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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
James Spann and the Next Era of Local Weather
Jan 700:42:24Tap to summarizeGuest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather NetworkWhen 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.Chapters00:00 The Journey of James Spann: A Weather Legend11:38 The Evolution of Weather Broadcasting17:30 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication18:16 BREAK 119:07 The Power of Social Media in Weather Reporting21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation29:56 BREAK 230:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future GenerationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →The Weather Gods Curse the Gettysburg Campaign
Aug 13, 202500:31:52Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Jon NeseWhen we think of the Battle of Gettysburg, we picture tactics, terrain, and turning points but what about the temperature? The clouds? The crushing heat, the unexpected storms, the impassable rivers? In their book The Weather Gods Curse the Gettysburg Campaign, meteorologist Dr. Jon Nese and historian Jeffrey Harding uncover a side of the Civil War that’s often overlooked: the weather. Using firsthand accounts and reconstructed data, they reveal how atmospheric conditions shaped everything from troop movements to morale, and may have influenced the outcome of one of the most pivotal campaigns in American history. Today on Weather Geeks, we go beyond the battlefield to explore how weather wasn’t just a backdrop to Gettysburg—it was an active player. Let’s take a step back in time… and check the forecast.Chapters00:00 The Weather's Role in Gettysburg18:34 Uniforms and Soldier Experiences21:08 The Impact of Weather Forecasts on Strategy23:22 Historical Weather Analysis and Its ImportanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Little House, Big Climate: Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Aug 6, 202500:36:24Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Barb Mayes BousteadWhen we talk about climate change, the conversation is often full of data, models, and projections, but sometimes, the most powerful insights come from stories. Long before satellites and Doppler radar, Laura Ingalls Wilder was documenting the weather in her own way: through her vivid accounts of prairie blizzards, scorching droughts, and the struggle to survive it all. In a brand new book connecting Wilder’s writings to the realities of climate change, author Dr. Barb Boustead shows us that the past doesn’t just inform the present—it can shape how we care for the future. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking about the intersection of literature, climate memory, and what we choose to protect when nature pushes back.Chapters00:00 The Power of Stories in Climate Change11:58 Resilience in the Face of Unpredictable Weather23:34 Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Experiences35:19 Connecting Literature and Climate PreparednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →From Sparks to Surveillance: The Science Behind ALERTCalifornia
Jul 30, 202500:44:03Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Neal DriscollWildfire season used to have a start and end date, but in today’s climate, it feels like it never really stops. As flames race across parched landscapes and smoke clouds drift for miles, the stakes for early detection, response, and resilience have never been higher. Enter ALERTCalifornia, a groundbreaking program using high-tech cameras, real-time data, and cutting-edge research to help first responders and communities stay one step ahead of disaster. At the center of it all is Dr. Neal Driscoll, who is leading this powerful collaboration between science, public safety, and technology. How can a network of mounted cameras change the way we fight wildfires? And what’s next for one of the most advanced wildfire monitoring systems in the world?Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges02:43 The Alert California Program06:06 AI and Camera Technology in Fire Detection08:52 Collaboration with CAL FIRE11:56 Operational Impact and Community Involvement14:56 Weather's Role in Fire Management17:43 Data Integration and Future Prospects20:53 Public Engagement and Awareness23:48 Cascading Disasters and Multi-Hazard Approach26:52 Future of Alert California and Technology Advancements29:39 Conclusion and Call to ActionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Economic Value of Hurricane Forecasts
Jul 23, 202500:32:51Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Renato Molina, University of MiamiEvery year, hurricanes threaten lives, infrastructure, and the economies of coastal communities—but what if better forecasting could actually save billions of dollars? Turns out, it already has! But how can we put a dollar value on something as complex as a weather forecast? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Renato Molina of the University of Miami, who has dived deep into the economic impact of improved hurricane forecasts. From the costs of misjudged wind speeds to the hidden value of getting the forecast right, his research shows just how powerful—and expensive—information can be when a hurricane is on the horizon.Chapters00:00 The Economic Impact of Hurricane Forecasting07:10 Understanding Forecast Accuracy and Economic Value13:25 Protective Spending and Recovery Costs20:08 Quantifying the Value of Forecast Improvements29:56 Connecting Research to Policy and IndustrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →A Deeper Look into the Iowa Mesonet
Jul 16, 202500:35:40Tap to summarizeGuest: Daryl Herzmann, Iowa State UniversityWhether you’re a farmer tracking rainfall, a storm chaser following severe weather, or just someone who loves keeping an eye on the sky, today’s episode is for you! We have the pleasure of talking with Daryl Herzmann about the Iowa Environmental Mesonet: a powerful network of weather stations that collects and organizes real-time weather data across the state. We’ll dive into his journey into Meteorology, his role in managing this extensive project, and some of the many data-driven insights you need to to stay informed. From temperature trends and precipitation patterns to storm analysis and climate impacts, we break down the numbers and explain what they mean. Chances are you’ve relied on the Mesonet’s data without even realizing it! So, stick around- this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet03:02 Daryl's Journey into Meteorology05:54 Understanding the Iowa Mesonet09:10 Data Collection and Archiving Challenges12:05 The Role of the Iowa Mesonet in Weather Forecasting14:48 Real-Time Data and Its Applications18:01 The Future of the Iowa Mesonet21:12 Climate Change Insights from Data24:05 The Impact of AI on Meteorology26:59 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.
Transcribe →Texas Flood Disaster
Jul 9, 202500:53:33Tap to summarizeWeather Geeks TeamWhat 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.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings35:41 Psychology of Weather Response37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures51:30 The Human Element in Weather EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Going for Gold, No Matter the Weather
Jul 2, 202500:36:05Tap to summarizeGuests: Bejan Abtahi & Maria AugutisEvery four years the most incredible athletes from around the globe gather to showcase their athletic abilities in the Olympics. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee plays a pivotal role in providing critical resources to ensure the athletes excel on the Global Stage. One of the biggest influencers of the games can be the weather. Joining us today are Bejan Abtahi and Maria Augutis. Bejan is an Olympic Performance Advisor for the USOPC and Maria is a Meteorologist with Sveriges Television and StormGeo. They work together to achieve a common goal: making the greatest sporting event in the world even greater! Let’s talk about it…Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Olympic Weather Connection03:08 The Role of Weather in Olympic Performance05:57 Meteorological Insights for Athletes09:02 Storm Geo's Contribution to Olympic Weather Forecasting12:02 Weather Challenges in Olympic Locations15:11 Weather Sensitivity in Olympic Events17:52 Preparing Athletes for Weather Conditions20:52 Collaboration Between Meteorologists and Olympic Teams24:00 Air Quality and Athlete Performance27:02 Climate Change and the Future of the Olympics30:06 Advice for Future MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Detecting Wildfires from Orbit
Jun 25, 202500:40:08Tap to summarizeGuest: Chris Van Arsdale, Google Climate & Energy Research LeadWildfires aren’t just a summer problem anymore. This past January, California faced an unusual and intense wildfire outbreak, with flames ripping through communities and forcing thousands to evacuate. What if we could catch wildfires in their earliest stages, before they spiral out of control? That’s the goal of Google’s FireSat, a revolutionary satellite system designed to spot fires as small as a campfire and deliver updates every 20 minutes. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking to Chris Van Arsdale, a leader behind the FireSat project, about how it all works and how they are using AI to help the firefight before it even startsChapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges and Firesat03:10 Chris Van Arsdale's Journey to Google and Climate Research06:09 Understanding the Firesat Satellite System09:01 Operational Use and Future of Firesat11:48 The Role of Google in Wildfire Detection15:06 Machine Learning and Data Challenges in Fire Detection18:10 Implications for Firefighting Strategies20:52 Future Data Applications Beyond Fire Detection23:58 Global Interest and Collaboration on Firesat26:49 Environmental and Security Considerations29:59 Sustainability and Future Launch Plans for Firesat32:50 Global Applications and Community Engagement35:56 Final Thoughts on Firesat's ImpactSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Observing Tornadoes with the OTUS Project
Jun 18, 202500:37:38Tap to summarizeGuests: Nelson & Louis TuckerWhen it comes to tornadoes, getting close is both the goal and the danger. For decades, scientists have relied on radar, storm chasers, and ground-based instruments to study these violent storms. But what if we could send something right into the heart of a developing tornado? Maybe something small, nimble, and packed with sensors? That’s the mission behind the OTUS Project. Using cutting-edge drone technology, this team is pushing the boundaries of what we can safely and accurately observe from inside tornadic storms. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by members of the OTUS Project to talk about how UAVs are changing the way we study tornadoes, what it’s like to deploy them in the field, and how this data could lead to better forecasts and ultimately, save lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Otus Project01:37 Personal Journeys into Meteorology06:12 Understanding Tornadoes: The Need for Data10:17 Drone Technology in Tornado Research14:59 A Day in the Life of a Tornado Chase19:39 Challenges and Risks in the Field21:32 First Experiences Inside a Tornado24:50 Collaborations and Data Sharing26:34 Measuring Wind Inside Tornadoes30:19 Choosing Storms and Navigating Obstacles32:12 Regulatory Hurdles and Networking34:17 Future Aspirations for the Otus ProjectSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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