In this episode of How to Disaster, Jennifer speaks with Renae Hanvin and Dr. Daniel P. Aldrich about why relationships are one of the strongest foundations of disaster resilience and recovery. Together, they explain social capital in plain language: the connections, trust, and cooperation that help communities prepare, respond, and rebuild.

The conversation looks at how these ties can be measured, mapped, and supported before disaster strikes, not only after. It also offers a grounded reminder that recovery is not just about roads, buildings, or systems. It is also about the people, places, and everyday connections that help a community come back.

Resources:

• How to Disaster
• Learn more about After the Fire USA
• After the Fire USA Resource Library
• Resilient Ready
• Dr. Daniel P. Aldrich
• Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of How to Disaster, Jennifer Gray Thompson talks with Tennis Wick, former Permit Sonoma Building Department Director, about what local government becomes after a megafire. Drawing from Sonoma County’s 2017 fires, Tennis reflects on the early chaos, the emotional weight carried by public servants, and the responsibility of serving people who have lost nearly everything.

Together, Jennifer and Tennis discuss why disaster recovery cannot be measured only by permits, dashboards, or houses rebuilt. They explore the importance of compassion inside bureaucratic systems, from creating separate spaces for fire survivors to helping people move through permitting with dignity, patience, and care.

The conversation also looks at leadership across Sonoma County, Maui, and Los Angeles, including the role of elected officials, block captains, mutual aid, and community trust. Tennis offers a grounded view of what recovery asks of local government: honesty, humility, creativity, and a willingness to solve problems instead of only naming barriers.

Resources:

• How to Disaster
• Learn more about After the Fire USA
• After the Fire USA Resource Library
• Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of How to Disaster, Jennifer speaks with Alex Athenson of the Foothill Catalog Foundation and Chris Corbett of Altadena Collective about rebuilding after the Eaton Fire.

Both guests bring an architectural lens to recovery, but their work begins with survivors, community identity, and the emotional weight of coming home. Together, they explore how thoughtful design, pre-approved plans, community listening, and practical support can make rebuilding more affordable, more humane, and less overwhelming.

This conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to rebuild not just houses, but trust, belonging, and hope.

Resources:

• How to Disaster
• Learn more about After the Fire USA
• After the Fire USA Resource Library
• Foothill Catalog Foundation
• Altadena Collective
• Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA