Episodes
23
March 18, 2026
From Evacuee to Emergency Manager: Robert Cosma on Indigenous Leadership
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 Manage...
March 17, 2026
Quick Bits: Three Fire Chiefs video episode with a preview of our time with an Indigenous National Government's emergency manager
Quick Bits: Three Fire Chiefs video episode with a preview of our time with the Indigenous National Government's emergency manager, Robert Cosma. Plus, watch for an updated video episode of last month's Heather Shtuka episode. Watch, listen and learn at www.communicationspodcast.com Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.
22
March 3, 2026
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
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...
Feb. 25, 2026
Quick Bits: Last episode on video and new episode teaser
Last episode on video now, and new episode teaser.
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...
Guest: Todd Livingston