Cloud Warriors: The Front Lines of Weather Forecasting
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.
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Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change - Oh My!
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.
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The Weather Gods Curse the Gettysburg Campaign
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.
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Little House, Big Climate: Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder
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 and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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From Sparks to Surveillance: The Science Behind ALERTCalifornia
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 Role in Fire Management17:43 Data Integration and Future Prospects20:53 Public Engagement and Awareness23:48 Cascading Disasters and Multi-Hazard Approach26:52 Future of Alert California and Technology Advancements29:39 Conclusion and Call to ActionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You see it every day. It’s the subject of poetry, literature, art and film. It can inspire spiritual experiences, and it can destroy everything you have ever worked for. It is the weather, and no one knows it better than we do. Join us every week for the agony and the ecstasy of the one story that the entire world participates in and the science behind it. From the people behind The Weather Channel TV network.
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