How to Disaster

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

 

Connect with Che:

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Facebook

 

Connect with Dr. Micheli:

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Connect with Lomakatsi Restoration Project: 

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"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 dramatically from what would have been a more sustainable framework, and yet we're very attached to the way it looks today." -Dr. Lisa Micheli

 

"We're looking to set the stage that our communities can be more resilient and our ecosystems can sustain." -Marko Bey

 

"We all need to make changes in order to address this climate chaos that we're in. We got ourselves here and we can get ourselves out." -Belinda Brown

 

Episode Description: 

Mega wildfires are an anomaly. They aren't supposed to happen. Fires aren't supposed to burn millions of acres of land in a single year. More than that, they aren't supposed to be a multi-billion dollar problem. This episode is focused on private landowners and the role they play in preventing and mitigating fire risks on their land.

Our guests, 7th generation rancher Algeo Che Casul, Pepperwood CEO Dr. Lisa Micheli, and Lomakatsi Restoration Project's Marko Bey and Belinda Brown talk about how prescribed fire can be an effective strategy in preventing mega-fires, how to train the younger generation for the big work ahead, and how to prioritize the work that needs to be done. 

We are making decisions today that impact not only us but also the next seven generations that are yet to come. While our knowledge and resources may be limited at present, there is something we can do to leverage them. Tune in and discover how to connect indigenous practices and Western knowledge to create better outcomes! 

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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Highlights:

01:34: S2 Ep5- How to Manage Private Lands in the Era of Mega Fires with Algeo Che Casul 

04:34: S2 Ep11- Episode 11: How to Manage Wildlands Collaboratively in the Era of Megafire with Lisa Micheli, Ph.D.

08:52: S2 Ep14- How to Implement Ecosystem & Forest Restoration Using Indigenous Practices with Marko Bey and Belinda Brown

"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, so they make the commitment to persevere through the turbulence of disaster recovery and make something beautiful out of it.

 

Disasters can be overwhelming and the path to recovery is often fraught with challenges and roadblocks. Listen in as Jennifer and SBP co-founder, Zack Rosenburg explore the concept of constructive discontent and how it can help you push through the turbulence of disaster recovery. They also discuss the role of a nonprofit in disaster, how to manage limited resources, the socio-economic and racial equity implications with regards to resilience funds, and the importance of YOKOTEN, a Japanese term referring to the value of sharing. 

 

Outlook greatly impacts recovery. With the right attitude and perseverance, you can not only get through the disaster faster but also come out stronger on the other side. 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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Highlights:

00:59: From a Vacation to a Vocation

05:19: Constructive Discontent  

09:43: Steer Through Turbulence 

14:27: What Type of Communities Win? 

19:18: Where We Get Lost in the Recovery Process

25:20: If You Do It Well, Share It!

30:41: Owning Our Mistakes

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

 

Connect with Sue: 

Website

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LinkedIn

YouTube

 

Connect with Debbie:

Facebook

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Dr. Adrienne:

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"We need the senior folks to be able to lead the younger ones down the trenches so they know how to keep themselves safe."  -Sue Farren

 

"You have to get over yourself because this is not about turf… Let's work together collectively." -Debbie Mason

 

"We have to not only go beyond education, we need mental health action." -Dr. Adreinne Heinz

Episode Description: 

In times of crisis, it is the first responders who show up to help those in need. They work non-stop to help the victims. They risk their lives for us each time they respond to an emergency situation. For this reason, we owe it to them to give back. But, giving back does not mean writing a $5 check or buying them a t-shirt. We can do much more than that. 

Tune in as Jennifer sits with First Responders Resiliency Inc. Founder Sue Farren, Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason, and Dr. Adrienne Heinz break down the three R's of helping our helpers. In this focus episode, you will hear why addressing this issue benefits the whole community, how more experienced folks can assist younger ones, and how to ignite the spirit of togetherness. 

First responders continue to put their lives on the line day after day. Seeing them like this shows the depth of their humanness. But they also need help as much as we do, maybe even more than we do, and we have the privilege of contributing to whatever effort is being made for our first-responders who are suffering in the shadows.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

Website  https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

 

01:32: S1 Ep12: How to Help the Helpers (First Responders) with Sue Farren

05:16: S1 Ep 10: How to Create a Mental Health System with Debbie Mason

07:59: S2 Ep 3: How to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, 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 has been burning for decades. From the natural history of wildfires to their role in the environment, we know there's a lot to understand.  That's why we're dedicating today's entire podcast to understanding the relationship between wildfires and air quality. 

 

In this episode, Jennifer sits with Dr. Chisato Fukuda Calvert, the Interim Director of Open AQ and member of After the Fire Board of Directors. They talk about the urgency of the air pollution problem, the culture, equity, and politics around air pollution, and how to build trust and connection to help the community better navigate this systemic issue. Dr. Chisato also shares her study on air pollution and how it affects our physiology. 

 

Wildfire smoke and its health impacts are something that can occur without warning and without notice. These natural disasters, unfortunately, happen all too often, but we are not left without resources. Tune in as Dr. Chisato shares practical ways we can safeguard our health and that of our family. 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

Website  https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:33: Living with Air Pollution 

08:01: Navigating a Systemic Issue

12:33: The Central Work in Disaster Recovery

18:01: A Basic Necessity for a Big Job

20:53: Air Quality and Equity

25:54: The Threshold of Air Pollution  

34:28: Cost-Effective Air Purifiers

39:14: Finding the Silver Lining

44:04: An Opportunity to Do Better

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

 

Connect with James Gore: 

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Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Reva Feldman: 

Email

 

Connect with Belia Ramos: 

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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 create some infrastructure underneath." -James Gore

 

People know their neighbors and they know their neighborhoods. Even a small amount of training can be a huge resource to connect with people." -Reva Feldman

 

"What happens when the message arrives at that person is what actually will impact whether someone is able to survive a disaster or not. That's where equity comes into play. The way in which we communicate that message- the medium of delivery, the language that is used in that message- that is where we can actually save a life." -Belia Ramos

 

Episode Description: 

Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. In such emergencies, a need for someone to step up and lead the response and recovery efforts arises. And in every case, those efforts are led by leaders and policymakers. But what does it take to be a servant leader during a disaster? What does being on the frontlines teach you about leadership? How do you keep your cool under pressure? How do you maintain momentum when everything seems to be going wrong? And how do you handle communication failures? Listen in as Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, Malibu's City Manager Reva Feldman, and Napa District Supervisor Belia Ramos share their insights on leading during a disaster while keeping in mind culture,  diversity, and equity when advocating for the public sector.

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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LinkedIn

YouTube

Highlights:

01:33: S1 Ep19- How to Lead the Public Sector (Local) with Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore 

06:51: S1 Ep7- Communication Failures in Disaster: A Case Study in Malibu, California with Reva Feldman

11:19: S1 Ep13:- How to Advocate for the Public Sector with Belia Ramos

"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 your loss. They say it's just stuff, but it's your life embedded in them. 

 

But as much as you want to, there's no going back. You can only build a new life. And in this new life, it's important to remember and tell your story. One way to memorialize your story is through art. It's a way to connect with others who have gone through something similar and help them heal. Author, artist, and fire survivor Brain Fies and his family were one of the thousands who lost their home during the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Four years later, he still continues to inspire others through his art. 

 

Tune in as Brian relates the painful events of that day and how being an artist enabled him to be a source of strength for his family and others who have gone through the same experience. Jennifer and Brian also discuss the wisdom found in following building codes and landscaping, how climate change plays a huge role in these global wildfires, the demarcations of life before and after the fire, controlling your fire narrative, allowing yourself time to grieve, and the role of an artist in disaster recovery.  

 

As an artist or journalist, you have a powerful voice. Let your story be a source of healing for yourself and your community.

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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LinkedIn

YouTube

Highlights:

02:12: Breathing Thy Neighbors' Lives 

06:27: Unbelievable Things That Fire Can Do

12:49: Control the Fire Narrative

17:24: Grieve- You Have To

22:38: From the Eyes of a Fire Survivor

31:42: The Exact Perfect Word 

37:39: The Role of an Artist in Disaster Recovery

41:30: Before and After the Fire

46:04: A Fire Story is a Climate Change Story  

52:37: It Takes Time

Links 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.facebook.com/chopsteenclub

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chopsteenclub/

 

"This is going to speak to the value of community organizations coming together in a space that allows them to cross collaborate and to have meetings identified by certain needs... Participating in those committees and being very focused on making sure that you're attending those community meetings, and being a part of that is really critical." -Charles Brooks 

 

"When you're in the same zone, you can utilize people, reduce costs, and do less work, because it's centralized." -Jenna Murray-Johnson 

 

"When the day is in the bleakest and the darkest, hold on hope because tomorrow shall come. A unique thing you can bring as a leader is hope for people." -Lorez Bailey

Episode Description: 

Disasters can happen anywhere, and when they do, it is vital that the community comes together to help rebuild. That's where effective leadership comes in - leaders can help to coordinate and manage community efforts, and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to recover.

 

Community engagement is key to a successful recovery from a disaster. In this Take 5 episode, Rebuild Paradise Founder Charles Brooks, Camp Fire Zone Captains Co-Founder Jenna Murray- Johnson, and Executive Director at Chop's Teen Club Lorez Bailey discuss how communities can come together to support each other and be more resilient in coping with the challenges of a disaster. 

 

Disasters can be a time of great need and also of great opportunity. With the right leadership and engagement, communities can come together to rebuild and recover stronger than before!

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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LinkedIn

YouTube

Highlights:

01:31: S1 Ep 6- How to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks

04:46: S1 Ep17- How to Zone Captain: Rural Area with Jenna Murray-Johnson

08:26: S1 Ep 14- How to Lead During a Disaster & Racial Reckoning with Lorez Bailey

"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. They also talk about how to bridge the gap between higher-level policies and grassroots, how fundings can sometimes fall into the hands of "overnight" resiliency experts and the extent of damage it can bring, and how to set up systems and processes that will allow us to give more and help better.

If you are a leader, you no doubt have the heart to help others, keeping it anonymous if possible. But while you want to shine the spotlight on the people you want to help, it is imperative that you also make yourself visible. Why is that? Press the play button to hear the answer!

 

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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YouTube

Highlights:

00:59: Compound Disasters is the New Thing

07:44: Grants and Recovery Programs

20:34: CoDesign and Collaborations

25:23: Recovery Planning Approaches

30:47: Focus on the Outcome

38:51: Team Human! 

44:59: Understand the Risks and Consequences 

49:33: Make Yourself Visible

Links 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: 

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Facebook

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"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 our goal." -Brad Sherwood

 

"Strong recovery comes down to people." -Pamela Van Halsema 

 

"You called me a second responder, I'd never heard that term before for an artist… It was just pouring out of me, I couldn't keep up with myself. It was like the best problem I've ever had!

 

Episode Description: 

Welcome to the first episode of After the Fire Podcast Take 5 Series, where you get to hear the best of every episode in under 10 minutes!

 

Disasters happen when we least expect them. And often, we are left with very little time to take action. In these emergency situations, how we respond means the difference between life and death for us and someone else. Every second counts! But sometimes, we tend to panic and let our fear get the best of us. When everything is on the line, how do we maintain our composure? And most importantly, how can we manage to keep calm and lead others out of a disaster while also mourning our loss and healing ourselves? Let's hear from our guests,  Co-Founder of Larkfield Resilience Fund Brad Sherwood, Coffey Strong Board Member Pamela Van Halsema, and second-responder artist Peter Alan. 

 

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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Highlights:

01:34: S1 Ep5: How to Advocate the Local and State Level with Brad Sherwood

04:09: S1 Ep4: How to Block Captain in Suburban and Urban Areas with Pamela Van Halsema

07:06: S1 Ep15: How to Heal Through Art with Peter Alan

"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 and what makes it complicated. 

 

In this episode, we are joined by FEMA's Interagency Recovery Coordination Lead and Recovery Funding Advisor, Cherry Jochum to answer some of the questions that have puzzled many for years. Cherry explains the structure, function, and limitations of the agency and the roles that FEMA plays during a disaster. Jennifer and Cherry also talk about the behind-the-scenes before a declaration is approved, leveraging funds and every resource possible, and the responsibility of each community in leading their recovery. Securing funds during a disaster is really challenging, but your persistence will pay off. Don't give up just yet! Tune in and  learn how you can get federally declared disaster assistance from FEMA. 

 

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

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YouTube

Highlights:

01:59: By Necessity, Not Design

08:50: The Life of a Reservist

12:55: The Limitations of FEMA

17:43: Behind the Scenes of FEMA Approved Declaration 

23:09: The Role of Foundations

32:12: Matching and Leveraging Funds

38:28 Appeal