Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #207: Augustus Doricko, CEO of Rainmaker: Manipulating the Weather

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Augustus Doricko
Release Date: June 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #207 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in a comprehensive discussion with Augustus Doricko, the CEO and Founder of Rainmaker, a pioneering company in weather manipulation and cloud seeding technology. The conversation delves into the science, history, applications, and regulatory aspects of weather modification, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of this emerging field.

Background and Personal Journey

Timestamp: 01:05 - 13:23

Augustus Doricko introduces himself as the founder and CEO of Rainmaker, a next-generation cloud seeding company. A USC Berkeley dropout and a Thiel Fellowship recipient, Augustus shares his early interests in sailing, philosophy, and history, juxtaposed with his passion for terraforming and atmospheric engineering inspired by video games like Europa Universalis and Spore.

He recounts his high school achievement of having an experiment sent to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program, emphasizing his long-standing fascination with space and atmospheric sciences.

Understanding Weather Manipulation

Timestamp: 01:28 - 25:00

Augustus provides a foundational understanding of weather manipulation, distinguishing it from various conspiracy theories such as chemtrails. He explains that Rainmaker utilizes cloud seeding—a scientifically grounded technique developed in the United States in 1946—to enhance precipitation. By dispersing materials like silver iodide into clouds, they facilitate the formation of larger snowflakes that result in increased rainfall or snowfall.

Notably, Augustus states at [02:33], "I run a weather manipulation company," highlighting his direct involvement and expertise in the field.

Historical Context and Operation Popeye

Timestamp: 25:00 - 38:20

The discussion transitions to the historical applications of weather manipulation, notably Operation Popeye during the Vietnam War. Augustus explains that the U.S. military attempted to extend the monsoon season to disrupt Viet Cong supply lines by inducing more rainfall over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. However, due to limited technological capabilities at the time, proving the effectiveness of such operations remained challenging.

He emphasizes that significant advancements weren't achieved until 2017 when the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado provided unambiguous evidence of successful cloud seeding through improved radar technologies.

Global Landscape and Competitors

Timestamp: 38:20 - 54:20

Augustus outlines the global landscape of weather manipulation, identifying key players:

• China: The Chinese Meteorological Administration boasts a substantial budget and workforce dedicated to weather modification. They collaborate internationally, exporting their technology to exert soft influence over other nations.

• Middle East and UAE: Countries like the UAE are actively engaged in cloud seeding to transform arid regions into green, habitable areas. In April 2024, despite cloud seeding efforts, Dubai experienced significant flooding due to natural precipitation, underscoring the challenges in predicting weather outcomes.

Augustus contrasts these efforts with the United States, noting that while cloud seeding has been practiced since the 1940s, regulatory frameworks remain fragmented at the state level, hindering nationwide implementation.

Regulatory Challenges and Public Perception

Timestamp: 54:20 - 74:45

The conversation delves into the regulatory hurdles facing weather manipulation technologies in the U.S. Augustus highlights that while states like Utah and Colorado have established permits and guidelines through departments such as Natural Resources and Agriculture, federal regulations remain sparse. This lack of cohesive federal oversight has led to skepticism and misinformation among the public, fueling conspiracy theories like chemtrails.

Augustus remarks at [05:18]: "There are regulations right now throughout most states in America... And if we do don't adhere to those suspension criteria, then we would be held liable for any damage caused."

He advocates for more stringent federal regulations to ensure transparency and safety in weather modification practices.

Technological Mechanisms and Operations

Timestamp: 74:45 - 102:12

Augustus provides a technical overview of Rainmaker's cloud seeding operations:

1. Detection: Utilizing dual-polarization radar to identify clouds with sufficient liquid water content.
2. Deployment: Launching weather-resistant drones equipped with aerosol dispersion systems to introduce precipitation-enhancing agents like silver iodide.
3. Impact Measurement: Using radar data to quantify the increase in precipitation downwind of the seeding operations.

He shares a milestone achievement from December of the previous year, where Rainmaker successfully induced precipitation over Pendleton, Oregon, resulting in a localized snow day for the community.

Notable Quote at [77:57]:
"Rainmaker has been like this and then that. Just like rapid, rapid, rapid growth trajectory since we were able to do it."

Applications and Future Prospects

Timestamp: 102:12 - 123:25

Augustus outlines the multifaceted benefits of cloud seeding:

• Agricultural Support: Ensuring consistent water supply for farms to prevent crop failures and support food security.
• Aquifer Replenishment: Enhancing groundwater recharge to sustain water resources in arid regions.
• Hydroelectric Power: Maintaining river flows for consistent production of clean, baseload hydroelectric energy.
• Wildfire Prevention: Keeping soil moisture levels adequate to mitigate the risk and severity of wildfires.

Looking ahead, Augustus envisions scaling Rainmaker's operations to address global water scarcity, potentially transforming deserts into fertile agricultural lands and preventing conflicts over water resources.

Augustus states at [108:42]:
"The ultimate goal is to serve a lot more than 2.2 billion people. Right. Eventually, there will be 20 plus billion people on the planet and we need to figure out how to make water enough for all of them."

Ethical Considerations and Playing God

Timestamp: 123:25 - End

In the concluding segment, the discussion touches upon the ethical dimensions of weather manipulation. Augustus aligns his work with his Christian faith, interpreting cloud seeding as stewardship of the Earth, as mandated in Genesis. He emphasizes the responsibility to use technology for the greater good while acknowledging the potential risks and unknowns.

Augustus reflects at [108:53]:
"I'm trying to serve God. And so what I mean by that is in Genesis 1:26 through 28... take dominion over and steward the earth, the seas, the skies, and everything therein."

He advocates for responsible regulation and expresses optimism that with proper oversight, weather manipulation can be harnessed to address critical environmental and societal challenges.

Conclusion

Episode #207 of the "Shawn Ryan Show" offers a thorough exploration of weather manipulation through the lens of Augustus Doricko's expertise. From the historical context of Operation Popeye to the technological advancements and future aspirations of Rainmaker, the episode provides valuable insights into how cloud seeding can play a pivotal role in addressing global water scarcity, agricultural sustainability, and environmental conservation. Moreover, it underscores the necessity for cohesive regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and ethical application of weather modification technologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Augustus Doricko [02:33]: "I run a weather manipulation company."
• Augustus Doricko [05:18]: "There are regulations right now throughout most states in America... And if we do don't adhere to those suspension criteria, then we would be held liable for any damage caused."
• Augustus Doricko [77:57]: "Rainmaker has been like this and then that. Just like rapid, rapid, rapid growth trajectory since we were able to do it."
• Augustus Doricko [108:53]: "I'm trying to serve God. And so what I mean by that is in Genesis 1:26 through 28... take dominion over and steward the earth, the seas, the skies, and everything therein."
• Augustus Doricko [123:25]: "The ultimate goal is to serve a lot more than 2.2 billion people. Right. Eventually, there will be 20 plus billion people on the planet and we need to figure out how to make water enough for all of them."

Key Topics Covered:

• Weather Manipulation Technology: Cloud seeding, silver iodide usage, drones, radar detection.
• Historical Operations: Operation Popeye during the Vietnam War.
• Global Competitors: China's Meteorological Administration, Middle Eastern programs.
• Regulatory Landscape: State-level permits, need for federal oversight.
• Applications: Agriculture, aquifer replenishment, hydroelectric power, wildfire prevention.
• Ethical Considerations: Stewardship, playing God, potential risks.
• Future Prospects: Scaling operations globally, addressing water scarcity, preventing conflicts over resources.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners unfamiliar with the content.