Weather Geeks

Guest: Paul Goodloe, Weather Channel Meteorologist Winter is officially in the rearview mirror and while some parts of the country were digging out from snow and ice, others were wondering if winter ever showed up at all! So today, we’re doing something a little different. We’re sitting down with a familiar face from The Weather Channel, meteorologist Paul Goodloe, to look back at the season that was. From headline-making storms like Winter Storms Fern and Hernando, to the surprisingly quiet winter across much of the Western United States, there’s plenty to unpack. So grab a warm drink — or maybe start thinking about putting the snow shovel away — as we recap the biggest winter weather moments of the season.Chapters00:00 Winter Weather Overview10:55 Paul Goodlow's Journey to Meteorology13:39 Characterizing the Winter of 2025-202619:44 Break 119:46 Winter Storm Fern: A Deep Dive31:19 Break 231:21 Winter Storm Hernando: The Big Nor'easter32:16 Hurricane Forecasting and Model Accuracy34:53 Th

Guest: Lt. Col. Andrew GayForecasts don’t just matter for farmers, travelers, or weekend plans — they can influence decisions that ripple across the globe. Few people know that better than Major Andrew Gay, who has served as a meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force, at the White House, and at the Pentagon. In those roles, weather wasn’t simply data — it was mission-critical information that could impact safety, security, and strategy at the highest levels. Today, we’ll hear how his career has bridged science and service, and what it takes to forecast when the stakes couldn’t be higher.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Weather Forecasting02:51 Andrew Gay's Journey to Meteorology05:56 Career Path in the Air Force08:53 Supporting Military Operations11:44 Weather Forecasting at the White House12:30 Break 114:44 Current Role and Responsibilities17:55 Challenges in Weather Forecasting21:52 Emerging Technologies in Meteorology22:26 Break 225:06 Effective Science Communication29:50 Advice for Aspiring MeteorologistsSee Pr

Guests: Doug Hilderbrand & Jennifer Sprague-HilderbrandWhen you think about the weather world, you might picture satellites spinning overhead, supercomputers crunching data, or meteorologists trying to explain that yes, the cone is not the size of the storm. But behind all of that is a whole community of people working together to keep us informed and safe. Today, we’re joined by two people who know that ecosystem better than almost anyone: Doug and Jennifer Hilderbrand, co-founders of the American Weather Enterprise Association. Together, they’re building a space where the public, private, and academic sectors can actually talk to each other — and maybe even agree on a few things — to strengthen the entire weather community. We’ll dive into why they launched the association, what they hope to change, and how collaboration can help us all navigate a future with more complex storms, more data, and more demand than ever.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Weather Community03:04 Personal Journeys into Meteorol

Guest: Dr. Russell SchneiderSpring may mean blooming flowers and warmer days, but for meteorologists, it means something else entirely: severe weather season is officially here. As we head into the months when thunderstorms sharpen, tornadoes spin up, and the atmosphere becomes anything but predictable, there’s one place every forecaster and weather enthusiast looks to: the Storm Prediction Center. Today, we’re joined by the Director of the SPC Dr. Russell Schneider, the person who helps oversee the outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and tornado and severe thunderstorm watches that millions depend on when the stakes are high. We’ll look back at what last season taught us, talk about what’s on the horizon for this year, explore how new tools — including emerging AI guidance — are shaping the forecasting landscape, and discuss the growing influence of storm chasers and open-access model data.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Severe Weather Season01:03 Dr. Russell Schneider's Journey to Meteorology04:42 Understan

Guest: Ryan Hall When severe weather is on the horizon, many people turn to their local meteorologist—but millions are heading to YouTube to get the latest from Ryan Hall, Y’all. With his signature down-to-earth style and real-time, no-nonsense weather coverage, Ryan has built one of the most popular and trusted weather communities online. But what’s it really like to cover major weather events on social media’s biggest stage? How does he balance entertainment with accuracy? And where does he see weather communication heading next? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re pulling back the curtain with Ryan Hall himself. From storm-chasing stories to the power of digital weather, we’re diving into how one YouTuber is changing the way we watch the skies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ryan Hall, Y'all02:57 Ryan's Journey into Weather06:07 The Rise of Ryan Hall, Y'all08:49 Transitioning from Traditional Media to Digital11:15 The Evolution of Weather Communication14:37 Building a Community and the Y'all Squad17

Guest: Dr. Alexander Gates, Rutgers University - NewarkWeather doesn’t just shape our daily plans — sometimes, it shapes the course of history. From floods that altered empires to storms that changed the outcome of wars, extreme weather has quietly (and sometimes violently) rewritten the human story. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Alexander Gates, professor at Rutgers University–Newark and author of the upcoming book Wicked Weather. In it, he explores the natural disasters that didn’t just make headlines, but changed societies, politics, and the world as we know it. In this episode, we’ll talk about the historical storms, droughts, and disasters that left lasting marks on civilization, what those events teach us about risk and resilience, and why understanding the past may be one of our best tools for preparing for the future.Chapters00:00 - Introduction: Weather's historical influence on civilizations00:32 - Dr. Gates’ background & inspiration for Wicked Weather01:06 - How natural disasters sh

Guest: Dr. Younes Alila, University of British ColumbiaFloods are some of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth—washing away homes, reshaping landscapes, and testing the limits of our infrastructure. But what if the way we measure and plan for floods is decades out of date? A new study out of the University of British Columbia led by Dr. Younes Alila reveals that the so-called “100-year flood” may now be striking every 10 years or less across parts of British Columbia. Dr. Alila joins us to unpack how land-use changes, deforestation, and a warming climate are amplifying flood frequency, why natural features like wetlands and forests are key to protection, and what communities can do to adapt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Marcus Williams, Research MeteorologistWildfire is one of the most complex weather-driven hazards we face — shaped by wind, terrain, fuel, and timing, where the forecast isn’t just about what happens next, but about keeping people safe in real time. Behind every major fire response and every carefully planned prescribed burn is a team of scientists working to understand those conditions down to the finest detail. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marcus Williams, a research meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service whose work sits at the intersection of science, operations, and on-the-ground decision-making. We’ll talk about what it takes to provide weather support during major California fires, why prescribed fire depends so heavily on getting the forecast right, and how USFS research is shaping the future of fire weather forecasting.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire and Meteorology00:51 Marcus Williams: Journey to Meteorology04:58 Role of Meteorologists in the US Forest Service07:46 Experienc

Guest: Matthew CappucciIf you’ve ever watched a weather forecast and thought, “Wow, that meteorologist has way more energy than the atmosphere itself,” there’s a good chance you were watching Matthew Cappucci. He’s a scientist, a storyteller, a storm chaser, an author, a communicator who somehow manages to make jet streaks sound exciting — and now he’s back on the show! Today, we’re talking to Matthew about how he brings weather to life across TV, print, social media, and whatever platform he conquers next. We’ll chat about the state of weather communication in the age of algorithms, how he cuts through the noise without losing the science, and where he thinks the industry is headed as our storms — and our conversations — keep evolving.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Matthew Cappucci03:02 Matthew's Journey into Meteorology05:51 Creating Engaging Weather Content08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication11:48 Challenges in Weather Forecasting14:59 Navigating the Noise in Weather Communication1

Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHCEvery hurricane season tells a story — not just through the storms that form, but through the forecasts that guide us. And once the season ends, the real detective work begins: Which models nailed the track? Which ones struggled with intensity? And what did we learn that will help us prepare for the next big storm? Joining us today is Dr. Wallace Hogsett from the National Hurricane Center, one of the experts who turns those post-season numbers into meaningful insight. We’ll break down the verification results from the 2025 season, explore how models are improving — and where they’re not — and talk about the growing influence of AI-based forecasting tools. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the scorecard that shapes the future of hurricane prediction, straight from the people who know the models best.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurri

Guest: Samira Davis, United Cajun NavyWhen disaster strikes, it’s often the people on the ground — not the headlines — who make the biggest difference. During Hurricane Florence, while historic floods swallowed neighborhoods across the Carolinas, Samira Davis was among those who stepped up. As a volunteer with the United Cajun Navy, she helped coordinate relief for families, pets, and even horses — filling the gaps between official response and human need. In this episode, we hear her firsthand account of what it’s like to navigate chaos and compassion side by side, the lessons she’s carried from that experience, and how grassroots responders are reshaping what disaster recovery looks like.CHAPTERS00:00 The Human Impact of Disaster Response03:03 Becoming a Weather Geek: Personal Journeys06:16 The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Disaster Relief09:02 The United Cajun Navy: A New Era of Response11:55 Navigating Challenges in Disaster Recovery14:46 BREAK 114:54 The Importance of Preparedness and Communit

Guest: 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

Weather 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 Overn

RECORDED FEBRUARY 21, 2025; Originally released April 30, 2025Guest: Alan Sealls, AMS President-ElectFor decades, broadcast meteorologists have been the trusted voices guiding us through hurricanes, tornadoes, and everyday forecasts. But behind every great weathercaster is a deep passion for both science and communication. Few embody that balance as well as Alan Sealls—a highly respected meteorologist, educator, and soon-to-be President of the American Meteorological Society. As we head into more uncertain times, Alan will certainly have a lot on his plate in 2026 as he manages the relationship between academic, government, broadcast, and private meteorologists all across the country. How will his tenured career translate to get this done? Let’s ask him right now on Weather GeeksChapters00:00 The Journey of a Weather Geek03:07 Career Trajectory and Passion for Meteorology06:04 Navigating Challenges in Meteorology09:00 The Importance of Education and Communication12:00 Lessons Learned in th

Guest: Dr. Neil JacobsEvery forecast, every watch or warning, every piece of storm research in America… starts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.And there’s a new leader in charge: Neil Jacobs.Over the past year, as he waited for Congress to confirm his nomination, NOAA saw cuts to staffing, research and observations.All while the infrastructure that predicts our weather keeps right on aging.The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore sat down with Neil Jacobs, for an exclusive interview- his first as head of NOAA.Chapters00:00 Introduction to NOAA and Leadership Changes02:55 Priorities in Weather Forecasting06:00 Advancements in Forecasting Technology08:50 The Role of AI in Weather Prediction12:03 Challenges in Weather Data Collection15:00 Improving Public Awareness and Response18:09 The Future of Weather Forecasting21:01 Navigating Controversies and Public Trust23:57 Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years26:50 Conclusion and Call to ActionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California

RECORDED FEBRUARY 25, 2025; Originally released March 26, 2025Guest: Daniel SwainWinds are howling outside Los Angeles, California on a dry January day. The hillsides north and east of the city erupt in flames. A wall of fire begins to consume neighborhoods faster than firefighters can keep up. As wind-driven embers continue to fly down hill - a thousand miles away, Daniel Swain’s phone begins to light up. Journalists, companies, officials - all want answers to California’s extreme weather and the impact of climate change. On this week’s episode of Weather Geeks we learn how one high schooler, with a blog, ignited his career to become one of the leading communicators on climate change and the Weather out West.Chapters:00:00 California's Wildfires and Climate Change10:08 Daniel Swain: The Weather Geek's Journey19:52 The Importance of Effective Communication27:05 Linking Climate Change to Extreme Weather40:05 Understanding the Complexity of Weather EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif

RECORDED MARCH 4, 2025; Originally released March 12, 2024Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientistAs we’ve seen in the movies, and real life, tornadoes are some of the most destructive forces in nature, capable of leveling homes and damaging entire communities in a matter of minutes. And what about hail? It causes BILLIONS and billions of dollars in damage in the US every year. But how do we get up-close, real-time data on these violent storms in order to learn what is needed for better predictions? That’s where cutting-edge field research comes in. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re diving into the world of storm observation and mobile weather technology with Sean Waugh from NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. From deploying instrumented drones and mobile mesonets to braving the extreme environments of tornadoes and hailstorms, his work is helping scientists better understand the atmospheric conditions that drive severe weather for years to come…C

RECORDED JANUARY 22, 2025; Originally released FEBRUARY 12, 2025Guests: Dr. Ilan Price, Senior Research Scientist, & Matt Willson, Research EngineerFrom the Euro to the GFS to the Canadian, there are multitudes of models that forecasters use to predict our daily weather. There are models for short-term severe forecasting, 10-day outlooks from your local news, and even models that predict our climate years into the future. As technology advances, so do all of these models and the technology we are focusing on today on Weather Geeks is AI. While it may seem like a buzzword these days, it can be used to enhance our industry and help us all reach our common goal: saving lives and property. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ilan Price to discuss GenCast, Google’s weather forecasting model that is entirely powered by AI. How does it stack up to the models we know and love? The answer may surprise you…Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Weather Forecasting02:10 Meet the Experts: Ilan

It’s been one wild ride through the atmosphere this year — from record-breaking heat waves to snowstorms that made us double-check the map, a hurricane that rewrote history, and tornadoes that left meteorologists speechless.  Today, we’re taking a step back (and maybe a deep breath) to relive the biggest, boldest, and most unbelievable weather moments of the year. We’ll break down what happened, why it happened, and what it all means for the climate conversations ahead.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us as we revisit the skies that shaped our 2025 one storm at a time.Chapters00:00 Weather Highlights of 202510:13 Devastating Fires in Los Angeles16:53 Break 116:58 Severe Weather and Tornadoes24:54 Flooding Across the Country25:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events28:49 The Importance of Flash Flood Warnings31:35 The Impact of Urbanization on Flooding33:53 Break 233:54 Analyzing the Quiet Hurricane Season40:01 Hurricane Melissa: A Case Study45:13 The Role of AI in Weather Forecast

Guests: Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan MartinFor most of us, weather talk is a quick chat about the weekend forecast or a snowy commute. But in Wisconsin, “The Weather Guys” have turned those conversations into something much bigger — a beloved radio show that brings science, stories, and a touch of humor to the airwaves. For years, they’ve been breaking down everything from blizzards to climate change, making meteorology both accessible and fun. Today, we’ll sit down with Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin to hear how their show began, what keeps listeners tuning in, and why Wisconsin weather makes for some of the best conversations around.Chapters00:00 The Birth of Weather Talk00:45 How They Became Weather Geeks03:02 Research Insights and Contributions08:08 Engaging the Public Beyond Academia11:44 Break 111:45 The Importance of Public Engagement14:12 The Dynamics of Show Planning15:29 Memorable Questions from Callers17:00 Balancing Complexity in Communication18:38 Break 218:40 Wisconsin Weath