You see it every day. It’s the subject of poetry, literature, art and film. It can inspire spiritual experiences, and it can destroy everything you have ever worked for. It is the weather, and no one knows it better than we do. Join us every week for the agony and the ecstasy of the one story that the entire world participates in and the science behind it. From the people behind The Weather Channel TV network.
Guest : Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center The peak of hurricane season is right around the corner—and whether you live along the coast or hundreds of miles inland, what happens in the tropics can have real impacts on your life. The question is: what do you actually need to know before the season really ramps up? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re getting a preview straight from the source. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, joins us to walk through what forecasters are watching this year, how hurricane prediction continues to improve, and where the biggest challenges still remain. We’ll also talk about new tools and products coming out of the National Hurricane Center, how technology is shaping the future of forecasting, and what all of this means for you when the next storm is on the horizon. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Season and Its Impacts 02:45 Understanding Tropical Storm Arthur and Its Effects 05:41 El Niño's Influence on Hurricane Activity 08:34 The Importance of Preparedness and Messaging 11:59 Evolving Forecasting Techniques and Challenges 14:15 Break 1 14:40 Advancements in Predictive Modeling and AI 17:44 The Role of Communication in Weather Forecasting 20:46 Inland Hurricane Threats and Their Impacts 23:51 Future Directions in Hurricane Research and Forecasting 26:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparedness 26:58 Break 2 27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparednes Resources NOAA National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Google DeepMind - https://deepmind.com/ Hurricane Forecasting Models (HWRF, HAFS) - https://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/products/hwrf/ Guest Links Twitter - https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brennan-5a90322b2 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Modernizing Your Weather Forecast
35 min
Guest : Dr. Mike Farrar, Booz Allen Hamilton Weather forecasting has come a long way—from hand-drawn maps and limited observations to a world driven by supercomputers, satellites, and real-time data. But as technology continues to evolve, so does the challenge of making forecasts faster, smarter, and more useful for the people who rely on them every day. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Farrar, whose career has spanned research, operations, and leadership across the meteorological community. His company has been tasked to help modernize the National Weather Service, and with that he’s helping shape what the future of forecasting could look like for both meteorologists and the public alike. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges facing weather operations today, how emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are changing the forecasting landscape, and why communication and public trust remain just as important as the science itself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Background of Dr. Mike Farrar 01:30 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting Technologies 04:18 Transformational Advances in Meteorology 09:15 The Private Sector and Meteorology's Growth 12:16 Break 1 12:19 The Impact of AI and Cloud Computing 19:28 Modernizing the National Weather Service 22:55 The Role of Human Forecasters in the Age of AI 26:51 Break 2 28:01 The North Star of Meteorology: Science and Service 30:18 Skills for Future Meteorologists 33:50 Embracing Change in the Meteorological Field 34:29 Closing Remarks and Resources Resources Booz Allen Hamilton - https://www.boozallen.com NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction - https://www.weather.gov/ncep/ American Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.org AWIPS (Advanced Weather Information Processing System) - https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/introducing-awips NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) - https://ncar.ucar.edu Guest links LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mikefarrar-wx See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
What Happens in the Arctic Doesn't Stay in the Arctic
37 min
Guest : Dr. Jennifer Francis, Woodwell Climate Research Center When we think about the Arctic, it's easy to picture a remote landscape of sea ice and polar bears. But what happens in the far north doesn't stay there. As the Arctic continues to warm at an unprecedented pace, scientists are uncovering how those changes may be influencing weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere—from prolonged heat waves and persistent droughts to heavy rainfall and unusual swings in the jet stream. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by atmospheric scientist Dr. Jennifer Francis, whose pioneering research has helped shape our understanding of the connection between Arctic climate change and the behavior of the jet stream. We'll explore why the Arctic is warming so rapidly, how those changes can ripple through the atmosphere, and what they may mean for the persistent weather patterns we've seen in recent years—including the extreme heat that has gripped much of Europe this summer. Chapters 00:00 Dr. Jennifer Francis's background and interest in weather 05:22 Jet stream patterns and their role in extreme weather 13:21 Break 1 14:31 Mechanisms of Arctic amplification and feedbacks 22:57 Stratospheric polar vortex and winter weather effects 25:04 Break 2 25:58 Summer jet stream behavior and climate connections 32:08 Ocean heat waves and their influence on jet stream patterns 34:33 Current research and future challenges in Arctic climate studies 37:06 Closing remarks and resources Resources Woodwell Climate Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/ Jennifer Francis - Research Profile - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/our-scientists/jennifer-francis/ Clausius-Clapeyron Relationship - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius%E2%80%93Clapeyron_relation Guest links Twitter - https://x.com/WoodwellClimate https://x.com/JFrancisClimate Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Next Hurricane Scale?
39 min
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 Model 00:20 The Storm Model's Impact on Various Sectors 01:02 Challenges in Developing a Global Storm Model 02:21 Modeling Hazards Beyond Wind: Rain and Surge 04:31 Motivation for a New Hurricane Severity Scale 06:42 Limitations of the Wind-Only Scale 08:35 The New Scale: Incorporating Multiple Hazards 10:27 Break 1 11:28 The Concept of a Category 6 Storm 13:05 Public Perception and Education Strategies 15:22 Localized and Personalized Risk Communication 17:27 Real-World Applications and Case Studies 19:20 Future Directions and Climate Change Impacts 21:54 Inertia and Adoption Challenges in Meteorology 23:49 Break 2 25:00 Public Perception of Storm Categories 27:33 The Path Toward Standardization and Adoption 30:12 Future Collaborations and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Using Music to Save Coral Reefs
43 min
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 Reefs 06:00 Sound as a Restoration Tool 12:02 The Mechanics of Sound Playback 17:23 Break 1 17:55 Environmental Influences on Coral Soundscapes 20:17 The Power of Sound in Coral Restoration 26:59 Break 2 27:28 Hurricanes and Their Impact on Coral Reefs 30:43 Understanding the Time Scale of Sound Influence 35:39 Scaling Sound Solutions for Coral Reefs 40:51 Community Engagement and Partnerships for Coral Health Resources 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 .
Forecasting Trust: Brad Panovich on Weather, Media, and Responsibility
38 min
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 Journey 02:55 The Evolution of Weather Communication 05:54 The Importance of Credentialing in Meteorology 08:56 The Role of Trust in Weather Forecasting 12:05 Break 1 12:08 Navigating Social Media as a Meteorologist 15:13 Handling Negativity and Criticism in the Digital Age 20:13 Understanding Public Perception of Weather Forecasts 23:40 Break 2 24:12 The Role of Social Media in Weather Communication 26:28 The Impact of AI on Meteorology 30:11 Personal Reflections on the Impact of Meteorology 34:26 The Educator's Role in Meteorology Resources 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/WXBrad Website - https://www.wcnc.com/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wxbrad See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On the Climate Beat: Reporting a Changing Planet
40 min
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 Credibility 01:43 How Seth Became a Weather and Climate Geek 04:02 The Evolution of Climate Science Narratives 07:47 From Uncertainty to Scientific Certainty 11:53 Finding and Vetting Credible Scientific Sources 16:04 The Role of AP and Wire Services in Science Reporting 17:48 Break 1 18:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Science Journalism 21:52 How Seth Finds His Experts 25:03 Impact of Social Media on Climate and Weather Reporting 27:57 Dealing with Disinformation and Misinformation 28:39 Break 2 29:46 Memorable Stories and Impactful Reporting 32:20 Embedded Reporting with Storm Chasers 34:15 The Human Side of Weather Disasters 36:55 Advice for Future Climate and Science Journalists 39:25 Where to Find Seth's Work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
A Conversation with NWS Director Ken Graham
30 min
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 Credibility 00:59 Ken Graham's Ten and Progress Overview 02:24 Reflecting on Achievements and Vision 03:45 Staffing Challenges and Hiring Boom 05:19 Reorganizing for the Future 07:01 Modernizing Infrastructure and Cloud Transition 08:20 Partnering with Emergency Managers 08:59 Radars: Aging Systems and Next-Gen Plans 10:29 Private Sector Collaboration on Radars 12:48 Innovations in Data Collection: Drones and Balloons 13:42 NWS Chat and Communication Tools 14:17 Break 1 14:31 Communicating Strong El Nino and Hurricane Risks 15:47 Aircraft and Data for Better Forecasts 16:38 Improvements in Track and Intensity Forecasts 17:19 AI and Machine Learning in Weather Models 18:36 Future of High-Resolution and Rapid Refresh Models 20:17 Balancing Over-Preparation and Real-Time Response 21:28 Next-Generation Modeling and Cloud Computing 22:50 Break 2 22:50 Vision for Year 10: Fully Cloud-Based, Well-Staffed NWS 24:26 Memories of Weather Disasters and Motivation 25:37 The Drive to Save Lives and Limit Damage 26:30 Engagement with the President and Policy Support 27:35 Office Culture and Workforce Changes 28:49 Challenges of Modernization and Change Management 29:23 Supporting NWS Staff and Future Outlook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
When the Weather Calls a Timeout
36 min
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 Background 00:53 Adam Fouche's Weather Geek Origin Story 02:45 Adam's Role in Weather Safety at UGA 04:09 Weather Safety in Large Campus Events 07:09 Weather Risk Assessment for Events 10:22 Lightning Protocols and the 8-Mile Rule 12:57 Debate on Lightning Delay Rules 13:44 Break 1 15:15 Weather Support Models at SEC Schools 18:01 Collaboration with National Weather Service 20:04 Communication Strategies for Weather Risks 21:59 Psychology of Weather Risk Perception 25:01 Venue Design and Weather Vulnerabilities 26:07 Break 2 26:38 Understanding Severe vs. Non-Severe Weather 30:09 Technology and Weather Monitoring Tools 33:33 Public Safety Advice for Weather Preparedness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Storm Chasing in the Digital Age
52 min
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 Chasing 10:01 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of a Storm Chaser 16:17 Break 1 20:10 Navigating the Challenges of Storm Chasing 23:03 Break 2 29:22 Navigating Personal Safety 29:59 The Role of Social Media in Storm Chasing 30:35 Pressure and Competition in Storm Chasing 32:06 Impact of Social Media on Storm Chasing 34:42 International Storm Chasing Adventures 36:55 Choosing Which Storms to Chase 38:06 Awe-Inspiring Natural Phenomena 39:39 Unique Chase Stories 40:09 The Intersection of Storm Chasing and First Response 44:32 Challenges of Chaser Convergence 48:01 The Storm Chasing Community 49:59 Advice for Aspiring Storm Chasers See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
How NVIDIA Is Rebuilding the Climate Model
41 min
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 Modeling 03:21 Understanding NVIDIA's Role in Climate Simulation 05:34 The Motivation Behind Earth Simulation 07:40 AI vs Traditional Weather Modeling Techniques 11:10 Addressing Concerns About AI in Weather Forecasting 13:49 Break 1 14:19 The Earth 2 Project and Its Implications 18:37 Open Source Weather Models and Their Importance 23:33 Exploring GPUs and Their Role in AI 24:51 Stormscope: A New Era in Nowcasting 28:55 AI and Machine Learning in Mesoscale Forecasting 31:48 Break 2 32:15 Ensuring Ethical AI in Weather Forecasting 35:31 The Future of AI in Climate Modeling See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Hollywood Climate Summit
33 min
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 Hollywood 03:53 The Birth of the Hollywood Climate Summit 10:29 Barriers to Climate Storytelling 13:25 Break 1 14:23 Climate-Informed Storytelling vs. Climate-Themed Content 19:57 Successful Examples of Climate Storytelling 24:44 The Role of Social Media in Climate Advocacy 24:52 Break 2 29:18 Measuring Impact in Climate Storytelling 31:37 Future Vision for the Hollywood Climate Summit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Rethinking Natural Hazards
35 min
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 Risks 10:47 The Role of Human Activity in Natural Hazards 14:04 Break 1 19:24 Techniques and Methodologies in Hazard Research 23:41 Break 2 29:24 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Multi-Hazard Risk Management See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Geeking Out with Inspector Planet!
41 min
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 Planet 02:35 The Journey to Science and Engineering 05:42 The Birth of Inspector Planet 08:31 Career Path and NOAA Experience 11:35 Understanding Florida Red Tide and the 2018 Water Crisis 17:10 Break 1 17:42 Project INKI: Transforming Flood Data into Actionable Intelligence 23:25 The Importance of Communication in Science 27:47 Break 2 29:33 Leveraging Social Media for Science Communication 35:25 Future of Science and Technology in Environmental Research See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Turning Climate Data into Music
43 min
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 Data 08:33 Understanding Sonification: Transforming Data into Sound 19:25 Break 1 19:44 Artistic Choices in Sonification: Making Data Listenable 27:06 Break 2 27:45 The Audience of Sonification: Education, Art, and Engagement 37:34 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 .
Keeping the Spark Alive: Lightning, Data, and Curiosity
38 min
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 Lightning 14:30 Break 1 14:33 Career Pivot and WiscoNet 26:36 Break 2 26:54 The Future of Weather Communication and AI See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Measuring Tornadoes from Space
33 min
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 Data 05:46 Innovative Use of Satellite Data in Tornado Assessment 12:12 Correlation Between Satellite Data and Ground Surveys 14:00 Break 1 17:56 Limitations and Future of Satellite Data in Tornado Rating 25:03 Break 2 25:05 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 .
Stop and See the Clouds
32 min
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 Appreciation 02:56 Bruce Albrecht's Journey in Meteorology 05:50 The Science of Cloud Microphysics 09:06 Exploring Cloud Radar Technology 11:17 Break 1 11:49 Inspiration Behind See My Clouds App 15:02 The Role of Social Media in Cloud Appreciation 18:00 Features and Functionality of See My Clouds 20:10 Break 2 21:08 Potential for Scientific Research 24:03 Understanding Cloud Seeding 26:55 Final Thoughts on Cloud Enthusiasm See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Looking Back at Winter 2025-26
1 hr 1 min
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 Overview 10:55 Paul Goodlow's Journey to Meteorology 13:39 Characterizing the Winter of 2025-2026 19:44 Break 1 19:46 Winter Storm Fern: A Deep Dive 31:19 Break 2 31:21 Winter Storm Hernando: The Big Nor'easter 32:16 Hurricane Forecasting and Model Accuracy 34:53 The Impact of AI in Weather Forecasting 35:08 Experiencing Winter Storm Hernando 39:25 Blizzard Conditions and Snow Accumulation 41:48 Comparing Winter Storms: Fern vs. Hernando 46:07 Public Response to Weather Forecasts 48:15 The Western Winter: A Lack of Snow 54:23 Avalanche Risks and Climate Change 58:24 Wildfire Threats Due to Low Snowpack 01:00:02 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 .
Inside the Forecast: From the Air Force to the White House
33 min
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 Forecasting 02:51 Andrew Gay's Journey to Meteorology 05:56 Career Path in the Air Force 08:53 Supporting Military Operations 11:44 Weather Forecasting at the White House 12:30 Break 1 14:44 Current Role and Responsibilities 17:55 Challenges in Weather Forecasting 21:52 Emerging Technologies in Meteorology 22:26 Break 2 25:06 Effective Science Communication 29:50 Advice for Aspiring Meteorologists See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
