Weather Geeks

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 Community18:06 Animal Rescue in Disaster Situations21:09 The Long-Term Effects of Natural Disasters23:56 Getting Involved: How to Help27:04 The Power of Community and Collaboration27:40 BREAK 200:27:41 Real Estate Lessons from Disasters00:31:28 Collective Action and Preparedness00:34:54 Evolving Strategies in Disaster Relief00:37:12 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.

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 Reporting21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation29:56 BREAK 230:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future GenerationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Overnight Flooding Event29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings35:41 Psychology of Weather Response37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures51:30 The Human Element in Weather EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 the Broadcasting Industry15:05 Community Engagement and Impact18:04 Secrets to Effective Communication and Teaching20:57 Engaging Communication in Meteorology22:21 Approaching Severe Weather Coverage25:42 The Impact of Technology on Meteorology27:54 The Future of Broadcast Meteorology30:01 Leadership and Representation in Meteorology34:13 Exploring African American Contributions to Meteorology39:57 Alan Sealls' Literary ContributionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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