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Disaster Tough Podcast

Disaster Tough Podcast

By: The Readiness Lab
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About this listen

 The Disaster Tough Podcast is for emergency managers, by emergency managers. We share stories, lessons learned, and tips to help you make informed decisions. Our host, John Scardena is a former Federal Emergency Response Official with Type 1 response experience. He now leads Doberman Emergency Management, from which this is being recorded. Our guests are also field experts who provide their insights in our conversation based podcast.
Discussions with emergency managers revolve around the entire disaster life-cycle. We provide solutions based on training and backed by data. We share experiences of emergency response and identify the lessons learned through our own version of after action reporting. This is conversation mode activated. We are known for flipping from serious to humor without warning. Try to keep up in our weekly podcasts!
About Doberman Emergency Management. We provide customized plans, mitigates hazards, delivers training, and supplies emergency products to meet the unique needs of clients. We identify and solve the Nation’s most complex incidents. That’s our job.Copyright The Readiness Lab Personal Development Personal Success Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Juliette Murphy | FloodMapp

    Juliette Murphy | FloodMapp
    Oct 2 2025
    Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

    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
    contact@thereadinesslab.com
    314-400-8848 Ext 2

    #Flooding #DisasterResponse #EmergencyManagement #ClimateChange #FloodForecasting #PublicSafety #Hydrology #UrbanResilience #Resilience #DisasterRecovery #HomelandSecurity #CrisisManagement #ClimateTech #InfrastructureProtection
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Part 3: Church Security | Jim Balthazar | Security & Law Enforcement Expert

    Part 3: Church Security | Jim Balthazar | Security & Law Enforcement Expert
    Sep 25 2025
    Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

    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
    contact@thereadinesslab.com
    314-400-8848 Ext 2

    #DisasterToughPodcast #EmergencyManagement #ChurchSecurity #CrisisLeadership #DisasterResponse #ActiveShooterAwareness #PublicSafety #Resilience #Leadership #IncidentCommand #FaithBasedSecurity #CommunitySafety
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Part 2: Charlie Kirk, Schools, & Mitigation | Jim Balthazar | Security & Law Enforcement Expert

    Part 2: Charlie Kirk, Schools, & Mitigation | Jim Balthazar | Security & Law Enforcement Expert
    Sep 25 2025
    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
    contact@thereadinesslab.com
    314-400-8848 Ext 2

    #DisasterToughPodcast #EmergencyManagement #CrisisLeadership #DisasterResponse #ActiveShooterAwareness #PublicSafety #Resilience #SchoolSafety #IncidentCommand #SecurityLeadership #RiskManagement #CharlieKirk #UVU #ChurchSecurity
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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