After working six World Cup games, traveling for three weddings, and adopting one dog, I’m back in my studio and editing so much content for all of you. Here’s part one of a currently two-part series with Gregory Vigneaux with to come, I’m sure. Premium subscribers on Substack have already had access to the majority of this episode, plus a lot of show notes with references, links, and other resources from this very philosophy heavy series, which is really at the heart of Emergent States.

I’m compiling this all into an emergency management complexity resource guide that I’ll be sending to premium folks soon. I also lowered the price for premium and I’m probably going to hold that price moving forward.

I am so excited to bring you something old, and something new. The research and concepts of organizational theory, chaos, and complexity are not new to academia, but I believe they may be the disruption emergency management needs (opposed to the one it has). This Emergent States series doesn’t take anything for granted, including our most basic doctrine.

My guest, Gregory Vigneaux, is a former federal wildland firefighter who worked primarily on Hotshot Crews. He has fought fires in twelve states, from coast to coast, including Alaska, with the majority of his time spent in California. Through this experience, Gregory gained an enduring interest in operations and their environment. During his graduate studies, he was introduced to the interdisciplinary study of complex systems that would begin to offer unexpected insight into his areas of interest and much more. He has been studying complex systems for eleven years, still finding new questions and answers, which he is always excited to share. You can find his work here, and also connect with him on LinkedIn.

TLDR: I’m back from my brief summer hiatus that I now need an actual vacation from. I’m back doing what I love, which is managing emergencies and running my mouth. Enjoy this episode of State of Disaster - Emergent States.

Welcome to State of Disaster, Season 3. It’s been just about a year since I published my first episode, but it feels like an entire lifetime. This show has become a staple of my life and I’m as always, so grateful for everyone I’ve gotten to know through this adventure.

This season is called Emergent States. For the last year, I have been recording interviews with some really smart people about what happens when big systems fail and what emerges when individuals, organizations, and communities self organize to solve the seemingly unsolvable. We’re going to talk about complexity science, systems thinking, and grassroots emergency management models. We’re also going to take a look at the emerging technologies, startups, and solo emergency management entrepreneurs that are shifting the paradigm of the work we do.

I’m starting this season off with Brandi Hunter, celebrating the work she’s done as the founder of Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), a supportive community bridging the gap between education and careers in emergency management.

Brandi and the AEMO team empower students and emerging professionals with mentorship, job resources, and real-world insights. With the competitive nature of EM hiring, where experience is often a barrier, AEMO helps members navigate challenges like networking, certifications, and interview prep. Joining AEMO offers access to a network of peers and seasoned experts, including me, who are passionate about making emergency management more inclusive and accessible for all backgrounds.

Premium subscribers will be able to access Emergent States early, extended, uncensored, ad-free, and with enhanced show guides giving you more immersive resources, links, discounts, research, access to ask guests questions, and more.

We’re also reducing premium subscription costs to reduce the barrier to entry for this awesome content. An annual subscription is now $50 instead of $100 and will remain at this price through the end of the year.

This episode is part of my ongoing Disaster Discourse series where I interview the authors whose books are featured in the Disaster Discourse book club. All State of Disaster episodes can be found early, extended, with video and enhanced show guides at stateofdisaster.com. You can find this episode here.

Donald Patterson is a retired SWAT commander, FBI National Academy graduate, and nationally recognized emergency management instructor. Across a 30-year career, he led tactical operations during mass shootings, wildfires, and high-risk manhunts, gaining firsthand experience in crisis leadership and real-world strategy. Today, he trains emergency response leaders through FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy.

Bear in the Dragon’s Shadow is Patterson’s debut thriller. It combines espionage, cyberwarfare, and military precision into a story that feels as urgent as today’s headlines. Drawing from his real-world background, Don brings unmatched authenticity and intensity to the genre.

• Read Don’s Book: Bear in the Dragon’s Shadow: Where Deception Meets Strategy
• Join the Disaster Discourse Book Club
• Check out the Disaster Discourse BookshopVisit My Partners and Friends

  Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO): Empowering and supporting the next cohort of emergency management professionals through networking, training, mentoring, other career support resources and job opportunities.

  Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA): A collaborative community serving as thought leaders in the advancement of crisis communications, external affairs outreach, and emergency management.

  PREPPR: The complete exercise platform for emergency management. Design. Deliver. Document. From scenario to AAR - one platform. Your expertise. No busywork. No overtime. **I recently joined the PREPPR team as an advisor. I think this is a fantastic tool that levels up exercise delivery. I specifically chose this platform because it empowers not replaces the emergency managers who do great work.

  HazAdapt: Helping a community get prepared is tough, especially with small teams and limited resources. The reality is that most people look for help in the moment, and that's why I recommend HazAdapt. HazAdapt is an award-winning emergency and disaster safety app that puts step-by-step preparedness, response, and recovery guidance in people’s hands. It is 100% free, works offline, and is used in all 50 states. Make it easier to adapt to hazards. I use it for myself and my family