity, crisis leadership, disaster recovery, risk mindset, community resilience, emergency response podcast, family emergency planning

  1. 23H AGO

    91_Why People Ignore Emergency Warnings (And How to Avoid Deadly Mistakes)

    They got the alert. They heard the warning. They had time to leave. And they stayed anyway. In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we break down one of the most dangerous patterns in emergency response: why people ignore warnings—even when the risk is real. From wildfires to hurricanes, tornadoes to floods, history shows that delayed decisions cost lives. But this isn’t about ignorance—it’s about human behavior. We explore real-world disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, where delayed evacuation led to devastating consequences. Then we break down the psychology behind it, including normalcy bias, confirmation seeking, and real-world barriers that prevent people from taking action. Most importantly, we show you how to overcome these biases and make faster, better decisions when it matters most. Because warnings don’t save lives—decisions do. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: Why people delay or ignore emergency warningsThe “Warning Failure Loop” and how it worksReal disaster case studies and lessons learnedHow to overcome hesitation in high-risk situationsPractical steps to improve your emergency decision-making 📚 Sources Referenced: CAL FIRE – Camp Fire Incident Report (2019)Butte County Sheriff’s Office Fatality SummaryFEMA – Hurricane Katrina After Action ReportNOAA/NWS – Flood Fatalities DataTexas Division of Emergency Management – Hurricane Rita AAR 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Cold Open: “They got the alert…” 00:33 – Camp Fire Case Study (Paradise, CA) 00:51 – Episode Introduction 01:18 – Hosts Introduced (Jason & Pappy) 01:28 – Topic Setup: Emergency Warnings 02:10 – Why Ignoring Warnings Is Common 03:15 – The Warning Failure Loop 05:20 – Normalcy Bias Explained 07:40 – Confirmation Seeking Behavior 09:30 – Confusion & Lack of Clarity 11:15 – Real-World Barriers to Action 13:30 – Disaster Case Examples 16:10 – How to Make Better Decisions 18:00 – Pre-Decision Strategy 20:10 – Removing Barriers 22:15 – Training & Practice 24:10 – Personal Reflection 26:00 – Listener Challenge 27:15 – Key Takeaways 28:30 – Closing Message

    23 min

  2. APR 8

    90_You Won’t Rise to the Occasion — You Fall to Your Training

    What would you do if someone collapsed right in front of you? In this solo episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, Pappy explores a hard truth about emergencies: you do not rise to the occasion—you fall back on your training. When stress hits, good intentions are not enough. In those first critical moments, people often freeze, hesitate, or wait for someone else to act. That is why training matters. It builds competence, confidence, and the ability to respond when every second counts. In this episode, Pappy breaks down why people freeze, how training changes outcomes, and why preparedness is not just about knowledge—it is about action. If you have ever told yourself you should probably learn CPR, first aid, or emergency response skills “someday,” this episode is your reminder that someday should probably be sooner. 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Scenario: Someone Collapses 00:20 – The Critical Question: Do You Know What to Do? 00:32 – The Reality: You Fall Back on Training 00:49 – Title Sequence 01:00 – Episode Introduction  01:30 – Why People Freeze in Emergencies 02:45 – The Bystander Effect Explained 04:10 – Training vs Instinct 05:30 – Confidence Comes from Repetition 06:50 – The Cost of Not Being Prepared 08:10 – What a Few Hours of Training Can Do 09:30 – Closing Thoughts: Action vs Intention 10:15 – Final Takeaway

    17 min

  3. MAR 16

    89_Why Waiting for 911 Isn’t a Plan | with Dustin Talacko

    When someone collapses from cardiac arrest, brain injury begins in 4–6 minutes. In many communities, EMS arrival can take 10 minutes or more. So what exists in that gap? In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we sit down with firefighter-paramedic and AED Empire co-founder Dustin Talacko to discuss the dangerous space between emergency and response — and why access to life-saving equipment can determine whether someone survives. Drawing from thousands of emergency calls, Dustin explains why preparedness is not about panic, but infrastructure. We explore why organizations delay purchasing AEDs, how decision paralysis affects safety planning, and why survival should never depend on luck, location, or privilege. Dustin also shares the story behind AED Empire, a company built to simplify access to automated external defibrillators and bleeding control solutions so organizations can move from good intentions to real preparedness. If you are responsible for the safety of others — in a workplace, school, gym, church, or public venue — this conversation will change how you think about readiness. What You'll Learn • The critical first minutes of cardiac arrest • The gap between collapse and EMS arrival • Why many organizations delay implementing AED programs • How simplifying preparedness improves real-world outcomes • Why access to equipment reduces responder stress • The role of bleeding control in modern safety planning About Dustin Talacko Dustin Talacko is a firefighter-paramedic and co-founder of AED Empire, a national life-saving equipment platform focused on improving access to AEDs and bleeding control resources. His work sits at the intersection of public safety, workplace readiness, and responder mental health. Learn More About Dustin & AED Empire 🌐 https://www.aedempire.com 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org  🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com 00:00 Cold Open – The Dangerous Assumption About Emergency Response 01:03 Meet Dustin Talacko 02:25 Why Seconds Matter in Cardiac Arrest 03:33 The Reality of EMS Response Times 05:08 The Dangerous Gap Between Collapse and Response 06:57 Why AED Access Still Falls Short 10:29 Why Organizations Delay Preparedness 13:28 The Origin of AED Empire 16:59 From Field Experience to Building a Business 20:26 Simplifying AED Access 24:06 Why Preparedness Shouldn't Depend on Luck 27:28 The Role of Bleeding Control 30:08 Infrastructure vs Panic 33:20 Making Preparedness Simple 36:06 What True Readiness Looks Like

    39 min

  4. MAR 2

    88_International Travel Preparedness: Shelter in Place, Embassies & Travel Emergencies Overseas

    Every day, thousands of Americans board international flights thinking about beaches, business meetings, and bucket lists. Very few think about embassy locations. Very few think about hospital systems. And almost no one thinks about what they would do if they were told to shelter in place in a country that isn’t theirs. Recently, tourists in parts of Mexico were advised to remain inside their hotels due to instability. Flights were delayed. Movement was restricted. Information was fragmented. But this type of disruption isn’t isolated to one country. Across the world — including regions like the Middle East and Iran — travelers have faced sudden airspace closures, government advisories, unrest, and rapidly changing conditions that left tourists relying on embassies and emergency planning instead of itineraries. That’s not a political conversation. That’s a preparedness conversation. In this roundtable discussion, Jason Perez, Pappy, and Anthony Escoto from Disaster Operations Group break down what smart travelers do differently before they leave the country. We discuss: • How the U.S. STEP Program actually works • What embassies can — and cannot — do for you • Documentation redundancy and passport planning • Financial and logistical buffers for travel disruptions • A real experience calling an ambulance overseas • Travel medical and evacuation considerations • Shelter-in-place vs evacuation decision-making • Traveling internationally as a father responsible for a family • Leadership and psychological preparedness abroad  If you travel internationally — for business, vacation, or mission work — this episode will change how you think about preparedness. For Instinct Ready services or Capable Community courses: 📩 disasterclass@instinctready.com o learn more about operational preparedness: 🌐 disasteroperationsgroup.com Prepared travel isn’t about expecting disaster. It’s about respecting uncertainty. ⸻ 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com Chapters 00:00:07 – Why Travel Preparedness Matters 00:00:20 – Mexico Shelter-in-Place Context 00:03:45 – How the STEP Program Works 00:05:29 – Evacuation Considerations 00:08:32 – Documentation & Passports 00:12:17 – Traveling Internationally with Family 00:14:09 – Communication Planning While Abroad 00:16:45 – Financial & Money Considerations Overseas 00:18:33 – Travel Insurance & Coverage Discussion 00:24:53 – Calling an Ambulance Overseas (Real Experience) 00:37:09 – Disaster Operations Group Perspective

    40 min

  5. FEB 16

    87_How Risk Becomes Visible (Part 2)

    In Part 1, we asked a difficult question: Why does preparedness fail so many people after disasters? In Part 2, we go deeper. This episode explores what changes when risk becomes visible — not as a checklist, not as a warning, but as something that can actually be understood, measured, and acted on before disaster strikes. As insurance companies, real estate markets, and governments increasingly price risk into everyday life, homeowners and communities are often left reacting to decisions already made without them. So what does visibility really mean? And why does it change recovery outcomes? In this documentary-style episode, DisasterClass hosts Jason Perez and Jason “Pappy” Martin continue their conversation with Ben Gilliland, founder of Future Proof Property Intelligence, to examine: • Why risk is already visible to insurers — but not to homeowners • How small, hidden failure points lead to catastrophic loss • Why preparedness often stops at survival instead of recovery • What it means to understand how things actually fail • How visibility shifts decisions, priorities, and outcomes • Why recovery is becoming harder even after “smaller” disasters This episode is not about fear or forecasting. It’s about agency — and what becomes possible when people can finally see the risks shaping their future. 🎧 This is Part 2 of a two-part documentary series. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there to understand why preparedness alone is no longer enough. ⸻ 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com Chapters 00:00 – The Question Preparedness Never Answers 00:25 – How Risk Becomes Visible 00:33 – DisasterClass Introduction 00:55 – Why Insurers Don’t Guess 01:35 – Where Preparedness Falls Short 02:30 – Understanding Failure Before It Happens 03:25 – Why Small Failures Lead to Big Loss 04:20 – Risk Is Already Being Priced In 05:30 – Translating Risk for Homeowners 06:30 – What Visibility Changes 07:30 – From Information to Action 08:20 – The Role of Instinct Ready 09:00 – Agency, Recovery, and What Comes Next 10:05 – Final Reflection

    11 min

  6. FEB 2

    86_Preparedness is broken

    Across the country, people are doing what they’ve been told. They build emergency kits. They follow alerts. They evacuate when ordered. And still — they lose everything. Not during the disaster. After it. In Part 1 of this documentary-style episode, DisasterClass examines a hard truth most preparedness conversations avoid: survival is not the same as recovery. Homes may survive storms but become unlivable. Insurance claims may be approved but still fall short. Families may do “everything right” and still never fully recover. To understand why preparedness is failing — and why that failure is accelerating — hosts Jason Perez and Jason “Pappy” Martin speak with Ben Gilliland, a technologist and disaster-resilience expert whose work focuses on what determines whether recovery is even possible after first responders leave. This episode does not offer quick tips or checklists.  Instead, it asks a deeper question: Is the way we define preparedness still working? 🎧 This is Part 1 of a two-part documentary series. Part 2 explores how risk becomes visible — and what changes when people can finally see it. ⸻ 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org  🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com Chapters 00:00 – The Problem No One Talks About 00:32 – Is Preparedness Still Working? 00:40 – Why This Episode Is Different 01:05 – DisasterClass Introduction 01:27 – Why Preparedness Is Failing 01:36 – Introducing Ben Gilliland 02:01 – Survival vs. Recovery 03:10 – Where Preparedness Stops 04:15 – The Hidden Cost After Disasters 05:35 – Why Recovery Is Getting Harder 06:45 – What Preparedness Misses 07:45 – The Question That Changes Everything 08:34 – Final Reflection & What Comes Next

    10 min

  7. JAN 19

    85_Emergency Preparedness for Kids: What Children Can Really Do in a Crisis

    What should kids actually know how to do during an emergency? In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, Jason Perez and Pappy break down emergency preparedness for kids by age, using real-world case studies, child development science, and practical experience to show what children are truly capable of when they’ve been prepared calmly and intentionally. This isn’t about scaring kids — it’s about building familiarity, confidence, and capability. We cover: • What toddlers can realistically do in an emergency • How young children recognize danger and ask for help • Why pre-teens often outperform adults when they have clear procedures • How teens step into leadership roles during real emergencies • Why preparedness reduces panic — and fear-based messaging doesn’t work Throughout the episode, we share real-life examples of children who saved lives, evacuated safely, or made critical decisions during: • Medical emergencies • Fires • Natural disasters • Violent incidents These stories prove one core truth: Children are not liabilities in emergencies. Unprepared children are. ⸻ 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How cognitive development affects emergency response at different ages • Why repetition and normalization matter more than one-time instruction • How to assign age-appropriate responsibilities without overwhelming kids • What parents, schools, and child-focused organizations should stop doing • How to build preparedness without creating anxiety  ⸻ 📄 Free Resource: Capable Kids™ Emergency Readiness Checklist We reference the Capable Kids™ Emergency Readiness Checklist throughout this episode. Y ou can download it here: 👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/17E-Af0-bTbSCQmpbAkojAYWBVWoU16Tu/view?usp=sharing The checklist breaks down: • What kids can do at each age • What adults should practice with them • Emotional preparedness strategies for all ages ⸻ 🛡️ About Instinct Ready & Capable Community Everything discussed in this episode reflects the approach used by Instinct Ready when developing emergency plans and training for: • Families and households • Child care centers and early learning programs • K–12 schools and school districts • Camps, youth programs, and community organizations This same philosophy is also taught in the Capable Community course series, which helps families and communities build preparedness skills step by step — without fear-based messaging or unrealistic expectations. Learn more at 👉 https://www.instinctready.com ⸻ 🎧 About the DisasterClass Podcast The DisasterClass Podcast by Instinct Ready Emergency Management focuses on practical preparedness, real-world decision-making, and capability-building — for everyday people, families, and communities. If this episode was helpful: • 👍 Like the video • 📌 Subscribe for future episodes • 💬 Share it with a parent, teacher, or school leader Prepared kids are calmer kids. Prepared families are more resilient families. 00:00 – What Would Kids Actually Do in an Emergency? 01:10 – Preparedness for Kids: Calm, Not Fear 02:40 – How Kids Think and React Under Stress 04:00 – Toddlers (Ages 2–4): Familiarity and Simple Actions 05:40 – Real Story: 4-Year-Old Calls for Help 07:10 – Ages 5–7: Awareness and Asking for Help 08:40 – Real Story: Young Child Gets Help During Medical Emergency 10:20 – Ages 8–11: Confidence, Responsibility, and Procedures 12:10 – Real Story: Child Recognizes Tsunami Warning Signs 14:00 – Ages 12–14: Decision-Making and Situational Awareness 15:40 – Ages 15–18: Teens as Leaders in Emergencies 17:20 – Emotional Preparedness at Every Age 18:40 – Final Takeaways: Calm, Confident, Capable Kids

    20 min

  8. JAN 5

    84_Why the Same Emergency Affects Households Differently

    Preparedness isn’t about disasters — it’s about the systems you rely on every day. When people think about preparedness, they often focus on hazards: storms, outages, emergencies. But real-world outcomes aren’t determined by the event itself — they’re shaped by how that event disrupts essential systems and how those disruptions interact with household vulnerabilities. In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we break down what risk actually means and why the same emergency can affect households very differently. Using a simple, practical framework — Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability × Impact — we explore how power, communications, healthcare, income, and other essential community systems quietly support daily life, and how disruptions to those systems drive real consequences. This episode is designed as a mini masterclass to help you: Understand why disasters don’t impact everyone the same waySee preparedness beyond gear, supplies, or checklistsRecognize how essential systems shape riskIdentify household vulnerabilities without fear or panicMake better decisions before stress takes over We also walk through three simple questions you can ask tonight to better understand your household risk — no shopping, no downloads, just awareness. Preparedness starts with understanding how your life actually works. That’s where real resilience begins. 📱 FOLLOW & CONNECT 📧 Questions, stories, or topic ideas? Email us at disasterclass@instinctready.com 📲 Follow us on social media: @instinctready @sawyerproducts @emdisastergaming @stopthebleedcoalition @preppingwithpappy @higher_ground_survival @gobagwesley @thebestgobag @gobagready72 🔗 Sponsors & Partners 🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com 00:00 Sponsor Message: STOP THE BLEED Coalition 01:00 Preparedness Isn’t About Disasters 01:48 Why Systems Matter More Than Emergencies 03:00 What Risk Actually Means (Hazard × Vulnerability × Impact) 04:05 Essential Community Systems Explained 05:20 Why the Same Emergency Affects Households Differently 06:35 Vulnerability Is Context, Not Weakness 07:40 Three Questions to Understand Your Household Risk 09:25 Preparedness Starts With Understanding

    10 min
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out of 5
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About

Welcome to the DisasterClass Podcast, your trusted source for expert guidance on disaster preparedness, emergency management, and building resilience in a chaotic world. Hosted by real emergency responders, EMTs, and risk professionals, this show is dedicated to helping you educate, prepare, and equip yourself for life’s disruptions—whether personal, professional, or community-wide. Each episode features powerful insights, real-world case studies, interviews with industry leaders, and practical tips on topics like: Emergency planning for families, businesses, and schoolsCrisis leadership and decision-making under pressureBleeding control and life-saving medical interventionsBusiness continuity and disaster recovery strategiesRisk mindset development for everyday resilienceEmerging threats and real-time lessons from recent disastersWhether you're an emergency manager, first responder, school administrator, business owner, or proactive individual, DisasterClass delivers actionable content that empowers you to face any crisis with clarity and confidence. 🔔 Subscribe now and join the class—because preparedness isn’t paranoia, it’s power. disaster preparedness podcast, emergency management, emergency planning, bleeding control, business continuity, crisis leadership, disaster recovery, risk mindset, community resilience, emergency response podcast, family emergency planning

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