How To Keep Cool in a Crisis

How To Keep Cool in a Crisis

From How To! with Charles Duhigg by How To!

July 7, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 396

About this episode

This episode discusses how to stay safe and be a responsible bystander during a crisis, featuring insights from a bus driver and a crisis intervention trainer.

Originally Aired on Oct 12, 2021 On this episode of How To!, the second in a two part-series, Dan Christensen, a bus driver in Portland, Oregon, and Matt Smith, a crisis intervention trainer and the co-founder of Aegis Training Solutions, are back to teach you what to do when a fight is already underway. Dan talks about his experience with the 2017 Portland train attack that left two people dead. How do you stay safe? What is your responsibility to those around you? In short, how can you be a better bystander? If you liked this episode, check out: "How To Have a Fight That Actually Helps Your Relationship." Do you have a question with no easy answers? Send us a note at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. Podcast production by Derek John and Rosemary Belson.

People in this episode

Host: Mike Pesca

Guests: Dan Christensen, Matt Smith

Topics covered

  • crisis intervention
  • bystander responsibility
  • safety in conflict
  • personal experience
  • training solutions

Keywords

  • crisis
  • bystander
  • safety
  • intervention
  • Portland
  • training
  • experience

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: How To Have a Fight That Actually Helps Your Relationship

Places: Portland, Oregon

More episodes of How To! with Charles Duhigg

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the How To! with Charles Duhigg podcast page.