The Emergency Management Network Podcast

In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott explore the evolving balance of power between federal, state, and local governments in emergency management. Drawing from Todd’s doctoral research and professional experience, they unpack how “picket fence federalism” may actually find its most authentic expression in disaster management. From FEMA’s shifting role to the tension between autonomy and centralization, this conversation dives deep into what federalism means for practitioners on the ground… and what happens when the fence starts to shake.

Show Notes

Federalism has always been a delicate balance, a system designed to distribute power, but often pulled toward centralization in crisis. Emergency management sits right in the middle of that tension. Todd and Dan discuss how major disasters begin as local emergencies but inevitably become national spectacles, the role of subsidiarity in maintaining local agency, and why FEMA’s future may depend on its ability to act as a convener of partnerships rather than just a participant of last resort.

Topics covered include:

* How disasters expose the strengths and weaknesses of American federalism

* The philosophy behind picket fence federalism and its application to EM

* The evolution of FEMA from a relief bureau to a convener of capability

* Ethical federalism, subsidiarity, and the importance of proximity in governance

* How local innovation drives national doctrine

* Lessons from the Trump-era proposals to restructure FEMA

* The moral responsibility of emergency managers to protect the integrity of shared governance

Key takeaway:Emergency management may be America’s best living model of federalism today — not because it is perfect, but because it is cooperative, adaptive, and rooted in trust.

In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott explore the evolving balance of power between federal, state, and local governments in emergency management. Drawing from Todd’s doctoral research and professional experience, they unpack how “picket fence federalism” may actually find its most authentic expression in disaster management. From FEMA’s shifting role to the tension between autonomy and centralization, this conversation dives deep into what federalism means for practitioners on the ground… and what happens when the fence starts to shake.

Show Notes

Federalism has always been a delicate balance, a system designed to distribute power, but often pulled toward centralization in crisis. Emergency management sits right in the middle of that tension. Todd and Dan discuss how major disasters begin as local emergencies but inevitably become national spectacles, the role of subsidiarity in maintaining local agency, and why FEMA’s future may depend on its ability to act as a convener of partnerships rather than just a participant of last resort.

Topics covered include:

* How disasters expose the strengths and weaknesses of American federalism

* The philosophy behind picket fence federalism and its application to EM

* The evolution of FEMA from a relief bureau to a convener of capability

* Ethical federalism, subsidiarity, and the importance of proximity in governance

* How local innovation drives national doctrine

* Lessons from the Trump-era proposals to restructure FEMA

* The moral responsibility of emergency managers to protect the integrity of shared governance

Key takeaway:Emergency management may be America's best living model of federalism today — not because it is perfect, but because it is cooperative, adaptive, and rooted in trust.

Join Cedric for the EM Morning Brief on October 14, 2025. Western Alaska is in emergency response mode after Typhoon Halong’s remnants cause devastation, resulting in at least one fatality, two missing persons, and over 50 rescues. Central and southern California brace for heavy rain and potential flash flooding from an early-season Pacific storm. Tropical Storm Lorenzo remains in the Atlantic with no U.S. impact. A minor 2.6 earthquake strikes New York overnight with no damage reported. State-specific updates include ongoing recovery efforts and coastal impacts. Stay informed with the latest emergency management news.

00:00 Introduction and Headlines00:07 Western Alaska Emergency Response00:34 Pacific Storm in California00:54 Tropical Storm Lorenzo Update01:01 Minor Earthquake in New York01:08 State-by-State Weather Updates01:09 Alaska’s Continued Recovery Efforts01:45 California’s Storm Impact02:18 Connecticut Storm Cleanup02:38 New Jersey Coastal Flooding03:02 New York Disaster Emergency03:25 North Carolina Coastal Flooding03:52 Conclusion and Further Tracking

Sources

[Alaska DHSEM | https://ready.alaska.gov/Documents/PIO/PressReleases/2025.10.12_Press%20Release%20-%20SEOC%202025%20October%20West%20Coast%20Storm%20-%20Update%20Oct.12.pdf]

[AP | https://apnews.com/article/44668913640e8482202320d38f08788e]

[WPC/NOAA | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr]

[WPC MPD #1195 | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/metwatch_mpd_multi.php?md=1195&yr=2025]

[SPC/NOAA | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&glossary=1&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1]

[NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?atlc]

[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000rgze]

[Alaska DHSEM (official update Oct. 12 for ongoing incident) | https://ready.alaska.gov/Documents/PIO/PressReleases/2025.10.12_Press%20Release%20-%20SEOC%202025%20October%20West%20Coast%20Storm%20-%20Update%20Oct.12.pdf]

[AP | https://apnews.com/article/44668913640e8482202320d38f08788e]

[NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard | https://www.weather.gov/lox/ ]

[Cal OES | https://news.caloes.ca.gov/california-deploys-resources-to-southern-california-ahead-of-significant-early-season-storm/]

[NWS New York (OKX) briefing, Oct. 13 | https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/DSSBuilder/LatestBriefing.pdf]

[CT Insider | https://www.ctinsider.com/weather/article/noreaster-update-rain-wind-totals-21098270.php]

[NWS Mount Holly briefing, Oct. 13 | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]

[6ABC (today) | https://6abc.com/post/least-3-dead-dayslong-noreaster-brings-final-surge-coastal-flooding-jersey-shore/18003561/]

[NYS Governor Exec. Order 53 | https://www.governor.ny.gov/executive-order/no-53-declaring-disaster-emergency-counties-bronx-kings-nassau-new-york-queens]

[NWS New York briefing, Oct. 13 | https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/DSSBuilder/LatestBriefing.pdf]

[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000rgze]

[DriveNC (NC-12 incidents) | https://drivenc.gov/index.html?id=749906&type=incident]

[NWS Morehead City briefing, Oct. 13 | https://www.weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf]

Why do we freeze when we should act? Why do organizations wait for the crisis to end before changing? In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Brian Colburn unpack the psychological trap of normalcy bias and its close cousin, complacency — the silent killers that erode readiness long before disaster strikes.

Drawing from behavioral science, real-world emergency management experience, and leadership philosophy, they explore how our brains resist change, why “business as usual” is so seductive, and how leaders can build cultures that recognize danger without panic and adapt without hesitation.

From the OODA and POP-DOC loops to the quiet moments before chaos hits, Todd and Dan challenge emergency managers to confront the most dangerous phrase in the field: “It’s fine — we’ve always done it this way.”

Show Notes:

Hosts: Todd T. DeVoe & Brian ColburnProduced by: The Emergency Management NetworkEpisode Length: ~45 minutesKey Themes Covered:

* Understanding Normalcy Bias: Why our minds reject disruptive information and how that plays out in disasters.

* Complacency as Organizational Decay: How routine and comfort create blind spots that make us brittle, not resilient.

* Lessons from the Field: Real-world examples where complacency cost time, trust, and sometimes lives.

* Cognitive Loops for Leaders: How frameworks like OODA and POP-DOC help break the freeze-response and restore situational awareness.

* The Moral Imperative of Readiness: Why awareness isn’t paranoia — it’s professionalism.

* Cultural Antidotes: Creating workplaces where curiosity and adaptation are rewarded more than compliance and comfort.

Referenced Concepts & Thinkers: John Boyd’s OODA Loop, Eric McNulty and the NPLI POP-DOC model, Daniel Kahneman’s cognitive biases, and Stoic and Taoist perspectives on awareness and control.

Show Notes — Not the Critic Who Counts, But the Leader Who DaresHosted by Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott

In this powerful episode, Todd and Dan dive deep into one of the most timeless lessons on leadership, courage, and purpose — inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s legendary “Man in the Arena” speech. Together, they unpack what it means to truly dare greatly in the face of criticism, fear, and uncertainty.

This is not a conversation about perfection — it’s about presence.It’s about showing up when others hesitate, leading when the path isn’t clear, and owning both the victories and the scars that come with meaningful work.

Todd and Dan reflect on:

* The difference between critics and creators, and why leaders must embrace vulnerability to grow.

* The emotional toll and moral courage required to lead through crisis, chaos, and change.

* Lessons from the field — from the battlefield to the EOC — about standing firm when the stakes are high.

* The power of resilience, humility, and conviction as anchors for authentic leadership.

* Why daring leadership is not about status, but service — and how every act of courage, big or small, shapes the world around us.

Whether you lead a team, a city, or simply yourself, this episode challenges you to step into the arena. Because, as Roosevelt reminded us, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who errs, who comes short again and again… but who does actually strive to do the deeds.”

This is a raw, reflective, and empowering conversation that reminds us that leadership is not about being fearless — it’s about daring to act despite fear.

💬 Connect:Follow Todd and Dan for more conversations about courage, leadership, and purpose.#Leadership #Courage #ManInTheArena #EmergencyManagement #ToddDeVoe #DanScott #Podcast

Join Cedric for the EM Morning Brief on Monday, October 6th, 2025. Coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and high rip-current risks are impacting the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Florida to the Carolinas due to onshore flows and the full-moon king tides. Major weather warnings include Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories around the St. Johns River basin and Florida’s Atlantic shoreline. Updates from regional NWS offices detail ongoing hazards and advisories for Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana. Oregon sees Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings in northwest regions. Stay safe and stay updated!

00:00 Introduction and Today’s Overview00:06 Coastal Flooding and Weather Alerts00:58 State-Specific Weather Updates00:59 Florida Weather Details01:29 Georgia Weather Details01:49 South Carolina Weather Details02:09 North Carolina Weather Details02:26 Texas Weather Details02:45 Louisiana Weather Details02:58 Oregon Weather Details03:21 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Sources

[NWS Jacksonville], [NWS Miami], [NWS Melbourne], [FDEM morning sitrep | Florida Disaster+3National Weather Service+3National Weather Service+3]

[NWS Jacksonville | National Weather Service]

[NWS Charleston SC | National Weather Service]

[NWS Wilmington NC | National Weather Service]

[NWS Houston/Galveston & NWS HGX tropical/briefing page | National Weather Service+1]

[NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge | National Weather Service]

[NWS Portland | National Weather Service]

Good morning, I’m Cedric and this is your EM Morning Brief for Tuesday, September 30th, 2025. Hazardous surf and rip currents impact the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic due to Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda, with limited U.S. coastal impacts mainly to surf and minor coastal flooding. Wildfire activity continues in the Pacific Northwest and California, with updates on evacuations and containment efforts. The USGS reports no damaging earthquakes in the past day. Congress has yet to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, potentially affecting home closings in flood zones. State-specific updates include air quality advisories in Texas, high surf and rip current warnings in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and wildfire containment statuses in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Stay tuned for more in-depth updates throughout the day.

00:00 Introduction and Invitation to Share Your EM Story00:17 Hurricane and Tropical Storm Updates00:47 Wildfire and Seismic Activity Reports01:13 National Flood Insurance Program Status01:36 State-Specific Updates01:38 California Wildfire Containment02:05 Texas Air Quality and Weather Conditions02:28 Florida Coastal Hazards02:47 Georgia Coastal Advisory03:07 South Carolina Coastal Advisory03:24 North Carolina Coastal Advisory03:43 Washington Wildfire Incidents04:06 Oregon Wildfire Incidents04:25 Hawaii Fire Status04:38 Wyoming Fire Status04:56 Conclusion and Continuous Updates

Share your story, Operational Tales - https://emnetwork.substack.com/p/operational-tales

Sources

[NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATCPAT4.shtml]

[NIFC IMSR | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf]

[USGS Latest Earthquakes | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/]

[Newsweek | https://www.newsweek.com/americans-flood-insurance-lapse-10795860]

[Yahoo/Consumer | https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/government-shutdown-could-disrupt-flood-225856344.html] Yahoo+5National Hurricane Center+5National Hurricane Center+5]

[NWS FWD/HGX WWA — Ozone Action Day | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=hgx&wwa=all]

[NWS HGX Fire Weather note | https://www.weather.gov/hgx/]

[NWS Melbourne coastal hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=FLZ141&product1=High+Surf+Advisory]

[NHC Imelda Advisory | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATCPAT4.shtml]

[NWS Charleston hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=SCZ050&product1=High+Surf+Advisory]

[NWS Jacksonville/CHS coastal statements incl. GA | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=FLZ125&product1=Rip+Current+Statement]

[NWS Charleston advisories | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=SCZ050&product1=Coastal+Flood+Advisory]

[NWS ILM/MHX marine synopsis | https://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=amz200&syn=amz200]

[NWS MHX briefing 9/29 PM | https://www.weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf]

[NWS MHX surf forecast | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MHX&issuedby=MHX&product=SRF]

Join Cedric for the latest updates on weather and emergency management across the U.S. for Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Coastal areas from North Carolina to New Jersey face strong winds, high surf, and flooding as a low-pressure system moves north. The West battles 47 uncontained wildfires with heightened activity. Severe storm risks are highlighted for parts of Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Key fire incidents and weather conditions in states like Arizona, California, Colorado, and Hawaii are also covered. Stay informed on conditions across the country.

00:00 Introduction and National Weather Overview00:53 State-by-State Weather Updates00:54 Arizona Wildfire Updates01:12 California Wildfire Updates01:33 Colorado Weather and Fire Updates01:49 East Coast Weather Alerts02:13 Hawai’i Fire Update02:35 Midwest Severe Weather Risks02:58 Montana Fire Update03:44 Pacific Northwest Fire Updates04:34 Conclusion and Monitoring Plans

Sources:

[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/][WPC ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excessive_rainfall_outlook_ero.php][NIFC IMSR | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][SPC Day 1 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/summary/2.5_day.geojson[NIFC IMSR | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][SPC Day 1 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NWS Mount Holly | https://www.weather.gov/phi/][NWS Marine CWF | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS51.KPHI.html][NWS LWX | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lwx&wwa=coastal+flood+advisory][SPC Day 1 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NWS LWX | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/][SPC Day 1 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NWS Mount Holly | https://www.weather.gov/phi/][NWS CWF | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=PHI&product=CWF&site=PHI][NWS Morehead City | https://www.weather.gov/mhx/][NWS Bismarck | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][AHPS Mandan | https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=MDNN8&wfo=rev][NWS Wakefield | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Coastal+Flood+Warning&warnzone=VAZ525][NWS LWX | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/]

Join Cedric for the EM Morning Brief covering the latest weather concerns and emergency updates for Friday, September 12th, 2025. Topics include flooding risks in South Florida, southwestern Colorado, central New Mexico, and the northern Plains, severe storm forecasts in Montana and the Dakotas, and ongoing wildfire activity in the western United States. Stay informed with the latest evacuation orders, closures, and preparedness levels. Tune in for detailed reports from affected areas including California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Remember to stay weather-aware and check local alerts for rapid updates.

00:00 Introduction and Nationwide Weather Overview01:00 California Wildfire Updates01:19 Texas Flooding and Disaster Declarations01:37 Florida Coastal Flooding and Rain Risk01:49 Washington Wildfire Conditions02:03 Oregon Fire Closures and Smoke02:14 New Mexico Flood Watch and Rainfall Risk02:28 Arizona Storms and Fire Closures02:39 Northern Plains Severe Weather02:55 Selected Incidents in Idaho, Wyoming, and Hawaii03:07 Final Weather Alerts and Sign-Off

Sources:

[NWS WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][CAL FIRE | https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/8/24/garnet-fire/updates/d2e9fde6-acba-405f-99f8-9d29fd3f4b67][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][TDEM | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/9-11-25][NWS Midland/Odessa | https://www.weather.gov/maf/][NWS Key West | https://www.weather.gov/key/][NWS WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][NWS Albuquerque | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=35.1064&textField2=-106.632][NWS WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&format=txt][NWS WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][NWS Bismarck | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][NWS Rapid City | https://www.weather.gov/unr/][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf]

Join Cedric as he presents the E.M. Morning Brief for September 9, 2025.

Today’s updates include ongoing wildfire activities in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington and Oregon, a recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Oregon, and various severe weather risks across the central and southern High Plains, eastern Colorado, western Kansas, eastern New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and parts of Texas. Additionally, Hurricane Kiko is causing hazardous surf conditions near Hawaii. Stay informed and stay safe!

00:00 Introduction and Headlines00:58 Colorado01:11 Hawaii01:22 Kansas01:31 New Mexico01:40 Oklahoma01:49 Oregon02:02 Texas02:13 Washington02:27 Conclusion

Sources:

[NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][USGS | https://www.usgs.gov/data/latest-earthquakes-map-and-list][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1][NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php]; [CPHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/HFOTCMCP4%2Bshtml/090242.shtml][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1][CPHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/HFOTCMCP4%2Bshtml/090242.shtml][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1][USGS | https://www.usgs.gov/data/latest-earthquakes-map-and-list][BNO News | https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/09/magnitude-5-8-earthquake-strikes-off-oregon-coast-no-tsunami-threat/][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf][NWS SPC | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=txt&issuedby=DY1&product=SWO&site=JKL&version=1]

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