Episodes
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Guest: Dr. Jennifer Collins & Dr. Nadia Bloemendaal
When it comes to hurricanes, we often rely on a familiar scale to understand their strength — categories based largely on wind speed. But anyone who’s experienced a storm knows that impacts go far beyond just how fast the winds are blowing. Today, we’re joined by Jennifer Collins and Nadia Bloemendaal, whose work is helping to rethink how we model and measure tropical cyclones. They’re the minds behind the STORM model, a powerful tool for simulating thousands of storms across the globe, and the developers of the Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale — a new way of looking at storm risk that goes beyond traditional categories. In this episode, we’ll explore how large-scale modeling is changing our understanding of hurricane risk, why current classification systems may fall short, and how new approaches could improve the way we communicate danger and prepare for future storms.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the New Storm Model00:20 The Storm Model's Impact on Various Sectors01:02 Challenges in Developing a Global Storm Model02:21 Modeling Hazards Beyond Wind: Rain and Surge04:31 Motivation for a New Hurricane Severity Scale06:42 Limitations of the Wind-Only Scale08:35 The New Scale: Incorporating Multiple Hazards10:27 Break 111:28 The Concept of a Category 6 Storm13:05 Public Perception and Education Strategies15:22 Localized and Personalized Risk Communication17:27 Real-World Applications and Case Studies19:20 Future Directions and Climate Change Impacts21:54 Inertia and Adoption Challenges in Meteorology23:49 Break 225:00 Public Perception of Storm Categories27:33 The Path Toward Standardization and Adoption30:12 Future Collaborations and Final ThoughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Aran Mooney
When you think about saving coral reefs, you probably imagine divers, coral nurseries, or maybe even futuristic technology — but what if part of the solution starts with simply turning up the volume? Because it turns out, coral reefs don’t just look alive… they sound alive. Today’s guest, Dr. Aran Mooney, is helping scientists and conservationists tune into the ocean in a whole new way. His research explores how the natural “music” of healthy reefs — the pops, clicks, and choruses of marine life — can actually help guide coral larvae home and jump-start reef recovery. In this episode, we’ll talk about listening to the ocean, using sound as a conservation tool, and why sometimes the key to protecting our planet isn’t louder warnings — it’s learning how to hear what nature has been telling us all along.
Chapters
00:00 The Sound of Coral Reefs06:00 Sound as a Restoration Tool12:02 The Mechanics of Sound Playback17:23 Break 117:55 Environmental Influences on Coral Soundscapes20:17 The Power of Sound in Coral Restoration26:59 Break 227:28 Hurricanes and Their Impact on Coral Reefs30:43 Understanding the Time Scale of Sound Influence35:39 Scaling Sound Solutions for Coral Reefs40:51 Community Engagement and Partnerships for Coral HealthResources
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - https://www.whoi.edu/NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program - https://coralreef.noaa.gov/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Missing episodes?
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Guest: Brad Panovich, WCNC Charlotte
If you’ve lived in North Carolina for any length of time, chances are you’ve turned to one familiar face when the weather turns serious. But being a trusted meteorologist today isn’t just about what happens on TV—it’s about showing up wherever your audience is, whether that’s on-air, online, or in the middle of a rapidly evolving storm. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. For decades, Brad has helped guide North Carolinians through everything from day-to-day forecasts to high-impact events—including more recent storms like Hurricane Helene—building a level of trust that goes far beyond the forecast itself. We’ll talk about how his approach to communication has evolved in the age of social media, what it takes to cut through misinformation, and how you balance urgency, clarity, and calm when people are depending on you the most.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brad Panovich and His Journey02:55 The Evolution of Weather Communication05:54 The Importance of Credentialing in Meteorology08:56 The Role of Trust in Weather Forecasting12:05 Break 112:08 Navigating Social Media as a Meteorologist15:13 Handling Negativity and Criticism in the Digital Age20:13 Understanding Public Perception of Weather Forecasts23:40 Break 224:12 The Role of Social Media in Weather Communication26:28 The Impact of AI on Meteorology30:11 Personal Reflections on the Impact of Meteorology34:26 The Educator's Role in MeteorologyResources
Ohio State University Meteorology Program - https://meteo.osu.edu/UNC Charlotte Weather Communication Course - https://physics.charlotte.edu/Guest links
Brad Panovich on Twitter - https://twitter.com/WXBradWebsite - https://www.wcnc.com/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wxbradSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Seth Borenstein, Associated Press
Every day, new scientific discoveries shape the way we understand our world — from extreme weather to the changing climate. But most of us don’t read scientific journals. Instead, we rely on journalists to translate complex research into stories that inform the public and help us make sense of what it all means. Today we’re joined by Seth Borenstein, a veteran science reporter with the Associated Press who has spent decades covering everything from hurricanes and heat waves to the latest breakthroughs in climate research. Over the years, his reporting has helped bring critical science stories to audiences around the world. In this episode, we’ll talk about how science journalism has evolved, how the media approaches reporting on Climate Change, and what it takes to translate complex science into clear, trustworthy stories for the public.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility01:43 How Seth Became a Weather and Climate Geek04:02 The Evolution of Climate Science Narratives07:47 From Uncertainty to Scientific Certainty11:53 Finding and Vetting Credible Scientific Sources16:04 The Role of AP and Wire Services in Science Reporting17:48 Break 118:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Science Journalism21:52 How Seth Finds His Experts25:03 Impact of Social Media on Climate and Weather Reporting27:57 Dealing with Disinformation and Misinformation28:39 Break 229:46 Memorable Stories and Impactful Reporting32:20 Embedded Reporting with Storm Chasers34:15 The Human Side of Weather Disasters36:55 Advice for Future Climate and Science Journalists39:25 Where to Find Seth's WorkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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GUEST: Ken Graham, Director of NOAA National Weather Service
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham visited The Weather Channel for a wide-ranging conversation with Jim Cantore about the future of weather forecasting and public safety.
They will discuss ongoing efforts to modernize the National Weather Service, the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure, the latest developments in forecasting technology and AI, and what improvements may be on the horizon for everything from hurricane forecasts to severe weather prediction. They also talk about staffing, observations, and the tools that help forecasters turn data into decisions when lives are on the line.
And as he marks four years as Director, Jim will ask Ken to reflect on the experiences that shaped his career, the accomplishments he's most proud of, and what he wants the public to better understand about the work happening behind the scenes every day.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility00:59 Ken Graham's Ten and Progress Overview02:24 Reflecting on Achievements and Vision03:45 Staffing Challenges and Hiring Boom05:19 Reorganizing for the Future07:01 Modernizing Infrastructure and Cloud Transition08:20 Partnering with Emergency Managers08:59 Radars: Aging Systems and Next-Gen Plans10:29 Private Sector Collaboration on Radars12:48 Innovations in Data Collection: Drones and Balloons13:42 NWS Chat and Communication Tools14:17 Break 114:31 Communicating Strong El Nino and Hurricane Risks15:47 Aircraft and Data for Better Forecasts16:38 Improvements in Track and Intensity Forecasts17:19 AI and Machine Learning in Weather Models18:36 Future of High-Resolution and Rapid Refresh Models20:17 Balancing Over-Preparation and Real-Time Response21:28 Next-Generation Modeling and Cloud Computing22:50 Break 222:50 Vision for Year 10: Fully Cloud-Based, Well-Staffed NWS24:26 Memories of Weather Disasters and Motivation25:37 The Drive to Save Lives and Limit Damage26:30 Engagement with the President and Policy Support27:35 Office Culture and Workforce Changes28:49 Challenges of Modernization and Change Management29:23 Supporting NWS Staff and Future OutlookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Adam Fouche, University of Georgia
When you head to a big football game or an outdoor concert, you’re probably thinking about the music, the crowd, and the excitement in the air. But behind the scenes, there’s another team hard at work — one that’s watching the skies. From lightning delays to fast-moving thunderstorms, weather can quickly turn a packed stadium or festival into a serious safety challenge. Protecting tens of thousands of people requires careful planning, constant monitoring, and sometimes very quick decisions. Today we’re joined by Adam Fouche, Interim Associate Vice President for Environmental Safety, Risk, and Resiliency at the University of Georgia. His team works behind the scenes to help keep major events — from concerts to packed game days — safe when the weather takes a turn.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:53 Adam Fouche's Weather Geek Origin Story02:45 Adam's Role in Weather Safety at UGA04:09 Weather Safety in Large Campus Events07:09 Weather Risk Assessment for Events10:22 Lightning Protocols and the 8-Mile Rule12:57 Debate on Lightning Delay Rules13:44 Break 115:15 Weather Support Models at SEC Schools18:01 Collaboration with National Weather Service20:04 Communication Strategies for Weather Risks21:59 Psychology of Weather Risk Perception25:01 Venue Design and Weather Vulnerabilities26:07 Break 226:38 Understanding Severe vs. Non-Severe Weather30:09 Technology and Weather Monitoring Tools33:33 Public Safety Advice for Weather PreparednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Jordan Hall
Storm chasing has always lived right at the edge—part science, part instinct, and part, let’s be honest… a little bit of chaos. But these days, it’s not just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s also about capturing it, sharing it, and bringing people along for the ride in real time. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with storm chaser Jordan Hall—someone who’s spent countless hours on the road tracking down everything from classic supercells to high-risk, high-reward setups… all while navigating what it means to be a storm chaser in the age of social media. We’ll get into some of his wildest chase stories, the decisions that matter most when things get intense, and how storm chasing is evolving in a world where your next viral video might be just one tornado away.
Chapters
00:00 The Thrill of Storm Chasing10:01 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of a Storm Chaser16:17 Break 120:10 Navigating the Challenges of Storm Chasing23:03 Break 229:22 Navigating Personal Safety29:59 The Role of Social Media in Storm Chasing30:35 Pressure and Competition in Storm Chasing32:06 Impact of Social Media on Storm Chasing34:42 International Storm Chasing Adventures36:55 Choosing Which Storms to Chase38:06 Awe-Inspiring Natural Phenomena39:39 Unique Chase Stories40:09 The Intersection of Storm Chasing and First Response44:32 Challenges of Chaser Convergence48:01 The Storm Chasing Community49:59 Advice for Aspiring Storm ChasersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Michael Pritchard, Director of Climate Simulation Research
When we think about climate models, we often picture supercomputers humming away in government labs or university basements. But increasingly, some of the most powerful tools shaping the future of climate science are coming from an unexpected place — Silicon Valley. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Pritchard, Director of Climate Simulation Research at NVIDIA. Yes, that NVIDIA — the company known for powering gaming, AI, and some of the world’s fastest computing systems. But behind the scenes, NVIDIA is helping drive a revolution in climate and Earth system modeling, using advanced GPUs and machine learning to build faster, higher-resolution simulations of our planet. In this episode, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping climate science, what it takes to simulate Earth in unprecedented detail, and why the future of forecasting may depend as much on silicon as it does on physics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Weather and Climate Modeling03:21 Understanding NVIDIA's Role in Climate Simulation05:34 The Motivation Behind Earth Simulation07:40 AI vs Traditional Weather Modeling Techniques11:10 Addressing Concerns About AI in Weather Forecasting13:49 Break 114:19 The Earth 2 Project and Its Implications18:37 Open Source Weather Models and Their Importance23:33 Exploring GPUs and Their Role in AI24:51 Stormscope: A New Era in Nowcasting28:55 AI and Machine Learning in Mesoscale Forecasting31:48 Break 232:15 Ensuring Ethical AI in Weather Forecasting35:31 The Future of AI in Climate ModelingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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GUEST: Allison Begalman
Hollywood is known for big ideas, big creativity, and big storytelling — but in recent years, one of the biggest forces reshaping the industry isn’t a genre or a trend… it’s the climate crisis. And at the center of that movement is Allison Begalman. As the co-founder of the Hollywood Climate Summit, Allison has built a space where filmmakers, writers, activists, scientists, and executives come together to ask a simple but powerful question: What if the stories we tell could help shape a more sustainable future? Today, we’re diving into how she’s mobilizing the entertainment world to take climate action seriously — not just in documentaries or disaster films, but in the everyday narratives that reach millions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Climate Crisis in Hollywood03:53 The Birth of the Hollywood Climate Summit10:29 Barriers to Climate Storytelling13:25 Break 114:23 Climate-Informed Storytelling vs. Climate-Themed Content19:57 Successful Examples of Climate Storytelling24:44 The Role of Social Media in Climate Advocacy24:52 Break 229:18 Measuring Impact in Climate Storytelling31:37 Future Vision for the Hollywood Climate SummitSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Max Van Wyk De Vries, Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge
From wildfires sparking power outages, to hurricanes triggering chemical spills, today’s disasters rarely unfold in isolation. They cascade, compound, and collide — creating challenges far more complex than any single hazard on its own. At the University of Cambridge, the Complex and Multihazard Research Group is leading the charge to better understand these interconnected risks, and to help communities, governments, and industries prepare for a more uncertain world. In this episode, we sit down with the program head of the group Max Van Wyk De Vries to explore how their research is reshaping the way we think about hazards, resilience, and the future of global risk.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Complex and Multi-Hazard Risks10:47 The Role of Human Activity in Natural Hazards14:04 Break 119:24 Techniques and Methodologies in Hazard Research23:41 Break 229:24 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Multi-Hazard Risk ManagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Tracy Fanara
If you’ve ever fallen down a science rabbit hole on social media and thought, “Wow… I just learned something and had fun doing it,” there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Inspector Planet. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Tracy Fanara — scientist, investigator, and one of the most recognizable voices in modern science communication. She’s built a career on asking bold questions, testing claims, and making complex science feel approachable, playful, and empowering. We’ll talk about how she spreads weather geekiness online, what it takes to cut through misinformation with creativity and humor, and why making science joyful might be one of the most powerful tools we have.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tracy Fanara and Inspector Planet02:35 The Journey to Science and Engineering05:42 The Birth of Inspector Planet08:31 Career Path and NOAA Experience11:35 Understanding Florida Red Tide and the 2018 Water Crisis17:10 Break 117:42 Project INKI: Transforming Flood Data into Actionable Intelligence23:25 The Importance of Communication in Science27:47 Break 229:33 Leveraging Social Media for Science Communication35:25 Future of Science and Technology in Environmental ResearchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guests: Harlan Brothers and Jamie Perera
We spend a lot of time looking at climate data — charts, maps, graphs, trends. But what if, instead of staring at the numbers, we listened to them? What if rising temperatures, shifting seasons, and accelerating change had a sound? Today’s guests, Harlan Brothers and Jamie Perera, are pioneers in a growing and fascinating field known as climate data sonification. They take datasets that often feel distant or abstract and translate them into music and sound — turning climate change into something you don’t just understand, but feel. In this episode, we’ll explore how sound can open new doors to climate communication, why art and science don’t have to live in separate worlds, and how listening to the planet might help us connect with it in a whole new way.
Chapters
00:00 The Intersection of Sound and Climate Data08:33 Understanding Sonification: Transforming Data into Sound19:25 Break 119:44 Artistic Choices in Sonification: Making Data Listenable27:06 Break 227:45 The Audience of Sonification: Education, Art, and Engagement37:34 Future of Climate Data Sonification: Collaborations and InnovationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Chris Vagasky, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Few things in weather grab our attention quite like lightning. It’s fast, powerful, a little bit mysterious — and for today’s guest, it’s been a lifelong fascination. Joining us is lightning expert Chris Vagasky, a scientist whose career has sparked everything from groundbreaking lightning safety work to a new chapter with Wisconet, one of the most advanced surface observation networks in the country. While his day-to-day role may have evolved, his passion for understanding and explaining lightning has never dimmed. In this episode, we’ll talk about career pivots in meteorology, why high-quality observations matter so much during severe weather, and how you keep your scientific spark alive even as your job changes. So stay grounded, because this conversation is charged with insight, curiosity, and a whole lot of lightning science.
Chapters
00:00 The Fascination with Lightning14:30 Break 114:33 Career Pivot and WiscoNet26:36 Break 226:54 The Future of Weather Communication and AISee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Connell Miller, Western University
When a tornado tears through the landscape, one of the first questions we ask is, how strong was it? Answering that usually means boots on the ground, surveying damage piece by piece. But what if part of that story could be told from hundreds of miles above Earth? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Connell Miller, whose research explores how satellite data can be used to detect and measure tornado damage from space, especially in rural and agricultural areas where traditional damage indicators can be hard to find. We’ll talk about using vegetation signals to infer tornado intensity, how this approach could complement ground surveys, and what it means for improving tornado climatology and post-storm analysis.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tornado Research and Satellite Data05:46 Innovative Use of Satellite Data in Tornado Assessment12:12 Correlation Between Satellite Data and Ground Surveys14:00 Break 117:56 Limitations and Future of Satellite Data in Tornado Rating25:03 Break 225:05 AI and Automation in Tornado Damage AssessmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Bruce Albrecht, University of Miami
Most of us look at the sky every day but let’s be honest, we usually only glance up long enough to decide if we need an umbrella. But what if your phone could actually help you notice the atmosphere again? Not doomscrolling… cloud-scrolling! Today we’re joined by Dr. Bruce Albrecht, the mind behind SeeMyClouds — the app that’s turning sky-gazing into a social, creative, totally addictive hobby. Whether you’re a cirrus superfan, a cumulus connoisseur, or someone who just likes a good sunset photo, Bruce is here to talk about why clouds deserve their moment…and how his app is bringing weather geeks and casual sky-watchers together one snapshot at a time.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cloud Appreciation02:56 Bruce Albrecht's Journey in Meteorology05:50 The Science of Cloud Microphysics09:06 Exploring Cloud Radar Technology11:17 Break 111:49 Inspiration Behind See My Clouds App15:02 The Role of Social Media in Cloud Appreciation18:00 Features and Functionality of See My Clouds20:10 Break 221:08 Potential for Scientific Research24:03 Understanding Cloud Seeding26:55 Final Thoughts on Cloud EnthusiasmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Paul Goodloe, Weather Channel Meteorologist
Winter is officially in the rearview mirror and while some parts of the country were digging out from snow and ice, others were wondering if winter ever showed up at all! So today, we’re doing something a little different. We’re sitting down with a familiar face from The Weather Channel, meteorologist Paul Goodloe, to look back at the season that was. From headline-making storms like Winter Storms Fern and Hernando, to the surprisingly quiet winter across much of the Western United States, there’s plenty to unpack. So grab a warm drink — or maybe start thinking about putting the snow shovel away — as we recap the biggest winter weather moments of the season.
Chapters
00:00 Winter Weather Overview10:55 Paul Goodlow's Journey to Meteorology13:39 Characterizing the Winter of 2025-202619:44 Break 119:46 Winter Storm Fern: A Deep Dive31:19 Break 231:21 Winter Storm Hernando: The Big Nor'easter32:16 Hurricane Forecasting and Model Accuracy34:53 The Impact of AI in Weather Forecasting35:08 Experiencing Winter Storm Hernando39:25 Blizzard Conditions and Snow Accumulation41:48 Comparing Winter Storms: Fern vs. Hernando46:07 Public Response to Weather Forecasts48:15 The Western Winter: A Lack of Snow54:23 Avalanche Risks and Climate Change58:24 Wildfire Threats Due to Low Snowpack01:00:02 Looking Ahead: Weather Patterns and DroughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Lt. Col. Andrew Gay
Forecasts don’t just matter for farmers, travelers, or weekend plans — they can influence decisions that ripple across the globe. Few people know that better than Major Andrew Gay, who has served as a meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force, at the White House, and at the Pentagon. In those roles, weather wasn’t simply data — it was mission-critical information that could impact safety, security, and strategy at the highest levels. Today, we’ll hear how his career has bridged science and service, and what it takes to forecast when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Weather Forecasting02:51 Andrew Gay's Journey to Meteorology05:56 Career Path in the Air Force08:53 Supporting Military Operations11:44 Weather Forecasting at the White House12:30 Break 114:44 Current Role and Responsibilities17:55 Challenges in Weather Forecasting21:52 Emerging Technologies in Meteorology22:26 Break 225:06 Effective Science Communication29:50 Advice for Aspiring MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guests: Doug Hilderbrand & Jennifer Sprague-Hilderbrand
When you think about the weather world, you might picture satellites spinning overhead, supercomputers crunching data, or meteorologists trying to explain that yes, the cone is not the size of the storm. But behind all of that is a whole community of people working together to keep us informed and safe. Today, we’re joined by two people who know that ecosystem better than almost anyone: Doug and Jennifer Hilderbrand, co-founders of the American Weather Enterprise Association. Together, they’re building a space where the public, private, and academic sectors can actually talk to each other — and maybe even agree on a few things — to strengthen the entire weather community. We’ll dive into why they launched the association, what they hope to change, and how collaboration can help us all navigate a future with more complex storms, more data, and more demand than ever.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Weather Community03:04 Personal Journeys into Meteorology06:03 The American Weather Enterprise Association Explained07:56 The Importance of Economic Valuation in Weather13:16 Break 113:45 Building a Strong Foundation for the Future20:00 Advocacy and Engagement with Policymakers25:50 The Personal Dynamics of Building an Organization26:30 Break 232:02 Conclusion and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Dr. Russell Schneider
Spring may mean blooming flowers and warmer days, but for meteorologists, it means something else entirely: severe weather season is officially here. As we head into the months when thunderstorms sharpen, tornadoes spin up, and the atmosphere becomes anything but predictable, there’s one place every forecaster and weather enthusiast looks to: the Storm Prediction Center. Today, we’re joined by the Director of the SPC Dr. Russell Schneider, the person who helps oversee the outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and tornado and severe thunderstorm watches that millions depend on when the stakes are high. We’ll look back at what last season taught us, talk about what’s on the horizon for this year, explore how new tools — including emerging AI guidance — are shaping the forecasting landscape, and discuss the growing influence of storm chasers and open-access model data.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Severe Weather Season01:03 Dr. Russell Schneider's Journey to Meteorology04:42 Understanding the Storm Prediction Center (SPC)10:17 Reflections on the 2025 Severe Weather Season11:54 Break 112:38 Shifts in Tornado Activity and Trends15:54 The Spectrum of Severe Weather Hazards22:08 Preparing for the 2026 Severe Weather Season25:20 Break 225:49 Innovations in Weather Forecasting Technology30:01 Communicating Weather Risks Effectively33:53 The Role of Storm Chasers and Social MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Guest: Ryan Hall
When severe weather is on the horizon, many people turn to their local meteorologist—but millions are heading to YouTube to get the latest from Ryan Hall, Y’all. With his signature down-to-earth style and real-time, no-nonsense weather coverage, Ryan has built one of the most popular and trusted weather communities online. But what’s it really like to cover major weather events on social media’s biggest stage? How does he balance entertainment with accuracy? And where does he see weather communication heading next? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re pulling back the curtain with Ryan Hall himself. From storm-chasing stories to the power of digital weather, we’re diving into how one YouTuber is changing the way we watch the skies.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ryan Hall, Y'all02:57 Ryan's Journey into Weather06:07 The Rise of Ryan Hall, Y'all08:49 Transitioning from Traditional Media to Digital11:15 The Evolution of Weather Communication14:37 Building a Community and the Y'all Squad17:12 The Role of Teamwork in Content Creation20:27 Navigating Severe Weather Coverage23:26 Addressing Misinformation in Weather Reporting26:25 The Impact of AI on Weather Communication29:26 Advice for Aspiring Weather YouTubersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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