Weather Geeks

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

Guest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather Network When it comes to weather, few names carry the respect, trust, and authority of James Spann. For decades, he’s been the steady voice that Alabamians turn to when the sky turns dark — part scientist, part storyteller, and always a servant to his community. But beyond the green screen, James has become a powerful advocate for local weather, founding the Alabama Weather Network to bring hyper-local, science-based forecasting back to the people who need it most. Today, we talk with James about how the weather and media industries have evolved, why social science is now at the heart of saving lives, and how meteorologists can stay grounded in service even as technology and the atmosphere continue to change. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weather Geeks Team What began as Fourth of July thunderstorms in Kerr County, Texas rapidly evolved into a catastrophic flash flood that overwhelmed campgrounds, highways, and homes. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re dedicating our episode to understanding the flood disaster in Texas’ Hill Country, how it happened so fast, and how we can better prepare for the next time the sky opens up. We’ll unpack the meteorological setup as well as the human and infrastructural challenges in warning, evacuation, and rescue. This isn’t just a weather story—it’s a community story, and a wake-up call for every corner of the country vulnerable to sudden flooding. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RECORDED FEBRUARY 21, 2025; Originally released April 30, 2025 Guest: Alan Sealls, AMS President-Elect For decades, broadcast meteorologists have been the trusted voices guiding us through hurricanes, tornadoes, and everyday forecasts. But behind every great weathercaster is a deep passion for both science and communication. Few embody that balance as well as Alan Sealls—a highly respected meteorologist, educator, and soon-to-be President of the American Meteorological Society. As we head into more uncertain times, Alan will certainly have a lot on his plate in 2026 as he manages the relationship between academic, government, broadcast, and private meteorologists all across the country. How will his tenured career translate to get this done? Let’s ask him right now on Weather Geeks Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Neil Jacobs Every forecast, every watch or warning, every piece of storm research in America… starts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And there’s a new leader in charge: Neil Jacobs. Over the past year, as he waited for Congress to confirm his nomination, NOAA saw cuts to staffing, research and observations. All while the infrastructure that predicts our weather keeps right on aging. The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore sat down with Neil Jacobs, for an exclusive interview- his first as head of NOAA. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RECORDED FEBRUARY 25, 2025; Originally released March 26, 2025 Guest: Daniel Swain Winds are howling outside Los Angeles, California on a dry January day. The hillsides north and east of the city erupt in flames. A wall of fire begins to consume neighborhoods faster than firefighters can keep up. As wind-driven embers continue to fly down hill - a thousand miles away, Daniel Swain’s phone begins to light up. Journalists, companies, officials - all want answers to California’s extreme weather and the impact of climate change. On this week’s episode of Weather Geeks we learn how one high schooler, with a blog, ignited his career to become one of the leading communicators on climate change and the Weather out West. Chapters: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RECORDED MARCH 4, 2025; Originally released March 12, 2024 Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientist As we’ve seen in the movies, and real life, tornadoes are some of the most destructive forces in nature, capable of leveling homes and damaging entire communities in a matter of minutes. And what about hail? It causes BILLIONS and billions of dollars in damage in the US every year. But how do we get up-close, real-time data on these violent storms in order to learn what is needed for better predictions? That’s where cutting-edge field research comes in. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re diving into the world of storm observation and mobile weather technology with Sean Waugh from NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. From deploying instrumented drones and mobile mesonets to braving the extreme environments of tornadoes and hailstorms, his work is helping scientists better understand the atmospheric conditions that drive severe weather for years to come… Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RECORDED JANUARY 22, 2025; Originally released FEBRUARY 12, 2025 Guests: Dr. Ilan Price, Senior Research Scientist, & Matt Willson, Research Engineer From the Euro to the GFS to the Canadian, there are multitudes of models that forecasters use to predict our daily weather. There are models for short-term severe forecasting, 10-day outlooks from your local news, and even models that predict our climate years into the future. As technology advances, so do all of these models and the technology we are focusing on today on Weather Geeks is AI. While it may seem like a buzzword these days, it can be used to enhance our industry and help us all reach our common goal: saving lives and property. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ilan Price to discuss GenCast, Google’s weather forecasting model that is entirely powered by AI. How does it stack up to the models we know and love? The answer may surprise you… Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been one wild ride through the atmosphere this year — from record-breaking heat waves to snowstorms that made us double-check the map, a hurricane that rewrote history, and tornadoes that left meteorologists speechless. Today, we’re taking a step back (and maybe a deep breath) to relive the biggest, boldest, and most unbelievable weather moments of the year. We’ll break down what happened, why it happened, and what it all means for the climate conversations ahead. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us as we revisit the skies that shaped our 2025 one storm at a time. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests: Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin For most of us, weather talk is a quick chat about the weekend forecast or a snowy commute. But in Wisconsin, “The Weather Guys” have turned those conversations into something much bigger — a beloved radio show that brings science, stories, and a touch of humor to the airwaves. For years, they’ve been breaking down everything from blizzards to climate change, making meteorology both accessible and fun. Today, we’ll sit down with Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin to hear how their show began, what keeps listeners tuning in, and why Wisconsin weather makes for some of the best conversations around. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Ken Burns He’s an Award-Winning Filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. Some of his most popular works include the Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, the National Parks, Prohibition, the Roosevelts, the Vietnam War, and Country Music. Behind the majestic shots and carefully chosen words, there’s another character always in the frame: the weather. From outracing clouds to chasing snow that just won’t fall, even filmmaker Ken Burns has learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always take direction. While shooting his newest series The American Revolution, weather wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a full-fledged co-star. Today, we’ll talk with Ken about the challenges and surprises of filming history in real weather, how climate and geography shaped the American Revolution, and why sometimes the best storyteller is the sky. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Alex Tomoff When you think of weather and meteorology, you probably picture storm chasers, satellites, or your local forecast. But what about chocolate? At Mars, Inc. — the company behind favorites like M&M’s and Snickers — weather isn’t just background noise, it’s a critical part of the business. From the cocoa fields that depend on rainfall, to the sugar supply impacted by drought, to the logistics of getting chocolate safely from factory to shelf, weather touches every step. And standing at that intersection is today’s guest: Alex Tomoff, the meteorologist of Mars, Inc. We’ll find out how forecasting shapes the future of candy, agriculture, and sustainability — and yes, even your sweet tooth. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Sean Sublette When science and policy meet, the results can shape the way communities prepare for the future. Our guest today, meteorologist and science communicator Sean Sublette, is on a mission to make sure that scientific insight has a stronger voice in Congress. From years of forecasting and breaking down weather impacts for the public, Sean now sees an opportunity to bring that same clarity and perspective to the policymaking table. We’ll talk with him about why science matters in the halls of government, how weather and climate knowledge can translate into smarter decisions, and what it means to bridge the gap between data, communication, and action. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Josh Kastman When you think about Amazon, you probably picture two-day shipping, Prime Video, or that familiar brown package on your doorstep. But behind the scenes, the company has to navigate one force that doesn’t follow a schedule: the weather. From hurricanes threatening delivery routes to heat waves impacting worker safety, weather impacts nearly every aspect of Amazon’s operations. And at the center of it all is Dr. Josh Kastman, Amazon’s Chief Meteorologist. Today, we’ll explore how one of the world’s biggest companies forecasts, prepares for, and adapts to the atmosphere’s every move. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Alan Gerard From tornado outbreaks to hurricane landfalls, few have had a front-row seat to as many high-impact weather events as Alan Gerard. After decades of service with NOAA and the National Weather Service, Alan now brings his expertise to the public through Balanced Weather, a Substack dedicated to delivering clear, measured, and science-driven weather insights. In this episode, we’ll talk with Alan about the biggest changes he’s seen in forecasting, the challenges of communicating severe weather without hype, and why independent weather voices are more important than ever. Whether you’re a Weather Geek or just someone who wants to better understand the skies above, this conversation will offer a rare look at the intersection of science, communication, and public trust… Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Rachel Muncrief When we think about tackling climate change, it’s easy to picture solar panels and wind farms. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that impacts us all, every single day: how we get from point A to point B. Transportation accounts for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also an area of rapid innovation and urgent opportunity. From cleaner fuels in shipping lanes to electric trucks on highways, the road to a stable climate runs straight through the way we travel and transport goods. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Rachel Muncrief from The International Council on Clean Transportation, which is an organization leading the charge to transform global transportation systems with science-backed policy and practical solutions. We’ll talk about where progress is being made, what challenges remain, and why rethinking transportation is critical for a climate-resilient future. Let’s hit the road! Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Andy Hazelton, University of Miami When a hurricane’s on the horizon, we turn to the forecast models—those swirling graphics and spaghetti plots that try to predict where the storm will go and how strong it might get. But behind every line and cone is a team of scientists working to make those models faster, smarter, and more accurate. One of those scientists is Dr. Andrew Hazelton, a hurricane modeling specialist who’s worked on some of the most advanced tools used by the National Weather Service. From tracking rapid intensification to improving ensemble forecasts, Dr. Hazelton has been on the front lines of one of the most complex challenges in meteorology. Today, we talk about where hurricane modeling stands, where it’s heading, and what it means for those of us who rely on it when the next storm takes aim. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Rep. Eric Sorensen, IL-17 When severe weather strikes, the National Weather Service is on the front lines saving lives, but what happens when those front lines are short-staffed as storms get stronger? As a former broadcast meteorologist turned Congressman, Representative Eric Sorensen knows firsthand how critical timely, accurate forecasts are for every community. That’s why he’s helping lead a bipartisan push in Congress to fully staff the National Weather Service, reclassify meteorologists as critical to public safety, and ensure that rural and underserved communities aren’t left behind when minutes matter most. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with Rep. Sorensen about why a fully staffed and supported NWS is essential for our country’s safety, and how weather policy can—and should—transcend politics in the face of a changing climate. Let’s get into it… Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Rachael Gauthier, IBHS From hurricane shutters to fortified roofs, storm prep advice is everywhere, but how do you know what actually works? At the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, science leads the way. They test building materials, simulate real storms, and turn hard data into practical, life-saving guidance. Today, we're joined by Rachael Gauthier, a passionate voice for resilience and preparedness, to break down what science-backed storm prep really looks like and how it can protect your home and your family. Whether you're on the coast, in tornado alley, or somewhere in between, this is one conversation that just might help you weather the next big one. Chapters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.