The state-level responses to the coronavirus have shown incredible displays of leadership from some Governors and local officials as they respond to their local circumstances. But when it so clearly feels like the federal government is failing to step up amidst an unprecedented crisis, how can we parse what's being done for political reasons, and what's being done in good faith?

This week Brent Colburn joins us to share his considerable experience with federal disaster response. Brent is a top-tier communications expert who's served in senior roles at FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, HUD, and the Pentagon; many of the agencies coordinating to combat the pandemic today.  

For more than a decade Brent worked on federal responses to crises including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. He has seen how our elected leaders' use of the bully pulpit to inform Americans and call us to action can determine our ability to come together in times of need.  

Brent talks about the importance of trust among actors and agencies at all levels of society when coordinating a complex response, especially when a crisis hits everywhere at once.  

It's easy to get confused and discouraged by news about the pandemic, but we hope you'll feel calmer and better informed after this discussion.  

Politics of Truth is brought to you by Osiris Media. Executive Producer is Adam Caplan. Produced by RJ Bee. Edited, mixed and mastered by Brad Stratton. Art by Mark Dowd. To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply with the music you love, check out osirispod.com.

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