Shows
#L.A.Rising14. The Worst Club with the Best People -- Jennifer Gray Thompson, Founder, After the FireWhen megafires tear through a community, so many are left angry, exhausted, and desperate to know who to blame—but what if instead the focus was on the realities of today’s climate and proven ways to prevent future megafire disasters? In this episode of #L.A. Rising, host, Kim Marshall, sits down with Jennifer Gray Thompson, megafire survivor and the founder of After the Fire USA a nonprofit whose groundbreaking work helps communities around the country navigate the era of megafires—from the first bewildering days of smoke and ash to the long, grinding years of recovery. Jennifer shares...
2025-11-051h 10
Rebuild:LARebuild:LA Episode 045 - Finding Your Way Home with After the Fire’s Jennifer Gray ThompsonSend us a textIn 2017 Jennifer Gray Thompson found herself living in her car with her dogs after evacuating from the Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County. The experience made her feel alone, lost, and unable to navigate back to the life she had enjoyed before she came face to face with a deadly mega fire. Her solution? The creation of After the Fire, a non-profit that has become a leading resource for communities all over the country who are facing the same trials she did back in 2017. After Fire was one of the resources that responded to...
2025-10-0746 min
Shared GroundEpisode 19: Quick Hits - Grace, Grief, and Megafires with Jennifer Grey ThompsonSend us a textHow do communities recover after disaster? And what happens when leaders try to move forward quickly, speeding past a process that would honor what has been lost?In this episode, Sean sits down with Jennifer Gray Thompson, founder of After the Fire USA. Jennifer has walked into some of the hardest-hit communities across the country, helping people navigate recovery after megafires.They talk about what defines a megafire, why grief cannot be skipped, and how communities find strength not in strategy documents, but in each other. Jennifer o...
2025-08-0608 min
RE-Focus: The ADHD Podcast with Angela StephensJennifer Gray Thompson Discusses Rebuilding 'After the Fire'In this episode of RE-Focus, Angela sits down with Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, an organization dedicated to helping communities recover in the aftermath of devastating mega fires. Jennifer shares the purpose behind her mission, offering an inside look at what survivors face in the days, weeks, and years after disaster strikes. From the emotional toll to the practical steps of reclaiming daily life, her insights are both sobering and deeply hopeful. Plus, she reflects on the beauty and resilience of her home in Sonoma Valley—and what keeps her grounded as she helps others rise aga...
2025-07-3021 min
THG - Three Homeless Guys Podcast10. After The Fire - THG hosts Jennifer Gray ThompsonAfter The Fire - THG hosts Jennifer Gray Thomason, a leader in organizing people to problem solve, advocate, and help newly fire affected communities chart a quick path to recovery after MegafiressummaryThe podcast discusses the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, focusing on community resilience, rebuilding efforts, and the challenges faced by fire victims. Joel Pollak, Oren Ezra, and Ron Goldschmidt engage with Jennifer Gray Thompson from After the Fire USA, who shares her insights on disaster recovery, innovative construction methods, and the importance of community organization. The conversation highlights the need for transparency in...
2025-03-111h 14
IEM Unscripted: DisasterSmithsWhen the Smoke Clears: Resilience and Recovery in the Face of FireIn this episode of DisasterSmiths, our hosts delve into the resilience and recovery efforts that follow devastating wildfires, emphasizing the critical role of mitigation in preventing future disasters. They are joined by Jennifer Gray Thompson, whose firsthand experiences and expert insights have jump-started recovery efforts for wildfire survivors across the country. Together, they explore how communities are rebuilding and healing, while learning about proactive measures—such as controlled burns, creating defensible space, and improving land management—that can reduce wildfire risks. This episode highlights the strength of those affected and the importance of understanding the science behind wildf...
2025-02-0521 min
KQED's ForumAdvice on Recovering from a Wildfire, From Californians Who’ve Been ThereSet up a P.O. box. Learn your insurance policy. Know it’s OK to mourn the material objects you lost, or to refuse donations you don’t need. These are just some of the many pieces of advice survivors of past California wildfires have for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. We’ll talk to people who’ve lost their homes to fires in Paradise, wine country and the Sierra Foothills about managing the practicalities as well as the emotions. And we’ll hear from you: If you’ve survived a wildfire, what advice might you give?Guests:
2025-01-2157 min
Meet the PressMeet the Press NOW — November 29President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum give conflicting readouts from their call about tariffs and the U.S. southern border. Australia imposes a sweeping social media ban for children under the age of 16. After the Fire USA CEO Jennifer Gray Thompson joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the importance of federal disaster tax relief legislation that remains stalled in the Senate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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2024-11-2950 min
Books Are My PeopleFinding A Way HomeThis week, I speak with Nayantara Roy about her debut novel The Magnificent Ruins. We speak about how she managed the logistics of her page-turning family saga, how her lived experience influenced this novel, as well as how long it took her to write this expansive novel. This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by Out Like A Lion by Tracy L. Thompson. Guest author recommendation Mia P Manansala, author of Guilt and Ginataan recommends A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherri Thomas.Books Recommended:Commonwealth by Ann Patchett...
2024-11-1130 min
The Fire Break | Innovations in WildfireJennifer Gray Thompson, After the FireIn this episode of The Fire Break, Steve Wolf speaks with Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, about the profound challenges and strategies for recovery post-wildfire disasters. Thompson shares her journey from witnessing the devastation of wildfires firsthand to leading efforts in community rebuilding and resilience. Through her organization, she emphasizes the importance of community-centric recovery, leveraging lessons learned to aid other affected areas, and the role of innovative funding and partnerships in long-term disaster recovery. This conversation provides a deep dive into the complexities of post-disaster recovery and the inspiring work being done to support...
2024-02-2155 min
Love Takes ActionRiver of HumanityJennifer Gray Thompson, Executive Director of After the Fire and Sonoma Valley, CA resident, shares poignant insights into the challenges faced by communities during and after wildfires, emphasizing the remarkable resilience of people and the vital role of long-term recovery efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-1736 minMeet the PressMeet the Press NOW — January 9Former President Donald Trump voluntarily appears in court in Washington, D.C. just six days ahead of the Iowa caucuses. The Pentagon reveals that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December. Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Sarah Chamberlain and Dan Merica join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and encourage the country to avoid harming civilians and their infrastructure in Gaza. After the Fire CEO Jennifer Gray Thompson joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the recovery efforts in Maui five...
2024-01-0949 min
Environmental Social Justice𝐇𝐑 176 – 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟Jennifer Gray Thompson is the CEO of After the Fire, and organization that helps communities with wildfire mitigation, recovery and disaster resiliency.
Today, we discuss HR 176, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a deduction for attorney fees awarded with respect to
certain wildfire damages and to exclude from gross income settlement funds received with respect to such damages.
𝑵𝒐 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑵𝒐 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒊𝒕 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒔TM
#Interview #AftertheFire #HowToDisaster #Resilience #Recovery #Disaster #DisasterRelief #Wildfire #Sustainbility #ClimateEmergency #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Taxes #HR176 #Congress #EnvironmentalJustice #SocialJustice #Impact #Equity #EnvironmentalSocialJustice
2023-06-2827 min
Life Conversations with a TwistThe work behind Community Recovery for Wildfires with Jennifer Gray ThompsonBIOGRAPHYJennifer Gray Thompson is the CEO of After the Fire USA. Jennifer graduated from Dominican University and was an educator before earning a MPA from University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy. Post-graduate school, she worked in local government. After the devastating fires in the North Bay of San Francisco in October 2017, she became Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), a nonprofit dedicated to help the region rebuild better, greener, safer, and faster. In 2021, RNBF created After the Fire USA in response to the Era of Megafires, a relatively re...
2022-11-2343 min
How to Disaster010: How to Improve Community Preparedness After a Wildfire with Pamela Van Halsema “It's through those human relationships that make this whole thing tolerable to do because it's about the people involved." -Pamela Van Halsema Episode Description: Wildfires are a natural part of the globe's ecosystem. But in recent years, they've become more common and destructive due to climate change. Wildfires have been occurring with greater frequency and intensity. When preparing for a wildfire, it's important to think about the community as a whole. This kind of planning is important because it ensures that everyone in the community has access to the resources they need...
2022-11-2152 minHow to Disaster009: How the North Bay Forest Improvement Program Mitigates Wildfire Risks with Molly Curley O'BrienTo just have fire experts talk about resilience is not going to create a resilient project and so it's a good thing to have folks to be part of the conversation. We do not know the full scope of what's needed to get done. And together, we can figure it out." -Molly Curley O'Brien Episode Description: While forest landowners play a critical role in mitigating wildfire, they often face challenges that make this difficult. For instance, many are not sure how to get started even if they want...
2022-11-1447 minHow to Disaster008: How Building Materials Make a Difference in Disasters with Alister Watt and Daniel Gorham"We know that we're not powerless against wildfires. It's a question of, 'what are the steps? What are the actions that really make a difference?'" -Alister Watt "Wildfire doesn't acknowledge boundaries— we need to be thinking about resilience and preparedness with that in mind." -Daniel Gorham Episode Description: When it comes to disasters, building materials are not just useful—they're essential. Every time we build something that can help prevent fires from happening or spreading, we're influencing how wildfire impacts our properties and the community we live i...
2022-11-0756 minHow to Disaster007: How Our Homes Can Improve Disaster Resilience with Louie Delaware"You need to be prepared for all sorts of scenarios as to what comes into play." -Louie Delaware Episode Description: Homes are meant to be safe havens. They're the places we retreat to in times of need and they help us avoid the brunt of a disaster. The structure and design of our home says a lot about how resilient it is when a disaster strikes. Of course, our goal should not only be to make our homes resilient, but also as livable as it can be. After all, it...
2022-10-3146 minHow to Disaster006: How to Improve the Impact of Distributed Goods and Charities with Jim Alvey"[Helping] is a passion that goes deep. If we could steer that passion towards funding for the nonprofits that needed to do what they know they need to do, we can facilitate product donations at a much, much higher level." -Jim Alvey Episode Description: One of the biggest problems with donated goods is that a lot of them end up in landfills. This is because people often donate items that they no longer need or want, without considering whether or not someone else could actually use them. This thoughtless act, although c...
2022-10-2458 minHow to Disaster005: How to Finance MicroGrid and Green Building in Disaster with Will Heegaard "It's really exciting to think about what could be done when the generator is not the problem." -Will Heegaard Episode Description: Rebuilding a community after a disaster is a lot like building a house. You have to make sure that the foundation is strong and secure, and you have to make sure that you're using the right materials for the job. The best way to do this is by rebuilding back with green energy in mind. However, many people reason that this is not a pract...
2022-10-171h 02How to Disaster004: Home Hardening Best Practices to Mitigate Wildfire with Stuart Mitchell"It's really based on how people maintain their properties. They're all the homes that look identical but they're actually different." -Stuart Mitchell Episode Description: Fire is one of the most destructive disasters that can happen to a home. It can take just minutes for a fire to completely destroy everything you have worked so hard for. Therefore, fire mitigation practices should start in our homes. This means that we need to be prepared for the worst and have a plan in place. This week, Jennifer interviews Fire Mi...
2022-10-101h 06How to Disaster003: How the Readiness for Resilience Program Helps Communities Build Disaster Resilience with Steve Crout“We can't meet this challenge as individual organizations. We need to band together and create a voice.” -Steve Crout Episode Description: Every community is different, and every community's needs are different. But one thing that all communities have in common is the need to build disaster resilience—and that's where CANVAS for Recovery and Resiliency comes in. Co-founded by our host, Jennifer Thompson and CityTech Strategy Group’s President, Steve Crout, CANVAS’ main mission is to help communities prepare for disasters through cross-sector collaborations. They work with local leaders, community memb...
2022-10-0337 minHow to Disaster002: How to Improve Community Resilience and Preparedness with Michelle Luckett “The significance of the average person understanding the consequence of what's coming is huge.” -Michelle Luckett Episode Description: Every community is unique. It's not just about the geography or demographic, but also the way a community responds to a disaster. So it's important that we take the time to assess our community's resilience. Community resilience is about bringing together all of the resources and people in our neighborhood to make sure that everyone has what they need to survive in the case of a disaster. As part of this, it's imp...
2022-09-2656 minHow to Disaster001: Welcome to the FOURTH Season of HTD“There’s no place on the globe that is safe from climate-based disasters. So. it’s all of our jobs to not engage in magical thinking at all, but instead to lean all of the ways in to figure out how we are going to get to the other side and when the worst happens, how we recover, rebuild, and reimagine.” -Jennifer Thompson Episode Description: Welcome to the FOURTH season of How to Disaster Podcast! We are truly humbled by everyone’s support throughout the past three seasons. We have been blown away by...
2022-09-1903 minHow to DisasterWhat We Learned in Season 3“Be safe, be prepared, and be ready.” -Jennifer Thompson Episode Description: Three seasons have passed and it's been an incredible journey! As we take a moment to reflect on the past three seasons, we want to say a big, big thank you to all of you!! We are so grateful for the community of people who have supported us along this journey— from those who watched us grow from the ground up to those who helped us find our voice and purpose, your support has been unwave...
2022-07-0404 minHow to DisasterHow to Prepare for Disaster: Our Pets, Livestock, and Animal Companions with Julie Atwood“For every animal we rescue during an incident, we are all together going to save hundreds and thousands through education and preparedness.” -Julie Atwood Episode Description: When an emergency strikes, we all want to do our best to take care of each other and our homes. But sometimes, the victims of a disaster are not humans—they're our beloved animals. Our pets, livestock, and animal companions are part of our family, and losing them in a disaster is painfully devastating. But in an emergency, it can be hard to keep track...
2022-06-271h 10How to Disaster022: How Buildings with LEED and PEER Certification Make us More Resilient to Disaster with Hon. Katherine Hammack“Doing it now at your leisure is much better than doing it at haste during an emergency.” -Katherine Hammack Episode Description: In disaster preparedness, the need for resilient buildings is often overlooked. Resilient buildings are those that can withstand the effects of a disaster and continue to function as needed. They include things like emergency communication systems and energy efficiency measures that ensure that utilities aren't compromised by damage. By taking steps now to make our buildings more resilient before disaster strikes, we'll be better equipped when it does hit—and that can make all...
2022-06-2046 min
Invest In Her with Catherine GrayEp. 291 First Women's VC Fund with Founder Edith Dorsen and Attorney Jennifer PostInvest In Her host Catherine Gray talks with Founder Edith Dorsen and Attorney Jennifer Post with Women's VC Fund II. At a time when there was little interest in women entrepreneurs, Edith Dorsen and her classmate from Harvard Business School recognized the capital gap existing for female founders and launched the Women's Venture Capital Fund-- driven by the belief that leadership diversity is a major competitive advantage. It was the first VC fund in the country to focus on Series A stage companies in which senior leadership includes both women and men. Based on the success of its first fund, W...
2022-06-1525 minHow to DisasterTake 5 - After the Hurricane - Puerto Rico, New Orleans, FloridaLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with: Viequeslove: Website: https://viequeslove.org/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/viequeslove Twitter; https://twitter.com/viequeslove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vieques_love/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/viequeslove Connect with Christa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christasandelierlopez/ Connect with George: Website: https://mirsoniagroup.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LawsPR51 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in...
2022-06-1316 minHow to Disaster020: How Nonprofits Can Improve Disaster Response and Preparedness with Jim White“Not everybody has to create a new nonprofit to do something… This is not about the ego of one individual and their mission to help people. It's about how an organization can be structured to support these people who've been hurt.” -Jim White Episode Description: Nonprofits are often the first on the ground in times of disaster. And often, they are composed of everyday citizens who do not hesitate to help those affected by any means available, and it has led to some of the most heartwarming stories in history. But of course...
2022-06-061h 01How to DisasterTake 5— Three Rs- Be Disaster ReadyLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Nancy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-brown-phd-0b99336a/ Connect with Alma: Website: https://nc707.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308881973079543 Twitter: https://twitter.com/teamNC707 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nc707abowen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alma-bowen-9381083b Connect with Josh: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshua.farrell.961 “Make a list of those things [that you...
2022-05-3014 minHow to DisasterThe Role of Art in Recovery After a Disaster with Rina Faletti, PhD“Art is actually a lifeline…When presented in conjunction with important ideas, art can change us inside. It changes the way we see, think, feel, and the way that we talk about things that are important to us.” -Rina Faletti, PhD Episode Description: When a disaster strikes, the conversation typically focuses on what has been lost: homes, livelihoods, and even lives. The emotional and spiritual toll of a disaster can be harder to recognize, but it is every bit as important. But in times like these, it's crucial to remember that humans are creative...
2022-05-2351 min
Power Flow2.13 On Disaster Mitigation and Recovery with Jennifer Gray ThompsonJennifer Gray Thompson is a lifelong resident of Sonoma Valley in Northern California. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College and graduated from Dominican University in 2001 with degrees in English and History. After teaching high school for 10 years, Jennifer went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy. Post graduate school, Jennifer worked for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. She is the CEO of After the Fire, an initiative of 501c3 nonprofit Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF), which was founded after the devastating fires in the...
2022-05-1747 minHow to DisasterTake 5— Media and Disaster Reporting- A Focus on Information Transfer and ResponsibilityLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Pat: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Sydnie: Website Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Wendy: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn “If we are in a position to be able to save lives, let's make sure we are absolutely adamantly prepared to do that.” -Pat...
2022-05-1711 minHow to DisasterHow to Manage Charitable Donations Post-Disaster with Jake Bentz“It’s either you have resiliency or you don't. It's more of a character trait. But I think the willingness to try something new and be wrong is probably my closest definition of that word. A lot of willingness to try—that's exciting!” -Jake Bentz Episode Description: Charitable giving surges during periods of natural disaster. In a time when the heartstrings are being tugged and people are donating like crazy, it is easy to be overwhelmed with donations. Unfortunately, most items donated to shelters do not suit the immediate needs of sur...
2022-05-0938 minHow to DisasterTake 5— Three Rs - Insurance, Rebuilding, and Legal Aid Relating to DisasterLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Amy Bach: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Kendall Jarvis: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Connect with the Legal Aid of Sonoma: Website Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Zack Rosenburg: LinkedIn Connect with Saint Bernard Project (S...
2022-05-0215 minHow to DisasterHow ToolBank USA Helps Improve Recovery and Community Preparedness with Trey Bearden“It's not just what happens in the immediate response… But also how we span the entire spectrum to be able to provide those necessary resources because it does take a long time to rebuild.” -Trey Bearden Episode Description: Many people lost not just their homes and belongings during a disaster, but also the ability to continue working. On top of dealing with their own loss, many families find it difficult to afford the additional costs of repairs and rebuilding when something happens. And, sometimes, people just don't have the tools to do some of the m...
2022-04-251h 01How to DisasterTake 5 — Resilience and Technology- A Focus on Future SolutionsLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Amy: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with MuGrid: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube Connect with Bailey: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Cynthia: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn “Micro (µ) grid i...
2022-04-1814 minHow to Disaster012: How Data and GIS Helps FEMA Equitably Allocate Resources with Heather Milton“If your community has a disaster, help with the planning. Help figure out what you want to happen next because if you don't play, you can't win.” -Heather Milton Episode Description: Disasters can devastate communities greatly. When this happens, the focus of those affected is on survival, but after the immediate danger has been thwarted, many then turn their attention to longer-term issues of survival and recovery. For them, the most important thing is to get their lives back to normal. In this event, disaster management is one of the mos...
2022-04-111h 01How to DisasterTake 5 - Before the Fire - A Focus on Vegetation and Land ManagementLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Che: Website Facebook Connect with Dr. Micheli: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Lomakatsi Restoration Project: Website Facebook Instagram “There is a viable way to make money and contribute to keeping your community protected and fed at the same time.” -Algeo Che Casul “The forest has changed dramatic...
2022-04-0413 minHow to Disaster010: How to Persevere Through the Turbulence of Disaster Recovery with Zack Rosenburg“Outputs for clients are far more important than our temporary discomfort. You’ve got to get through tough times.” -Zack Rosenburg Episode Description: It's impossible to look at the devastation brought by wildfires and not be overwhelmed with sadness. It's a natural tendency to want to beat yourself up when things aren't going well. And while it is heartbreaking to realize that the ongoing recovery will last years, we shouldn't lose hope. There's a reason that people rebuild in the wake of natural disasters — they want to stay in a community they love...
2022-03-2834 minHow to DisasterTake 5- Three Rs - A Focus on Helping the HelpersLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Sue: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Debbie: Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Adrienne: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn “We need the senior folks to be able to lead the younger ones down the trenches so they know how to keep the...
2022-03-2110 minHow to DisasterUnderstanding Air Quality Impacts of Wildfires with Chisato Fukuda Calvert Ph.D“An ethnographic look into how complex the air pollution problem is, is important because it's not a symptom, it's a structural problem.” -Chisato Fukuda Calvert, Ph.D. Episode Description: Air quality is drastically affected by wildfires, which can lead to health risks that extend beyond the immediate danger of the fire itself. The region where the fire occurs is usually at the highest risk of air quality deterioration. However, smoke plumes can develop and travel far distances, impacting areas well beyond the wildland-urban interface. Wildfires are an urgent matter that ha...
2022-03-1445 minHow to DisasterTake 5- Advice from Policy MakersLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with James Gore: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Reva Feldman: Email Connect with Belia Ramos: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn “Our community wants to know what's going on. They want to know how to empower themselves. They want to know what they need to change. They have power, you just have to cre...
2022-03-0717 minHow to DisasterHow to Memorialize Our Fire Story, A Conversation with Author Brian Fies“Art doesn't seem very important in an event like this. And yet sometimes, it's the thing that lasts the longest and means the most.” -Brian Fies Episode Description: Wildfires are devastating. They destroy homes, businesses, and sometimes even entire communities. And when they’re over, what’s left is often a wasteland of charred earth and blackened trees. In a few minutes, everything you’ve built has burned to the ground, without having the chance to say goodbye. But the most painful thing is to be forced to move on when you’re still grieving...
2022-02-2854 minHow to Disaster005: Take 5- Community EngagementLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Rebuild Paradise Foundation: Website https://www.rebuildparadise.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paradiserebuilds Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebuildparadiseca/ Connect with Jenna Murray-Johnson: Website https://www.ridgerealtor.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jennamurrayrealtor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennamurrayrealtor/ Connect with Chops Teen Club: Website https://www.chopsteenclub.org/ Facebook https://www.faceb...
2022-02-2115 minHow to DisasterHow to Address Compound Disasters with Renae Hanvin Part 2“Preparedness and resilience is a shared responsibility.” -Renae Hanvin Episode Description: For years, we’ve seen how the intensity and scope of disasters have evolved, but our preparedness is yet to be tested again with this new thing called “compound disasters''. It is already happening and will keep happening in the years to come. What can we do to address this? Jennifer and corporate2community founder, Renae Hanvin comes together for part 2 to discuss how serious compound disasters can be and what approaches and strategies are needed to increase resiliency, access, and equity despite the chaos. The...
2022-02-1454 minHow to DisasterTake 5- Fire Survivor StoriesLinks are provided where to find all three guests’ organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Larkfield Resilience Fund: Website Facebook Connect With Coffey Strong: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Connect With Peter Alan: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn “We cannot and should not let our community down and go through another wildfire and lose another life. That should be our mission. That should be o...
2022-02-0710 min
How to DisasterHow to Get Federally Declared Disaster Assistance Through FEMA with Cherry Jochum“Your despair is real…. If you don't get the answers you want, appeal. Ask the right people and keep asking till you get to the right person.” -Cherry Jochum Episode Description: Signed by President Jimmy Carter, Executive Order 12127 established the Federal Emergency Management Agency, widely known as FEMA, as the primary agency in charge of emergency management and civil defense. Among its many functions, FEMA also manages disaster assistance funds, from which many families and organizations have benefited. Still, in desperate times, many people can’t help but ask why the process takes too long an...
2022-01-2442 min
How to DisasterWhat to Expect from Season 3 of the How to Disaster Podcast"The only way through this is together." -Jennifer Thompson Episode Description: We've come so far! And we did it together! Thank you ever so much for being with us until this moment. In Season 1 &2, we've met incredible people who faced life-threatening and terrifying wildfires and yet proved themselves resilient and selfless emergent leaders. We've also learned priceless lessons on the power of community, being prepared as a family, and living with wildfires. But the learning isn't over! Now, we enter a new year and a ne...
2022-01-1706 min
How to DisasterWhat We Learned from Season(s) [One &] Two of the How to Disaster Podcast“You are not alone if you’re going through a disaster. What we share is humanity.” -Jennifer Gray Thompson Episode Description: Two seasons have passed since you walked this journey with us on How to Disaster. As we close the season and welcome another, we want to express our eternal gratitude to you for the support and love you’ve shown for the show. In this episode, Jennifer sums up heartwarming lessons we’ve learned about humanity, disaster, and community. May these lessons inculcate in our hearts that we are not alone...
2021-10-1806 min
How to DisasterHow to Heal from Trauma and Rebuild Your Property After a Fire- Practical Lessons from a Woolsey Fire Survivor with Gary Jones Part 2“When the call for evacuation comes, take it seriously. When the fire is coming at you, you don't have any time.” -Gary Jones Episode Description: “All the big decisions in life are before you”, says Gary Jones, a Woolsey Fire survivor. We have heard Gary’s story in part 1 of this interview. This week, Jennifer and Gary discuss practical lessons on survival, healing, and positivity. Tune in as Jennifer and Gary engage you in an insightful and fun conversation about the levers of recovery, rules and tips on rebuilding your property, and simple strategies fo...
2021-10-0431 min
Environmental Social JusticeAfter the Fire: Recover | Rebuild | ReimagineJennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire and a lifelong resident of Sonoma Valley.
After the devastating fires of October 2017, Jennifer Grey Thompson accepted a position as Executive Director of Rebuild NorthBay Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping our region rebuild better, greener, safer, and faster.
Under her leadership, Rebuild North Bay has expanded to 11 States and was rebranded to “After the Fire”, helping communities with wildfire mitigation, recovery and disaster resiliency.
No Shaming, No Blaming and Every Little Bit Helps.
#Interview #EnvironmentalSocialJustice #XOTV #AftertheFire #Resilience #Recovery #Disaster #DisasterRelief #Wildfire #Sust...
2021-09-2941 min
How to DisasterHow to Help Firefighters (Volunteer Firefighters Specifically) with Jacqui Jorgenson“Let the timing flow, be open to finding your space. There is a room for everyone and a need for everyone to participate. We're at a critical point in human evolution where we don't have the luxury of waiting for everyone else to solve the problems. We have to do this together.” -Jacqui Jorgenson Episode Description: Majority of firefighters are volunteers. However, after risking their lives, they end up suffering behind the curtain- physically and emotionally. The trauma and health implications they have to go through go unnoticed. Compared to the level of work t...
2021-09-271h 02
How to DisasterHow to Heal from Trauma and Rebuild Your Property After a Fire- Practical Lessons from a Woolsey Fire Survivor with Gary Jones Part 1“Fire never has enough. It has an insatiable appetite.” -Gary Jones Episode Description: “911 showed up six days later”, says Gary Jones, a Woolsey Fire survivor. During a fire, you are on your own for days. So one of the biggest decisions we can make during a fire is to heed warnings immediately. On November 8, 2018, a bush fire was reported in Ventura County, California. The powerful Santa Ana winds caused this fire to accelerate and spread out. Gary ignored prior calls for evacuation, and this was one of the most regretful decisions he has made. He lo...
2021-09-2029 min
How to DisasterHow to Address Wildfire Risks and Insurance with Indigenous Practices and Community-Wide Preventative Responses with Wendy E. Nystrom“We have much worse wildfires due to everything that climate change has caused. We need to have a forward-thinking conversation, not a reactionary one.” -Wendy Nystrom Episode Description: We are living in a major historical event- climate change. And the best mechanism we have to combat this is community. By working together, we can overcome unprecedented events. Learn how your community can reduce the cost of preventive and mitigation measures while strengthening resiliency. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Wendy Nystrom, an expert on environmental and pollution risk management. One challenge faced by fire surviv...
2021-09-1356 min
How to DisasterHow Equity Can be Enhanced in Sustainability and Disaster Preparedness with Amy Simpkins“A fundamental principle of innovation is that if you want more diversity of ideas and possibilities, you need to have more diverse brains in the room. That's not a diminishment of anyone. In fact, that's an elevation of everyone.” -Amy Simpkins Episode Description: Electricity is probably one of the most significant achievements of all time. The biggest industries down to individual residences all rely upon electricity for almost everything. But what if power grids suddenly fail? With the traditional grids getting outdated and less inefficient, this is likely to happen IF interventions keep being d...
2021-09-0655 min
How to DisasterHow to Bridge the Gap Between Federal and Local Policy with George Laws Garcia “After every disaster, communities need to be rebuilt, but it shouldn't just be the powers from above that decide how that happens. There should be a participatory process for people to engage and reassess.” -George Laws Garcia Episode Description: What happens when politics enters into the disaster space? It depends on the community you ask, and for Puerto Rico, it’s an unfair battle. For 123 years, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the US, yet is treated differently in Congress. This presents a huge challenge during a disaster. When Hurricane Irma and Maria dev...
2021-08-3054 min
How to DisasterHow to Provide Legal Aid to Disaster Survivors with Kendall Jarvis, Esq.“Advocate for yourself as best as you can in terms of knowing what your rights are. There's this element where you lack confidence as a survivor, you think that that person knows more than you do and that's not true.” -Kendall Jarvis Esq. Episode Description: After a disaster, people go through two of the most complicated recovery issues at the same time: trauma and legal. It is almost impossible to make a sound judgment regarding financial matters amidst a traumatic event. And it's terrifying to make these decisions knowing criminals and exploiters are waiting...
2021-08-231h 15
How to DisasterHow to Rebuild as a Public Sector Official with Tennis Wick“You're in that place where disaster hasn't hit you, but you know it’s coming. Start training now.” -Tennis Wick Episode Description: The community often looks to public sector officials for everything, and any delay or failure often turns to blame. Most people forget that these officials are victims themselves. The only difference is that the public sector stands at the frontline despite their own loss. Disaster is a battlefield where many lives and properties could potentially be lost. In order to win, collective action is needed. In this episode, Jennifer and Sonoma’s PRMD Dir...
2021-08-1649 min
How to DisasterHow to Implement Ecosystem & Forest Restoration Using Indigenous Practices with Marko Bey and Belinda Brown“We don't have the time to be in constant debate. We have to find solutions… and we're going to set the stage for a future that's going to be brighter.” -Marko Bey “We need to have a plan in place, and we need to practice these incidents before they ever occur. Preparation is crucial in this. Prevention response, recovery, mitigation- all are in a whole community response.” -Belinda Brown Episode Description: The only way to address the health of our forests and ecosystems and the threats to our communities is through colla...
2021-08-091h 08
How to DisasterHow to be an Emergent Leader with Jocksana Corona“Being a volunteer is a privilege… I wasn't documented so I volunteered a lot. And that volunteer work led many doors to be opened up for me.” -Jocksana Corona Episode Description: On September 8th of 2020, Oregon continues in high alert as another brush fire sparks along Almeda Drive, the 18th fire of the 2020 Wildfire Season. With unusually strong winds and extremely dry conditions, the recipe for an impending inferno is complete. Raging NW through Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix, the Almeda Fire finally ended its rage in the county’s very seat in Medford. It burned 3...
2021-08-021h 09
How to DisasterHow to Inform the Public as an Information Gatekeeper During a Disaster with Sydnie Kohara “Sometimes, it's not going to be pretty. And sometimes, it's not going to be easy, but we're going to make it, and we're going to move on and move forward, oftentimes, to a better place.” - Sydnie Kohara In times of disaster, providing accurate information is crucial to public safety and recovery. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Sydnie Kohara, Founder of Kohara Studios on the role of journalist in informing the public during a disaster. Sydnie shares her experiences as a seasoned journalist who’s gone through numerous disasters. She also offers her expertise on disaster...
2021-07-2659 min
How to DisasterHow to Manage Wildlands Collaboratively in the Era of Megafire with Lisa Micheli, Ph.DSERIES: Role of the Non-Profit “We had to understand that things were changing whether we like it or not. We want to keep things the way they were but to be resilient in the future, we need to adapt to the fact that fire is a necessary part of the ecosystem.” -Lisa Micheli Ph.D Episode Description: The 3 most expensive words are: equity, sustainability and resiliency. We are now in a period where we are paying for the lack of stewardship with high costs, but there is still a...
2021-07-0555 min
How to DisasterHow to Serve a Tribal Nation with Reno FranklinSERIES: Role of the Tribal Leader “The policies that you make should reflect your love for the community... If you can't do that, then you need to take a step back and go talk to your elders again.” -Reno Franklin Episode Description: Did you know? - The first inhabitants of coastal Sonoma County were the Kashia/Kashaya Band of Pomo Indians! In this episode, Jennifer sits with Reno Franklin, Chairman Emeritus of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians. He is also a longtime Board Member of Rebuil...
2021-06-2846 min
How to DisasterHow to Serve Communities Pre and Post Disaster with Christa López, Ph.D., CEMSERIES: Role of the Public Sector Leader “Sometimes we think physically doing something for someone is what's best for them. But sometimes they just want someone to hear their story… Sit back and listen. People want to be heard.” -Christa López Episode Description: There are so many layers to unpack in a disaster. Everything happens so quickly, people are anxious, supplies are running low, and people’s lives and livelihoods are at risk. If you are a leader, you may be challenged with making sure you addr...
2021-06-2159 min
How to DisasterHow to Navigate Insurance Before, During, and After a Disaster with Amy Bach Part 2SERIES: Role of the Non-Profit “A lot of Adjusters come in from out of state. They're supposed to be trained, but they often don't. So it often falls to the property owner to stand up for themselves.” -Amy Bach Episode Description: One of the urgent issues in recovery is insufficient insurance. It is often dismissed by many because of varied reasons. Whereas, for the ones that do have insurance, the process is plain complex and lengthy. But with the trends in disasters today, having i...
2021-06-1446 min
How to DisasterHow to Navigate Insurance Before, During, and After a Disaster with Amy Bach Part 1SERIES: Role of the Non-Profit “You don't want to say to people, ‘trust no one’. You want to say, ‘trust but verify’.” -Amy Bach Episode Description: Getting insured is one of the best things you can do before a disaster strikes. It gives you the power to protect your family and property after the immediate dangers have passed. However, some people may try to take advantage of the victims while pretending to offer assistance. How do you know who to trust? In this episode, you will be empowered to successfully navi...
2021-06-0728 min
How to DisasterHow to Serve Vulnerable Communities with Alma BowenSERIES: Role of the Non-Profit “You cannot approach a community without respecting in full who they are and their autonomy. If you can't approach it that way, it's going to come off as ingenuine, and they're going to read it right away, and that disengages people right off the bat.” -Alma Bowen Episode Description: In the event of a disaster, first responders receive calls beyond number, but only a small fraction of these come from communities that need help the most. Oftentimes, they are the last to receive assistance because...
2021-05-311h 00
How to DisasterHow to Manage Private Lands in the Era of Mega Fires with Algeo Che CasulSERIES: Role of Agriculture “You do have to bring in some science and some education. But there is something that people who have this generational knowledge can teach.” -Algeo Che Casul Episode Description: The majority of wildlands are privately owned. This fact can help us understand the extent of our impact as landowners and as neighbors. In order to see changes, we need to support each other and promote responsible land management practices. This week, we are going back to the past to discover how our ancestors protected their lands fr...
2021-05-2449 min
How to DisasterHow to Protect and Serve During a Disaster with Aristotle WolfeSERIES: Role of the Public Sector “If you're just doing a very limited role and not maximizing your contribution, you're selling yourself short. And it's probably not why you were selected.” -Aristotle Wolfe Episode Description: “To Protect and To Serve” is more than a motto. It is a vow that every police officer must take seriously. What does it mean to be a police officer in the middle of a disaster? What roles and responsibilities do they have? What is the best approach to protect and serve? What lessons can we lear...
2021-05-171h 04
How to DisasterHow to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.SERIES: Role of the Mental Health Care Leaders “We have to go beyond education, we need mental health action!” -Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D. Episode Description: What’s more terrifying and costly than cancer? Untreated mental health issues. Mental health is a huge part of recovery after a disaster. This week, Jennifer interviews Dr. Adrienne Heinz for an in-depth discussion about mental health. Dr. Heinz talks about the mindsets most people have about mental health, why it is important to address trauma as a community and as helpers, and how to overco...
2021-05-1052 min
How to DisasterHow to Help Communities Prepare and Respond to Disaster with Nancy BrownSERIES: Role of the Public Sector “When things go wrong, if you're not already ready, it's too late to get ready.” -Nancy Brown Episode Description: Preparedness builds resilience and a resilient community always wins over any disaster. In this episode, Jennifer sits with Nancy Brown, the Community Preparedness Program Manager of Sonoma County. Nancy talks about the role of the public sector in ensuring that their community is adequately prepared for a disaster and how to overcome the challenges that come with this unique assignment. Jennifer and Nancy also discuss...
2021-05-0357 min
How to DisasterHow to Broadcast Media: RadioSERIES: Role of Mass Media “If we are in a position to be able to save lives, let's make sure we are adamantly prepared to do that.” -Pat Kerrigan Episode Description: If you are sitting in a broadcasting studio with phones ringing non-stop, what would you do? KSRO News Director, Pat Kerrigan spent 24 days on-air delivering urgent news and serving the community in every way she can during the 2017 wildfire. The tension and surging needs are the most overwhelming during a disaster. Lives are in peril and everybody needs all the help t...
2021-04-2646 min
How to DisasterHow to Lead a Community Post Disaster with Margie FosterSERIES: Role of the Community Leader “Don't expect to go through it yourself. People will want to help, ask for it. And then when you get through your disaster, pay it forward.” -Margie Foster Episode Description: Discover how emergent leaders are made way before a disaster even strikes! This week, Jennifer and Margie Foster, one of Glen Ellen’s emergent leaders teach how to step up for your community and be a vehicle for people to find their place after a disaster. Margie shares how her experience of a prior dis...
2021-04-1944 minHow to DisasterHow to Lead: Public Sector (Local) with James GoreSERIES: Role of the Public Sector “Resiliency defines this idea of not just being able to get hit and get back up, but … how we rise up and build better systems out of what we're dealing with and how we make sure that we own our place in the future.” -James Gore Episode Description: Disasters breed emergent leaders. But what is the true essence of being a servant leader? How can leaders help the community navigate through trauma and advocate for equity? What organization strategies can be applied to en...
2021-04-121h 00
How to DisasterHow to Execute a Successful Disaster Response with Gerardo CastilloSERIES: Role of the Private Sector “The determination of the neighborhood symbolize the character of the community that it got done.” -Gerardo Castillo Episode Description: When disaster strikes, people thirst for guidance. Where does recovery even begin? This week, Jennifer interviews Gerardo Castillo, the Chief of Staff of AshBritt on the role private contractors play in a disaster. Gerardo describes the process and scope of work they do in helping communities before, during, and after a disaster. Find out some of the misconceptions about disaster response, the difference between disaster...
2021-04-051h 09
How to DisasterHow to Execute a Successful Disaster Response with Gerardo CastilloSERIES: Role of the Private Sector “The determination of the neighborhood symbolize the character of the community that it got done.” -Gerardo Castillo Episode Description: When disaster strikes, people thirst for guidance. Where does recovery even begin? This week, Jennifer interviews Gerardo Castillo, the Chief of Staff of AshBritt on the role private contractors play in a disaster. Gerardo describes the process and scope of work they do in helping communities before, during, and after a disaster. Find out some of the misconceptions about disaster response, the difference between disaster...
2021-04-051h 09
How to DisasterHow to Zone Captain: Rural Area with Jenna Murray JohnsonSERIES: Role of the Community Episode Description: “You can't hurry a longer process that is thoughtful in strategy. It needs to be done the way that it's done.” - Jenna Murray-Johnson In times of disaster, the most effective leaders can emerge unexpectedly. How can someone build efficiency in a chaotic environment? In this episode, Jennifer interviews Jenna Murray Johnson, Co-Founder of Camp Fire Zone Captains on the role of zone captains in fostering recovery in rural areas. Based on her personal experience, Jenna shares ideas that can help other communi...
2021-03-2951 min
How to DisasterHow to Face Disaster on an Island (Hurricane Maria) with Kelly Thompson and Martin Bras“If there's no help coming, then you better act because what's lost is hope.” -Mark Martin Bras “That gives people hope to know that there's a plan, to know that there are other people they can count on during that time. And that leads to sustainability too.” -Kelly Thompson Episode Description: Hurricane Maria, 2017- named “the worst natural disaster” and the “deadliest” in the history of Dominica, Saint Croix, and Puerto Rico. The island of Vieques was one of those who experienced this devastating nightmare. What can we learn from the way they e...
2021-03-221h 08
How to DisasterHow to Heal Through Art with Peter Alan "I couldn't keep up with myself. It was like my best problem I've ever had!" -Peter Alan Episode Description: What if somebody called you and said the thing you most dreaded to hear: "Everything's gone." Grief, disbelief, fear, uncertainty, and a mix of emotions you cannot identify are even worse than the fire itself. Yet, despite all that's happening, we can still make the world more beautiful! In this episode, we learn how art can be used in recovery as Jennifer speaks with Peter Alan, a Visual/conceptual mixed-media artist. Peter recalls his fri...
2021-03-0855 min
How to DisasterHow to Lead During a Disaster & Racial Reckoning with Lorez Bailey“It's all about hope. And hope is what carried slaves through the worst discrimination… So hold on to hope because tomorrow shall come.” -Lorez Bailey Episode Description: What makes leadership harder than it already is? It's when you're caught between being a leader that everybody needs and someone that your self need. Today, Jennifer interviews Lorez Bailey, the Executive Officer of Chop's Teen Club, a non-profit that provides a safe space for teens. Lorez gives us a glimpse of this unique mission and how it impacts recovery. Jennifer and Lorez als...
2021-03-081h 12
How to DisasterHow to Advocate: Public Sector (Local)“Advocate for each other. Come up together and rebuild together.” -Belia Ramos Communication is a crucial factor in a successful recovery and rebuild project. But with all the chaos, communication is also the first defense to fail. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Napa District Supervisor, Belia Ramos about effective communication strategies. They talk about the major elements of getting the message out: the message, the spokesperson, and the manner of transmission. Belia also stresses the vital role of the board and its constituents in ensuring that communication within and outside the community is supervised. You are an impo...
2021-03-0858 min
How to DisasterHow to Help the Helpers (First Responders) with Sue Farren and Bailey Farren “Don't isolate first responders by making them into heroes. The greatest thing that anyone can do is just say, ‘thank you for your service.’” -Susan Farren “We owe it to our first responders to do whatever we can to help make their jobs easier.” -Bailey Farren Episode Description: First responders are no doubt, modern-day heroes. But could naming them as such do them more harm than good? This week, our focus is on helping the helpers. Jennifer interviews two outstanding pioneers in this field, Susan Farren, Founder...
2021-03-0850 min
How to DisasterHow to Engage the Private Sector“As soon as we start to understand and see the benefits of private sector contribution, and then we set the roadmap, so we can understand how we can all play, great things will come from it.” -Renae Hanvin Episode Description: When businesses are resilient, communities can thrive! Join Jennifer and Corporate2Community Founder, Renae Hanvin as they discuss the crucial role of the private sector in recovery. Renae narrates how they were able to align the right corporate to match the specific needs of a community. She expounds further on this frame...
2021-03-0822 min
How to Disaster010: How to Create a Mental Health System with Debbie Mason"If we're all working together, we will quilt these wonderful disparate pieces into a beautiful quilt solution." -Debbie Mason Are you a fire survivor? This week, Jennifer and Debbie Mason talk about what it means to be a fire survivor- the struggles within and how to keep thriving. The 2017 wildfire left physical and emotional scars. Some wounds may heal and the things lost can be replaced. But lying beneath is a psychological trauma that most people tend to brush off, which is detrimental to the person and to others as well. Debbie works to bridge th...
2021-03-0139 min
How to Disaster009: Communication Failures in Disaster: A Case Study in Equity Issues, Napa, California with Belia Ramos“We need to start from a place of humility and understanding that with ever-changing situations, we're not always going to get it right, but we can always learn.” -Belia Ramos Episode Description: Talk about equity and cultural differences. Communicating can be a real challenge when multiple languages are spoken in a community. To help individuals understand the message accurately and on-time, technology and AI may not be enough. This week, Scott interviews Napa Supervisor, Belia Ramos about the non-technical, but equally important side of communication. Belia emphasizes the importance of cultural compete...
2021-03-0129 min
How to DisasterCommunication Failures in Disaster: The Impact on the Private Sector with Cynthia Murray“That whole idea of what being a citizen means is that we all have responsibilities to make our government work and to make our communities stronger.” -Cynthia Murray Episode Description: The private sector is no doubt one of the first to be greatly affected in the event of a disaster. While we are all looking to revive the economy, some changes must be implemented first. Our guest, Cynthia Murray, the CEO of North Bay Leadership Council refers to this as the "next normal." Scott and Cynthia discuss the responsibilities of cit...
2021-03-0132 min
How to DisasterCommunication Failures in Disaster: A Case Study in Malibu, California with Reva Feldman“There's no one perfect solution to any of this. It's a collection of a lot of different tools that can help make us safer, more resilient, and hopefully avoid any catastrophes and loss of life.” -Reva Feldman Episode Description: Modernization made communication easier and faster, at least when there is a supply of power. But what if you're community faces a train of disaster and a major power outage? Join our guest host, Scott Adams, as he interviews Reva Feldman, the City Manager of Malibu. Reva relates how the Woolsey fire greatly challenged their...
2021-03-0129 min
How to DisasterHow to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks "Be very careful what you promise unless you know you can deliver something. There is enough heartbreak in a disaster that people don't need to hear that you're going to solve all their problems, and then you don't." -Charles Brooks The last thing we want to do in a disaster is to create another disaster, that's why having an organization to help build a system is invaluable. This week, Jennifer interviews Charles Brooks, the Executive Director of Rebuild Paradise Foundation. The Rebuild Paradise Foundation, incubated through the North Valley Community Foundation, is a grassroots movement of...
2021-03-011h 04
How to DisasterHow to Advocate: Local and State with Brad Sherwood "We cannot and should not let our community down and go through another wildfire and lose them their life. That should be our mission, that should be our goal." -Brad Sherwood What mission do you have as a wildfire survivor? Today, Jennifer sits with Brad Sherwood, the Co-Founder and VP of Larkfield Resilience Fund, to discuss how we can be advocates, both as a local citizen and at the state level. Hear how the community and the government can work together to meet emerging needs, manage funding, invest in long-term projects, develop a systematic plan, and...
2021-03-0151 min
How to DisasterHow to Block Captain with Pamela Van Halsema "Navigating a disaster is never about one person." -Pamela Van Halsema A disaster leaves its victim with questions and a lot of questions. Where do we go from here? When can we go back? How can we recover after a disaster? Hear these critical questions answered in today's episode. Jennifer interviews Pamela Van Halsema, Board Member of Coffey Strong, in her role as the Block Captain, and lessons from the way they worked together towards a happier, more resilient, and more beautiful town. Turn a devastated neighborhood into a paradise with your "fire family." Tune in an...
2021-03-0144 min
How to DisasterHow to Prepare: Citizen Prepper with Joshua Farrell (PART 2)"Be prepared so you can help, because everyone needs everybody in this situation." -Joshua Farrell We've learned the basics of being prepared enough. Now the question is, "Are you prepared enough to help others?" Besides our basic needs, some additional necessities and actions are needed to survive a disaster. Find out what items to pack- from food to shelter and padlocks to sunblocks(?). In this episode, we also learn the secret to avoiding confusion and pressure in the event of a disaster. Tune in as the bag raid continues with Josh Farrell! Build resiliency, be p...
2021-03-0150 min
How to DisasterHow to Prepare: Citizen Prepper with Joshua Farrell (PART 1)“If you're prepared, you're not freaking out, you're taken care of, and you can help other people.” -Joshua Farrell In the event of a disaster, help may come later than expected. Therefore, the question that holds the utmost importance now is: Are you prepared enough? As individuals and citizens, we hold the responsibility to be prepared. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Citizen Prepper, Joshua Farrell on how to be prepared for any type of disaster, Joshua shares tips and habits that could save your life one day. He also lets us in on an exciting bag r...
2021-03-0139 min
How to Disaster“How to Disaster Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine” Podcast“How to Disaster: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine” is a podcast that focuses on the stories of individuals that have encountered a disaster. Most notably the 2017 wildfire disaster in counties north of San Francisco. On the evening of October 8, 2017, eleven fires erupted across four counties: Lake, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino. These fires were “mega fires” and over the next 23 days, they grew, merged, and destroyed over 9,000 structures and over 6,000 homes and took 43 lives. The scale and scope of the disaster were unprecedented. The community was left stunned yet determined to overcome and to do it together. Since 2017, wildfire disasters have cont...
2021-03-0109 min
The EmeraldPlanet© PodcastPandemics and Natural Disasters: Small Businesses & Governments Solutions Across the United StatesGuests: Karla Ballard Williams, CEO, Ying; Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO, Rebuild NorthBay; Jeff Sjostrom, CEO, Galveston Economic Development Partnership; and Leann Hackman-Carty, Author, Master Your Disaster
2021-01-2951 min