The Other Side of Success

James Spann: Tornadoes, Trauma & the Ministry of Weather


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In the Season One finale of The Other Side of Success, Tyler sits down with Alabama’s most trusted voice during crisis — Chief Meteorologist James Spann. Known for his calm presence during deadly tornado outbreaks, Spann opens up about the private storms he’s weathered behind the camera: a broken home, early trauma, and the long road to faith and forgiveness.

This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and hard truth — from electric fences and ashtray VBS crafts to leadership under pressure and rebuilding after loss. Whether you’re from Alabama or not, this one will stay with you.

  • ​The childhood trauma that shaped Spann’s work ethic
  • ​How April 27, 2011 changed his life forever
  • ​The night a tornado hit his own house
  • ​Balancing public pressure with private pain
  • ​Why his real legacy is in children's ministry — not weather
  • ​A deeply personal story about forgiving his father
  • ​How he defines real success in today’s chaotic world
  • ​📚 Book: Weathering Life by James Spann – Buy on Amazon
  • ​📖 Recommended Reading: All Over But the Shoutin’ & The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg
  • ​🎧 WeatherBrains Podcast – weatherbrains.com
  • Instagram @spannwx
  • Twitter/X @spann
  • Facebook @JamesSpann
  • YouTube – Weather Updates
  • ​Instagram: @theothersideofsuccesspod
  • ​All Episodes & Platforms: linktr.ee/theothersideofsuccess

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The Other Side of SuccessBy Tyler Rutledge