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018: Day 2 Toxic Trails: What Fire Leaves Behind in Air, Soil, and Water

How to Disaster

Release Date: 10/13/2025

2. They Said It Wasn’t His Lane. He Built It Anyway | John Mills of Watch Duty show art 2. They Said It Wasn’t His Lane. He Built It Anyway | John Mills of Watch Duty

How to Disaster

John Mills is the co-founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a nonprofit emergency alerting app that gives civilians real-time wildfire intelligence drawn directly from first responder radio traffic. In this episode, John joins Jennifer Gray Thompson to talk about how Watch Duty was built, why it was necessary, and where it is headed. They cover the problem Watch Duty was created to solve, how it scaled from a single county in Sonoma to all 50 US states, the harrowing experience of staying live and accurate during the LA fires, and what it means to build something disruptive in a space that does not...

info_outline 1. Why We Relaunched How to Disaster, and What Survivors Need Most show art 1. Why We Relaunched How to Disaster, and What Survivors Need Most

How to Disaster

In this relaunch episode, Jennifer Gray Thompson explains why How to Disaster is returning now and what the show is here to offer people living through disaster and recovery.    She shares how After the Fire began, what the organization has learned from years of walking alongside fire-affected communities, and why recovery works better when people do not try to carry it alone. The episode also introduces the show’s larger mission: helping listeners feel less isolated, more informed, and better able to face what comes next.   Resources: Learn more about After the Fire...

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How to Disaster

In this heartfelt closing session of the Wildfire Leadership Summit, Jennifer Gray Thompson reflects on the journey from disaster to recovery. She shares the powerful story of how communities across California, Oregon, and Hawaii have rebuilt after devastating wildfires—from Santa Rosa and Paradise to Greenville and Lahaina. With gratitude for her dedicated team, partners, and community leaders, Jennifer honors the progress made, the resilience of survivors, and the unbreakable spirit that drives recovery. A moving reminder that rebuilding is possible—together.   Connect with After...

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How to Disaster

A heartfelt address on Maui’s wildfire recovery, community resilience, and rebuilding efforts, delivered by a local leader. The speaker reflects on the importance of community-led recovery, cultural preservation, emergency preparedness, and housing stability. Highlights include progress on rebuilding Lahaina, strengthening emergency management, and ensuring residents can return home. The talk closes with a personal ukulele performance celebrating Haleakalā, Maui’s iconic mountain.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: Facebook: X: Instagram: LinkedIn: ...

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How to Disaster

Join moderator Reva Feldman and an expert panel as they explore the role of technology in disaster response and recovery. Panelists include iO Wright, co-founder of Post Fire; John Mills CEO, Watch Duty; and Adrienne Heinz,Clinical Research Psychologist, VA National Center for PTSD and Stanford University School of Medicine. Learn how innovative tools like Watch Duty and Post Fire are helping communities access timely information, navigate recovery, and support mental health in the wake of disasters. The discussion highlights the importance of human-centered technology, partnerships, and...

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How to Disaster

State Senator Ben Allen shares a heartfelt message at the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, highlighting the challenges and progress in wildfire recovery for communities across Los Angeles County. He reflects on lessons learned from past disasters, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and survivor voices, and thanks the network of recovery professionals and volunteers supporting affected communities.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: Facebook: X: Instagram: LinkedIn: YouTube:  

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How to Disaster

In this insightful panel discussion, community leaders share their powerful stories and strategies for equitable wildfire recovery. Tawnya Somauroo, Co-Founder, Marshall Together, discusses how her organization supports fire survivors through advocacy, legislative reform, and community rebuilding. Ash Level, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement, & Storytelling, Altadena Rising, underscores the importance of centering Black and other vulnerable communities in disaster recovery. Paele Kiakona of Lahaina Strong highlights their landmark success in passing SB 2919, enabling counties to phase out...

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How to Disaster

Join Jennifer Gray Thompson as she moderates an insightful panel discussion with Christine Kwon, Jen Goodlin, and Nicole Huguenin on leadership and community-driven disaster recovery. Drawing from their experiences responding to wildfires in California and Hawaii, the panel explores the challenges of post-disaster leadership, building trust, addressing gaps in recovery, and sustaining impact beyond the immediate response. Learn how these leaders navigate complex systems, center survivor voices, and create innovative solutions while staying grounded in their values.   Connect with After...

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How to Disaster

In September 2020, historic windstorms sparked massive wildfires across Oregon, scorching over 1 million acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. Communities faced unprecedented fire behavior due to extreme winds, heat, and drought. This video highlights the heroic response of first responders, public officials, and community organizations, showing how Oregon’s communities have rebuilt and revitalized over the past five years. Learn how lessons from these events are shaping fire prevention, preparedness, and resilience across the region.   Connect with After The Fire USA:  ...

info_outline 022: Day 3 Hubs of Hope: How Technology and Partnerships Power Preparedness show art 022: Day 3 Hubs of Hope: How Technology and Partnerships Power Preparedness

How to Disaster

At the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, Sam Shockley of Amazon shares how strategic preparation, partnerships, and technology have transformed the company’s disaster response. From the 16-day response to Hurricane Dorian to delivering aid within 72 hours today, Sam highlights the development of global relief hubs, pre-positioned supplies, and technology kits for power, connectivity, and situational awareness. The session emphasizes the critical role of collaboration with nonprofit partners and local communities in building resilient, disaster-ready networks worldwide.  ...

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More Episodes

In Toxic Trails, moderator Lisa Micheli leads a powerful discussion with panelists Katie Simmons (Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Butte County), Sarah Ali (Managing Director - Philanthropy, R&S Kayne Foundation), and Kevin Goss (Supervisor District 2, County of Plumas). Together, they examine the lasting environmental and public health impacts of wildfire disasters—addressing toxic debris, soil and water contamination, air quality, and the complexities of long-term recovery. The conversation highlights how science, local leadership, and community collaboration are driving solutions to rebuild safer, more resilient communities after fire.

 

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