Geotrek

What happens when generations of tsunami stories become a blueprint for saving lives? In this episode, Quintin Swanson, Council Chairman and Education Director of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, explains how ancestral knowledge and modern engineering came together to build the first tsunami vertical evacuation structure in the United States.

Quintin shares the tribe’s history on Washington’s coast, the warnings passed down about past quakes and tsunamis, and the turning point that pushed the community to act. He walks us through how the structure was designed, who it’s built to protect, and what those crucial minutes between an earthquake and a tsunami really look like.

Quintin wraps with his “Weathered Wisdom,” offering a powerful reflection on the natural event that shaped his life.

A sharp, compelling look at coastal resilience and a model for future tsunami preparedness.

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Executive Director John Eckeberger has lived a life shaped by Gulf Coast weather. A native Texan with more than 50 years in ministry, John brings both grit and compassion to his leadership at the 4B Disaster Response Network—a coalition born out of Hurricane Harvey that now serves as a model for coordinated, faith-driven disaster relief.

In this episode, John walks us through the mission of 4B DRN, how it all started, and why connecting churches, nonprofits, and volunteers is the secret sauce of effective disaster response. He shares the story behind their new response facility, the surprising ways volunteers stay active between major storms, and how other regions can replicate this community-first model.

We also dive into Weathered Wisdom, where John recalls the extreme weather event that left the deepest mark on him—a moment that helped shape his calling.

From mobilizing local churches as evacuation centers to equipping everyday people to step into disaster zones with confidence, John brings clarity, warmth, and hard-earned insight.

Listeners will walk away with a practical understanding of how disaster resilience really gets built—and how they can support the mission.

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Tracie Sempier has spent more than two decades working with disaster-prone communities along the Gulf Coast — listening, teaching, evaluating, and helping local leaders strengthen their resilience. As a Coastal Resilience Engagement Specialist with Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, she brings a rare mix of research, community insight, and hands-on experience.

On this episode of GeoTrek, she shares what she’s learned about preparedness, trust, communication, and the realities communities face long after the headlines fade.

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Documentary filmmaker George Siegal, founder of Move the World Films, exposes the hidden risks in our homes and what we can do to make smarter, safer housing decisions before disaster strikes.

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🎙️ Watch this episode to learn how everyday decisions about where and how we live can mean the difference between safety and disaster.

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When hurricanes or floods threaten, most of us rush to The Home Depot to stock up—but have you ever wondered how they prepare?

In this special episode, recorded during one of Dr. Hurricane Hal's talks at the National Tropical Weather Conference (NTWC), Hal and his colleagues sit down with Jason Arigoni from The Home Depot to talk about how the company gears up before, during, and after extreme weather events.

From supply chain logistics to community support, Jason shares how Home Depot keeps stores running and helps neighborhoods recover when disaster hits.

If you’re fascinated by disaster response, emergency planning, or large-scale logistics, this conversation offers rare insight into what it takes to weather the storm—literally.

👉 Subscribe for more real stories and lessons on resilience, science, and extreme weather.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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