This podcast features strategies and advice from today’s leaders and experts in emergency management. Its purpose is to empower and enrich current and future leaders. <a href="https://emnetwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">emnetwork.substack.com</a>

By Todd T. DeVoe, CEM, MPAPause and reflect on this: history is filled with moments when people stood silent as their societies collapsed around them, none more emblematic than the fall of Rome. As flames consumed the city, Nero played on, indifferent. But the more profound tragedy wasn’t merely his instability or negligence. It was the paralysis of those who knew better. The senators, administrators, and caretakers of the public trust had the authority to act. They had the duty to speak. And yet, they chose comfort over courage, obedience over leadership.That story echoes today. Across this nation, institutions vital to preserving life and safety, like FEMA and the National Weather Service, are under political pressure, facing funding instability, and subject to public skepticism. The professionals within them continue to serve with quiet dedication, often thanklessly. But what happens when those who can speak up for them, those of us in emergency management, public administration, and civic leadership, choose not to?Plato warned us in The Republic: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” In this, he offered more than a critique of political apathy; he outlined the moral consequences of neglecting one’s duty to the common good. As Plato saw, government is not a stage for self-interest but a structure meant to elevate justice and truth. When those ideals are abandoned or left undefended, collapse is not only likely, it is deserved.John Locke argued that the fundamental purpose of government is to safeguard the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. This isn’t just a philosophical abstraction; it’s the moral foundation of democratic governance. When a government fails to protect those rights, it violates the social contract and erodes the trust that binds a society together. Our mission reflects that ideal in emergency management. We are often the last line of defense in preserving life, protecting property, and mitigating environmental harm. In many ways, we operationalize the social contract in real time, standing in the gap during crises, ensuring that communities are not abandoned, and holding firm to the values that define public service. When institutions like FEMA and the National Weather Service come under pressure or attack, defending them is not politics but principle. We must uphold that contract and ensure it does not fail when people need it most.Political philosopher Hannah Arendt spoke of the “banality of evil,” the quiet, bureaucratic complicity that enables authoritarianism and societal decay. Her insight is especially sobering for public servants. Harm does not always arrive with banners and violence. Sometimes, it comes in the form of silence. It comes when we stop pushing back and refuse to use our voice, platforms, and positions to shield those who carry the burden of public safety.FEMA and the National Weather Service are not political pawns; they are the backbone of our nation’s preparedness and resilience. The men and women who work in these agencies are not abstractions; they are our colleagues, friends, and partners in every crisis.So the question is simple: Will we be remembered as the ones who stayed silent when our institutions were under siege? Or will we be the ones who stood up, spoke out, and defended the guardians of the public good?Now is not the time for neutrality. Now is the time for courage. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe</a>

The Emergency Management Network Podcast

The Silence Before the Fall:

In this enlightening episode of Theory-N2-Practice, Arthur Simental shares his journey through emergency management, from his start as a first responder to his current roles as a professor, researcher, and consultant. We delve into Arthur's creation of Disaster War Gaming, a revolutionary tool designed to improve emergency preparedness through interactive, science-backed tabletop exercises. The conversation also explores Arthur's ambitious initiative, the US Emergency and Disaster Management Congress, which aims to professionalize the field of emergency management through standardization and self-governance. Join us as we discuss today's pressing need for visibility, legitimacy, and professional development in emergency management. Connect with Arthur: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthursimental/" class="linkified" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthursimental/</a>  <a href="https://simentalindustries.com/" class="linkified" target="_blank">https://simentalindustries.com/</a>  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe</a>

TN2P with Guest Arthur Simental

Exploring IAEM Conferences with Toni Hauser | Theory -N2- Practice Join host Dan Scott and guest Toni Hauser as they delve into the benefits and opportunities offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) conferences. Learn about Toni's journey within the IAEM, the various events and training sessions available, and how these conferences enhance professional development and networking in the field of emergency management. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, discover why the IAEM conferences are a must-attend for emergency management professionals. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:47 Meet Toni Hauser 02:03 Toni's Journey with IAEM 06:29 Conference Highlights and Benefits 11:11 Virtual Conference Details 13:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information IAEM Website: <a href="https://www.iaem.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.iaem.org/</a> Connect with Toni Hauser: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonihauser/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonihauser/</a> This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe</a>

TN2P Podcast with Toni Hauser

In this episode, we discuss the importance of professional development and professional associations, focusing on the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). Host Dan Scott and guest Dr. Duane Hagelgans delve into their personal experiences, highlighting how joining such associations and participating in training programs have profoundly impacted their careers.  They also cover upcoming IAEM conferences, including the virtual conference on May 9th and the in-person annual conference in November in Louisville, Kentucky. Emphasis is placed on the significance of conferences for networking, training, and the overall advancement of the emergency management profession. Friday April 25, 2025 Webinar: <a href="https://www.iaem.org/" class="linkified" target="_blank">https://www.iaem.org/</a>  Connect with Dr. Duane Hagelgans - <a href="mailto:Duane.Hagelgans@millersville.edu" class="linkified">Duane.Hagelgans@millersville.edu</a>  Check out the website: <a href="http://theoryn2practice.com" class="linkified" target="_blank">theoryn2practice.com</a> This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe</a>

Todd T. De Voe

The Emergency Management Network Podcast by Todd T. De Voe

Episodes