Episodes

21
Feb. 17, 2026

When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka | A conversation with Heather Shtuka and host Tim Conrad

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.
20
Jan. 27, 2026

Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers

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 he...
Guest: Karen Knight
19
Nov. 25, 2025

What Makes STANDARDIZATION So Important For Emergency Management? | With guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org

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 respo...
18
March 17, 2025

Cybersecurity MISTAKES That Will Cost You BIG | With information technology expert Hunter Geerts

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.
Guest: Hunter Geerts
17
Jan. 16, 2025

Is it trash or truth? Information and the California wildfires | With Ventura County Battalion Chief Pete Jensen and host Tim Conrad

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.
Guest: Pete Jensen
16
Dec. 4, 2024

The BEST Way to Work with Family Liaison Officers During Emergencies

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. Listen For: 01:50 - The roles of search and rescue and family liaison officers 10:33 - Setting the stage 28:40 - The idea of truth 40:28 - Finale - Three questions
Guest: Moose Mutlow
15
Nov. 26, 2024

How trust has shifted news consumption and how to adapt. With guest, author Doug Levy | Part 3 of 3 with The Communications Golden Hour® author

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. Listen For: 01:08 - Who to trust? 11:17 - Is that a trusted spokesperson? 15:22 - They turned off the news and turned on an app 22:53 - Finale - Three quick questions
Guest: Doug Levy