The Human Side Of Emergency Management Podcast

The Human Side of Emergency Management Podcast is a raw, honest, and deeply human look into the people behind the emergencies — the leaders, volunteers, responders, and community members who show up when everything is on the line. Hosted by Australian emergency management leader Vivien Thomson, who brings nearly 40 years of rural firefighting and leadership experience, this podcast steps away from systems and procedures and focuses on what often gets left out of the conversation: the emotions, the courage, the connection, and the compassion that shape how we lead in high‑stakes environments. After decades of witnessing disasters become more frequent and more severe — and seeing the toll this takes on people and communities — Vivien created this podcast to talk about the part of the job everyone feels but rarely discusses. The exhaustion. The pride. The heartbreak. The humanity. The moments that shape us. The moments that break us. And the moments that remind us why we do

The Human Side Of Emergency Management Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Vivien Thomson, with 11 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Vivien Thomson hosts The Human Side Of Emergency Management Podcast, a business show with 11 episodes published.

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  Episode #10

  Episode 10: Professor Jason Sharples, University NSW

  Aug 11, 202644 minS1

  Jason is a fire scientist whose work goes beyond models, equations, and behaviour predictions. Jason has spent years trying to understand how fire behaves, why it becomes unpredictable, and how communities can stay safer. What sets Jason apart is his ability to hold both sides of the work at once, the science that explains extreme fire behaviour, and the human reality of what those fires mean for people, families, volunteers, and entire communities. This episode explores the lived experiences, the emotional weight, and the moral responsibility that comes with understanding something capable of devastating lives. Jason speaks openly about the need for empathy in emergency management, not just expertise. It’s a reminder that emergency management isn’t just systems, protocols, or policy. It’s humans trying to protect other humans.

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  Episode #9

  Episode 9: Jane Park, Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program

  Jul 28, 202656 minS1

  Jane’s career in Canada has spanned decades as a Prescribed Fire Manager and Incident Commander, demonstrating remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of uncertainty. She now serves as the Prescribed Fire Training Manager for the brand new Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, BC. This national program is creating curriculum specifically for Canadian ecosystems, building capacity for diverse learners and supporting Indigenous led fire stewardship through co developed materials and culturally informed prescribed fire practitioners. What stands out in this episode is culture, the culture of place, the culture of fire and the culture of leadership. Jane’s work shows how cultural understanding shapes decisions, restores landscapes and strengthens communities. It also connects directly to the global movement of Girls on Fire. When we talk about culture, we’re talking about who gets to belong, who gets to lead and who gets to be visible. Jane’s presence in wildfire leadership shows girls and young women that fire is a place for them, a place where their strength, skill and courage are not only welcome but needed. Jane’s depth of experience, her commitment to people and place, and her vision for the future of fire stewardship make this conversation one you won’t want to miss. https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadian-prescribed-fire-training-program/

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  Episode #8

  Episode 8: Carlene York APM, Retired Commissioner, NSW State Emergency Service

  Jul 14, 202656 minS1

  This conversation with Carlene explores how she leads with trust, steady guidance and genuine care for the people around her. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, the moments that challenged her, and the values that continue to anchor her. As she talks, she shares stories about the moments that influenced her, the environments that taught her resilience, and the quiet, consistent habits that help her show up with clarity and integrity. What emerges is a portrait of leadership that is grounded, intentional and deeply human, the kind that grows from lived experience and a genuine commitment to others.

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  Episode #7

  Episode 7: Rev Dr Mark Layson

  Jun 30, 202653 minS0

  <p>This conversation stayed with me long after we stopped recording. <b>Rev Dr Mark Layson CESM MAIES</b> brings an extraordinary blend of research, chaplaincy and lived experience to the realities of moral injury, psychosocial risk and the cultural pressures carried by people in emergency roles.<br />What unfolded between us was not just an exploration of systems and stressors, but a deeply human dialogue about courage, compassion and the quiet toll this work can take. Mark speaks with a gentleness that invites honesty, and a clarity that challenges us to rethink how we support the people who show...

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  Episode #7

  Episode 7: Rev Dr Mark Layson

  Jun 30, 202653 min

  This conversation stayed with me long after we stopped recording. Rev Dr Mark Layson CESM MAIES brings an extraordinary blend of research, chaplaincy and lived experience to the realities of moral injury, psychosocial risk and the cultural pressures carried by people in emergency roles. What unfolded between us was not just an exploration of systems and stressors, but a deeply human dialogue about courage, compassion and the quiet toll this work can take. Mark speaks with a gentleness that invites honesty, and a clarity that challenges us to rethink how we support the people who show up when everything else is falling apart. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand the emotional truth of our sector and the leadership required to protect the hearts and minds of those who work in emergencies.

  ListenShow Notes

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