In this re-released 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 re-release episode of Weather Geeks, Alan Sealls shares his journey from a young weather enthusiast to a respected meteorologist and educator. He discusses his passion for meteorology, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of effective communication and education in the field. Alan emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the lessons learned throughout his broadcasting career, providing insights into what makes a successful meteorologist and educator. In this engaging conversation, Alan Sealls shares his insights on effective communication in meteorology, the importance of empathy during severe weather coverage, and the transformative impact of technology on the field. He discusses the evolving landscape of broadcast meteorology, the significance of leadership and representation, particularly for African Americans in the field, and his recent literary contributions that highlight his career and the beauty of weather.

In this conversation with The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore, Neil Jacobs, the new leader of NOAA, discusses the organization's priorities, challenges, and future directions in weather forecasting. He emphasizes the importance of numerical weather prediction, the integration of AI technology, and the need for public awareness and response to weather warnings. Jacobs also addresses the challenges faced by NOAA, including staffing cuts and the need for improved data collection methods. He highlights the importance of maintaining public trust and the role of NOAA in providing accurate and timely weather information.

In this re-released episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno speaks with Daniel Swain, a prominent climate scientist and communicator, about the increasing severity of California's wildfires and the role of climate change. They discuss Daniel's journey from a weather enthusiast to a leading voice in climate communication, the importance of effectively conveying complex weather information to the public, and the intricate links between climate change and extreme weather events. Daniel emphasizes the need for nuanced discussions about the causes of disasters and the importance of public engagement in understanding weather phenomena.

In this re-release episode of Weather Geeks, Jen Carfagno interviews Sean Waugh from NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory about storm observations and mobile weather technology. They discuss the destructive nature of tornadoes and hail, Sean's journey into meteorology, and the innovative HAIL camera technology he is developing to observe hail in freefall. The conversation also covers the challenges of chasing hail, the use of high-speed cameras for data collection, the importance of mobile mesonets for atmospheric observations, and the role of machine learning and AI in weather prediction. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sean Waugh discusses the integration of AI in meteorology, emphasizing its role as a tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. He highlights the importance of hands-on learning for students in meteorology, sharing his experiences in tornado research and storm chasing. The discussion also delves into his involvement with the movie Twisters, showcasing the efforts made to ensure scientific accuracy in its portrayal of meteorology. Dr. Waugh's passion for the field and dedication to educating the next generation of meteorologists shine through, inspiring listeners to appreciate the complexities of weather science.

In this re-release episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Marshall Shepherd discusses the advancements in weather forecasting through AI with experts Dr. Ilan Price and Matthew Willson from Google DeepMind. They delve into the GenCast model, which utilizes machine learning to provide probabilistic weather forecasts that outperform traditional models. The conversation covers the importance of data sources, the handling of extreme weather events, and the validation process of the model, highlighting its potential impact on future weather predictions.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, hosts Jen Carfagno and Dr. Marshall Shepherd recap the most significant weather events of 2025, including record-breaking snowstorms, devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, severe tornadoes, historic flooding, and the quiet hurricane season. They discuss the implications of these events on climate conversations and the importance of meteorological workforce and communication in ensuring public safety.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Dr. Marshall Shepherd interviews Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin, the hosts of a beloved Wisconsin radio show that makes meteorology accessible and entertaining. They discuss their personal journeys into meteorology, the importance of public engagement, and the unique challenges of Wisconsin weather. The conversation also touches on their research insights, the dynamics of planning their show, and the future of weather science in the age of AI.

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.