LSU NCBRT Preparedness Podcast
By LSU NCBRT
Importance of Integration at an Active Threat Incident: Reunification
This is the final episode in our three-part series on active threat integration with Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. This episode covers the reunification stage of an integrated response to a threat, including the importance of communication with the public, potential challenges during the reunification process, and how agencies can prepare for this stage ahead of time.
This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) and Critical Decision Making for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTA) class. Find more information on the ATIRC training here, and learn more about the CCTA course here.
Importance of Integration at an Active Threat Incident: Staging
This is the second of three episodes on active threat integration with Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we talk about what integration actually looks like during active threat response, including the challenges agencies may face and the roles/responsibilities of staging managers.
This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) and Critical Decision Making for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTA) class. Find more information on the ATIRC training here, and learn more about the CCTA course here.
Importance of Integration at an Active Threat Incident: Before the Incident
This podcast is the first in a three-part series on integration of responder disciplines during an active threat with subject matter experts Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we discuss effective pre-planning and pre-incident communication, identifying key stakeholders, and barriers to building strong relationships between agencies.
This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) and Critical Decision Making for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTA) class. Find more information on the ATIRC training here, and learn more about the CCTA course here.
On-Scene Buildout: Key Response Elements
This is our third and final podcast about the Incident Command System with NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we talk about elements responders should keep in mind when they arrive on scene to contribute to a successful ICS structure, how to communicate with other teams on scene, and how to train to prepare for a wide-scale response to a threat.
On-Scene Buildout: ICS Structure
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we continue our conversation about the Incident Command System with NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley about the use of the Incident Command System for on-scene response buildout. Today, we discuss the ICS framework; how to take command as the first responder on scene, considerations for working with local leaders, emergency operations centers, EMS, and other stakeholders; and more.
The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, March 25th.
On-Scene Buildout: What is ICS?
On today’s podcast, we talk to NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley about the use of the Incident Command System for on-scene response buildout. In this first of three episodes, we discuss what ICS is, the importance of developing an integrated ICS among responder disciplines, and the vital role law enforcement plays in establishing an ICS during an initial response to a mass casualty incident.
The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, March 4th
Professional Feedback: How Do I Implement It?
Today’s podcast episode is the third and final in our series on organizational and instructional feedback with LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price. In this episode, we explore how organizations can implement feedback systems, barriers to implementing opportunities for feedback, and how the impact of feedback culture can be measured over time.
Professional Feedback: Why Is It Important?
This is the second of three episodes in our series on organizational and instructional feedback. In this episode, LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price discuss how feedback drives professional development and career advancement, how feedback shapes workplaces, and why having a system for feedback is essential for organizations.
The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, February 4th
Professional Feedback: What Is It?
Happy New Year from the LSU NCBRT Preparedness Podcast! In our first episode of 2025, we talk to LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price to discuss the importance of feedback as a leader or instructor. They discuss how expectations for feedback in the job have evolved over time, using feedback as a positive tool. The next episode in this three-part series will air on Tuesday, January 21.
The Call That Changed Me: The Hotwash
This is the third and final episode in our “The Call That Changed Me” series with guests LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he looks back at the hostage response that critically wounded one of his officers and fatally wounded another and reflects on the personal and professional impacts that situation had on him and his team, as well as the lessons learned from the incident.Jorge Pastore Foundation
The Call That Changed Me: The Aftermath
This is the second episode in our “The Call That Changed Me” series with guests LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he describes the aftermath of losing one of his officers in a hostage response, including what happened after the threat was neutralized and how he led his team immediately following the incident.
The final episode with Sam will air on Tuesday, December 10th.
The Call That Changed Me: The Incident
Today we are starting a new series called “The Call That Changed Me.” In this series, guests will share experiences that affected them personally and professionally. Today’s podcast is the first of three episodes with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he describes an active hostage situation and response that happened in 2023 that changed him.
Leadership Roundtable: Solutions to Leadership Challenges
This podcast is the second in our two-part roundtable discussion with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors Mark DuPont, Andrew Rateaver, and Maggie Varela. In this episode, we discuss solutions to some of the challenges we talked about in part one. Topics include skills and approaches to navigating challenges in the responder community, the importance of communication across different groups, adapting training to meet current needs, mentorship, and more.
Leadership Roundtable: Challenges Facing Leadership in the Responder Community
Today on the podcast, we are starting a two-part roundtable discussion on leadership with some of our past guests and NCBRT instructors. In this episode, Mark DuPont, Andrew Rateaver, and Maggie Varela discuss challenges facing leaders in public safety today, including recruitment and retention, mental health and wellbeing, and communicating with colleagues and the broader community.
The next episode in this series will air on Tuesday, November 12th.
Incident Response- Austin Serial Bombings: The Next Steps
Today on the podcast, we are finishing our three-part series on the 2018 Austin serial bombings with Sam Shurley, LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter expert and former commander for the Austin Police Department. In this episode, we debrief the incident by looking at frictions or failures in the investigation; successful collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies; the complications of the case itself; and what investigators learned after the suspect was killed.
Incident Response - Austin Serial Bombings: The Takedown
Today’s podcast is the second in our three-part series on the 2018 Austin serial bombings with guest and former Austin PD lieutenant Sam Shurley. In this episode, Sam breaks down the process of tracking down and apprehending the bombing suspect, including the surveillance, the partnerships between law enforcement agencies, and what happened when police ultimately stopped the suspect in his car.
The final episode in this series will air Tuesday, October 22nd.
Incident Response - Austin Serial Bombings: The Search
Today on the podcast, we are starting a new three-part series studying the 2018 serial bombings in Austin, Texas. Our guest for this series is Sam Shurley, LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter expert and former commander for the Austin Police Department. In this first episode, we discuss the initial bombing incidents, the early days of the investigation, and how state and federal partners worked to identify the suspect.
The second episode in this series will air Tuesday, October 15th.
Human Trafficking: Solutions and Looking Forward
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
Today’s podcast is the third and final in our series on human trafficking with Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. In this episode, we talk about effective solutions and strategies to combatting human trafficking. Topics include education and training for law enforcement and community leaders, trauma-informed approaches, rehabilitation and recovery programs, and more.
Human Trafficking: Current Problems and Challenges
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
Today on the podcast we are continuing our series on human trafficking with Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. Today, we talk about the challenges for law enforcement when responding to these kinds of cases, cultural biases that that contribute to human trafficking, psychological traumas that human trafficking victims deal with, and more.
The third and final episode of this series will air on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Human Trafficking: Introduction
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
On today’s podcast, we are starting a new three-part series on human trafficking. Guests for this series include Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. Today, we discuss the elements of human trafficking, risk factors that make someone vulnerable to becoming a victim, different types of trafficking, and the emotional and cultural factors that contribute to trafficking.
The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, August 27th
Leadership with Mark DuPont
On today’s episode, we continue our series on leadership with LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter experts. In this episode, Mark DuPont discusses his view on leadership, experiences that have influenced his view on what leadership entails, having compassion as a leader, and more
Wildland Urban Interface Fires: Preparedness
This is the third and final episode in our series on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. Guests for this series include subject matter experts Gregg Bird, John Dean, and Andrew “Rat” Rateaver. Today, we talk about things homeowners can do to protect their property from WUI fires; the importance of developing and practicing community evacuation plans; how law enforcement, fire, EMS, and local officials can work together during these crises; and more.
Wildland Urban Interface Fires: Mitigation
On today’s podcast, we continue our conversation on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires with guests Gregg Bird, John Dean, and Andrew “Rat” Rateaver. In this episode, we discuss mitigation techniques for wildfires in vulnerable urban areas. Topics include ways to get the community informed/involved in mitigation efforts and the challenges responders and officials face when trying to enforce fire mitigation regulations and policies.
The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, July 30th.
Wildland Urban Interface Fires: Introduction
As the temperature rises during these summer months, so does the risk of wildfires. On today’s podcast, we begin a three-part conversation on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires with subject matter experts Andrew “Rat” Rateaver, Gregg Bird, and John Dean. In this episode, they discuss WUI fires in the larger context of wildfires, contributing factors to the growing frequency and severity of wildfires, the challenges communities and responders face when dealing with these fires, and more.
The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, July 23rd.
Instructor Spotlight: Kelly Hamilton
Today’s podcast is another interview with one of our incredible subject matter experts. In this episode, Kelly Hamilton discusses his over 20-year career with LSU NCBRT/ACE; how his different life and work experiences have shaped his worldview; his philosophy on topics like instructing, education, and retirement; and more
Contemporary Challenges to Faith-Based Organizations: Unique Challenges
Today’s podcast is the final in our three- part series on contemporary challenges facing faith-based organizations with guests Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. In this last episode, we talk about unique challenges that faith-based organizations face when responding to threats, including the challenge of resource limitations, tools that are available for faith organizations, the balance between security and openness, cultural and religious sensitivities, and more.
Contemporary Challenges to Faith-Based Organizations: Current Issues and Trends
This is the second episode in our three-part series on contemporary challenges facing faith-based organizations with guests Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. Today, we discuss current issues and trends in threats to faith-based institutions, including how organizations can protect themselves in an increasingly digital world, how organizations are adapting their community engagement, and how faith-based organizations can work together to enhance safety and security.
The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, July 2nd.
Contemporary Challenges to Faith-Based Organizations: Introduction
Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series on the threats facing faith-based organizations with guests and subject matter experts Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. In this episode, we discuss the unique vulnerabilities of faith-based organizations, the most common threats facing face-based institutions, motivations behind attacks on faith organizations, and more.
The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, June 25th.
Leadership with Roy Bethge
On today’s episode of the podcast, we talk with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and subject matter expert Roy Bethge about his leadership experience. We discuss what leadership means to Roy, lessons he’s learned throughout his career, how other leaders in his life have influenced him, and more.
Roy's Recommended Reading on Leadership:
Gus Lee - Courage: The Backbone of Leadership
Daniel Goleman - Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock: Implications and Future Outlook
Today’s podcast is the second in our two-part series on the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle with subject matter expert and New Mexico Director/Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. In today’s episode, we discuss the implications of this outbreak, including what is known and unknown about the disease, next step for farmers and officials, the importance of industry collaboration, and lessons learned
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock: An Introduction
On today’s podcast, we’re starting a two-part series on the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle with subject matter expert and New Mexico Director/Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. In this first episode, we discuss what HPAI is and how it spreads, implications for the food supply, how federal, state and local agencies work together during these crises, and more.
The second and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, June 4th.
Instructor Spotlight: Mark DuPont
Today’s podcast episode features another LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor spotlight. Today, Mark DuPont discusses both his career and life experience, how he got involved with NCBRT, and his philosophy as an instructor.
Our next series, a two-part series looking at the impact of Avian Flu in livestock, will begin airing on Tuesday, May 28th
Instructor Spotlight: Andrew "Rat" Rateaver
Today’s podcast episode features another LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor spotlight. Today, host Ashley talks to Andrew “Rat” Rateaver. He discusses his career, his work with NCBRT, his leadership experience, and advice he would give to others in his field.
Our next series, a three-part series on Behavioral Intervention and Crisis Intervention teams, will air on Tuesday, April 9th
Bag Valve Masks: How 2 Changes in Technique Can Save More Lives
Today’s podcast is the second episode in our two-part series on bag valve masks, or BVMs, with subject matter expert Tim Redding. In this episode, he discusses more common errors that occur when heath care professionals and responders use BVMs and how to remedy those mistakes. These errors include issues with sealing the mask and problems opening patients’ airways during BVM use.
Airway Opening Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_QM7vjvRYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bKD7_CqmVQ
Resources:
https://www.criticalcarepractitioner.co.uk/6-ways-to-be-better-with-the-bag-valve-mask-2/
Bag Valve Masks: Common Device Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Today on the podcast, we begin a two-part series on bag valve masks, or BVMs, with subject matter expert Tim Redding. In this episode, he discusses what BVMs are and the history of the device. He also goes through three common errors that occur when using the device and how to remedy those mistakes.
These two episodes contain a visual component that is difficult to translate to an audio podcast. To see the demonstrations in real time, please check out the video recording on our YouTube.
The final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, March 26th.
Preparing for Large-Scale Events: Taking Action
Today’s podcast is the final episode in our three-part series on site protection and preparing for large-scale events with guests Todd Short and Eric Vandenburg. In today’s episode, we discuss how to create an execute a plan for large-scale event protection. Topics include best practices for surveillance before and during an event, considerations when approaching and interviewing subjects, and more.
Preparing for Large-Scale Events: Preoperational Behaviors
Today’s podcast is the second in a three-part series on site protection and preparing for large-scale events with guests Todd Short and Eric Vandenburg. Today, we talk about site protection techniques like how to identify suspicious activity and motivations and preoperational behavior of bad actors. We also discuss previous incidents that we can look to as case studies when preparing for future events.
The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, March 5th
Preparing for Large-Scale Events: Preoperational Behaviors: History and Context
Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series on site protection and preparing for large-scale events. Guests for this series include subject matter experts Todd Short and Eric Vandenburg. In this episode, they discuss different kinds of large-scale events, the ways in which security and protection for events have changed over the years, getting the public involved in security and protection techniques, the importance of establishing a baseline for a site or event, and more.
The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, February 27th