Disaster Discussions Podcast

Hosted by Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Disasters like hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, and wildfires can be devastating and frightening. They displace families, drive financial loss, and destroy communities. Join us as we sit down with science, insurance, and building industry professionals who will help us explore the intersection of these hazards with the built environment and steps being taken to prevent future devastation. ]]>

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June 3, 202653 min

S5E9: What the LA Fires Revealed About Zone 0 and Home Vulnerability

The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires exposed just how vulnerable neighborhoods become once wildfire enters the built environment. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, IBHS researcher Dr. Xareni Sanchez Monroy breaks down the findings from The 2025 LA Conflagrations report- from the critical role structure spacing and wind direction played in determining which homes survived, to how vegetation-covered fences, landscaping, and everyday combustible items can increase home vulnerability. We also dive into some of the IBHS research on Zone 0 vegetation and why even green, well-watered plants can become a source of heat and structural damage during conflagration conditions. Together, these studies paint a clearer picture of how wildfire spreads through communities and what it will take to build neighborhoods that are truly wildfire resilient.

May 20, 202631 min

S5E8: When Resilience Multiplies: The Road to 100,000 FORTIFIED Designations (Part 2)

What does it take to transform science experiments into a nationwide movement for stronger homes? In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, to continue the conversation around the program’s milestone of 100,000 designations.Fred reflects on how IBHS reached this moment- from the early days of the program to where it stands today- and shares why verification and real-world performance matter more than ever. He also looks ahead, exploring what it will take to scale resilience even further: into inland communities, everyday roofing decisions, and ultimately, the default way we build for the future.

May 6, 202646 min

S5E7: When Resilience Multiplies: The Road to 100,000 FORTIFIED Designations (Part 1)

What does it take to transform science experiments into a nationwide movement for stronger homes? In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with Cliff Barros and Alex Cary- two IBHS FORTIFIED team members who have been part of the program's journey from its earliest days on the Alabama Gulf Coast to it's expansion into more than 30 states.Together, they reflect on how devastating storms like Hurricane Ivan and Katrina sparked an insurance crisis- and ultimately, a shift toward resilience. From their early work with Habitat for Humanity to helping grow the FORTIFIED program at IBHS, Cliff and Alex share stories about the people, partnerships, and pivotal moments that fueled the program’s expansion into a proven standard that now spans 100,000 homes nationwide. Plus, a look ahead: How far can this movement go, and what will it take to make resilience the norm in every community?

April 15, 202647 min

S5E6: The Workforce Behind the Recovery: America’s post-disaster skilled labor crisis (Part 2)

In Part 2 of The Workforce Behind the Recovery, we continue our conversation on the growing skilled labor shortage impacting the construction industry- in both everyday projects and after major disasters. Host Rachael Gauthier sits down with IBHS Director of Construction Shawn Macomber to explore his journey from rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina to becoming a leader in resilient construction. Shawn shares firsthand insights into the challenges of post-disaster rebuilding- from sourcing skilled labor and materials to addressing complex issues like moisture and mold that require specialized skills- and how those experiences reshaped his approach to building stronger, smarter homes.The conversation also dives into the unique role of construction at IBHS, where full-scale structures are built and tested under extreme conditions to advance resilience science. Shawn offers a behind-the-scenes look at managing a team that balances craftsmanship with experimentation, and the intricacies of building specimens used in controlled, repeatable projects.Shawn also shares his thoughts on why investing in the construction workforce- and building the right way- can leave a lasting legacy for homeowners across the country.

April 1, 202622 min

S5E5: The Workforce Behind the Recovery: America’s post-disaster skilled labor crisis (Part 1)

In Part 1 of The Workforce Behind the Recovery, we examine a growing challenge facing communities nationwide: the shortage of skilled labor slowing disaster recovery efforts.Host Rachael Gauthier is joined by Courtney Jenkins and Sean Vissar of The Home Depot Foundation to dive into new research they've conducted that reveals how widespread and urgent this issue has become. From wildfire-impacted communities in California to hurricane-stricken regions in Florida and North Carolina, rebuilding isn’t just about materials and plans- it’s about having enough skilled professionals to get the job done.The episode also spotlights the progress being made through The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro program- a major investment in building the next generation of skilled trades professionals- introducing thousands of individuals to careers in construction, supporting training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and helping create a stronger, more sustainable workforce pipeline.Plus, the Foundation’s broader commitment to disaster recovery and resilience, including education grants, scholarships, and partnerships that support rebuilding efforts and equip communities with the tools to come back stronger.

March 4, 20261 hr 3 min

S5E4: On the Radar: When Winter Hits the South- Science Communication, Infrastructure Stress‑Tests, & Interior Water Losses.

When winter hits the South, the impacts can be historic- and deeply disruptive. In this On the Radar episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by IBHS Managing Director of Atmospheric Research Dr. Ian Giammanco and Mississippi Live Weather Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan to break down a late‑January winter storm that delivered record snow, destructive ice, and dangerous cold across the Southeast. The conversation explores the meteorological setup behind back‑to‑back winter systems, the challenges of communicating high‑impact forecasts in regions unaccustomed to snow and ice, and how digital‑first weather platforms are reshaping public messaging.The episode also highlights IBHS research on interior water losses, showing how extreme cold, power outages, and building design standards combine to make burst pipes, ice dams, and water damage a perfect example of compounding disasters. Together, the discussion connects weather science, infrastructure vulnerability, and real‑world impacts to explain why winter weather in the South ranks among one of the most destructive and high impact weather events.

February 11, 202646 min

S5E3: New Revolution: How AI is Transforming Disaster Resilience, Part 2

In Part 1 of A New Revolution: How AI is Transforming Disaster Resilience, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sat down with IBHS Director of AI Research Dr. Hesam Fallahian to trace the sweeping history of artificial intelligence—from its roots in science fiction and pop culture to its emergence as a real-world force reshaping how humans live and work. The episode explored the major technological revolutions—agricultural, industrial, and information—and how AI is poised to become the next game‑changer. The conversation followed the evolution of AI, from early concepts and landmark breakthroughs to the rapid rise of generative AI and large language models like ChatGPT.In Part 2, Dr. Fallahian returns to dive into the real-world impact of artificial intelligence on disaster resilience, exploring how AI is transforming weather forecasting, risk assessment, and insurance—making communities safer and smarter. This episode also highlights cutting-edge research at IBHS, the rise of AI agents and behavioral models, and the challenges and risks that come with these powerful new tools. Plus, listeners get a glimpse of what’s ahead for the future of AI. 

February 4, 202629 min

S5E2: A New Revolution: How AI is Transforming Disaster Resilience, Part 1

Artificial intelligence isn’t just the next big tech trend—it’s the newest revolution reshaping how we understand, prepare for, and respond to disasters. In this two‑part episode of Disaster Discussions, we trace AI’s evolution from science fiction and pop‑culture icon to a real‑world force transforming weather forecasting, insurance, and community resilience. Host Rachael Gauthier sits down with Dr. Hesam Fallahian, Director of AI Research at IBHS, to unpack everything from generative models and AI agents to behavioral models, computer vision, and the surprising risks and misconceptions surrounding today’s systems. Whether you’re curious about how AI is changing storm prediction, modernizing risk assessment, or helping communities stay safer before disaster strikes, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

January 7, 202633 min

S5E1: 2025 Resilience Recap: Building Safer Communities Together

As we wrap up another year of Disaster Discussions, we’re taking a moment to look back at the conversations that shaped 2025. From wildfire resilience and severe weather preparedness to the latest research on building standards, this season brought together experts and stories that matter for safer communities. Join us as we revisit key insights, highlight memorable moments, and celebrate the guests who helped make this year impactful. This episode features interviews from experts at IBHS, UC Berkeley, James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, KB Home, ICECHIP, Geotrek, Alabama Department of Insurance, University of Alabama Center for Risk and Insurance Research, and McRoof Roofing and Insurance Experts.

December 3, 20251 hr 13 min

S4E17: Calm After the Storm: Growing FORTIFIED in Oklahoma

In this episode of Disaster Discussions, we journey to the heart of tornado alley—to Oklahoma, where tornadoes and hailstorms are a way of life and homeowners face some of the highest insurance rates in the nation. This episode explores how the FORTIFIED Roof program and the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes initiative are transforming resilience, offering grants and insurance discounts to help families weather the storm. With insights from Fortified contractor and Master Haag Certified Inspector Scott McCollum Sr., we’ll unpack the mindsets of consumers, contractors, adjusters, and insurers, and examine the real-world impact of incentives, awareness, and lived experience on the adoption of stronger, safer roofs. Discover what’s working, what’s not, and what the future holds for building a more resilient Oklahoma—one roof at a time.