• Communicating in a time of chaos, war and conflict with guest, author Doug Levy | Part 2 of 3 with The Communications Golden Hour
    Nov 19 2024

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    Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the second of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues.

    Listen For:
    01:05 - Communicating in the chaotic Trump style
    10:40 - Media literacy
    14:12 - Navigating global conflicts
    19:45 - How values can be used to navigate division

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

    Connect with Tim Conrad
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    28 mins
  • Public Information Officer: Systems, Role, and Learning with author Doug Levy | The Communications Golden Hour® Book
    Nov 13 2024

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    Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the first of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues.

    Listen For:
    01:15 - From Practitioner to Author
    11:27 - The Role, Skills and Practice of a Public Information Officer
    20:30 - Communications is Two-way or It's Not Communications
    28:04 - Evolving as a PIO

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

    Connect with Tim Conrad
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    35 mins
  • Case Study: 2008 Nova Scotia Porters Lake and Lake Echo Wildfire - The first sign of social media and misinformation in an emergency | Host Tim Conrad looks back at his first wildfire as a public information officer
    Oct 29 2024

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    It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used.

    These are the stories of the before times. When coordinating more news media was easier than responding, developing, coordinating, producing, and posting media on all channels.

    Listen For:
    03:55 - Size Up with the Incident Commander
    08:04 - A Memorial to News Media
    13:57 - Perspectives from Responders and Residents
    18:33 - Top Lessons

    Connect with Tim Conrad
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    24 mins
  • Crisis Communications Management: Training for the Worst, Performing at Your Best. How to Develop From Plan to Program. With guest Shawna Bruce, and host Tim Conrad | PIO, Public Information Officer, Public Relations
    Oct 15 2024

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    How do you handle the unexpected when the stakes are at their highest?

    Tim sits down with Shawna Bruce to break down the critical differences between a crisis communications plan and a full-fledged program.

    Recorded live at the 2024 Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention in Ottawa, the conversation dives deep into the importance of preparedness, flexibility, and teamwork in crisis management.

    Whether navigating social media pitfalls or leading a military response, Shawna and Tim explore what it takes to stay ahead of chaos.

    Listen For:
    06:07 - The Rarity of Proper Crisis Communication Programs
    12:29 - Crisis Communications: Then vs. Now
    16:39 - Viral Crisis: A Mayor’s Social Media Misstep
    25:03 - Leveraging Proven Practices in Crisis Response

    Guest: Shawna Bruce
    LinkedIn | Website

    Connect with Tim Conrad
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    40 mins
  • Avoiding Panic: Learning from Planning and Preparedness in Earthquake and Tsunami Zones, plus Dark Humour | Host Tim Conrad, APR, with guest Dorit Mason
    Oct 8 2024

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    Ever wonder what it takes to be the calm in the storm during an emergency?

    Tim talks with Dorit Mason, an expert in emergency planning and operations. They look at the critical role of planners in emergency operations centres (EOCs), recalling their experiences managing wildfire evacuations in 2017.

    Mason shares insights on the characteristics of a great planner, the importance of personal preparedness, and how effective communication plays a vital role in crisis management.

    They discuss the essential traits required for those working in EOCs and reflect on the camaraderie and humor that keep emergency teams going through the toughest times.

    Listen For:
    02:48 Importance of EOCs
    08:21 The Synergy Between Planning and Communication
    14:31 Volunteering Safely During Earthquakes
    21:26 What Earthquake Planning Teaches Us

    Connect with guest: Dorit Mason
    LinkedIn | Public emergency preparation and recovery - Province of British Columbia

    Connect with Tim Conrad
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    33 mins
  • Community-Driven Disaster Response: Lessons from Wildfires, Floods and Landslides in the Cariboo - Chilcotin Region
    Oct 1 2024

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    Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?

    In this episode, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.

    With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.

    From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management.

    Listen For:
    04:01 - Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
    12:50 - The Challenges of Managing Multiple Disasters
    25:40 - Recommended Resources for Emergency Management Learning
    30:04 - Maintaining Mental Wellbeing During Crisis Response

    Guest: Stephanie Masun
    LinkedIn

    Connect with Tim Conrad, APR
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    35 mins
  • Recovering Together in the Cariboo: Teamwork in Emergency Operations Response and Disaster Recovery
    Sep 24 2024

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    How do you rebuild communities after wildfires, floods, and chaos?

    In this episode, Tim Conrad and emergency management expert Stephanie Masun dive deep into the challenges of post-disaster recovery in British Columbia's Cariboo Regional District.

    From the devastation of the 2017 wildfires to multi-year recovery programs, they share powerful lessons on teamwork, community resilience, and emergency management.

    Listen For:
    05:20 - Patchwork recovery: Different challenges in each community
    14:44 - The challenge of sustaining energy in recovery efforts
    20:57 - Staffing challenges in emergency management
    22:45 - Recognizing and supporting team members during recovery

    Guest: Stephanie Masun

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    24 mins
  • Connecting in Chaos: PR Strategies from the Frontlines
    Jul 9 2024

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    Disaster communications isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about connecting communities amidst chaos.

    In this episode, host Tim Conrad discusses the intense challenges and strategies behind managing public relations during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.

    Guest Jan Enns delves into her own experiences with evacuation and loss, while highlighting the critical importance of mental health for responders and residents.

    Together, they share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of crisis communications, emphasizing the power of empathy, community engagement, and resilience.

    Listen For:
    06:30 - The Butterfly Effect Explained
    14:51 - Developing a Crisis Strategy Amid Chaos
    18:40 - Navigating the Meta News Ban
    25:03 - The Mental Health Impact on Responders

    See the graphics and documents discussed in this episode
    Documents and images

    Guest: Jan Enns
    LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Connect with Tim Conrad, APR
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    40 mins