Weather Out West | Re-released

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

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…Chapters00:00 The Destructive Power of Tornadoes and Hail02:58 Sean Wu: A Journey into Meteorology05:57 Innovative HAIL Camera Technology08:47 Chasing Hail: The Challenges and Safety Measures11:59 Observing Hail: The Role of High-Speed Cameras14:46 Mobile Mesonets: Gathering Atmospheric Data17:59 Machine Learning and AI in Weather Prediction21:02 AI in Meteorology: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy24:23 Hands-On Learning: Training the Next Generation of Meteorologists26:00 Tornado Research: Understanding Formation and Behavior28:05 Behind the Scenes of Twisters: A Meteorologist's Role32:20 Authenticity in Film: The Science of Twisters36:41 Passion in Meteorology: Inspiring Future GenerationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Price and Matthew Wilson06:34 Understanding GenCast: The AI Weather Model10:47 Machine Learning vs Traditional Forecasting13:22 Data Sources and Ethical Considerations15:10 Handling Extreme Weather Events21:15 Validation and Verification of GenCast23:26 Impact of GenCast on Weather ForecastingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Forecasting47:57 The Importance of Meteorological WorkforceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Weather: A Unique Landscape21:30 The Changing Landscape of Weather Communication24:35 Advice for Young Meteorologists27:21 The Future of Weather and AISee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Ken BurnsHe’s an Award-Winning Filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. Some of his most popular works include the Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, the National Parks, Prohibition, the Roosevelts, the Vietnam War, and Country Music. Behind the majestic shots and carefully chosen words, there’s another character always in the frame: the weather. From outracing clouds to chasing snow that just won’t fall, even filmmaker Ken Burns has learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always take direction. While shooting his newest series The American Revolution, weather wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a full-fledged co-star. Today, we’ll talk with Ken about the challenges and surprises of filming history in real weather, how climate and geography shaped the American Revolution, and why sometimes the best storyteller is the sky.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ken Burns and His Work01:10 The Role of Weather in Filmmaking02:22 The American Revolution: A Complex Narrative04:19 Challenges of Capturing Weather in Filmmaking07:14 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling09:36 Weather's Impact on Historical Events12:13 Technological Advancements and Their Influence14:27 The Unpredictability of History17:31 The Drama of Real Weather in StorytellingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Challenges16:29 Weather Risk Communication in the Private Sector20:25 Break 220:27 Sustainability Initiatives at Mars, Inc.22:35 Innovations in Agriculture and Climate Resilience25:24 The Role of Technology in Weather Forecasting28:27 Advice for Aspiring MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Policy17:31 The Importance of Listening in Politics20:28 Break 220:31 Weather and Climate in Policy Making23:31 Challenges Facing the Weather and Climate Enterprise26:15 Learning from the Political Process28:56 Advice for Scientists Engaging with PolicymakersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 222:42 Lessons from the Private Sector27:07 Global Weather Challenges and Solutions29:55 The Excitement of Meteorology in the Private Sector32:57 Advice for Future MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.