Doing Disasters Differently: The Podcast with Renae Hanvin

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently: The Podcast, host Renae Hanvin speaks with Dr. Margaret Moreton about gender and disaster . She discusses the critical importance of integrating gender perspectives into disaster management. She highlights how disasters impact different genders unequally and shares practical ways to create more inclusive, resilient communities. Together, we explore practical insights, lived experience, and real-world strategies to help communities, businesses, governments, and leaders build stronger disaster resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. In this episode, we cover: The meaning of gender and disaster Disasters do not discriminate, but impacts do The importance of inclusive disaster planning The role of social capital in resilience Addressing gender-based violence post-disaster Changing mindsets to embed gender considerations The significance of community connection and social infrastructure The challenge of translating evidence into policy Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently: The Podcast, host Renae Hanvin speaks with Allie Guegan & Zac Zorn about Linking Council and Community. Together, they explore innovative community resilience projects led by the City of Casey, focusing on co-design and social capital building to enhance disaster preparedness and response. If you’re passionate about emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, community resilience, business continuity, or resilience leadership, this show is for you. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently: The Podcast, host Renae Hanvin speaks with Dr. Libby McCourt about the critical role of pharmacists in disaster preparedness and response. She shares insights from her research, experiences during disasters, and how the healthcare sector can better integrate pharmacists into emergency management systems. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

Today’s guest is Nicole Blackwell, an experienced emergency management leader working at NBN Co , helping strengthen preparedness, response and resilience across complex systems and critical infrastructure. With deep expertise in emergency management, stakeholder collaboration and cross-sector coordination, Nicole sits at the intersection of technology, connectivity, and community resilience - working to ensure critical services and partnerships are ready when disruption strikes. She also contributes to the broader emergency management community through her involvement with organisations such as Red Cross and Safe Australasia . Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

Today’s guest is Dr Barbara Ryan - an award-winning disaster behaviour researcher, communicator and long-time leader in emergency management communication across Australia. Barbara has spent more than 40 years working across journalism, public relations, research and teaching, with a strong focus on how people seek information, respond to risk and engage during disasters. She is the founder of Cicada Research and Communication and was a founding director of Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) — helping shape the emergency communication profession across Australia and New Zealand. Barbara’s work explores one of the biggest challenges in disaster resilience: how we better connect research, communication and human behaviour to real-world preparedness and recovery. She’s also a volunteer firefighter and community educator, bringing both academic insight and lived frontline experience to the conversation. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently , Renae talks with Professor Daniel Aldrich , a full professor at Northeastern University. They explore the groundbreaking development of a national framework for measuring social capital and social infrastructure in Australia, featuring insights from Professor Daniel Aldrich. Discover how these tools can transform community resilience, disaster preparedness, and everyday social cohesion. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode, I'm talking with Tony Pearce about Tony's Trek. Tony shares his inspiring journey of raising awareness for mental health in emergency services through daring treks, including walking from Melbourne to Brisbane, Everest Base Camp, and paddling the Murray River. Discover how community engagement, early intervention, and systemic change can improve mental health support for responders and their families. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently , Renae is joined by John de Rooy, a respected business and community leader with a strong background in regional development and business chambers. A leader of the Malanda Chamber of Commerce in Far North Queensland, he’s spent years helping local businesses stay connected, supported, and resilient - especially in times of disruption. This episode explores the vital role of business chambers in regional communities, highlighting how they foster resilience, support local businesses, and collaborate with emergency services to prepare for and recover from disasters. John de Rooy shares practical insights from Malanda, North Queensland, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently , Renae is joined by Dave Owens, an experienced emergency manager and former police officer who now works with governments and organisations to strengthen risk and crisis leadership. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across emergency management, Dave shares why traditional leadership approaches often fall short in complex and uncertain disaster environments. The conversation explores the shift from tactical response to strategic thinking, and why leaders need new skills to navigate increasingly frequent and compounding disasters. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week's episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is joined by David Younger, a clinical psychologist and consultant to governments and communities who is deeply passionate about stress and wellbeing when it comes to before, during and after disasters. David especially recognises the double impact that business people have and how important everyday self-care is so you can thrive through the unexpected challenges. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this episode of Doing Disasters Differently , Renae is joined by David Sanderson, the Inaugural Judith Neilson Professor of Architecture at UNSW, and Founder and lead of HowWeSurvive. With a true passion for disaster resilience and recovery, David talks about the importance of letting recovery be led by the social fabric of the community. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is joined by Mark Duckworth, Associate Director at the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS) and Senior Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University, with more than 30 years’ experience in senior public sector and resilience roles, including contributing to the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (2011). Together, they explore whether governments truly trust communities, unpacking the role of trust, social capital and social infrastructure in disaster resilience, and why resilience must be built with communities, not delivered to them. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently , Renae is joined by Leanne Schmidt, Manager Emergency Support at the Local Government Association of South Australia. With decades of experience across SES and fire services, Leanne shares insights into South Australia’s emergency management approach and the vital role of local government in building community resilience. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this special 40th episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae reflects on standout conversations from the last ten episodes with thought leaders in disaster resilience. Renae highlights the growing momentum around social capital, the importance of shared responsibility, and how Resilient Ready is translating policy and research into action for communities and small businesses across Australia. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently Renae chats with Dr Briony Towers, founder of Leadrrr and expert in child-centered disaster risk management. They explore the role of schools in building social capital and how empowering children and youth can drive real change in disaster resilience. From bushfire education to youth-led initiatives, Briony shares how schools can be true hubs of preparedness and community strength. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is joined by Joe Buffone, Deputy Coordinator General at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). With over 40 years in security and disaster management, Joe has played a key role in emergency response across Australia and internationally. Today, we explore his journey—from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to leading efforts in disaster resilience—along with the National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS) and how it ensures communities have access to critical resources during crises. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is joined by the Hon Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), a tireless advocate for small businesses across the country. Today, we are exploring Bruce’s journey—from launching his own advisory business to his leadership in fostering resilience and growth for Australia’s small business sector. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is talking with Professor Paul Arbon AM, a distinguished leader in emergency and disaster resilience and Director of the Torrens Resilience Initiative at Flinders University. Today, we are diving into resilience in South Australia’s grape and wine sector. With decades of experience as a researcher, academic, and organisational leader—including roles as Chief Commissioner of St John Ambulance Australia and President of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine—Professor Arbon brings a wealth of knowledge on how industries can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is talking with Kruthika Nagananda, a passionate advocate for resilience who moved from India to Australia to pursue her dream of strengthening communities in times of crisis. Today, we are talking about Kruthika’s journey, from completing her Master’s in Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle to her work in disaster risk reduction at the Walcha Council and now with the Australian Red Cross in the Urban Climate Resilience Program. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.

In this week’s episode of Doing Disasters Differently, Renae is talking with Fiona Jago, a former dairy farmer and small business owner with deep roots in regional Victoria. Fiona and her husband, Mark, made a bold move to purchase and run a caravan park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, where they became active community members. However, the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires profoundly impacted their lives, prompting three years of rebuilding. Eventually, they decided to sell and return to regional Victoria to be closer to family. Now, as a lived experience facilitator with Resilient Ready, Fiona travels across Australia, sharing her resilience journey and helping other small business owners navigate challenges. Subscribe now and join us as we explore smarter, stronger, and more connected ways to prepare for the future.