In this conversation, award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns discusses the integral role of weather in his latest PBS series, 'The American Revolution.' He shares insights on how climate and geography shaped historical events, the challenges of capturing authentic weather in filmmaking, and the importance of storytelling that reflects real-life unpredictability. Burns emphasizes the significance of weather in military strategy and American identity, while also highlighting the technological advancements in weather monitoring that aid modern filmmakers.

In this episode of the Weather Geeks Podcast, Dr. Marshall Shepherd speaks with Alex Tomoff, the lead meteorologist and commodity manager at Mars, Inc. They explore the critical role of weather in the chocolate industry, discussing how climate impacts cocoa, sugar, and peanut production. Alex shares his unique journey into meteorology, the challenges posed by climate change, and the importance of effective communication in weather risk management. The conversation also touches on sustainability initiatives at Mars, the use of technology in forecasting, and advice for aspiring meteorologists.

In this episode of the Weather Geeks Podcast, meteorologist Sean Sublette discusses the critical intersection of science and policy, emphasizing the importance of accurate weather communication in shaping effective policymaking. He shares his journey from a broadcast meteorologist to a congressional candidate, highlighting the challenges of misinformation in the digital age and the need for evidence-based policies. Sean advocates for a collaborative approach to engage with policymakers and the public, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and political action.

In this episode, Amazon's Chief Meteorologist, Dr. Josh Kastman, discusses the critical role of weather forecasting in ensuring safety and operational efficiency at Amazon, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in managing weather-related risks.

Summary In this episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Marshall Shepherd speaks with Alan Gerard, a veteran meteorologist and founder of Balanced Weather. They discuss Alan's journey in meteorology, the evolution of the National Weather Service, and the importance of balanced communication in weather forecasting. Alan shares insights on the challenges faced in meteorology today, the role of independent voices in the field, and his aspirations for the future of Balanced Weather.

Summary In this episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno speaks with Dr. Rachel Muncrief from the International Council on Clean Transportation about the critical role of transportation in climate change. They discuss the progress and challenges in electrifying vehicles, the complexities of decarbonizing shipping and aviation, and the importance of equity in access to clean transportation. Dr. Muncrief emphasizes the need for innovative policies and technologies to achieve zero emissions by 2050, while also highlighting the economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner transportation solutions.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Andrew Hazelton discusses the intricacies of hurricane modeling, the advancements in forecasting technology, and the critical role of observational data. He shares his journey into meteorology, the importance of hurricane hunters, and the impact of AI on future forecasting. The conversation also highlights the challenges of communicating complex forecasts to the public and the significance of ocean conditions in hurricane prediction.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno interviews Congressman Eric Sorensen, a former meteorologist, about the critical role of the National Weather Service in public safety, especially during severe weather events. They discuss the challenges faced by the National Weather Service, including staffing shortages and the need for bipartisan support for the Weather Workforce Improvement Act. Sorensen emphasizes the importance of meteorologists in Congress and proposes the creation of an NTSB for weather to learn from past disasters. The conversation also touches on FEMA's role in disaster response and the growing importance of flood insurance in the face of climate change.

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. Chapters00:00 Understanding Storm Preparedness04:28 The Role of IBHS in Resilience10:06 Building Codes and Industry Collaboration14:09 Home Improvement for Resilience16:15 Fortified Homes and Community Standards25:29 Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation30:40 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Resilient Building38:01 Practical Tips for Homeowners See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Grace Ahn, University of Georgia When a hurricane threatens, the most dangerous part often isn’t the wind—it’s the water. Storm surge can arrive fast, rise high, and turn familiar streets into life-threatening hazards. But what if you could experience that danger in a safe way, before it ever happens? Dr. Grace Ahn at the University of Georgia has developed Weather the Storm, a virtual reality experience that puts people inside a realistic hurricane scenario to show just how quickly conditions can turn deadly. By combining immersive visuals, sound, and storytelling, her work is helping coastal residents—and even emergency planners—understand the stakes and make better decisions when the next storm comes. Chapters00:00 Understanding the Threat of Hurricanes05:00 The Role of Virtual Reality in Risk Communication10:35 Experiencing the Simulation: A Deep Dive15:27 Reactions and Engagement: The Impact of VR20:46 Expanding the Reach: Community Involvement and Education25:43 Future Directions: Beyond Hurricanes30:18 The Power of Combined Communication Methods See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Marshall Shepherd speaks with Ignacio Gallego Marcos, founder of Turbly, about turbulence in aviation. They discuss Ignacio's journey from engineering to creating a user-friendly turbulence forecasting tool, the causes and types of turbulence, and the challenges of modeling it. Ignacio shares insights on addressing fear of flying, the impact of climate change on turbulence patterns, and the future of turbulence forecasting. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding turbulence for both passengers and pilots, and offers resources for those struggling with fear of flying.

Jen Carfagno and journalist Tom Weber engage in a discussion about his book, “Cloud Warriors.” The book delves into the global network of scientists, technologists, and communicators who work together to understand and respond to climate and extreme weather. Tom recounts his journey from childhood fascination with tornadoes to becoming a dedicated weather journalist. The conversation explores the significance of weather literacy, the role of technology in forecasting, and the delicate balance between traditional and AI-driven models. They also discuss the societal impact of weather events and the crucial importance of effective communication to safeguard public safety.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno discusses ‘Megalodon’s Mermaids and Climate Change’ with Dr. Ellen Prager and Dave Jones. They explore ocean science, weather, and the importance of addressing misinformation with humor and curiosity. The conversation focuses on data in climate change, social media’s impact on misinformation, and effective science communication.

Guest: Dr. Jon Nese When 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 Importance See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Barb Mayes Boustead When 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 Preparedness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Neal Driscoll Wildfire 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 Action See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Renato Molina, University of Miami Every 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 Industry See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Daryl Herzmann, Iowa State University Whether 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 Directions See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno and Dr. Marshall Shepard analyze the catastrophic flash flood in Kerr County, Texas, examining meteorological conditions, communication challenges, human factors, the role of terrain, the impact of climate change, and the importance of effective weather messaging and preparedness strategies.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Marshall Shepherd and guests Bijan Abtahi and Maria Augutis discuss the impact of weather on Olympic athletes, the collaboration with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, climate change challenges, air quality importance, and weather sensitivities in sports.