Disaster Tough Podcast

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For the 250th episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena turns the mic on himself to share three core lessons that have shaped the show, his career, and how he shows up in the emergency services space: gratitude as a persona, how to influence, and “come what may and love it.”

John starts with gratitude—not as a cliché, but as an intentional persona. With every guest and every episode, his rule has been: treat people with respect, even when you disagree, and appreciate the experience they bring to the table. That mindset has opened doors, deepened conversations, and kept the online persona aligned with the person he is in real life.

He then breaks down how influence actually works. Influence isn’t just about title or rank; it’s the compound effect of doing your homework, producing professional-grade work, building credibility over time, and treating people—at every level—as equals. He talks about moving from recording in a car under a blanket to hosting generals, chiefs, CEOs, and operators because the work quietly built trust before the big asks ever happened.

Finally, John shares the philosophy of “come what may and love it”, quote by Joseph B. Worthlin —taking the long view through wildfires, family life, deployments, changing FEMA and grant environments, and the roller coaster of running a podcast and business. The message: accept the hard, adapt, keep your sense of humor, stay mission-focused, and don’t run faster than you have strength.

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals
https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training
https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events
https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
[email protected]
314-400-8848 Ext 2

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DTP Season 6, EP 249

In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena welcomes Stephanie DeLorenzo, emergency management professional and author of Navigating the Chaos: The Ultimate Emergency Management Career Guide. Stephanie shares her dynamic career journey across nonprofit response, consulting, federal service, and local government, offering a rare look at how diverse experiences shape strong, adaptable emergency managers. She and John discuss the common challenges new professionals face when entering the field, from understanding what emergency management actually is to recognizing how many industries, organizations, and mission spaces rely on EM expertise.

Stephanie’s passion for mentoring is at the heart of the conversation. She explains why she wrote her book—to give newcomers the career guidance she wished she had starting out—and she outlines practical strategies for building confidence, exploring different roles, connecting with mentors, and developing the skills needed to thrive long term. John and Stephanie talk about the importance of professional curiosity, continuous learning, and saying yes to opportunities that broaden perspective, whether through volunteer deployments, community engagement, or cross-sector experience.

They also explore the value of career navigation tools such as credentialing options, leadership development programs, and project management training, while emphasizing that success comes from aligning strengths, interests, and lived experience—not box-checking. Stephanie’s message to emerging emergency managers is clear: the field needs creative, mission-driven professionals, and there is space for people with every background to find purpose and belonging. This conversation is insightful, encouraging, and packed with career wisdom for anyone seeking to build a meaningful path in emergency management, disaster response, resilience, and public safety leadership.

Purchase Navigating The Chaos on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Chaos-Ultimate-Emergency-Management/dp/B0DWSJ2YBS

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
314-400-8848 Ext 2
Email [email protected]

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In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena sits down with Dr. Chris Ellis, a military veteran, scholar, and author of  Resilient Citizens: The People, Perils, and Politics of Modern Preparedness. Together, they explore the evolution of what it means to be a resilient citizen—someone capable of surviving and thriving during crisis through community, faith, and proactive readiness. From Iraq deployments and disaster nation-building to the academic study of resilience and preparedness, Dr. Ellis shares how his journey through war zones, research, and leadership shaped his mission to help others build lasting readiness.

Scardena and Ellis dive into global and cultural lessons from history’s most significant disasters—from Mount St. Helens and Hurricane Katrina to Japan’s tsunami response and European recovery models—and how those events reveal the interconnectedness of preparedness, culture, and resilience. They discuss Ellis’s SPIES framework—Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual—and how these five dimensions strengthen individuals and communities before disaster strikes.

The conversation challenges stereotypes of “preppers,” shifting focus toward collaboration, compassion, and civic responsibility. Ellis explains why preparedness is not about fear, but about agency—taking control of your capacity to act and support others. From faith-based readiness to community-driven resilience, this episode is packed with insights for emergency managers, policymakers, and anyone striving to build a stronger, more self-reliant society.

Whether you’re leading disaster response, training in emergency management, or simply looking to protect your family and neighbors, this episode reminds us that true preparedness isn’t about isolation—it’s about connection, purpose, and service.

You can find Dr. Ellis book here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Citizens-People-Politics-Preparedness/dp/163763448XSEO

Keywords: John Scardena | Disaster Tough Podcast | Chris Ellis | The People Perils and Politics of Modern Preparedness | Resilient Citizen | Emergency Management | Preparedness | Resilience | Military Leadership | Nation Building | Community Readiness | Emergency Response | Humanitarian Aid | Disaster Leadership | Crisis Management | Faith and Resilience | SPIES Framework | FEMA | Mount St. Helens | Hurricane Katrina | Japan Earthquake | Resilient Communities | Public Safety | Homeland Security | The Readiness Lab | Doberman Emergency Management

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In this gripping episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena speaks with Lauren Taylor, a 911 dispatcher who coordinated the emergency response during the October 1, 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay. Lauren shares her firsthand account of one of the most devastating active shooter incidents in U.S. history, describing the chaos, fear, and determination that defined those 11 minutes—and the long hours that followed.

From the moment the first calls came in, Lauren was responsible for directing teams into a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. She recalls the overwhelming sound of screams through the radio, the responsibility of protecting responders entering the unknown, and the emotional toll of hearing from people she personally knew on scene. Scardena and Taylor explore what it means to perform under extreme pressure, and how dispatchers—often unseen and unsung—serve as the foundation of every successful emergency operation.

The conversation also delves into Lauren’s continued service in public safety, including her recent experience during the Spokane shooting, and how these events shaped her decision to pursue a degree in Emergency Management. Together, they discuss resilience, leadership, and the lessons learned from crisis—how to process trauma, support teams through recovery, and lead with both faith and compassion.

This episode offers raw insight into the reality of mass casualty coordination, the mental health challenges faced by dispatchers, and the courage it takes to keep showing up after tragedy. Lauren’s story stands as a powerful reminder that while responders are often called heroes, the voices behind the radio are heroes too.

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
314-400-8848 Ext 2
Email [email protected]

#DisasterToughPodcast #TheReadinessLab #JohnScardena #DobermanEmergencyManagement #EmergencyManagementPodcast #LasVegasShooting #MandalayBay #October1 #ActiveShooterResponse #MassCasualtyIncident #911Dispatch #DispatcherLife #PublicSafetyCommunications #FirstResponder #EmergencyDispatch #CrisisLeadership #IncidentCommand #EOC #IMT #EmergencyOperations #CrisisManagement #ResponderWellness #MentalHealthForFirstResponders #TraumaInformedLeadership #PublicSafetyTraining #FaithAndResilience #LeadershipUnderPressure #CourageInCrisis #HumanBehindTheHeadset #HeroBehindTheScenes #ServiceBeforeSelf

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On this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Donawa, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, to talk about what it really takes to bridge the gap between law enforcement and emergency management. Andrew brings a rare perspective—combining the mindset of a responder with the strategy of an emergency manager—and he’s helping shape how Pasco County handles everything from hurricane response and flood recovery to incident management and public safety coordination. We dig into lessons from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, where Pasco County faced record flooding and major operational strain, and how his team worked hand-in-hand with fire, EMS, and outside IMT resources to stabilize the county.

Andrew shares how he’s earned trust across a culture that doesn’t always mesh easily with emergency management, walking us through the balance of humility, persistence, and leadership required to build credibility inside a sheriff’s office. We talk about how faith and service guide his leadership, how to drive policy changes that actually stick—like improved responder safety standards and water-rescue PPE—and what it means to lead with integrity when everything is on the line.

This episode is packed with real-world takeaways on incident command, resource management, and interagency collaboration, and it’s a must-listen for anyone working in public safety, emergency management, or crisis leadership. From Oklahoma tornado deployments to Pasco County’s hurricane operations, Andrew shows what it looks like when emergency management becomes mission-ready, proactive, and trusted by the people it supports.

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
314-400-8848 Ext 2
Email [email protected]

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Host John Scardena sits down with Moose Mutlow, Search and Rescue (SAR) expert, author, and instructor based in Yosemite National Park. With over 20 years of frontline experience in swiftwater rescue, recovery, and family liaison operations, Moose shares hard-won lessons about humility, leadership, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

The episode opens with John contextualizing a recent Yosemite accident—emphasizing that the discussion was recorded before that event but underscores the real-world gravity of Moose’s work. Realities of Search & Rescue Operations Yosemite averages 220 SAR missions annually, from twisted ankles to multi-day helicopter recoveries. Moose recounts six-month recovery efforts and multi-year search closures, explaining how search theory must adapt to reality.

 Leadership, Ego, and Humility
A central thread throughout the episode is balancing confidence and humility. Moose and John explore the dangers of overconfidence—both in rescues and leadership. “A good leader listens, delegates, and lets go of control,” Moose notes. “You’re not the hero if you can’t come home.” They discuss teaching younger rangers through “safe humility”—allowing controlled failure to build competence and self-awareness.

Emotional Health & Responder Wellness
Moose details using the stress continuum to track emotional health, emphasizing the importance of processing trauma before it compounds. He explains the role of Family Liaison Officers in managing information flow to grieving families—balancing empathy, structure, and control. Both men share personal experiences with loss and coping, from fatal rescues to family grief, reinforcing that “holding space in silence” can be the most powerful act of compassion.

Writing, Reflection, and Legacy
Moose’s books—When Accidents Happen and Searching—help responders process trauma through structured reflection. Writing, he says, “forces you to articulate intuition,” turning instinctive experience into teachable frameworks for others. John parallels this idea to the podcast’s mission: amplifying field wisdom for professional development and collective growth.

The Humanity in Service
“Service is a gift, but it comes at a cost,” Moose says, calling for responders to protect their humanity rather than armor it away. The episode ends with a heartfelt reminder to reach out for help, celebrate small joys, and share mental health resources with others.

Visit https://www.moosemutlow.com for training resources, books, and leadership materials.

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
314-400-8848 Ext 2
Email [email protected]

#SearchAndRescue #YosemiteSAR #SwiftwaterRescue #FamilyLiaisonOfficer #EmergencyManagement #DisasterToughPodcast #FirstResponderMentalHealth #CrisisCommunication #ResponderWellness #EmergencyManagementLeadership #Mitigation #YosemiteNationalPark

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In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena sits down with Juliette Murphy, CEO and co-founder of FloodMapp, to explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming flood forecasting and disaster response.

Juliette shares her journey from water resource engineering in Australia and Canada to building a company dedicated to giving emergency managers and communities faster, more accurate, impact-based flood intelligence. Drawing on real experiences from disasters like the 2011 Brisbane Floods, the 2013 Calgary Floods, and the Queensland floods of 2022, she explains how early warning systems often fail survivors — and how FloodMapp bridges that gap.

The conversation breaks down the complex science behind meteorology, hydrology, and hydraulic modeling — the three layers needed to predict where floods will hit, how deep the water will get, and what communities, infrastructure, and lives will be impacted. Juliette also highlights how debris flows, wildfire burn scars, and contaminated floodwaters pose unique risks, and how new data sources — from drones to social media — can be used to calibrate and validate models in real time.

John and Juliette also discuss real-world challenges: why agencies sometimes rely on gut instincts in the absence of data, how false alarms affect public trust, and why risk management (not perfection) is the right framework for evacuation and emergency decision-making. With case studies from Oroville Dam, Hurricane Harvey, and more, Juliette shows how better models can prevent loss of life and reduce long-term recovery costs.

👉 Tune in to hear how FloodMapp is helping emergency managers move from static flood maps to dynamic, operational decision support — giving communities hours of advance notice, saving lives, and protecting critical infrastructure.

You can learn more about FloodMapp here: https://www.floodmapp.com

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals
https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training
https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events
https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
[email protected]
314-400-8848 Ext 2

#Flooding #DisasterResponse #EmergencyManagement #ClimateChange #FloodForecasting #PublicSafety #Hydrology #UrbanResilience #Resilience #DisasterRecovery #HomelandSecurity #CrisisManagement #ClimateTech #InfrastructureProtection

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In Part 3 of this three-part series, host John Scardena wraps up his conversation with Jim Balthazar, exploring how churches and faith-based organizations can strengthen safety while preserving their mission of sanctuary. With decades of law enforcement, ATF Special Response Team service, and experience leading security for a large church, Jim shares practical approaches for balancing protection, ministry, and community trust.Topics Covered in Part 3

• Perimeter strategy — why extending security outward, even to sidewalks and parking lots, creates more time and distance to respond.
• Church disruptions vs. rare violent threats — preparing for the more likely challenges such as disruptions, vandalism, or medical incidents.
• De-escalation and “pastor-first” approach — treating people with kindness while being ready to shift into protection mode when necessary.
• Cultural balance — how to avoid turning places of worship into “fortresses,” while still ensuring safety for congregants.
• Active Threat Mitigation — Places of worship, like businesses and schools, should rely on trained, professional responders to protect congregations. Volunteer greeters and ushers are vital for hospitality and situational awareness, but they should not be expected to act in a professional security or use-of-force role unless they hold current, verifiable professional security or law enforcement credentials.
• Family and community role — why parents and local culture remain the first line of defense, and how churches can reinforce these values.

Key Takeaways

• Prevention begins outside the building — greeters and safety teams should look outward as well as inward.
• Most church incidents are not violent — disruptions and vandalism are far more common and deserve focused planning.
• De-escalation matters — approach with kindness first, but be ready to act decisively if needed.
• Faith and safety can coexist — churches can remain welcoming while still protecting their community.
• Families remain central — cultural norms of responsibility and involvement are more powerful than mandates.

Part One: Leadership in the Field
Part Two: Charlie Kirk, Schools, & Mitigation

Major Endorsements

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals
https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training
https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events
https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
[email protected]
314-400-8848 Ext 2

#DisasterToughPodcast #EmergencyManagement #ChurchSecurity #CrisisLeadership #DisasterResponse #ActiveShooterAwareness #PublicSafety #Resilience #Leadership #IncidentCommand #FaithBasedSecurity #CommunitySafety

Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

In Part 2 of this three-part series, host John Scardena continues his conversation with Jim Balthazar, drawing on Jim’s background in law enforcement, ATF Special Response Teams, and faith-based security leadership to unpack lessons from high-profile incidents and what they mean for community safety today.Topics Covered in Part 2

• The Charlie Kirk incident — rooftop vulnerabilities, the difference between local security resources and federal protective standards, and how evolving threats require new approaches such as counter-sniper teams, drones for observation, and protective design changes.
• Historical parallels — from JFK to modern-day open-air events, how notoriety and visibility create unique risks.
• Schools and safety drills — why “run, hide, fight” isn’t always effective, the role of barricading, and why empowerment strategies can make a difference for students and staff.
• The role of parents and families — parents as the first line of defense, age-appropriate conversations with children, and the importance of monitoring online influences.
• Mitigation and risk management — balancing statistical rarity with catastrophic impact, and how organizations can prepare without creating paranoia.

Key Takeaways

• High-profile figures and open-air venues face unique risks that demand proactive security planning.
• Statistically rare events can still have catastrophic consequences, making risk management essential.
• Training and age-appropriate preparation for schools and families are more effective than fear-based approaches.
• Parents play a critical role in monitoring, guiding, and shaping safe environments for kids.
• Security must adapt as threats evolve — from rooftops to classrooms to community gatherings.

Part One: Leadership in the Field
Part Three: Church Security

Major Endorsements:

Impulse
Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals
https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management 
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning and training
https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing Disaster Readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events
https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
[email protected]
314-400-8848 Ext 2

#DisasterToughPodcast #EmergencyManagement #CrisisLeadership #DisasterResponse #ActiveShooterAwareness #PublicSafety #Resilience #SchoolSafety #IncidentCommand #SecurityLeadership #RiskManagement #CharlieKirk #UVU #ChurchSecurity

Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

In Part 1 of this three-part series, host John Scardena talks with Jim Balthazar, a seasoned law enforcement and emergency management professional, about the realities of leadership in the field.Jim shares insights from his decades of service with the ATF, including his years on the Special Response Team and his work with ESF-13 operations at headquarters. After retiring, he moved into faith-based security leadership in Tampa and continues to support the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in emergency management.Topics Covered in Part 1

• From law enforcement to emergency management — the challenges of shifting from tactical response to strategic leadership, and how learning ICS reshaped Jim’s perspective.
• Leadership lessons from the field — humility when joining new teams, the importance of listening before leading, and the risks of trying to “leave your mark” too quickly.
• Uvalde school response — a case study in leadership breakdowns, communication failures, and the importance of urgency when lives are on the line.
• Integrating outside expertise — why agencies benefit from new perspectives, and how Pasco County has successfully blended law enforcement with emergency management professionals.

Key Takeaways

• Strong leaders balance tactical expertise with strategic vision.
• Communication and coordination are essential in complex incidents.
• Culture matters — new leaders should observe and earn trust before making changes.
• Training and readiness determine how effectively teams perform under pressure.

Part Two: Charlie Kirk, Schools, & Mitigation
Part Three: Church Security 

*Major Endorsements:

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals:
https://www.impulsekits.com

Doberman Emergency Management 
Subject matter experts in assessments, planning and training
https://www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab
Trailblazing Disaster Readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events
https://www.thereadinesslab.com

For Sponsorship Requests
[email protected]
314-400-8848 Ext 2

#DisasterToughPodcast #EmergencyManagement #CrisisLeadership #DisasterResponse #ActiveShooterAwareness #PublicSafety #Resilience #Leadership #IncidentCommand #CrisisCoordination #TeamReadiness #Security #CharlieKirk #UVU #Catholic