In this special episode focusing on the January 2024 Los Angeles fires, I talk with Mark Neveau, a former fire chief and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) under the Obama administration. Drawing from his extensive experience in emergency management, Mark provides essential guidance for those affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, while offering valuable insights for anyone living in disaster-prone areas.

• FEMA provides immediate assistance and coordinates with state/local agencies
• Insurance considerations, including California Fair Plan details
• Debris removal and rebuilding timeline expectations
• Mental health resources and community support importance
• Common scams to watch for during recovery
• The role of public adjusters in insurance claims
• Long-term recovery planning considerations

• West Side: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Boulevard, LA 90064
• Pasadena: PCC Community Education Center, 3035 East Foothill Boulevard, 91107
• Altadena: 540 West Woodbury Road, 91001

• Register with FEMA immediately after disaster
• Document everything possible
• Avoid rushing major decisions
• Consider working with a public adjuster
• Stay connected with community support groups
• Verify all official communications
• Be realistic about rebuilding timelines (potentially several years)
• Participate in community recovery efforts
• Seek mental health support when needed

Mark Neveau served as a fire chief and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, managing emergency responses across California. His experience includes working on the 2008 LA fires and numerous other major disasters. For more information, visit markneveau.org.

In a world where change is the only constant, how do you navigate the rapid shifts in our professional and personal lives? On this week's WNTU podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosie Yakob, co-founder of Genius Steals, a creative nomadic consultancy that has been redefining the concept of work and life since 2013.

Rosie and her husband Faris took a leap of faith that many of us only dream about. They left their traditional advertising jobs in New York City to travel the world, embracing a life full of uncertainty but rich in experiences. This decision didn't come without its challenges, but it has led them to create a life that is as fulfilling as it is unconventional.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of bravery and vulnerability. Rosie emphasizes that bravery is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Whether it's asking for a raise, trying a new activity, or even making a life-altering decision, practicing bravery in small ways can prepare you for the bigger challenges.

Another fascinating aspect of our discussion was the concept of "outspiration"—seeking inspiration from sources outside your immediate industry or environment. Rosie and Faris bring this global perspective to their clients, helping them ignite innovation and creativity within their organizations. By looking at art, culture, and even nature, they find unique ways to solve problems and inspire others.

Rosie also shared some practical tips for those who might not be ready to leave everything behind but still want to inject some novelty and creativity into their lives. Simple changes like taking a different route to work, trying a new hobby, or even just noticing the small details around you can make a big difference.

As we navigate so much uncertainty in the external world, Rosie's story is a reminder that we have more control over our lives than we often realize. We can choose to be brave, to seek out new experiences, and to live a life that is true to ourselves.

If you're feeling stuck or uninspired, I highly recommend listening to this episode. Rosie's journey is not just about physical travel but also about the inner journey of self-discovery and growth. It's a testament to the power of living life on your own terms and embracing the unknown with open arms.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I'm not good enough" or "I'll never succeed"? We've all been there, right? In this episode, I'm diving into those limiting beliefs that can hold us back, especially when it comes to personal growth.

Fresh off my chat on the "Infertile AF" podcast, I got fired up about this topic. I realized something important: "All we have are ourselves." Our bodies, our minds, our spirits - they're the only ones we've got. So why are we so hard on ourselves?

I'm sharing some real talk about how I've learned to flip the script on negative self-talk. It's not always easy, but trust me, it's worth it.

We'll explore practical ways to spot those limiting beliefs and question them. Like, instead of thinking, "I'm too old for this new thing," how about, "My experience is an asset, and I have a ton to offer"? Sounds better, right?

This is a process that takes time and patience. As I say in the episode, "Getting there is a process. It takes time." But I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way. Remember, "You are capable of so much more than you realize."

So, are you ready to join me in crushing those limiting beliefs? Let's do this together, one positive thought at a time. After all, "The world has got so many difficult things happening already. We don't need to go down this wormhole of negativity about ourselves." Let's lift each other up instead!