Balanced Weather: Cutting Through the Storm of Misinformation

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 Role of Independent Weather Voices33:43 Future Aspirations for Balanced WeatherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Climate Change14:57 Electrification of Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges29:54 Decarbonizing Shipping and Aviation42:11 Equity in Clean TransportationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 in Hurricane Forecasting Models14:53 The Impact of AI on Hurricane Forecasting18:02 Real-Time Testing and Model Validation21:00 The Importance of Ocean Conditions23:54 Future of Hurricane Forecasting26:52 Challenges in Communicating Hurricane Forecasts29:35 Final Thoughts on the Current Hurricane SeasonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Achievements06:07 Flood Mitigation and Climate Change Challenges08:53 Bipartisan Efforts for Weather Workforce Improvement11:53 The Role of Meteorologists in Public Safety15:10 Addressing Staffing Shortages in the National Weather Service17:56 Proposals for Weather Safety and Research20:51 The Need for an NTSB for Weather23:54 The Future of Weather Forecasting and Public SafetySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 HomeownersSee 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 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 Hurricanes30:18 The Power of Combined Communication MethodsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Experiences in Storm Chasing with NSSL30:46 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication35:00 Understanding Weather Forecasting and Human Behavior38:51 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication44:46 Advancements in Weather Modeling and AI54:52 The Importance of Weather Literacy and Public AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Balancing Humor and Scientific Accuracy24:50 Flying High: The Science of Turbulence26:37 Meeting Audiences Where They Are28:57 Climate Change: Show Me the Data35:49 Curiosity and Communication in Science40:32 Integrating Science into EntertainmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 ImportanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.