• Quick Bits: Last episode now on video and upcoming episode teaser
    Feb 25 2026

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    When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka is now available in video at CommunicationsPodcast.com and our YouTube Channel.


    Also included is a teaser of a new episode with a 150-year-old fire crew at a 150-year-old volunteer fire department in Nova Scotia.

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    4 m
  • When the Attention Leaves: Crisis Communications and the Search for Ryan Shtuka | A conversation with Heather Shtuka and host Tim Conrad
    Feb 17 2026

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    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.

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    1 h y 2 m
  • 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
    Jan 27 2026

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    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

    • People are still interested in volunteering, but in different ways.
    • Leaders must monitor volunteer well-being to prevent burnout.
    • Understanding volunteer skills can enhance organizational impact.
    • Role rotation keeps volunteers engaged and brings fresh perspectives.
    • Building relationships with volunteers fosters better communication.
    • Streamlining training encourages more volunteers to participate.
    • Lived experiences of volunteers can improve service delivery.
    • Encouraging organized efforts prevents chaos during emergencies.
    • Recognizing volunteers boosts morale and retention.
    • Volunteering has significant mental health benefits.

    Chapters

    00:00 Challenges in Volunteer Management
    02:49 Volunteer Fatigue and Burnout
    05:29 Building Relationships with Volunteers
    08:12 Effective Role Management
    10:58 The Importance of Role Rotation
    13:39 Lived Experience in Volunteerism
    16:23 Encouraging Teamwork Over Solo Acts
    20:48 Streamlining Volunteer Engagement
    23:09 The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
    25:58 Personal Stories of Volunteering
    28:07 Volunteering as a Career Path
    30:48 Effective Communication with Volunteers
    34:10 Recognizing Volunteer Contributions
    39:43 Resources for Crisis and Volunteer Management


    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.

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    45 m
  • What Makes STANDARDIZATION So Important For Emergency Management? | With guest Todd Livingston of EMAP.org and host Tim Conrad
    Nov 25 2025

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    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.

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    37 m
  • Cybersecurity MISTAKES That Will Cost You BIG | With information technology expert Hunter Geerts and host Tim Conrad
    Mar 18 2025

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    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
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Connect with Tim Conrad
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    39 m
  • Is it trash or truth? Information and the California wildfires | With Ventura County Battalion Chief Pete Jensen and host Tim Conrad
    Jan 16 2025

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    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:
    01:29 - Status of the Southern California Wildfires, Water Supply, Staffing and Equipment
    33:42 - Forest Management, Resources, and Managing Wildfires
    1:11:58 - Finale - Three quick questions

    Connect with Pete Jensen
    LinkedIn

    Connect with Tim Conrad
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    1 h y 19 m
  • The BEST Way to Work with Family Liaison Officers During Emergencies | With search and rescue author Moose Mutlow and host Tim Conrad
    Dec 4 2024

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    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 quick questions

    Connect with Moose Mutlow
    Website | LinkedIn | Online FLO Course | Amazon - Buy Books

    Connect with Tim Conrad
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    45 m
  • 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
    Nov 26 2024

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    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

    Connect with Doug Levy
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon - Buy Book

    Connect with Tim Conrad
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.

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    28 m