Podcast
Weather Geeks
Hosted by Weather Group Television · EN
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.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When the Weather Calls a Timeout
Yesterday00:36:26Tap to summarizeGuest: Adam Fouche, University of GeorgiaWhen 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Storm Chasing in the Digital Age
1w ago00:52:34Tap to summarizeGuest: Jordan HallStorm 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →How NVIDIA Is Rebuilding the Climate Model
2w ago00:41:01Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Michael Pritchard, Director of Climate Simulation ResearchWhen 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →The Hollywood Climate Summit
3w ago00:33:56Tap to summarizeGUEST: Allison BegalmanHollywood 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Rethinking Natural Hazards
4w ago00:35:58Tap to summarizeGuest: Max Van Wyk De Vries, Assistant Professor at the University of CambridgeFrom 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Geeking Out with Inspector Planet!
Apr 2900:41:45Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Tracy FanaraIf 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Turning Climate Data into Music
Apr 2200:43:34Tap to summarizeGuests: Harlan Brothers and Jamie PereraWe 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Keeping the Spark Alive: Lightning, Data, and Curiosity
Apr 1500:38:35Tap to summarizeGuest: Chris Vagasky, University of Wisconsin-MadisonFew 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Measuring Tornadoes from Space
Apr 800:33:51Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Connell Miller, Western UniversityWhen 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →Stop and See the Clouds
Apr 100:32:20Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Bruce Albrecht, University of MiamiMost 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.Chapters00:00 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.
Transcribe →