Disaster Discussions Podcast

Oregon’s 2020 wildfires marked a turning point in how the state prepares both firefighters and communities for wildfire. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier joins Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness for the City of Bend, to explore the lessons learned from that season and how they continue to shape Oregon’s approach to response and resilience. Against the backdrop of another historic fire season, they discuss preparing fire agencies to respond quickly and effectively while helping homeowners take an active role in reducing risk. From property assessments and the first five feet around a home to research-informed education and neighborhood partnerships, the conversation connects the lessons of 2020 to the work happening today—and examines how mitigation can support firefighters’ ability to safely defend homes when the next fire arrives.

3D-printed homes are moving from an innovative idea to a new way of thinking about how homes can be built for the future. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier talks with Bungane Mehlomakulu, Senior Director of Building + Construction Science at ICON, about the engineering behind the company’s 3D-printed homes. They explore how ICON’s robotic construction system works to print wall assemblies with a proprietary, concrete-like formula, and how the technology is tested for hazards including wind, wind-driven rain, and fire. The conversation also looks at the broader challenge of resilience: how a new construction method moves from an innovative concept to something that can demonstrate durability, meet building-code requirements, and earn confidence over decades of use. They also dig into the practical questions that come with an entirely different way of building—from repairs and remodeling to long-term durability and insurability—and look at what it would take for 3D-printed construction to reshape residential housing at scale.

When the Old Trails Fire moved from the wildland into neighborhoods near Spokane, Washington, it left behind a complex pattern of destruction—and important clues about how wildfire spreads through communities. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by IBHS Senior Wildfire Fellow Mark Novak to discuss IBHS’s post-fire investigation of the Old Trails Fire. Drawing on his experience as both a firefighter in the West and a wildland fire investigator, Mark explains what the team observed on the ground, how fire behavior and suppression shaped the outcome, and what physical evidence can reveal about the fire’s path. The conversation explores structure spacing, combustible fencing, vegetation, vehicles and other connective fuels, as well as the role firefighters played in saving homes. Together, Rachael and Mark look at what the homes that burned—and the ones that survived—can teach us about reducing wildfire risk and giving communities and first responders a better chance when the next fire comes.

When it comes to hail damage, size is only part of the story. Two hailstones of the same size can produce very different outcomes depending on the roofing material, its age and condition, and the strength and structure of the hailstones themselves.In this episode of Disaster Discussions, IBHS Managing Director of Atmospheric Science Dr. Ian Giammanco, Research Project Scientist Jake Sorber, and Central Michigan University Ph.D. student and IBHS Summer Fellow Sabrina Servey recap the 2026 IBHS hail field deployment across the Plains. They discuss the partnership behind the research, the challenges of chasing hail during a drought-affected season, and what the team learned from 10 intensive operating periods.The conversation explores new field capabilities- from deployable trailers and roofing-panel exposures to hailstone strength testing and impact video- and how these observations help connect controlled laboratory testing with the complex conditions of real storms. Hear what researchers are learning about hailstone characteristics, hail concentration, and the performance of asphalt and composite roofing materials- and the questions that remain as IBHS works toward more realistic, actionable understanding of hail damage and how it impacts both roofing materials and the building envelope.

Disasters impact more than buildings- they affect entire communities. Recovery happens faster when homes, businesses, and local economies are rebuilt with resilience in mind.In this episode of Disaster Discussions, Chris Stallings of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) discuss how disaster assistance and research-backed mitigation can help reduce future losses and support stronger recoveries.Listeners will learn how SBA disaster assistance supports homeowners, renters, and businesses, how mitigation investments can help break the cycle of repeated disaster damage, and which practical resilience upgrades make the biggest difference. The conversation also explores the value of combining SBA recovery resources with IBHS building science to help communities rebuild smarter and recover faster.Resources:SBA Disaster Assistance: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistanceSBA Mitigation Assistance: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/mitigation-assistance

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.