Television producer and digital storyteller Dan Krueger has spent his career turning complex stories into captivating visuals — from CBS and Discovery Channel to his latest work as Lead Technical Field Producer of FloodVision, a groundbreaking Climate Central project bringing flood risk to life.

In this episode of GeoTrek, host Dr. “Hurricane Hal” Needham talks with Dan about his journey through television, marketing, and science communication — and how tools like FloodVision are helping forecasters, scientists, and communities better understand and visualize flood danger before disaster strikes.

Plus, in our Weathered Wisdom segment, Dan shares the unforgettable extreme weather event that shaped his perspective on resilience and storytelling.

Shel Winkley, Weather and Climate Engagement Specialist, joins Hurricane Hal to discuss his career journey, his work at Climate Central, and where he helps bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding. They dig into the importance of attribution research, lessons learned from unforgettable storms, and the future of weather messaging. Listeners will walk away with practical insights into why clear communication could save lives in an era of increasing extremes.

Clear communication is paramount for effective disaster response. Julie Kay Roberts, seasoned expert in strategic communications and emergency management, joins us on GeoTrek podcast #119 to talk about the importance of having a disaster plan, and to share about her amazing work at the Private Sector Emergency Management Association (psema.org).

Hurricane Katrina changed the Gulf Coast forever. 20 years later, GeoTrek host Hal Needham sits down with legendary Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, who rode out the storm in coastal Mississippi.

Jim shares his firsthand experience covering Katrina in 2005, the unforgettable moments he witnessed on the ground, and the lessons we’ve learned since then about hurricane preparedness and resilience.

👉 Subscribe for more stories from the front lines of extreme weather.

In this episode of GeoTrek, we’re joined by Alessandra Jerolleman, Director of Research at the Center for Environment, Land, and Law at Loyola University in New Orleans. As we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Alessandra shares her personal story of the storm’s impact and reflects on the critical lessons we've learned since then.

We dive deep into the ongoing challenges of flood protection, discussing both the benefits and risks of levee systems, as well as how infrastructure can lead to unintended consequences. Alessandra offers a compelling perspective on how the Gulf Coast can better prepare for future storms, while acknowledging the limits of flood defenses.

Plus, we’ll hear a powerful "Weathered Wisdom" story that showcases the raw power of nature and leaves a lasting impression. Tune in for valuable insights on how to protect New Orleans and other vulnerable communities in the face of extreme weather.

Catastrophic floods killed at least 135 people in the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Alex Garcia, Chief Meteorologist at Fox 29 San Antonio, explains the science behind sudden and violent flash floods in this region, and what we can do to reduce loss of life and property in the future.

Flooding is the most common—and costly—natural disaster in the U.S. So how do you protect your property before the water rises?

Tom Little, President and CEO of Smart Vent Products, LLC, joins Dr. Hal to explain the science and strategy behind wet and dry floodproofing. A Certified Floodplain Manager and longtime educator in resilient design, Tom shares how these methods can drastically reduce flood damage and lower insurance premiums.

💧 Topics covered:

• Wet vs. dry floodproofing: What’s the difference?
• Tips for builders, homeowners, and local officials
• How Smart Vent, Freedom Flood Vent, and Floodproofing.com address the full spectrum of flood protection
• Why investing in mitigation pays off long term

Protect your property—and your wallet—by getting smarter about flood risks.

#Floodproofing #SmartVent #FloodResilience #GeoTrek #FloodInsurance #ClimateAdaptation

Join “Hurricane Hal” Needham as he sits down with Carl Schneider, insurance agent and co-founder of Smart Home America, for a story that spans continents and communities. Drawing on the ingenuity of his Swiss ancestors and the perspectives they passed down, Carl shares how smarter construction methods—honed in the rebuilding efforts of post-Katrina Mississippi—can safeguard disaster-prone areas and reduce losses where it matters most.

Why you’ll love this episode:

• Discover the lessons Carl learned rebuilding homes after Katrina

• Learn about cutting-edge techniques that make our communities more resilient

• Hear how Smart Home America is changing the game in risk reduction

Join host Hal Needham as he talks with Meteorologist Robert Speta about the stark differences in preparing for and experiencing tropical cyclones. Speta shares invaluable insights into forecasting and living through powerful typhoons in East Asia, a region renowned for its exceptional disaster preparedness. He also raises critical concerns about hurricane complacency in northeast Florida, where he now resides.

Discover why residents in this area, despite being on the fringe of recent hurricane activity, might be underestimating their risk since the last direct hit from Hurricane Dora in 1964. Tune in for a fascinating global storm perspective and learn essential tips for hurricane preparedness, whether you're in East Asia or Florida!

How do we protect our past from our future? On the latest GeoTrek, we tackle this crucial question with preservation powerhouse Lisa Craig-Hensley! With over 30 years' experience, Lisa reveals the strategies and innovations for making historic properties, from Annapolis to Lodi, more resilient to climate impacts. Prepare to be inspired.