Explore every episode of the podcast Chaos & Communications: Management of Issues, Crises and Disasters
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBits: Trust, Accessibility, Recovery and a Deep Dive into Canada's 2026 Wildfire Season | 05 Nov 2026 | 00:05:14 | |
Three recent episodes of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast are now available on video, including Episode 30 with Jen McEachen on accessibility in emergency management, Episode 31 with Gary Stronach on recovery following the Porter's Lake Fire, and Episode 32 with Kiki Cloutier on trust, trauma, and transparency in modern policing. This QuickBits update also includes a preview of an upcoming two-part deep dive into Canada's 2026 wildfire season featuring perspectives from an independent creator, a government communicator, and analysis of one of the most concentrated and destructive wildfire seasons in recent memory. Loree Duczek of the Regional District of East Kootenay shares insights on the importance of building trust and relationships before emergencies occur. Tim also reflects on a record-setting month for podcast downloads, discusses communications ethics and reputation management, and shares details about new training opportunities available through CanadianTraining.ca. 🔗 Subscribe, review, and learn more at www.communicationspodcast.ca. #CrisisCommunications #EmergencyManagement #Wildfires #PublicSafety #Policing #Accessibility #Recovery #Leadership #ReputationManagement #Communications Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Trust, Trauma and Transparency: Behind the Badge of Modern Policing | With Kiki Cloutier of the Police Association of Ontario | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:37:50 | |
Police services across Canada are navigating one of the most complex eras in modern history - rising targeted violence, shifting public trust, shrinking newsrooms, and a media landscape that moves faster than ever. In this episode, Tim Conrad welcomes Kiki Cloutier, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Police Association of Ontario, representing 33,000 officers across 46 member associations. Kiki brings a candid, inside look at how police communicators manage trust, accountability, and transparency in moments when every message matters. From disturbing misconduct cases to the targeted killing of officers, she explains how internal communications unfold during violent attacks, how associations support members’ mental health, and why clear, accurate information is essential before anything goes public. Together, Tim and Kiki explore the human side of policing - the families behind every badge, the emotional weight of regimental funerals, and the peer‑support networks that activate when tragedy strikes. They also dive into how police are adapting to the collapse of traditional media, the rise of misinformation, and the growing need to educate journalists who no longer have dedicated crime beats. This conversation offers an inside, honest look at the realities facing police personnel today: the dangers, the scrutiny, the trauma, and the critical role of communication in keeping both officers and communities safe. Learn more about the Police Association of Ontario: https://pao.ca/ Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Meta’s Paywall for Pages Arrives – Links Now Cost Money: Quickbits Chaos Update | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:11:25 | |
Meta just dropped a seismic shift across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp - and it’s going to hit creators, businesses, and community pages hard. In this Quickbits Chaos Update, Tim Conrad breaks down Meta One, the new subscription model that puts a price tag on something we’ve all taken for granted: posting links to your own audience. From $2.99 individual plans to business tiers reaching $149 to $499 per month just to add links to posts and reels, this update signals a major change in how social platforms will operate moving forward. Tim walks through what’s known, what’s missing, and what users are already experiencing as Meta quietly pushes users toward paid access. This Quickbits Chaos update also digs into the bigger picture - AI expansion, platform lock‑in, and why “owned platforms” matter now more than ever. If you rely on Meta to reach your community, customers, or followers, this is a must‑listen. Stay tuned for upcoming full episodes, including a conversation with Kiki Cloutier from the Police Association of Ontario. Visit www.communicationspodcast.ca to watch or listen to all episodes, grab transcripts, and guest info. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| What I Wish I Knew Before the Fire: A Survivor’s Advice | With evacuee Gary Stronach | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:57:36 | |
In this episode of Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications, host Tim Conrad sits down with Gary Stronach, an evacuee from the 2008 Porters Lake wildfire in Nova Scotia. Gary shares a raw, deeply personal account of what it was like to be suddenly cut off from his home, unable to reach neighbours, and left searching for information as the fast‑moving fire surrounded Candy Mountain Road. Through Gary’s story, we explore the communication gaps that evacuees faced, the importance of community connection during crisis, and the emotional toll that followed - including the survivor’s remorse that lingered for years. Gary reflects on the confusion of those first hours, the struggle to find accurate updates, and the powerful bond that helped his neighbourhood grieve and rebuild together. This conversation offers practical advice for anyone facing a sudden evacuation: what to take, what to leave, how to stay calm, and why self‑reliance matters when official information is scarce. It’s a candid, heartfelt look at resilience, community, and the human side of emergency response. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. News from the wildfire: Dartmouth-area forest fire was man-made, investigators say Charges pending in NS forest fire See the 2008 Thank You video including footage from the wildfire https://youtu.be/Z-gyIkvCztc Chapters 00:00 – Evacuation orders and first alerts 01:12 – Community gratitude for firefighters and responders 02:20 – Returning to the scene and recounting the fire’s path 03:41 – Confusion as roads close and family can’t get home 05:36 – Smoke on the horizon and being turned around at Highway 107 06:41 – Seeing the fire crest the hill and speaking with RCMP 08:28 – Viewing the fire across the lake and realizing homes were burning 09:32 – First community meeting with limited resident‑focused information 10:27 – Communication breakdown and inability to reach neighbours 12:02 – Searching for neighbours and confirming their safety 13:07 – Community strength, gratitude, and hand‑painted signs 14:17 – Reconnecting with neighbours and tracking people down 15:47 – Mental wellbeing message and crisis support resources 17:00 – Word‑of‑mouth as the primary information source 18:43 – Grieving together and the importance of community gatherings 19:10 – Short‑term planning and self‑reliance during crisis 20:38 – Advice for sudden evacuations: essentials, pets, calm thinking 22:02 – Why self‑reliance matters during mass emergencies 24:29 – Emergency response priorities: mass needs vs. individual needs 26:13 – Emotional aftermath and survivor’s remorse 27:47 – Loss, recovery, and neighbours rebuilding from nothing 29:05 – Coping through connection and rum tastings with Clive 30:29 – Closing segment and Canadian Training message 41:00 – Canadian Training platform overview and course offerings 42:00 – Become the Broadcaster: confidence and communication training 43:00 – Equipment guidance for new creators and broadcasters 44:00 – Operational Communications: building high‑functioning emergency workflows 45:00 – How structured training reduces stress during large‑scale emergencies 46:00 – Upcoming 12‑week program beginning in October 47:00 – Guiding learners through operational communication improvements 48:00 – Course expansion plans and future learning modules 49:00 – The role of education in crisis readiness and resilience 50:00 – Closing reflections on community, communication, and preparedness Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| QuickBits: New Episodes, 2026 Wildfire Recap, Gary Stronach’s Story and New Canadian Training | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:04:48 | |
This Quickbits update is packed. Tim shares details on two new episodes - including Gary Stronach’s powerful story of returning home after a major wildfire where homes on both sides of his property were destroyed, and Jenn McEachen’s upcoming accessibility video episode featuring an ASL interpreter. Tim also announces the relaunch of CanadianTraining.ca, now home to dozens of courses including the 12‑week Operational Communications program and the Become the Broadcaster workshop. Pre‑sales are open, with a 30% discount using the code COMMUNICATIONSPODCAST. This episode also marks a major milestone: 30 podcast episodes, over 24 hours of audio, and 16 hours of video. Tim recaps his summer wildfire fieldwork, including footage from three mega‑fires with helicopter and fixed‑wing attacks. Finally, he invites listeners to submit guest ideas and future episode topics at CommunicationsPodcast.com. Short, sharp, and full of momentum - a snapshot of everything happening across the Wildfires, Floods & Chaos Communications podcast. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Nobody Left Behind: Emergency Management Through an Accessibility Lens | With Jen McEachen, a deafblind emergency manager | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:47:04 | |
Emergency alerts are supposed to reach everyone - but they don’t. In this episode, Tim Conrad speaks with Jen McEachen, a deafblind emergency management professional who has spent years identifying the gaps that leave millions of people behind during disasters. Jen shares what daily navigation looks like with deafblindness, why current public notification systems fail, and how simple changes - from ASL integration to accessible document formats - can dramatically improve safety for all communities. Together, they explore preparedness guides, evacuation challenges, nonprofit collaboration, and the intersection of disability with Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ needs. This conversation is a candid look at the barriers people with disabilities face in emergencies, and the practical steps local governments, First Nations, and crisis communicators can take to ensure nobody is left behind. Resources: Accessible Standards Canada - Federal Standards of Emergency Measures: Federal Standards of Emergency Egress: Accessible Canada Act: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada/act-summary.html Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| When the Fire Wouldn’t Sleep: September’s Extreme Wildfire Behaviour and the Rise of First Nations Leadership with Fire Chief Paul McCarthy | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:43:35 | |
In this episode, Fire Chief Paul McCarthy of the 150 Mile Fire Department and Emergency Program Manager for the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), joins host Tim Conrad for a deep dive into one of the most unpredictable wildfire seasons in recent memory. Paul reflects on the “September surprise” — a period when calm forecasts collapsed overnight, fires ran kilometres in the dark, and emergency operations teams were forced to pivot every few minutes. Knucwentwecw is a Secwepemctsin (Shuswap) word meaning "helping each other" or "working together physically and mentally. - Quoted within this episode. Paul shares candid insights from inside the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre, where he supported major evacuations, navigated rapidly shifting fire behaviour, and helped coordinate scarce resources across a vast region. He and Tim revisit the tense moments when wind‑driven fires threatened communities, barns, cultural sites, and entire valleys. The conversation also traces the evolution of First Nations emergency management over the past two decades — from being excluded from decision‑making to becoming essential partners with formal roles, agreements, and a legislated duty to consult. Paul highlights the strength, collaboration, and resilience he sees daily within Williams Lake First Nation, and how those values shape modern emergency response. This episode blends frontline experience, leadership lessons, and a clear-eyed look at how wildfire seasons are changing — and how communities are adapting. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Smoke, Schools, and Sudden Evacuation: Lessons from the 2008 Porters Lake Fire | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:45:35 | |
When the 2008 Porters Lake–Lake Echo wildfire tore through the suburbs east of Halifax, more than 5,000 people were forced to flee with only minutes to decide what mattered most. In this episode, Paula Danyluk‑MacDonald - evacuee, mother, neighbour, and principal of Atlantic View Elementary - shares her firsthand account of sudden evacuation, community fear, and the remarkable resilience that followed. Paula describes the moment firefighters knocked on her door with five minutes to leave, the frantic search for family, the overwhelming tension at the evacuation centre, and the emotional return home to a neighbourhood changed forever. She also reflects on how the school community coped in the weeks and months afterward, how children processed the disaster, and how neighbours became lifelines. This is a story of community strength, compassion, and the quiet leadership that emerges when everything familiar is suddenly at risk. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Inside Tumbler Ridge: A Local Journalist on the Worst School Shooting in Canadian History | 18 Jun 2026 | 01:14:26 | |
On February 10, 2026, the peaceful mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia faced the worst school shooting in Canadian history. In minutes, eight lives were taken at the community’s only secondary school and at the shooter's home, two more were critically injured, and the town was thrust into a nightmare no one could have imagined. In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast, host Tim Conrad speaks with Trent Ernst, publisher of The Tumbler RidgeLines and a long‑time resident who found himself reporting on an unimaginable tragedy in the community he calls home. Support Trent and the Tumbler RidgeLines: https://www.communicationspodcast.com/help/ Trent shares:
This episode is not about the shooter. It is about community, loss, responsibility, and the people who remain. What You’ll Learn
Content Warning This episode discusses a school shooting, loss of life, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. CHAPTERS Time | Chapter Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Live Tuesday: Is it really Emergency Preparedness Week, and what motivates people? | With host Tim Conrad | 06 May 2026 | 01:09:21 | |
What motivates people to prepare for emergencies? Is this the best week for emergency preparedness - or are there greater opportunities lurking? Join Tim and the conversation, recorded Live on LinkedIn and YouTube. In this episode, Tim will share his thoughts on what emergency preparedness means for responders, on your property and in your community. He's going to share the knowledge he's collected over a few decades spent hanging around fire halls and during large disasters. 00:00 Introduction to Emergency Preparedness Week Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Live Friday on the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast with Tim Conrad | 25 Apr 2026 | 00:50:59 | |
What's happening right now in crisis communications, emergency management, and issues management - and what should we be talking about? Key Themes in this episode: · Groupthink Prevention · Public Engagement Strategies · Crisis Communication Protocols Drop your questions in the chat or in the comments below. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Live Podcasting Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Nobody Talks About Recovery Like Her | Meet BC's Recovery specialist Deb Borsos, and host Tim Conrad | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:58:30 | |
After a disaster, the world moves on, but communities don’t. In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast, host Tim Conrad talks with Deb Borsos, one of BC’s most respected recovery specialists, about what really happens after the emergency ends. Deb shares decades of hard‑earned wisdom from wildfire zones, flood‑stricken towns, and remote communities in both Canada and Australia. She explains why communication failures can derail recovery, why communities need honesty instead of polished messaging, and how local leadership consistently outperforms outside contractors. From daily unfiltered updates during wildfires to the rise of community‑led recovery movements like DisasterWise in Australia, Deb offers practical, grounded insights for anyone working in emergency management, communications, or local government. If you want to truly understand recovery, this is the episode. When disasters strike, response gets the spotlight, but recovery is where the real work begins. In this episode, host Tim Conrad sits down with Deb Borsos, one of British Columbia’s most respected recovery operations specialists, to talk about what actually happens after the cameras leave and the responders go home. Deb brings decades of experience from rural BC to Australia’s remote communities. She shares candid insights on communication failures, community‑led recovery, the dangers of over‑promising, and why transparency matters more than polished messaging. This conversation is a masterclass for emergency managers, communicators, elected officials, and anyone who cares about what happens after disaster headlines fade. Books - When the Dust Settles, Suzy Easthope; A Paradise Built in Hell, Rebecca Solnit What You’ll Learn
Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| From Evacuee to Emergency Manager: Robert Cosma on Indigenous Leadership | Indigenous perspectives from the First Nations Government leader, and host Tim Conrad, APR | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:07:31 | |
Episode Overview In this powerful conversation, Indigenous emergency program manager Robert Cosma shares his journey from evacuee to one of the most respected emergency leaders in the Cariboo region. Robert speaks candidly about the realities of evacuations for First Nations communities, the cultural priorities that shape Indigenous emergency response, and why land, animals, and community must be protected together. Episode Show Notes Guest: Robert Cosma, Emergency Services Manager (former), Tŝilhqot’in National Government Listen for: 00:00 — The Tŝilhqot’in Story and the Land 01:58 — Introducing Robert Cosma 04:10 — From Evacuee to Emergency Manager 06:20 — Family, Identity, and Learning from Elders 09:00 — Settler Mindsets vs. Indigenous Worldviews 12:45 — Growing Up Away from Indigenous Identity 16:00 — Working with First Nations Communities 19:40 — Why the Land Matters More Than Infrastructure 23:10 — Inside the EOC: Cultural Lens in Real Time 27:00 — Tough Conversations and True Collaboration 30:15 — Cultural Protocols on the Fireline 33:40 — Evacuations Through an Indigenous Lens 37:20 — The Trout Lake Flood Story 40:00 — What Needs to Change in Emergency Management 43:00 — Closing Reflections What We Talk About
Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Crowds, Crises, and Communication: Three Volunteer Fire Chiefs and 150 Years of Service | Guests Honorary Chief Reid Whynot, Honorary Chief Wayne Thorburne, and Chief Michael Nauss of Nova Scotia’s Bridgewater Fire Department, join host Tim Conrad | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:05:05 | |
This episode brings together nearly 150 years of combined volunteer firefighting experience as three Bridgewater Fire Department leaders, Honorary Chief Reid Whynot, Honorary Chief Wayne Thorburne, and Chief Michael Nauss, sit down to reflect on the department’s 150th anniversary and the evolution of service, technology, and community over a century and a half. Host Tim Conrad guides a conversation filled with history, humour, and hard‑earned wisdom from decades on the front lines. What You’ll Hear in This Episode
00:00 – Land Acknowledgement & 150‑Year Fire Dept History Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka | A conversation with Heather Shtuka and host Tim Conrad | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:01:59 | |
On February 17, 2018, at a residence on Burfield Drive in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada. 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka, a worker at Sun Peaks, vanished without a trace. Ryan's mother, Heather, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, MCPRS, to reflect on what she learned when someone you love goes missing and how to keep the search alive. Key Topics Covered
Notable Quotes “You have no idea how this story wounds me now.”
Resources & Links
About the Guest Heather Shtuka is the mother of missing 20‑year‑old Ryan Shtuka. Since his disappearance, she has become a powerful advocate for families navigating missing‑person cases, co‑founding The Free Bird Project and speaking widely about communication, resilience, and ambiguous loss. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers with host Tim Conrad | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:45:00 | |
In this conversation, Tim Conrad and Karen Knight discuss the challenges and strategies in managing volunteers, especially during emergencies. They explore the importance of understanding volunteer motivations, maintaining their well-being, leveraging their skills, and the benefits of role rotation. The discussion emphasizes building relationships with volunteers, streamlining training processes, and recognizing the impact of lived experiences. They also highlight the mental health benefits of volunteering and the potential for career development through volunteer work. Effective communication and appreciation for volunteers are key themes throughout the conversation. Takeaways
Chapters Links mentioned by Karen: How to lead in a crisis by Amy C. Edmondson https://www.ted.com/dubbing/amy_c_edmondson_how_to_lead_in_a_crisis?audio=en&language=en From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement by Susan J. Ellis. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3a7bfe1ca1db5972&rlz=1C1UEAD_enCA1088CA1088&sxsrf=ANbL-n7kzzo02qSejZIDsm3UMaopRHkW-A:1769145490970&q=From+the+Top+Down:+The+Executive+Role+in+Successful+Volunteer+Involvement&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAABXHvQrCMBAA4EEEKU6OToejy0VBhMxa6KrF3YazLU3uSv5sX8cnVbfvWy02BTpUpzzNqt2tscXDsRmVyua83w5GYyMy4DPFTrz-O4CwnT_LqvTiIHYEtYxwkTdrqH-7TmRS7DPBTSxBz3BPxlAIr2ThITZxJPJQcRabyRHHLwhibQ2EAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1ja7E9KCSAxWsGTQIHSFiNKgQ9OUBegQIHBAF&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1&aic=0 Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| What Makes STANDARDIZATION So Important For Emergency Management? | With guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org and host Tim Conrad | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:36:33 | |
Discover the crucial role of standardization in emergency services and how it saves lives. Standardization is the backbone of efficient emergency response, enabling services to respond quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations. In this podcast, we explore the importance of accreditation in emergency services, including its impact on communication, equipment, and procedures. By standardizing protocols and practices, emergency management can reduce errors, improve response times, and ultimately save more lives. Guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org shares with Tim the importance and benefits of accreditation in this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Cybersecurity MISTAKES That Will Cost You BIG | With information technology expert Hunter Geerts and host Tim Conrad | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:38:57 | |
Knowing what mitigations to have ahead of a cyberattack is one step in many as cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities on mobile devices, computers and entire operations. Learn about the cyberattacks individuals and organizations face today from Kit Professionals' Hunter Geerts. Listen for: 1:20 Attack methods 12:18 Ransomware and phishing, with a side of mitigation 25:27 VIP impersonation, payroll and vendor fraud, and credential phishing 33:22 Finale - Three quick questions Connect with Hunter Geerts Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Is it trash or truth? Information and the California wildfires | With Ventura County Battalion Chief Pete Jensen and host Tim Conrad | 16 Jan 2025 | 01:18:56 | |
Conspiracy, AI-created imagery, misinformation and false information now dominate disasters, overpowering truthful and honest information. It is mainstream on social media, podcasts and traditional media, and often repeated by broadcasters, hosts and celebrities. Pete Jensen is on the front lines of the southern California wildfires, where, in the past, he has served in many roles, including public information officer. Much of what he shares applies no matter where you are. What we know about wildfires, how they move and how we fight them is international. Listen For: Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| The BEST Way to Work with Family Liaison Officers During Emergencies | With search and rescue author Moose Mutlow and host Tim Conrad | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:45:14 | |
National Parks' search and rescue family liaison officer, Moose Mutlow, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, and shares how they connect incident command to families and friends to ensure strong communication throughout searches. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| How TRUST HAS SHIFTED news consumption and how to adapt | Part 3 of 3 with author Doug Levy of The Communications Golden Hour® book and host Tim Conrad | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:28:17 | |
Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the final of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Communicating in a time of chaos, war and conflict with guest, author Doug Levy | Part 2 of 3 with The Communications Golden Hour author, and host Tim Conrad | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:28:23 | |
Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the second of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Public Information Officer: Systems, Role, and Learning | Part 1 of 3 with author Doug Levy of The Communications Golden Hour® Book and host Tim Conrad | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:35:21 | |
Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the first of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Case Study: 2008 Nova Scotia Porters Lake and Lake Echo Wildfire - The first sign of social media and misinformation in an emergency | Host Tim Conrad looks back at his first wildfire as a public information officer | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:24:05 | |
It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Crisis Communications Management: Training for the Worst, Performing at Your Best. How to Develop From Plan to Program for PIO/Public Information Officers and Public Relations professionals. With guest Shawna Bruce, and host Tim Conrad | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:39:32 | |
How do you handle the unexpected when the stakes are at their highest? Tim sits down with Shawna Bruce to break down the critical differences between a crisis communications plan and a full-fledged program. Recorded live at the 2024 Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention in Ottawa, the conversation dives deep into the importance of preparedness, flexibility, and teamwork in crisis management. Whether navigating social media pitfalls or leading a military response, Shawna and Tim explore what it takes to stay ahead of chaos. Listen For: Guest: Shawna Bruce Connect with Tim Conrad Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Avoiding Panic: Learning from Planning and Preparedness in Earthquake and Tsunami Zones, plus Dark Humour | With guest emergency planner Dorit Mason and host Tim Conrad | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:32:30 | |
Ever wonder what it takes to be the calm in the storm during an emergency? Tim talks with Dorit Mason, an expert in emergency planning and operations. They look at the critical role of planners in emergency operations centres (EOCs), recalling their experiences managing wildfire evacuations in 2017. Mason shares insights on the characteristics of a great planner, the importance of personal preparedness, and how effective communication plays a vital role in crisis management. They discuss the essential traits required for those working in EOCs and reflect on the camaraderie and humor that keep emergency teams going through the toughest times. Connect with guest: Dorit Mason Connect with Tim Conrad Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Community-Driven Disaster Response: Lessons from Cariboo | Part 2 of 2 with guest Steph Masun, former recovery and emergency manager, and host, Tim Conrad | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:34:58 | |
Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more? In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management. With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement. From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management. Listen For: Guest: Stephanie Masun Connect with Tim Conrad, APR Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Recovering Together in the Cariboo: Teamwork in Emergency Operations Response and Disaster Recovery | Part 1 of 2 with emergency manager and recovery manager, Steph Masun, and host, Tim Conrad | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:24:01 | |
How do you rebuild communities after wildfires, floods, and chaos? Emergency management expert Stephanie Masun dives deep into the challenges of post-disaster recovery in British Columbia's Cariboo Regional District. From the devastation of the 2017 wildfires to multi-year recovery programs, they share powerful lessons on teamwork, community resilience, and emergency management. Listen For: Guest: Stephanie Masun Connect with Tim Conrad, APR Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Connecting in Chaos: PR Strategies from the Frontlines of Wildfires, Floods and Chaos | With PIO Tim Conrad and guest host Jan Enns | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:39:53 | |
Disaster communications isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about connecting communities amidst chaos. Guest: Jan Enns Connect with Tim Conrad, APR Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Documenting Disaster: The Power of Preparation | With business continuity and public relations professional, Michele Toma and host Tim Conrad | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:35:22 | |
Can strategic planning and empathy transform chaos into order? Connect with Tim Conrad, APR Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Voices in the Inferno: Emergency Communication | Guest Kendra Stoner discusses the spicy moments of the 2023 Bush Creek East wildfire in BC's Shuswap region with host, Tim Conrad | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:38:11 | |
In the eye of the storm, communication is key. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Crisis on the Ground: Public Outreach and Personal Recovery | The mental toll on emergency responders with guest Lloyd Piehl and host Tim Conrad | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:44:19 | |
From the frontlines of wildfires to the heart of communities. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Crisis Calls: Navigating Remote Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) | Former police PIO Leila Daoud joins host Tim Conrad to discuss the 2023 Squamish Lillooet wildfires with host Tim Conrad | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:46:22 | |
When chaos strikes, communication is key. In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods, and Chaos Communications podcast, Tim sits down with Leila Daoud, an experienced public relations professional, to discuss the unprecedented 2023 British Columbia wildfire season. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Inferno Insights: PR Strategies from the Frontlines | With veteran communicator Mike Lupien who talks about his experience with wildfires in Fort McMurray and BC's Shuswap region, with host Tim Conrad | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:44:34 | |
When wildfires rage, clear communication is the ultimate firebreak. Connect with Tim Conrad, APR Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Calm in the Chaos: Mastering Wildfire Communications | Strategic communicator Brie Thorsteinson-Ogle discusses the chaotic 2023 wildfire season with host Tim Conrad | 28 May 2024 | 00:49:38 | |
Navigating chaos with calm. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||
| Trailer - Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast | A Canadian-based, global discussion on chaos and communications | 23 May 2024 | 00:00:35 | |
How can we better manage crises and disasters? Join us as we talk to people in various roles about issues management, crisis communication and emergency information. Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos. | |||