DHS: Hoosier Homeland Podcast

Hoosier Homeland Podcast

Current Episode

Secretary Green speaking in front of IDHS backdrop

Listen Now: Episode 19

Ep. 19 A Conversation with Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green

Indiana’s new Secretary of Public Safety, Jennifer-Ruth Green, brings a wealth of experience to her role overseeing IDHS and other key public safety agencies. The podcast dives into her leadership philosophy, the importance of emotional intelligence and her plans to support first responders, enhance school safety and strengthen Indiana’s cybersecurity efforts. Plus, get to know her on a personal level with a fun round of rapid-fire questions.

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Listen Now: Episode 19

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About the Hoosier Homeland Podcast

Hoosier Homeland is an IDHS podcast exploring the latest news and insights in emergency management and public safety topics across Indiana. With unpredictable weather, marquee public events and its position as the Crossroads of America, Indiana sits on the cusp of all significant preparedness, emergency management and fire and building safety initiatives taking place across the country.

This podcast will introduce you to people at the local, state and federal levels who work every day to build a safe, secure and resilient Indiana.

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All archived episodes are available on the following communication channels:

2023

Episode 7: Winter Weather Preparedness
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National Weather Service Meteorologist Sam Lashley joins the podcast to discuss Indiana's winter outlook. He discusses climate change effects and weather service initiatives, ensuring Hoosiers are prepared for the winter season ahead.
Episode 6: Mobile Integrated Health
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Discover how Mobile Integrated Health transforms Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Indiana with its patient-centered approach. First, learn from Emily Castor, the Mobile Integrated Health Coordinator at IDHS, who sheds light on MIH's origins and positive impact in Indiana. Later, hear from dedicated MIH providers at Bloomington Fire Department, offering first-hand experiences and insights into why MIH is crucial for community well-being.
Episode 5: National Preparedness Month
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IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran discusses National Preparedness Month, which focused on older adults being prepared for emergency situations.
Episode 4: FEMA Preparedness and Mitigation
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FEMA Region 5 Administrator Tom Sivak discusses the importance of disaster preparedness and the agency's response efforts during flood disasters. The episode also explores the collaboration between FEMA, stakeholders and state and local officials.
Episode 3: Telecommunicators
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In recognition of Telecommunicators Week (April 9-15), Statewide 911 Board Executive Director Jeff Schemmer discusses the changing world of Indiana's telecommunicators, including legislative efforts and technology advances.
Episode 2: NextLevel Firefighter Training
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State Fire Marshal Steve Jones discusses the Hub-and-Spoke training model, a proposal to expand firefighter training and update equipment for firefighters in Indiana. This program is crucial to firefighters across the state, and Marshal Jones provides an inside look into its goals and how it would be implemented.
Episode 1: State of EMS
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Dr. Eric Yazel, the State EMS Medical Director, discusses the Governor's Public Health Commission Report, COVID-19's effect on the Indiana EMS system and how IDHS is working on the critical challenges facing EMS today.
2024

Episode 17: Hazard Simplification Project
Listen now
Explore the National Weather Service's Hazard Simplification Project in this engaging podcast featuring National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Sam Lashley. Discover how this initiative reshapes how hazardous weather information is shared with the public, enhancing clarity and actionability during critical weather events. This podcast is a must-listen for those interested in improving weather preparedness and understanding how weather alerts evolve.
Episode 16: Winter Weather Preparedness
Listen now
Wondering what this winter has in store for Indiana? Get the latest insights from National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Sam Lashley. He discusses winter weather predictions, the impact of La Niña and changes coming to weather alerts. Get tips to stay safe and learn how to prepare for the season ahead!
Episode 15: National Preparedness Month
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Indiana's Natural Hazards Program Manager, Allison Curry, joins the podcast to reflect on one of the most intense storm seasons in recent history. She discusses the lessons learned, how Hoosiers can better prepare for future storms and the importance of National Preparedness Month.
Episode 14: Pediatric EMS Readiness
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IDHS EMS training and coordinator Kari Lanham joins the podcast to discuss pediatric emergency care. Lanham highlights specialized tools like the Handtevy app and Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs) for the important roles they play in ensuring children receive the best possible care.
Episode 13: When the Smoke Clears (Part Four)
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From the IDHS video series "When the Smoke Clears," this podcast focuses on the mental health challenges firefighters and EMS personnel face. In this segment, the group discusses how to recognize the signs a colleague is struggling.
Episode 12: When the Smoke Clears (Part Three)
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From the IDHS video series "When the Smoke Clears," this podcast focuses on the mental health challenges firefighters and EMS personnel face. In this segment, the group shines a spotlight on the programs that are readily available to assist first responders when they need it most.
Episode 11: When the Smoke Clears (Part Two)
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From the IDHS video series "When the Smoke Clears," this podcast focuses on the mental health challenges firefighters and EMS personnel face. In this segment, the group explores whether real improvement has been made in welcoming open discussions about mental well-being. If a person is struggling, is there an open-door policy among leadership to talk about the challenges of the job and initiate the process of getting help?
Episode 10: When the Smoke Clears (Part One)
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From the IDHS video series "When the Smoke Clears," this podcast focuses on the mental health challenges firefighters and EMS personnel face. This first segment of a four-part series features a panel discussion of leaders in the Indiana fire service talking about the current state of mental health in the firehouse, the stigma surrounding it and the importance of open conversations and support systems.
Episode 9: Total Solar Eclipse
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Step into the excitement of a celestial wonder as IDHS covered the public experience of the 2024 total solar eclipse over Indiana on April 8. The podcast interviewed eclipse viewers who gathered at a park in Indianapolis to witness the eclipse.
Episode 8: EMA Appreciation Week
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EMA Appreciation Week is an annual recognition of the vital contributions of emergency management professionals in Indiana. EMA Director John Coutinho and Deputy EMA Director Cory Kissick from the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency discuss the challenges and rewards of being an EMA, the evolving landscape of emergency management and the importance of community partnerships.
2025

Episode 19: A Conversation with Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green
Listen now
Indiana’s new Secretary of Public Safety, Jennifer-Ruth Green, brings a wealth of experience to her role overseeing IDHS and other key public safety agencies. The podcast dives into her leadership philosophy, the importance of emotional intelligence and her plans to support first responders, enhance school safety and strengthen Indiana’s cybersecurity efforts. Plus, get to know her on a personal level with a fun round of rapid-fire questions.
Episode 18: Residential Fire Fatalities
Listen now
Explore the National Weather Service's Hazard Simplification Project in this engaging podcast featuring National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Sam Lashley. Discover how this initiative reshapes how hazardous weather information is shared with the public, enhancing clarity and actionability during critical weather events. This podcast is a must-listen for those interested in improving weather preparedness and understanding how weather alerts evolve.