Weather Geeks

Guest: Alex TomoffWhen you think of weather and meteorology, you probably picture storm chasers, satellites, or your local forecast. But what about chocolate? At Mars, Inc. — the company behind favorites like M&M’s and Snickers — weather isn’t just background noise, it’s a critical part of the business. From the cocoa fields that depend on rainfall, to the sugar supply impacted by drought, to the logistics of getting chocolate safely from factory to shelf, weather touches every step. And standing at that intersection is today’s guest: Alex Tomoff, the meteorologist of Mars, Inc. We’ll find out how forecasting shapes the future of candy, agriculture, and sustainability — and yes, even your sweet tooth.Chapters00:00 The Intersection of Weather and Chocolate01:46 Alex Tomoff's Journey to Meteorology04:38 Day-to-Day as a Meteorologist at Mars, Inc.07:44 Understanding Key Ingredients: Cocoa, Sugar, and Peanuts10:50 Break 110:52 Climate Change and Its Impact on Cocoa Production13:40 Logistics and Supply Chain C

Guest: Sean SubletteWhen science and policy meet, the results can shape the way communities prepare for the future. Our guest today, meteorologist and science communicator Sean Sublette, is on a mission to make sure that scientific insight has a stronger voice in Congress. From years of forecasting and breaking down weather impacts for the public, Sean now sees an opportunity to bring that same clarity and perspective to the policymaking table. We’ll talk with him about why science matters in the halls of government, how weather and climate knowledge can translate into smarter decisions, and what it means to bridge the gap between data, communication, and action.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sean Sublett and His Journey00:24 Introduction to Sean Sublett and His Journey02:46 The Evolution of Weather Communication05:46 Challenges in Meteorology and Communication08:38 The Role of Meteorologists in High-Impact Events10:11 Break 110:11 Transitioning from Meteorology to Politics14:22 Bridging Science and Policy17:3

Guest: Dr. Josh KastmanWhen you think about Amazon, you probably picture two-day shipping, Prime Video, or that familiar brown package on your doorstep. But behind the scenes, the company has to navigate one force that doesn’t follow a schedule: the weather. From hurricanes threatening delivery routes to heat waves impacting worker safety, weather impacts nearly every aspect of Amazon’s operations. And at the center of it all is Dr. Josh Kastman, Amazon’s Chief Meteorologist. Today, we’ll explore how one of the world’s biggest companies forecasts, prepares for, and adapts to the atmosphere’s every move.Chapters00:00 The Role of Weather in Amazon's Operations02:56 Josh Kastman's Journey to Meteorology05:52 A Day in the Life of Amazon's Chief Meteorologist09:03 Safety First: Preparing for Severe Weather12:03 Communicating Weather Risks Effectively14:21 Break 114:53 Forecasting Tools and AI in Meteorology18:08 Community Engagement and Disaster Relief21:02 The Importance of Communication in Forecasting22:41 Break

Guest: Alan GerardFrom tornado outbreaks to hurricane landfalls, few have had a front-row seat to as many high-impact weather events as Alan Gerard. After decades of service with NOAA and the National Weather Service, Alan now brings his expertise to the public through Balanced Weather, a Substack dedicated to delivering clear, measured, and science-driven weather insights. In this episode, we’ll talk with Alan about the biggest changes he’s seen in forecasting, the challenges of communicating severe weather without hype, and why independent weather voices are more important than ever. Whether you’re a Weather Geek or just someone who wants to better understand the skies above, this conversation will offer a rare look at the intersection of science, communication, and public trust…Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alan Gerard and His Journey in Meteorology05:20 Evolution of NOAA and National Weather Service12:43 The Birth of Balanced Weather and Its Mission23:21 Challenges in Modern Weather Forecasting31:15 The R

Guest: Dr. Rachel MuncriefWhen we think about tackling climate change, it’s easy to picture solar panels and wind farms. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that impacts us all, every single day: how we get from point A to point B.  Transportation accounts for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also an area of rapid innovation and urgent opportunity. From cleaner fuels in shipping lanes to electric trucks on highways, the road to a stable climate runs straight through the way we travel and transport goods.  Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Rachel Muncrief from The International Council on Clean Transportation, which is an organization leading the charge to transform global transportation systems with science-backed policy and practical solutions. We’ll talk about where progress is being made, what challenges remain, and why rethinking transportation is critical for a climate-resilient future. Let’s hit the road!Chapters00:00 The Role of Transportation in C

Guest: Dr. Andy Hazelton, University of MiamiWhen a hurricane’s on the horizon, we turn to the forecast models—those swirling graphics and spaghetti plots that try to predict where the storm will go and how strong it might get. But behind every line and cone is a team of scientists working to make those models faster, smarter, and more accurate. One of those scientists is Dr. Andrew Hazelton, a hurricane modeling specialist who’s worked on some of the most advanced tools used by the National Weather Service. From tracking rapid intensification to improving ensemble forecasts, Dr. Hazelton has been on the front lines of one of the most complex challenges in meteorology. Today, we talk about where hurricane modeling stands, where it’s heading, and what it means for those of us who rely on it when the next storm takes aim.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Modeling03:03 Dr. Andrew Hazelton's Journey into Meteorology06:04 The Role of Hurricane Hunters08:57 Key Components of Hurricane Models12:01 Advancements

Guest: Rep. Eric Sorensen, IL-17When severe weather strikes, the National Weather Service is on the front lines saving lives, but what happens when those front lines are short-staffed as storms get stronger? As a former broadcast meteorologist turned Congressman, Representative Eric Sorensen knows firsthand how critical timely, accurate forecasts are for every community. That’s why he’s helping lead a bipartisan push in Congress to fully staff the National Weather Service, reclassify meteorologists as critical to public safety, and ensure that rural and underserved communities aren’t left behind when minutes matter most. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with Rep. Sorensen about why a fully staffed and supported NWS is essential for our country’s safety, and how weather policy can—and should—transcend politics in the face of a changing climate. Let’s get into it…Chapters00:00 The Importance of a Fully Staffed National Weather Service03:08 Congressman Eric Sorensen's Journey and Achievements

Guest: Rachael Gauthier, IBHSFrom 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 Homeow

Guest: Dr. Grace Ahn, University of GeorgiaWhen 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 Hurric

Guest: Ignacio Gallego-Marcos, Founder of TurbliIf you have ever flown, odds are that you have experienced turbulence. Whether it was minor, or severe enough to make you never want to fly again, turbulence is part of everyday aviation. Our next guest has spent the past several years working on modeling to forecast WHERE and WHEN turbulence might be the worst. Ignacio Gallego-Marcos is using his engineering background to simulate turbulence, and in the summer of 2020 launched Turbli.Chapters00:00 Introduction to turbulence and Turbli03:04 Ignacio's Journey: From Engineering to Aviation05:58 Understanding Turbulence: Causes and Types08:50 Modeling Turbulence: Techniques and Challenges11:58 Addressing Fear of Flying: Insights and Solutions14:48 Turbulence Patterns: Locations and Routes17:55 The Future of Turbulence Forecasting20:50 Business Model of Turbli: Revenue and Accessibility23:42 Climate Change and Turbulence: Trends and Predictions26:52 Final Thoughts and Resources for Fearful FlyersSee Privacy Policy a

Guest: Tom WeberWhen we talk about weather forecasting, we often picture meteorologists at a green screen or storm chasers racing toward a supercell. But behind every forecast is a global network of scientists, technologists, and communicators working on the front lines of climate and extreme weather. In his book Cloud Warriors, journalist Tom Weber introduces us to the pioneers transforming how we understand and respond to the atmosphere. From data-gathering drones and AI-powered models, to humanitarian efforts in the face of heat waves and famine, Weber’s reporting highlights the people pushing weather science into the future while trying to protect the most vulnerable among us.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Warriors and Weather Enterprise01:42 Tom Weber's Journey to Becoming a Weather Geek07:03 The Importance of the Weather Enterprise15:52 Storm Chasing and Research in Meteorology16:19 Understanding the Weather Enterprise20:17 The Balance of Government, Academia, and Private Sector23:18 Experienc

Guests: Dr. Ellen Prager & Dave JonesEver heard someone say sharks are growing legs, or that peeing on a jellyfish sting actually helps? Yeah… same here. The ocean and atmosphere are full of wonder but also full of wild claims that just won’t go away. That’s where today’s guests come in. Dr. Ellen Prager and Dave Jones teamed up to write Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change—a book that tackles your strangest, silliest, and most surprising weather and ocean questions with real science and a healthy dose of humor. From ancient sea creatures to climate change misconceptions, nothing’s off the table. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re setting the record straight, laughing a little, and reminding ourselves why curiosity is one of the best tools we have in the fight against misinformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocean Wonders and Misinformation05:58 Curiosity and the Science Behind Questions12:00 Exploring Myths: Mermaids and Megalodons17:44 Misinformation in the Age of Social Media23:55 Bal

Guest: 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 I

Guest: 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 a

Guest: 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 Rol

Guest: 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 Notic

Guest: 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 Chall

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 Ove

Guests: 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

Guest: 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 F