When the 2008 Porters Lake–Lake Echo wildfire tore through the suburbs east of Halifax, more than 5,000 people were forced to flee with only minutes to decide what mattered most. In this episode, Paula Danyluk‑MacDonald - evacuee, mother, neighbour, and principal of Atlantic View Elementary - shares her firsthand account of sudden evacuation, community fear, and the remarkable resilience that followed.

Paula describes the moment firefighters knocked on her door with five minutes to leave, the frantic search for family, the overwhelming tension at the evacuation centre, and the emotional return home to a neighbourhood changed forever. She also reflects on how the school community coped in the weeks and months afterward, how children processed the disaster, and how neighbours became lifelines.

This is a story of community strength, compassion, and the quiet leadership that emerges when everything familiar is suddenly at risk.

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

On February 10, 2026, the peaceful mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia faced the worst school shooting in Canadian history. In minutes, eight lives were taken at the community’s only secondary school and at the shooter's  home, two more were critically injured, and the town was thrust into a nightmare no one could have imagined.

In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast, host Tim Conrad speaks with Trent Ernst, publisher of The Tumbler RidgeLines and a long‑time resident who found himself reporting on an unimaginable tragedy in the community he calls home.

Support Trent and the Tumbler RidgeLines: https://www.communicationspodcast.com/help/

Trent shares:

• The moment he realized something was terribly wrong
• What it was like to be the only local journalist on scene
• How national and international media descended on the town
• The tension between respectful reporting and harmful intrusion
• The emotional toll on a tight‑knit community of 2,500 people
• How Tumbler Ridge’s identity, history, and resilience shaped its response
• The importance of community connection in the days that followed

This episode is not about the shooter. It is about community, loss, responsibility, and the people who remain.

What You’ll Learn

• How small communities experience and process mass‑casualty events
• The role and limits of local journalism during crisis
• Why ethical communication matters when trauma is fresh
• How responders, media, and outsiders can support or harm a grieving town
• The deep emotional impact on those who both report on and live through tragedy

Content Warning

This episode discusses a school shooting, loss of life, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

CHAPTERS

Time | Chapter 
| 00:00 | Opening: The tragedy of February 10, 2026
| 00:27 | The victims and the first hours of confusion
| 01:18 | The peaceful identity of Tumbler Ridge
| 01:43 | Introducing guest - journalist and community member Trent Ernst
| 02:10 | “Something’s up at the school” - The first alert
| 02:33 | Arriving on scene and realizing the severity
| 03:18 | The emergency alert and early uncertainty
| 03:45 | Observing police response and waiting for clarity
| 04:37 | Leaving to recharge and regroup
| 05:06 | The moment the deaths were confirmed
| 05:28 | “The bottom fell out” - Emotional shock in a peaceful town
| 06:03 | Why community stories matter more than sensational headlines
| 07:12 | What Tumbler Ridge is really like: history, identity, and resilience
| 08:15 | The mining town that refused to disappear
| 09:11 | How the town became a true community
| 10:23 | Falling in love with the land and the people
| 12:27 | The two types of residents and what binds them
| 13:38 | Life in a remote, slow‑paced northern town
| 15:17 | Trails, nature, and the quiet beauty of the region
| 16:06 | The dinosaur tracks story
| 17:36 | Why Tumbler Ridge is a hidden Canadian treasure
| 18:24 | The influx of media after the shooting
| 19:45 | Doing interviews while trying to stay connected to the community
| 20:35 | The community centre becomes a healing hub
| 21:27 | Ethical vs. unethical media behaviour
| 22:45 | The backlash against intrusive reporters
| 23:39 | How tragedy reshaped Trent’s sense of connection
| 24:41 | Remembering that community matters most
| 26:03 | How locals treated Trent differently from outside media
| 27:01 | Respecting boundaries and letting people choose to speak
| 28:02 | The weight of knowing everyone in a small town
| 29:01 | Being both a reporter and a neighbour
| 29:20 | The conversations that now always lead back to “What happened?”

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

Tim provides an update after his nearly 3,000 kilometre journey through British Columbia and Alberta. 

• Community rebuilding after wildfires
• Emergency management insights from the road
• Personal reflections on safety and service

00:00
Road Trip Reflections

02:57
Community Resilience and Hope

05:47
Insights from Emergency Management Professionals

09:02
Challenges on the Road

12:03
Upcoming Episodes and Future Guests

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

What motivates people to prepare for emergencies? Is this the best week for emergency preparedness - or are there greater opportunities lurking? Join Tim and the conversation, recorded Live on LinkedIn and YouTube. 

In this episode, Tim will share his thoughts on what emergency preparedness means for responders, on your property and in your community. He's going to share the knowledge he's collected over a few decades spent hanging around fire halls and during large disasters. 

00:00 Introduction to Emergency Preparedness Week
03:28 Acknowledging Indigenous Communities
06:23 The Importance of Emergency Preparedness
09:37 Emergency Operations Center Dynamics
13:02 Role of Politicians in Emergencies
19:35 Systems and Processes in Emergency Management
24:28 Security and Hacking in Crisis Situations
30:27 Redundancy and Team Preparedness
34:46 The Importance of Redundancy in Emergency Preparedness
35:56 Community Preparedness: The Fire Smart Initiative
42:27 Personal Property Preparedness: Insurance and Debris Management
48:53 Essential Safety Devices: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
56:07 Motivating Community Preparedness: Insights from Pathways to Preparedness
01:03:51 Timing for Emergency Preparedness Messaging

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

Join Tim today, Tuesday, May 5 at 1700 Pacific, 1800 Mountain, 1900 Central, 2000 Eastern, 2100 Atlantic or 2130 in Newfoundland, for the next Live, on the Butterfly Effect Communications channels on YouTube, LinkedIn, and maybe on Facebook and TikTok too. 

During the Live Episode:

• What motivates people to get prepared?
• Is Emergency Preparedness Week the best week for emergency preparedness info?
• Sharing tips from residents and responders over my decades 
• Challenging emergency managers and crisis communicators to push their preparedness to another level
• Listen to episode 23, From Evacuee to Emergency Manager: Robert Cosma on Indigenous Leadership 

Join the conversation live by texting your thoughts through the link above or commenting on one of our Live posts. 

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

What's happening right now in crisis communications, emergency management, and issues management - and what should we be talking about? 

Live Fridays (could be any day as Tim tries this out) is your space to ask questions, share what you're seeing in the field, and join an honest, real-world conversation about how we prepare for, respond to, and communicate through disasters and crises - in Canada and beyond. 

Every Live, Tim Conrad, APR, opens the floor: bring your burning questions, a story from your week, a headline you can't stop thinking about, or a challenge you're navigating right now. Just the conversation this community wants.

Whether you work in emergency preparedness, public safety, crisis communications, or disaster recovery - this is your room.

Key Themes in this episode:

·         Groupthink Prevention

·         Public Engagement Strategies

·         Crisis Communication Protocols

Drop your questions in the chat or in the comments below.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a Live Friday

Learn more:
www.communicationspodcast.com

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Live Podcasting
02:20 Upcoming Events and Symposiums
05:01 Reflections on Past Wildfires
07:27 The Importance of Communication in Emergencies
10:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations
12:53 Challenging Groupthink in Crisis Management
15:16 Learning from Past Mistakes
18:04 The Role of Training in Emergency Preparedness
20:47 Workshops and Media Training
23:24 Conclusion and Future Plans
25:57 Mastering Public Engagement
26:38 The Importance of Public Participation
27:22 Indigenous Community Engagement
28:52 Crisis Management in Emergencies
33:35 Pathways to Preparedness Project
35:18 Current Emergency Situations in Canada
36:50 Self-Care for Responders
38:57 Video Production in Emergency Response
49:22 Acknowledging Emergency Responders

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

In this Quick Bits update, Tim shares a deeply personal reflection following the recent passing of his mother, Carol Conrad, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Through stories from his childhood, Tim explores how his mother’s decades of volunteer work with the Canadian Red Cross shaped his own lifelong commitment to helping people during their hardest moments.

This short episode is both a tribute and a reminder: volunteers and helpers often never see the full impact of their work — but it matters, sometimes decades later.

Key Themes

• Remembering Carol Conrad, a dedicated Canadian Red Cross volunteer
• Childhood memories of the equipment loan program and community helpers
• How early exposure to volunteerism shaped Tim’s crisis communications path
• The quiet, often unseen impact of community volunteers
• Gratitude for helpers everywhere - past, present, and future
• A brief pause in new episodes and what’s coming next
• A special sign‑off dedicated to his mom: “with ice cream and strawberries.”

Featured Episode Mention

🎨 Nobody Talks Recovery Like Her with Deb Borsos
Now available on the Butterfly Effect Communications YouTube channel, including visual aids to enhance the viewing experience.

How to Get Involved

• Share your story or pitch a guest idea: www.communicationspodcast.com
• Leave a review or connect with past guests - your appreciation goes a long way
• Watch for upcoming live broadcasts on YouTube and LinkedIn

In Memory of Carol Conrad 

For those wishing to make a donation in her honour, please consider supporting:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada
• Terry Fox Foundation

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

After a disaster, the world moves on, but communities don’t. In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast, host Tim Conrad talks with Deb Borsos, one of BC’s most respected recovery specialists, about what really happens after the emergency ends.

Deb shares decades of hard‑earned wisdom from wildfire zones, flood‑stricken towns, and remote communities in both Canada and Australia. She explains why communication failures can derail recovery, why communities need honesty instead of polished messaging, and how local leadership consistently outperforms outside contractors.

From daily unfiltered updates during wildfires to the rise of community‑led recovery movements like DisasterWise in Australia, Deb offers practical, grounded insights for anyone working in emergency management, communications, or local government.

If you want to truly understand recovery, this is the episode.

When disasters strike, response gets the spotlight, but recovery is where the real work begins. In this episode, host Tim Conrad sits down with Deb Borsos, one of British Columbia’s most respected recovery operations specialists, to talk about what actually happens after the cameras leave and the responders go home.

Deb brings decades of experience from rural BC to Australia’s remote communities. She shares candid insights on communication failures, community‑led recovery, the dangers of over‑promising, and why transparency matters more than polished messaging.

This conversation is a masterclass for emergency managers, communicators, elected officials, and anyone who cares about what happens after disaster headlines fade.

Resources offered by Deb:

Books - When the Dust Settles, Suzy Easthope; A Paradise Built in Hell, Rebecca Solnit

What You’ll Learn

• Why communications is the weakest link in recovery — and how to fix it
• How recovery begins during response, not after
• Why communities need truth, not protection
• The importance of local leadership vs. outside contractors
• How Australia’s rural communities are redefining community‑led recovery
• Why “build back better” often misses the mark
• The power of timely, honest, unfiltered updates
• How small communities can lead without being incorporated
• Why responders must remember: you are a guest in someone else’s community

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

In this Quick Bits update, host Tim Conrad shares what’s new across the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications podcast. Our latest video episode, now on YouTube, features Robert Cosma, Emergency Program Manager for the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, paired with stunning visuals from the Chilcotin region.

Tim also highlights a run of powerful recent episodes, including Crowds, Crisis and Communications with three volunteer fire chiefs sharing 150 years of service, and a new video version of When the Attention Leaves with Heather Shtutka, featuring on‑the‑ground footage from the community where her son Ryan disappeared.

You’ll also get a preview of our upcoming conversation with British Columbia’s “recovery queen,” Deb Borsos, plus a call for future guests working in crisis communications or emergency management.

If you enjoyed the episode with Rob Cosma, don’t miss the two short companion episodes with Steph Masun: Recovering Together and Community Driven Recovery, which connect directly to the themes Rob explores.

Every listen, share, and comment helps build a stronger community of communicators and responders. 

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

Episode Overview

In this powerful conversation, Indigenous emergency program manager Robert Cosma shares his journey from evacuee to one of the most respected emergency leaders in the Cariboo region. Robert speaks candidly about the realities of evacuations for First Nations communities, the cultural priorities that shape Indigenous emergency response, and why land, animals, and community must be protected together.

Episode Show Notes

Guest: Robert Cosma, Emergency Services Manager, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Listen for:

00:00 — The Tŝilhqot’in Story and the Land
Colonial history, the Chilcotin War, smallpox, residential schools, and the path to self‑determination.

01:58 — Introducing Robert Cosma
Robert’s background, moving west, and how becoming an evacuee changed his life.

04:10 — From Evacuee to Emergency Manager
How 2017 shaped Robert’s mission to improve emergency response for First Nations.

06:20 — Family, Identity, and Learning from Elders
Stories of Roger Jimmie, cultural teachings, and the responsibility to future generations.

09:00 — Settler Mindsets vs. Indigenous Worldviews
Seven‑generation thinking, circles vs. boxes, and how perspective shifts change outcomes.

12:45 — Growing Up Away from Indigenous Identity
Robert’s early life, reconnecting with culture, and the contrast between Calgary and the Cariboo.

16:00 — Working with First Nations Communities
Pride, land stewardship, and the passion that shapes Indigenous emergency work.

19:40 — Why the Land Matters More Than Infrastructure
Animals, berries, hunting, and the long-term impacts of megafires on food systems.

23:10 — Inside the EOC: Cultural Lens in Real Time
How Indigenous representation changes decisions, speeds up response, and avoids harm.

27:00 — Tough Conversations and True Collaboration
Honesty, trust, and building relationships between Nations and local authorities.

30:15 — Cultural Protocols on the Fireline
The Batnuni story, tobacco offerings, and respectful entry into sensitive areas.

33:40 — Evacuations Through an Indigenous Lens
Why returning home is complex: food spoilage, generators, pack rats, and land-based living.

37:20 — The Trout Lake Flood Story
A personal example of overlooked damage and the consequences of not understanding the land.

40:00 — What Needs to Change in Emergency Management
Land-first priorities, community care, and the shift toward Indigenous leadership.

43:00 — Closing Reflections
The power of simple conversations, shared learning, and building a better future for the next generations.

What We Talk About

• Robert’s personal journey from Ontario to Nazko and the experiences that led him into emergency management
• What it feels like to be evacuated for 24 weeks and why that experience changed his life
• How First Nations communities care for their people during evacuations—elders, families, hunters, and land‑based households
• The cultural and emotional impacts of being uprooted from the land
• Why land, animals, and food systems must be considered in every emergency decision
• The difference between colonial emergency priorities and Indigenous priorities
• How Indigenous representation inside EOCs changes decisions in real time
• The importance of relationships, trust, and tough conversations between Nations and local authorities
• Stories of cultural protocol during wildfire response, including the role of elders and ceremony
• How the Tŝilhqot’in National Government is leading change in emergency preparedness and response
• The long-term impacts of megafires on ecosystems, wildlife, and community food

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

Quick Bits: Three Fire Chiefs video episode with a preview of our time with the Indigenous National Government's emergency manager, Robert Cosma. Plus, watch for an updated video episode of last month's Heather Shtuka episode. 

Watch, listen and learn at www.communicationspodcast.com

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

This episode brings together nearly 150 years of combined volunteer firefighting experience as three Bridgewater Fire Department leaders, Honorary Chief Reid Whynot, Honorary Chief Wayne Thorburne, and Chief Michael Nauss, sit down to reflect on the department’s 150th anniversary and the evolution of service, technology, and community over a century and a half.

Host Tim Conrad guides a conversation filled with history, humour, and hard‑earned wisdom from decades on the front lines.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How fire calls used to be dispatched
  From rooftop sirens to early pagers and today’s digital systems, the chiefs describe what it was like to get a call before modern communications existed.
• Stories from the calls that shaped them
  Propane explosions, downtown block fires, fatality incidents, ice jams, major floods, and multi-day industrial fires. Each chief shares the moments that tested them and the ones they’ll never forget.
• The evolution of public interaction
  Crowds used to gather by the hundreds at fire scenes. The chiefs talk about how community expectations, support, and behaviour have changed from the 1970s to today.
• Volunteer culture across generations
  What it meant to be a firefighter decades ago, how the role has changed, and why volunteerism remains the backbone of the department’s identity.
• Leadership under pressure
  Split-second decisions, mutual aid coordination, and the emotional weight of being responsible for your crew and your community.
• The calls that impacted the whole town
  Including the tragic mother‑and‑three‑sons fire, the Lunenburg church fire, and the Main Street fire that threatened to repeat the devastation of 1899, which led to the town’s incorporation.

00:00 – Land Acknowledgement & 150‑Year Fire Dept History
 00:23 – How Bridgewater’s Fire Service Began (1876)
 01:11 – Meet the Three Chiefs: 150 Years of Combined Service
 02:00 – How Firefighters Got Calls Before Pagers
 05:05 – Sirens, Power Outages & Firehall Renovation Stories
 05:55 – Propane Explosion Call: Wayne’s Most Intense Incident
 08:48 – Reid’s Toughest Calls: Winter Fires, Fatalities & Fish Plant Blaze
 10:12 – Michael’s Hardest Call: Responding to a Friend in Cardiac Arrest
 11:21 – The Main Street Fire: Stopping a Downtown Disaster
 13:16 – 2023 Bridgewater Floods: 104 Calls in 9 Hours
 15:01 – How Public Support for Firefighters Has Changed
 18:15 – Theft, Sabotage & Rare Internal Incidents
 19:10 – When Hundreds Showed Up to Watch Everything (Pre‑Internet Era)
 22:14 – Major Incidents: Ice Jams, Anthrax Scares & Plane Crashes
 22:43 – The Mother & Three Children Fire: A Tragedy That Changed the Town
 24:21 – Lunenburg Church Fire & Community Impact
 26:40 – Pride, Training & “Leave the Truck Better Than You Found It”
 27:22 – Firehall Camaraderie: Songs, Jokes & Brotherhood
 29:04 – Leadership Under Pressure: Trusting Your Crew
 30:17 – The “Holy F” Oil Truck Crash & Multi‑Agency Response
 31:10 – Communicating With the Public During Crisis
 33:38 – Working With Reporters: Honesty, Boundaries & Pressure
 37:16 – Safety Advice for Residents: Detectors, Driving & Common Sense
 40:27 – Mental Health in the Fire Service: What People Don’t See
 48:03 – Humour as Survival: Pranks & Firehall Culture
 57:18 – Staying Grounded During High‑Stress Calls
 59:39 – Brotherhood, Legacy & 150 Years of Service

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka is now available in video at CommunicationsPodcast.com and our YouTube Channel. 

Also included is a teaser of a new episode with a 150-year-old fire crew at a 150-year-old volunteer fire department in Nova Scotia. 

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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 changed
• The text message that shattered normal life
• Communicating with children during a crisis
• Building and managing a volunteer‑driven search operation
• The role and limits of social media
• Walking the route Ryan may have taken
• How misinformation and cruelty impact families
• Navigating ambiguous loss and long‑term grief
• The Free Bird Project and supporting other families
• Advice 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 website
• The Free Bird Project – Support, resources, and advocacy for families of missing loved ones
• Find Ryan Shtuka Facebook Group – Community updates and ongoing search efforts
• Butterfly 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the first of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues.

Listen For:
01:15 - From Practitioner to Author
11:27 - The Role, Skills and Practice of a Public Information Officer
20:30 - Communications is Two-way or It's Not Communications
28:04 - Evolving as a PIO

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.

It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used.

These are the stories of the before times. When coordinating more news media was easier than responding, developing, coordinating, producing, and posting media on all channels.

Listen For:
03:55 - Size Up with the Incident Commander
08:04 - A Memorial to News Media
13:57 - Perspectives from Responders and Residents
18:33 - Top Lessons 

Connect with Tim Conrad
LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

How do you handle the unexpected when the stakes are at their highest?  

Tim sits down with Shawna Bruce to break down the critical differences between a crisis communications plan and a full-fledged program. 

Recorded live at the 2024 Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention in Ottawa, the conversation dives deep into the importance of preparedness, flexibility, and teamwork in crisis management.  

Whether navigating social media pitfalls or leading a military response, Shawna and Tim explore what it takes to stay ahead of chaos. 

Listen For:
06:07 - The Rarity of Proper Crisis Communication Programs
12:29 - Crisis Communications: Then vs. Now
16:39 - Viral Crisis: A Mayor’s Social Media Misstep
25:03 - Leveraging Proven Practices in Crisis Response 

Guest: Shawna Bruce
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Ever wonder what it takes to be the calm in the storm during an emergency?  

Tim talks with Dorit Mason, an expert in emergency planning and operations. They look at the critical role of planners in emergency operations centres (EOCs), recalling their experiences managing wildfire evacuations in 2017.  

Mason shares insights on the characteristics of a great planner, the importance of personal preparedness, and how effective communication plays a vital role in crisis management.  

They discuss the essential traits required for those working in EOCs and reflect on the camaraderie and humor that keep emergency teams going through the toughest times. 

Listen For:
02:48 Importance of EOCs
08:21 The Synergy Between Planning and Communication
14:31 Volunteering Safely During Earthquakes
21:26 What Earthquake Planning Teaches Us 

Connect with guest: Dorit Mason
LinkedIn | Public emergency preparation and recovery - Province of British Columbia  

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Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?  

In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.  

With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.  

From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management. 

Listen For:
04:01 - Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
12:50 - The Challenges of Managing Multiple Disasters
25:40 - Recommended Resources for Emergency Management Learning
30:04 - Maintaining Mental Wellbeing During Crisis Response 

Guest: Stephanie Masun
LinkedIn

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How do you rebuild communities after wildfires, floods, and chaos?  

Emergency management expert Stephanie Masun dives deep into the challenges of post-disaster recovery in British Columbia's Cariboo Regional District.  

From the devastation of the 2017 wildfires to multi-year recovery programs, they share powerful lessons on teamwork, community resilience, and emergency management. 

Listen For:
05:20 - Patchwork recovery: Different challenges in each community
14:44 - The challenge of sustaining energy in recovery efforts
20:57 - Staffing challenges in emergency management
22:45 - Recognizing and supporting team members during recovery 

Guest: Stephanie Masun 

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Disaster communications isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about connecting communities amidst chaos.

In this episode, host Tim Conrad discusses the intense challenges and strategies behind managing public relations during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.

Guest Jan Enns delves into her own experiences with evacuation and loss, while highlighting the critical importance of mental health for responders and residents.

Together, they share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of crisis communications, emphasizing the power of empathy, community engagement, and resilience.

Listen For:
06:30 - The Butterfly Effect Explained
14:51 - Developing a Crisis Strategy Amid Chaos
18:40 - Navigating the Meta News Ban
25:03 - The Mental Health Impact on Responders

See the graphics and documents discussed in this episode
Documents and images

Guest: Jan Enns
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Can strategic planning and empathy transform chaos into order?

In this episode, Tim Conrad introduces Michele Toma, an information officer with expertise in research, analytics, and crisis communication strategies.

They recount their experiences during the devastating 2023 British Columbia wildfire season, highlighting the importance of humanity, empathy, and meticulous documentation in managing crises.

Michele shares her insights on strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and the critical role of business continuity plans.

Their discussion underscores how turning negative feedback into opportunities for improvement can significantly enhance crisis response and communication efforts.

Listen For:
06:47 - Documentation and Accountability
15:04 - Empathy in Crisis Management
20:08 - Business Continuity Planning Essentials
27:54 - Turning Negatives into Opportunities

Guest: Michele Toma
LinkedIn 

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In the eye of the storm, communication is key.

In this episode, Tim Conrad and Kendra Stoner discuss the high stakes of emergency communication.

They discuss the challenges and rewards of managing emergency operations centres (EOCs) during British Columbia's intense 2023 wildfire season.

Kendra highlights the importance of effective communication, maintaining public trust, and the emotional resilience required for this demanding work.

The episode underscores the critical role of preparation, strong team dynamics, and the personal commitment needed to support communities in crisis.

Listen For:
03:14 - The Hybrid EOC Challenge
06:02 - Overcoming Burnout in Emergencies
11:37 - Personal and Professional Detachment
22:36 - The Importance of Preparation

Guest: Kendra Stoner
LinkedIn

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From the frontlines of wildfires to the heart of communities.

This episode dives deep into the gritty realities of disaster communications. Tim Conrad interviews Lloyd Piehl, an experienced information officer, about their harrowing yet impactful experiences during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.

Lloyd shares compelling stories of working closely with firefighters and community members, illustrating the emotional and mental toll of such crises.

Their discussion covers the importance of public outreach, mental well-being, and the therapeutic role of art in processing trauma. Piehl's unique approach to healing through Lego art therapy provides a fascinating insight into coping mechanisms for those in high-stress environments.

Listen For:
02:34 - Life in the Firetruck
09:37 – The Reality of Disaster Zones
11:23 - The Importance of Public Outreach During Disasters
18:31 - From Anger to Healing: Transforming Community Emotions

Guest: Lloyd Piehl
 Instagram

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When chaos strikes, communication is key.  In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods, and Chaos Communications podcast, Tim sits down with Leila Daoud, an experienced public relations professional, to discuss the unprecedented 2023 British Columbia wildfire season. 

Leila shares her insights on the challenges and benefits of operating in a fully remote Emergency Operations Center (EOC), highlighting the importance of adaptability and clear communication during crises.   

They delve into the complexities of media relations, the evolving role of social media, and the crucial need for trust and transparency in emergency communications. 

Listen For:
10:10 - The Role of Social Media in Emergencies
16:31 - Choosing the Right Spokesperson
20:38 - The Power of Graphics in Communication
32:27 - Building Trust Before Emergencies 

Guest: Leila Daoud
LinkedIn

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When wildfires rage, clear communication is the ultimate firebreak.

In this episode, Tim Conrad sits down with Mike Lupien, a public relations expert, to discuss his experiences during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season and the infamous 2016 Fort McMurray fire.

Mike shares his insights on crisis communication strategies, the development of essential reentry guides, and the intricate dynamics within an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Mike emphasizes the critical role of communication in managing public perception and facilitating recovery efforts.

Listen For:
02:39 - Fort McMurray Fire Insights
07:01 - Evacuee Challenges
13:18 - Reentry Logistics
21:13 - Recovery Communications Planning

Guest: Mike Lupien, APR
LinkedIn 

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Navigating chaos with calm.

In episode one, Tim Conrad interviews Brie Thorsteinson-Ogle, an expert in strategic behavioural communication, about their experiences managing communications during the brutal 2023 British Columbia wildfires.

Brie discusses the critical importance of building trust, simplifying complex processes, and effectively engaging with communities under duress.

Together, they explore the power of listening and adapting in crisis situations, emphasizing that every gap identified is an opportunity for better solutions and community healing.

Listen For:
04:50 - Simplifying Complex Processes
08:37 - Building Trust and Credibility
18:07 - The Power of Listening
31:19 - Team Support and Psychological Safety

Guest: Brie Thorsteinson-Ogle
Website | LinkedIn

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How can we better manage crises and disasters? Join us as we talk to people in various roles about issues management, crisis communication and emergency information.

Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.