Jet Stream of Consciousness

Tornado droughts are probably the worst low in storm chasing. The longer they linger on, the more doubt and pessismism creep into a chaser's psyche, which can even further hinder the chaser's ability to right the ship. On May 22 of this year, we documented a pair of tornadoes in north Texas, which ended a career-long tornado drought for us. However once the drought is over, it ceases to matter. This episode explores the strange dichotomy of emotions from both sides of the drought as it ends.

Today also marks the 24-year anniversary of my storm chasing career. Even more special, this year is the point where I have been chasing storms for half of my life. I talk about this chasing milestone and what it means to me.

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In this installment of the Meeting Chasing Legends series I tell the story of how I met and came to know Jeff Piotrowski. Jeff has been one of the most widely-known and successful individuals in the weather world, having chased and documented hundreds of tornadoes and several tropical systems, including many well-known hurricanes. Despite his Hall Of Fame career in weather, he has remained a grounded, down-to-earth person who has always ben very generous with his knowledge and time, having helped several newer chasers increase their understanding of severe weather over the years.

PATREON: http://www.patreon.com/passiontwistvideo

Jim Leonard was and is my storm chasing idol/hero. From the very beginning of my chasing career, Jim was the biggest influence and a constant inspiration. His legendary videos, his kindness and his willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others was just another example of how amazing he was. This episode is all about how I came to meet and know Jim.

PATREON: http://www.patreon.com/passiontwistvideo

Business owners in Stillwater, Oklahoma reported that employees were being threatened with violence by customers because they didn't want to wear masks in public despite the fact it had been mandated by local authorities. However, in a strange move, instead of arresting the offenders who threatened violence, the local authorities simply caved, and rescinded the order less than 24 hours after it had been instated. This is but one glowing example of how selfish Americans continue to be the greatest threat to the American way of life.

Arrogant vehicle owners routinely put others in harm's way by blocking overpasses on major roadways because they're trying to avoid hail. This action impedes the progress of both emergency personnel trying to get to where help is needed and civilians who are simply trying to escape the storm itself.

On the evening of May 3, 1999, Jeff Johncox and I chased what would become one of the most significant and historic tornado events in not only Oklahoma history, but world history. Spearheaded by a mammoth F5 tornado, this outbreak produced over 70 tornadoes that evening in Oklahoma and southern Kansas. As two young newbie chasers, we had no idea what we were in store for. A day of firsts including first wedge tornado, first violent tornado, first 3+ tornado day, the closest we'd ever been to a tornado and seeing major tornado damage for the first time. A day that changed several lives forever and took some as well, this event will be etched in weather history forever. This podcast is all about that day from our perspective.

Our first real chase of the year was filled with many of the typical frustrations and pitfalls that go along with attempting to navigate the treacherous Red River Valley region. Trying to position yourself to get a view of a storm, as well as stay with it, while trying to keep a river crossing option close by can be extremely difficult. I talk about one such instance from April 22, and the special challenges and surprises it held.

Competition amongst chasers is nothing new, and can sometimes be enjoyed between friends as a healthy form of social interaction and good-hearted jabbing. However, should an individual begin to take the happenings of other chasers too seriously, it can begin to eat away at a chaser's psyche, causing them unnecessary angst and bitterness, which can ruin their own experiences. It's best (not only in chasing but life itself) to focus only on one's self, and ways to improve their own position. I discuss this in great detail, and offer insights born of experiencing the same thing myself in the past.

I tell stories about great friends who have helped me over the years, and pitch a reality show idea that flips the script between Broyles and his critics.

More muggle idiocy regarding "shelter in place" defense against COVID-19, and a former stormchaser turned enemy.

More Corona BS plus the story of Ben Holcomb's 2017 party and the legendary queso prank.

I rip hoarders, try to discourage fear and explain why I'm never going to stop chasing.