Advertise on podcast: Weather Geeks

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 Innovations See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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 Assessment See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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 Droughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guest: Dr. Alexander Gates, Rutgers University - Newark Weather doesn’t just shape our daily plans — sometimes, it shapes the course of history. From floods that altered empires to storms that changed the outcome of wars, extreme weather has quietly (and sometimes violently) rewritten the human story. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Alexander Gates, professor at Rutgers University–Newark and author of the upcoming book Wicked Weather. In it, he explores the natural disasters that didn’t just make headlines, but changed societies, politics, and the world as we know it. In this episode, we’ll talk about the historical storms, droughts, and disasters that left lasting marks on civilization, what those events teach us about risk and resilience, and why understanding the past may be one of our best tools for preparing for the future. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Weather's historical influence on civilizations00:32 - Dr. Gates’ background & inspiration for Wicked Weather01:06 - How natural disasters shape human societies03:29 - The significance of weather-related events like hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes06:37 - Most impactful natural disasters in history07:30 - Volcanoes from 536-540 AD changing the global climate09:24 - The hurricane that helped end the American Revolution11:06 - Human decisions impacting disaster resilience11:40 - Break 111:42 - Building resilience: lessons from historical events13:19 - Climate change’s role in intensifying weather extremes16:16 - Lessons from historical weather disasters on modern emergency preparedness17:37 - How different types of disasters prompt societal change20:44 - Responses to weather-related disasters in different countries23:31 - Break 223:33 - The importance of societal response and adaptation28:04 - The science behind storms and the importance of understanding natural causes29:28 - Final reflections: societal resilience and future preparedness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Younes Alila, University of British Columbia Floods are some of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth—washing away homes, reshaping landscapes, and testing the limits of our infrastructure. But what if the way we measure and plan for floods is decades out of date? A new study out of the University of British Columbia led by Dr. Younes Alila reveals that the so-called “100-year flood” may now be striking every 10 years or less across parts of British Columbia. Dr. Alila joins us to unpack how land-use changes, deforestation, and a warming climate are amplifying flood frequency, why natural features like wetlands and forests are key to protection, and what communities can do to adapt. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Marcus Williams, Research Meteorologist Wildfire is one of the most complex weather-driven hazards we face — shaped by wind, terrain, fuel, and timing, where the forecast isn’t just about what happens next, but about keeping people safe in real time. Behind every major fire response and every carefully planned prescribed burn is a team of scientists working to understand those conditions down to the finest detail. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marcus Williams, a research meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service whose work sits at the intersection of science, operations, and on-the-ground decision-making. We’ll talk about what it takes to provide weather support during major California fires, why prescribed fire depends so heavily on getting the forecast right, and how USFS research is shaping the future of fire weather forecasting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wildfire and Meteorology00:51 Marcus Williams: Journey to Meteorology04:58 Role of Meteorologists in the US Forest Service07:46 Experiences in Wildfire Deployment10:52 Understanding Prescribed Fires12:33 Break 112:40 Meteorological Tools in Prescribed Fires15:32 Challenges in Fire Management18:14 Weather Modeling and Its Applications21:09 Break 221:40 Leadership and Mentorship in Meteorology25:46 Future of Meteorology in Fire ManagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Matthew Cappucci If you’ve ever watched a weather forecast and thought, “Wow, that meteorologist has way more energy than the atmosphere itself,” there’s a good chance you were watching Matthew Cappucci. He’s a scientist, a storyteller, a storm chaser, an author, a communicator who somehow manages to make jet streaks sound exciting — and now he’s back on the show! Today, we’re talking to Matthew about how he brings weather to life across TV, print, social media, and whatever platform he conquers next. We’ll chat about the state of weather communication in the age of algorithms, how he cuts through the noise without losing the science, and where he thinks the industry is headed as our storms — and our conversations — keep evolving. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matthew Cappucci03:02 Matthew's Journey into Meteorology05:51 Creating Engaging Weather Content08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication11:48 Challenges in Weather Forecasting14:59 Navigating the Noise in Weather Communication18:04 The Role of Meteorologists in the Digital Age21:01 Future of Weather Communication23:49 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHC Every hurricane season tells a story — not just through the storms that form, but through the forecasts that guide us. And once the season ends, the real detective work begins: Which models nailed the track? Which ones struggled with intensity? And what did we learn that will help us prepare for the next big storm? Joining us today is Dr. Wallace Hogsett from the National Hurricane Center, one of the experts who turns those post-season numbers into meaningful insight. We’ll break down the verification results from the 2025 season, explore how models are improving — and where they’re not — and talk about the growing influence of AI-based forecasting tools. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the scorecard that shapes the future of hurricane prediction, straight from the people who know the models best. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurricane Forecasting07:12 AI's Impact on Hurricane Prediction13:47 Break 114:13 Rapid Intensification and Forecasting Tools17:41 Incorporating AI Models into Forecasting30:29 Break 230:31 Communication and Uncertainty in Weather Forecasting39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Hurricane Prediction See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Samira Davis, United Cajun Navy When disaster strikes, it’s often the people on the ground — not the headlines — who make the biggest difference. During Hurricane Florence, while historic floods swallowed neighborhoods across the Carolinas, Samira Davis was among those who stepped up. As a volunteer with the United Cajun Navy, she helped coordinate relief for families, pets, and even horses — filling the gaps between official response and human need. In this episode, we hear her firsthand account of what it’s like to navigate chaos and compassion side by side, the lessons she’s carried from that experience, and how grassroots responders are reshaping what disaster recovery looks like. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Human Impact of Disaster Response03:03 Becoming a Weather Geek: Personal Journeys06:16 The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Disaster Relief09:02 The United Cajun Navy: A New Era of Response11:55 Navigating Challenges in Disaster Recovery14:46 BREAK 114:54 The Importance of Preparedness and Community18:06 Animal Rescue in Disaster Situations21:09 The Long-Term Effects of Natural Disasters23:56 Getting Involved: How to Help27:04 The Power of Community and Collaboration27:40 BREAK 200:27:41 Real Estate Lessons from Disasters00:31:28 Collective Action and Preparedness00:34:54 Evolving Strategies in Disaster Relief00:37:12 Conclusion and Call to Action See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.