Weather Geeks

Guest: Kevin RothWe all love to think that the outcome of a game comes down to talent, strategy, and maybe a little luck. But there’s another player on the field that nobody can control: the weather. Wind can turn a routine fly ball into an adventure, heat and humidity can test athletes and fans, and a thunderstorm can send an entire stadium scrambling for cover. So how much can weather actually influence the game—and what should fans know before they head to the stadium? Today, we’re talking to Kevin Roth, a sports meteorologist who lives right at the intersection of weather and sports. We’ll talk about forecasting for different sports, how weather affects performance and strategy, and how fans can be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kevin Roth and sports meteorology01:57 How Kevin Rxoth became a weather geek and his background03:49 The intersection of weather and sports forecasting07:52 Data analysis in sports weather forecasting12:04 Challe

Guest: Dr. Stephen Nesbitt Five years ago, Dr. Steve Nesbitt joined us to unpack the fundamentals of radar meteorology. Since then, atmospheric science has undergone a massive evolution moving from how we capture severe weather to how we decode it using artificial intelligence and cloud computing. As a UIUC Professor, incoming Associate Dean, and newly named AMS Fellow, Steve has spent his career studying Earth’s most explosive storms. Today, he’s leading a new frontier in meteorology, building open-source tools like Radar DataTree to turn decades of legacy radar files into AI-ready intelligence. We’re sitting down with Steve to catch up on what’s changed since his last visit, how AI is reshaping weather science, and the physics behind the Midwest’s wild tornado season.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:05 How Dr. Nesbitt Became a Weather Geek03:59 AI's Impact on Meteorology and Weather Resilience06:57 Recent Tornado Trends in Illinois and the Midwest09:58 Break 109:59 Remote Sensing Technologi

Guest: Dr. Samantha MontanoWhen a disaster strikes, most of us focus on what we can see: the storm, the wildfire, the flood, or the earthquake. But what if the real story begins long before the event—and continues long after the headlines fade?  Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dr. Samantha Montano, a disaster researcher, author, and one of the leading voices helping the public better understand how disasters actually work. Through her work in "Disasterology," she examines the systems, decisions, and vulnerabilities that can turn natural hazards into human disasters—and what we can do to build more resilient communities.  We'll talk about some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding disasters, why recovery is often the most overlooked phase of the disaster cycle, and how individuals, communities, and leaders can better prepare for the challenges that come before, during, and after a crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Disasterology and Dr. Montano01:05 How Disasterology Became a Field02:07

Guest: Mike OlbinskiFor most people, a thunderstorm is something you watch from a window. But for storm chasers, it's a front-row seat to some of nature's most spectacular displays—and few have captured those moments as beautifully as today's guest. On this episode of Weather Geeks, we're joined by storm chaser and filmmaker Mike Olbinski. Based in the Desert Southwest, Mike has spent years documenting everything from towering monsoon thunderstorms and dramatic haboobs to lightning-filled skies across the Great Plains, creating breathtaking imagery that has inspired weather enthusiasts around the world. We'll talk about what makes chasing storms in Arizona so unique, some of the unforgettable moments he's experienced on the road, and how the art of storm storytelling has evolved alongside advances in cameras, social media, and live streaming.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mike Olbinski and his work13:38 Break 113:39 How technology has changed storm chasing24:38 Break 224:40 Advances in weather models

Guest: Dr. Dillon AmayaThe Pacific Ocean covers nearly a third of our planet, and yet some of its most important changes happen far from shore and often out of sight. But whether it's a developing El Niño, a cooling La Niña, or an expansive marine heat wave, what happens in the Pacific can influence weather, ecosystems, and communities around the world. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dillon Amaya, whose research focuses on the complex relationship between the ocean and the atmosphere. We'll explore the growing scientific interest in Pacific marine heat waves, what we've learned from some of the most notable events in recent years, and how these episodes can ripple through both weather and climate systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marine Heat Waves02:32 Dylan Amaya's Journey into Meteorology05:34 Understanding Marine Heat Waves08:48 Marine Heat Waves vs. Ocean Warming11:38 Impact of Marine Heat Waves on Weather13:37 Break 113:39 Marine Heat Waves and El Niño17:45 Causes and Effects of Marine

Guest: Craig SetzerWhen most people think of meteorology, they think of forecasts on television, hurricane updates, or severe weather warnings. But some meteorologists work in places most of us rarely consider—guiding ships across vast oceans, helping industries make critical weather decisions, and even reconstructing past weather events to answer important questions long after the skies have cleared. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by maritime meteorologist Craig Setzer. Throughout his career, Craig has helped bridge the worlds of weather, ocean navigation, and risk management, providing forecasts and expertise for operations that depend on understanding conditions far from land. We'll explore the unique challenges of forecasting weather at sea, how the cruise industry uses meteorological information to keep passengers and crews safe, and the fascinating field of forensic meteorology—where weather data, observations, and science are used to piece together what happened during past events.Chapt

Guest: Tim GallaudetThe ocean shapes our weather, our climate, our economy, and ultimately, life on Earth itself. And yet, for something so vast and so essential, there’s still so much we’re only beginning to understand. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Tim Gallaudet—oceanographer, former NOAA administrator, and longtime advocate for advancing ocean science and literacy. His new book takes readers deep into the challenges, discoveries, and opportunities tied to the future of our oceans, while also reflecting on the leadership and innovation needed to better understand and protect them. We’ll talk about the inspiration behind the book, the emerging technologies transforming ocean research, and why collaboration and communication may be just as important as the science itself when it comes to shaping the future of ocean stewardship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocean's Role in Earth's Climate00:47 Dr. Gallaudet's Background and Ocean Passion01:48 From Coast to Navy: A Dual Passion for Fluid

Guest: Dr. Amanda Staudt We live in an era where the weather is breaking records, reshaping economies, and dominating global headlines. Navigating this rapidly changing landscape requires a unique blend of cutting-edge science, public trust, and bold leadership. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the American Meteorological Society, Dr. Amanda Staudt is stepping into the helm at a pivotal moment. From the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in forecasting to the battle against climate misinformation, she is tasked with guiding the scientific community into the future. Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Staudt to discuss her vision for the future of meteorology, how AMS is adapting to the AI revolution, and what it takes to inspire the next generation of weather and climate professionals.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Amanda Staudt's background00:50 How Amanda became a weather enthusiast04:02 AMS's history and Amanda's leadership role04:58 Bridging academia, government, and private sector07:

Guest: Amber Sullins, Chief Meteorologist at ABC15When most people think about dangerous weather, they think about hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards. But in the deserts of the Southwest, one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—hazards can arrive as a towering wall of dust. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Amber Sullins, a longtime Arizona meteorologist who has spent her career helping people navigate everything from extreme heat and monsoon storms to the massive dust storms that have become synonymous with life in the desert Southwest. We'll talk about her journey forecasting some of the country's most unique weather, and we'll take a deep dive into the development of the new PHX-DUST scale—a groundbreaking effort designed to classify dust storms and better communicate their impacts to the public. From the science behind the scale to the challenges of translating complex research into actionable information, we'll explore how meteorologists are working to improve awareness and resili

Guest: Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA's National Hurricane CenterThe peak of hurricane season is right around the corner—and whether you live along the coast or hundreds of miles inland, what happens in the tropics can have real impacts on your life. The question is: what do you actually need to know before the season really ramps up? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re getting a preview straight from the source. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, joins us to walk through what forecasters are watching this year, how hurricane prediction continues to improve, and where the biggest challenges still remain. We’ll also talk about new tools and products coming out of the National Hurricane Center, how technology is shaping the future of forecasting, and what all of this means for you when the next storm is on the horizon.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Season and Its Impacts02:45 Understanding Tropical Storm Arthur and Its Effects05:41 El Niño's Influence on Hurrican

Guest: Dr. Mike Farrar, Booz Allen HamiltonWeather forecasting has come a long way—from hand-drawn maps and limited observations to a world driven by supercomputers, satellites, and real-time data. But as technology continues to evolve, so does the challenge of making forecasts faster, smarter, and more useful for the people who rely on them every day. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Farrar, whose career has spanned research, operations, and leadership across the meteorological community. His company has been tasked to help modernize the National Weather Service, and with that he’s helping shape what the future of forecasting could look like for both meteorologists and the public alike. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges facing weather operations today, how emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are changing the forecasting landscape, and why communication and public trust remain just as important as the science itself.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Career Background

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Francis, Woodwell Climate Research CenterWhen we think about the Arctic, it's easy to picture a remote landscape of sea ice and polar bears. But what happens in the far north doesn't stay there. As the Arctic continues to warm at an unprecedented pace, scientists are uncovering how those changes may be influencing weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere—from prolonged heat waves and persistent droughts to heavy rainfall and unusual swings in the jet stream. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by atmospheric scientist Dr. Jennifer Francis, whose pioneering research has helped shape our understanding of the connection between Arctic climate change and the behavior of the jet stream. We'll explore why the Arctic is warming so rapidly, how those changes can ripple through the atmosphere, and what they may mean for the persistent weather patterns we've seen in recent years—including the extreme heat that has gripped much of Europe this summer.Chapters00:00 Dr. Jennifer Franci

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Collins & Dr. Nadia BloemendaalWhen it comes to hurricanes, we often rely on a familiar scale to understand their strength — categories based largely on wind speed. But anyone who’s experienced a storm knows that impacts go far beyond just how fast the winds are blowing. Today, we’re joined by Jennifer Collins and Nadia Bloemendaal, whose work is helping to rethink how we model and measure tropical cyclones. They’re the minds behind the STORM model, a powerful tool for simulating thousands of storms across the globe, and the developers of the Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale — a new way of looking at storm risk that goes beyond traditional categories. In this episode, we’ll explore how large-scale modeling is changing our understanding of hurricane risk, why current classification systems may fall short, and how new approaches could improve the way we communicate danger and prepare for future storms.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the New Storm Model00:20 The Storm Model's Impac

Guest: Dr. Aran MooneyWhen you think about saving coral reefs, you probably imagine divers, coral nurseries, or maybe even futuristic technology — but what if part of the solution starts with simply turning up the volume? Because it turns out, coral reefs don’t just look alive… they sound alive. Today’s guest, Dr. Aran Mooney, is helping scientists and conservationists tune into the ocean in a whole new way. His research explores how the natural “music” of healthy reefs — the pops, clicks, and choruses of marine life — can actually help guide coral larvae home and jump-start reef recovery. In this episode, we’ll talk about listening to the ocean, using sound as a conservation tool, and why sometimes the key to protecting our planet isn’t louder warnings — it’s learning how to hear what nature has been telling us all along.Chapters00:00 The Sound of Coral Reefs06:00 Sound as a Restoration Tool12:02 The Mechanics of Sound Playback17:23 Break 117:55 Environmental Influences on Coral Soundscapes20:17 Th

Guest: Brad Panovich, WCNC CharlotteIf you’ve lived in North Carolina for any length of time, chances are you’ve turned to one familiar face when the weather turns serious. But being a trusted meteorologist today isn’t just about what happens on TV—it’s about showing up wherever your audience is, whether that’s on-air, online, or in the middle of a rapidly evolving storm. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. For decades, Brad has helped guide North Carolinians through everything from day-to-day forecasts to high-impact events—including more recent storms like Hurricane Helene—building a level of trust that goes far beyond the forecast itself. We’ll talk about how his approach to communication has evolved in the age of social media, what it takes to cut through misinformation, and how you balance urgency, clarity, and calm when people are depending on you the most.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brad Panovich and His Journey02:55 The Evolution of

Guest: Seth Borenstein, Associated PressEvery day, new scientific discoveries shape the way we understand our world — from extreme weather to the changing climate. But most of us don’t read scientific journals. Instead, we rely on journalists to translate complex research into stories that inform the public and help us make sense of what it all means. Today we’re joined by Seth Borenstein, a veteran science reporter with the Associated Press who has spent decades covering everything from hurricanes and heat waves to the latest breakthroughs in climate research. Over the years, his reporting has helped bring critical science stories to audiences around the world. In this episode, we’ll talk about how science journalism has evolved, how the media approaches reporting on Climate Change, and what it takes to translate complex science into clear, trustworthy stories for the public.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility01:43 How Seth Became a Weather and Climate Geek04:02 The Evolution of Climat

GUEST: Ken Graham, Director of NOAA National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service Director Ken Graham visited The Weather Channel for a wide-ranging conversation with Jim Cantore about the future of weather forecasting and public safety.They will discuss ongoing efforts to modernize the National Weather Service, the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure, the latest developments in forecasting technology and AI, and what improvements may be on the horizon for everything from hurricane forecasts to severe weather prediction. They also talk about staffing, observations, and the tools that help forecasters turn data into decisions when lives are on the line.And as he marks four years as Director, Jim will ask Ken to reflect on the experiences that shaped his career, the accomplishments he's most proud of, and what he wants the public to better understand about the work happening behind the scenes every day.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility00:59 Ken Graham's Ten and Progress Overview0

Guest: 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 Asse

Guest: 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 Saf

Guest: 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