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.

When winter hits the South, the impacts can be historic- and deeply disruptive. In this On the Radar episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by IBHS Managing Director of Atmospheric Research Dr. Ian Giammanco and Mississippi Live Weather Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan to break down a late‑January winter storm that delivered record snow, destructive ice, and dangerous cold across the Southeast. The conversation explores the meteorological setup behind back‑to‑back winter systems, the challenges of communicating high‑impact forecasts in regions unaccustomed to snow and ice, and how digital‑first weather platforms are reshaping public messaging.

The episode also highlights IBHS research on interior water losses, showing how extreme cold, power outages, and building design standards combine to make burst pipes, ice dams, and water damage a perfect example of compounding disasters. Together, the discussion connects weather science, infrastructure vulnerability, and real‑world impacts to explain why winter weather in the South ranks among one of the most destructive and high impact weather events.

In Part 1 of A New Revolution: How AI is Transforming Disaster Resilience, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sat down with IBHS Director of AI Research Dr. Hesam Fallahian to trace the sweeping history of artificial intelligence—from its roots in science fiction and pop culture to its emergence as a real-world force reshaping how humans live and work. The episode explored the major technological revolutions—agricultural, industrial, and information—and how AI is poised to become the next game‑changer. The conversation followed the evolution of AI, from early concepts and landmark breakthroughs to the rapid rise of generative AI and large language models like ChatGPT.

In Part 2, Dr. Fallahian returns to dive into the real-world impact of artificial intelligence on disaster resilience, exploring how AI is transforming weather forecasting, risk assessment, and insurance—making communities safer and smarter. This episode also highlights cutting-edge research at IBHS, the rise of AI agents and behavioral models, and the challenges and risks that come with these powerful new tools. Plus, listeners get a glimpse of what’s ahead for the future of AI.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just the next big tech trend—it’s the newest revolution reshaping how we understand, prepare for, and respond to disasters. In this two‑part episode of Disaster Discussions, we trace AI’s evolution from science fiction and pop‑culture icon to a real‑world force transforming weather forecasting, insurance, and community resilience. Host Rachael Gauthier sits down with Dr. Hesam Fallahian, Director of AI Research at IBHS, to unpack everything from generative models and AI agents to behavioral models, computer vision, and the surprising risks and misconceptions surrounding today’s systems. Whether you’re curious about how AI is changing storm prediction, modernizing risk assessment, or helping communities stay safer before disaster strikes, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

As we wrap up another year of Disaster Discussions, we’re taking a moment to look back at the conversations that shaped 2025. From wildfire resilience and severe weather preparedness to the latest research on building standards, this season brought together experts and stories that matter for safer communities. Join us as we revisit key insights, highlight memorable moments, and celebrate the guests who helped make this year impactful.

This episode features interviews from experts at IBHS, UC Berkeley, James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, KB Home, ICECHIP, Geotrek, Alabama Department of Insurance, University of Alabama Center for Risk and Insurance Research, and McRoof Roofing and Insurance Experts.

In this episode of Disaster Discussions, we journey to the heart of tornado alley—to Oklahoma, where tornadoes and hailstorms are a way of life and homeowners face some of the highest insurance rates in the nation. This episode explores how the FORTIFIED Roof program and the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes initiative are transforming resilience, offering grants and insurance discounts to help families weather the storm. With insights from Fortified contractor and Master Haag Certified Inspector Scott McCollum Sr., we’ll unpack the mindsets of consumers, contractors, adjusters, and insurers, and examine the real-world impact of incentives, awareness, and lived experience on the adoption of stronger, safer roofs. Discover what’s working, what’s not, and what the future holds for building a more resilient Oklahoma—one roof at a time.

Today, nearly 50 million Americans live in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)—zones where wildfire meets suburbia, and ordinary wildfires can escalate into full-blown conflagrations. In these extreme events, homes and their contents become fuel, driving structure-to-structure fire spread and releasing a toxic mix of chemicals far more hazardous than those from natural biomass burns. Heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants are propelled into the air via contaminated ash and smoke, posing serious health risks to first responders and residents alike.

In this episode of Disaster Discussions, we spotlight a groundbreaking research initiative led by IBHS collaborators from UC Berkeley and funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). For the first time, scientists are quantifying the emissions produced during large-scale conflagrations—work that’s reshaping our understanding of air pollution, public health, and climate resilience.