This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, still remembered as one of the costliest and most devastating storms in history. On this episode, host Jeff O’Shaughnessy and Dr. Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University reflect on the record-breaking 2005 hurricane season, how it reshaped forecasting, and what made storms like Katrina, Rita, and Wilma so destructive.

They also explore how storm formation patterns impact risk, why seasons like 2017 (Harvey, Irma, Maria) and 2024 defied expectations, and what history can teach us about the unpredictability of peak hurricane activity.

How accurate are seasonal hurricane forecasts, and what goes into predicting the number and strength of storms? In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy talks with Dr. Phil Klotzbach about the challenges of predicting named storms versus hurricanes, the significance of metrics like Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), the limitations of seasonal forecasts, and how forecasting has evolved over the past decade.

Hurricanes aren’t just storms—they’re a lifelong passion for Dr. Phil Klotzbach. In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy sits down with Dr. Klotzbach to explore his journey from growing up in Massachusetts, inspired by Hurricane Gloria and Hurricane Bob, to becoming a leading hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. Phil shares how he began studying hurricanes, his work with the legendary Dr. Bill Gray, and the science behind how El Niño and La Niña influence hurricane activity. 

Hurricanes remain one of the most challenging catastrophes for insurers to prepare for—and predict. In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy is joined by Dr. Phil Klotzbach, senior research scientist at Colorado State University and a leading authority on hurricane forecasting. They unpack the August 2025 hurricane outlook, why this season is expected to be slightly above normal, and how the absence of El Niño, warmer Atlantic waters, and shifting wind shear patterns are shaping storm activity. Phil also explains the value of 2-week forecasts and why a small number of major storms cause most of the damage.

In this last episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy talks with cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill who shares his insights on the current state of cybersecurity and why passwords are no longer a reliable form of protection. He emphasizes the importance of two-factor authentication and using authenticator apps to add an extra layer of security. Eric also discusses the principle of displacement, where securing one area can displace threats to another, and how this applies to cybersecurity. He shares examples of how simple security measures can prevent major breaches, and encourages individuals and businesses to take proactive steps to protect themselves.

In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy speaks with former FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill who shares the shocking truth about how AI-powered attacks and deepfakes are being used to manipulate elections and threaten democracy. HE also emphasizes the importance of being proactive in cybersecurity, rather than waiting for an attack to happen. With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated content, Eric stresses the need for individuals and businesses to be vigilant and to develop a mindset of skepticism when interacting online.

In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy interviews former FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill who reveals the shocking truth about nation-state affiliated cyber crime and its impact on critical infrastructure. He exposes how foreign threat actors are using probe attacks to infiltrate and map our power grid, preparing for a future war that could bring catastrophic consequences. Eric warns that we're in a "lot of trouble" and that a critical infrastructure attack is not only plausible but possible.

In this episode, Jeff O’Shaughnessy speaks with former FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill who shares his expertise on the state of cyber crime, revealing a staggering $12 trillion problem that's growing exponentially. With the increasing use of AI, cyber crime is becoming more convincing, more frequent, and more deceptive. Join us for a deep dive into the underworld of cyber crime and what it means for your business and personal security

In a continuation of a conversation with Eric O'Neill, former FBI operative and cybersecurity expert, Jeff O’Shaughnessy takes a deeper dive into the story of Robert Hanssen, the first-ever cyber spy. Eric shares how Hanssen's hacking skills and adaptability allowed him to breach FBI systems and networks for decades, and how he revolutionized espionage by using technology to drop data to foreign powers.

In a thrilling episode of HSB's New Ways of Thinking Podcast, Jeff O’Shaughnessy talks with Eric O'Neill, a legendary former FBI operative turned cybersecurity expert, shares his hair-raising story of catching notorious spy Robert Hanssen. From his early days as an FBI ghost to his daring undercover mission, Eric recounts the twists and turns that led to Hanssen's capture.