Guests: Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin

For most of us, weather talk is a quick chat about the weekend forecast or a snowy commute. But in Wisconsin, “The Weather Guys” have turned those conversations into something much bigger — a beloved radio show that brings science, stories, and a touch of humor to the airwaves. For years, they’ve been breaking down everything from blizzards to climate change, making meteorology both accessible and fun. Today, we’ll sit down with Dr. Steven Ackerman and Dr. Jonathan Martin to hear how their show began, what keeps listeners tuning in, and why Wisconsin weather makes for some of the best conversations around.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Birth of Weather Talk
2. 00:45 How They Became Weather Geeks
3. 03:02 Research Insights and Contributions
4. 08:08 Engaging the Public Beyond Academia
5. 11:44 Break 1
6. 11:45 The Importance of Public Engagement
7. 14:12 The Dynamics of Show Planning
8. 15:29 Memorable Questions from Callers
9. 17:00 Balancing Complexity in Communication
10. 18:38 Break 2
11. 18:40 Wisconsin Weather: A Unique Landscape
12. 21:30 The Changing Landscape of Weather Communication
13. 24:35 Advice for Young Meteorologists
14. 27:21 The Future of Weather and AI

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Guest: Ken Burns

He’s an Award-Winning Filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. Some of his most popular works include the Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, the National Parks, Prohibition, the Roosevelts, the Vietnam War, and Country Music. Behind the majestic shots and carefully chosen words, there’s another character always in the frame: the weather. From outracing clouds to chasing snow that just won’t fall, even filmmaker Ken Burns has learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always take direction. While shooting his newest series The American Revolution, weather wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a full-fledged co-star. Today, we’ll talk with Ken about the challenges and surprises of filming history in real weather, how climate and geography shaped the American Revolution, and why sometimes the best storyteller is the sky.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Ken Burns and His Work
2. 01:10 The Role of Weather in Filmmaking
3. 02:22 The American Revolution: A Complex Narrative
4. 04:19 Challenges of Capturing Weather in Filmmaking
5. 07:14 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling
6. 09:36 Weather's Impact on Historical Events
7. 12:13 Technological Advancements and Their Influence
8. 14:27 The Unpredictability of History
9. 17:31 The Drama of Real Weather in Storytelling

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Guest: Alex Tomoff

When you think of weather and meteorology, you probably picture storm chasers, satellites, or your local forecast. But what about chocolate? At Mars, Inc. — the company behind favorites like M&M’s and Snickers — weather isn’t just background noise, it’s a critical part of the business. From the cocoa fields that depend on rainfall, to the sugar supply impacted by drought, to the logistics of getting chocolate safely from factory to shelf, weather touches every step. And standing at that intersection is today’s guest: Alex Tomoff, the meteorologist of Mars, Inc. We’ll find out how forecasting shapes the future of candy, agriculture, and sustainability — and yes, even your sweet tooth.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Intersection of Weather and Chocolate
2. 01:46 Alex Tomoff's Journey to Meteorology
3. 04:38 Day-to-Day as a Meteorologist at Mars, Inc.
4. 07:44 Understanding Key Ingredients: Cocoa, Sugar, and Peanuts
5. 10:50 Break 1
6. 10:52 Climate Change and Its Impact on Cocoa Production
7. 13:40 Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges
8. 16:29 Weather Risk Communication in the Private Sector
9. 20:25 Break 2
10. 20:27 Sustainability Initiatives at Mars, Inc.
11. 22:35 Innovations in Agriculture and Climate Resilience
12. 25:24 The Role of Technology in Weather Forecasting
13. 28:27 Advice for Aspiring Meteorologists

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Guest: Sean Sublette

When science and policy meet, the results can shape the way communities prepare for the future. Our guest today, meteorologist and science communicator Sean Sublette, is on a mission to make sure that scientific insight has a stronger voice in Congress. From years of forecasting and breaking down weather impacts for the public, Sean now sees an opportunity to bring that same clarity and perspective to the policymaking table. We’ll talk with him about why science matters in the halls of government, how weather and climate knowledge can translate into smarter decisions, and what it means to bridge the gap between data, communication, and action.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Sean Sublett and His Journey
2. 00:24 Introduction to Sean Sublett and His Journey
3. 02:46 The Evolution of Weather Communication
4. 05:46 Challenges in Meteorology and Communication
5. 08:38 The Role of Meteorologists in High-Impact Events
6. 10:11 Break 1
7. 10:11 Transitioning from Meteorology to Politics
8. 14:22 Bridging Science and Policy
9. 17:31 The Importance of Listening in Politics
10. 20:28 Break 2
11. 20:31 Weather and Climate in Policy Making
12. 23:31 Challenges Facing the Weather and Climate Enterprise
13. 26:15 Learning from the Political Process
14. 28:56 Advice for Scientists Engaging with Policymakers

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Guest: Dr. Josh Kastman

When you think about Amazon, you probably picture two-day shipping, Prime Video, or that familiar brown package on your doorstep. But behind the scenes, the company has to navigate one force that doesn’t follow a schedule: the weather. From hurricanes threatening delivery routes to heat waves impacting worker safety, weather impacts nearly every aspect of Amazon’s operations. And at the center of it all is Dr. Josh Kastman, Amazon’s Chief Meteorologist. Today, we’ll explore how one of the world’s biggest companies forecasts, prepares for, and adapts to the atmosphere’s every move.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Role of Weather in Amazon's Operations
2. 02:56 Josh Kastman's Journey to Meteorology
3. 05:52 A Day in the Life of Amazon's Chief Meteorologist
4. 09:03 Safety First: Preparing for Severe Weather
5. 12:03 Communicating Weather Risks Effectively
6. 14:21 Break 1
7. 14:53 Forecasting Tools and AI in Meteorology
8. 18:08 Community Engagement and Disaster Relief
9. 21:02 The Importance of Communication in Forecasting
10. 22:41 Break 2
11. 22:42 Lessons from the Private Sector
12. 27:07 Global Weather Challenges and Solutions
13. 29:55 The Excitement of Meteorology in the Private Sector
14. 32:57 Advice for Future Meteorologists

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Guest: Alan Gerard

From tornado outbreaks to hurricane landfalls, few have had a front-row seat to as many high-impact weather events as Alan Gerard. After decades of service with NOAA and the National Weather Service, Alan now brings his expertise to the public through Balanced Weather, a Substack dedicated to delivering clear, measured, and science-driven weather insights. In this episode, we’ll talk with Alan about the biggest changes he’s seen in forecasting, the challenges of communicating severe weather without hype, and why independent weather voices are more important than ever. Whether you’re a Weather Geek or just someone who wants to better understand the skies above, this conversation will offer a rare look at the intersection of science, communication, and public trust…

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Alan Gerard and His Journey in Meteorology
2. 05:20 Evolution of NOAA and National Weather Service
3. 12:43 The Birth of Balanced Weather and Its Mission
4. 23:21 Challenges in Modern Weather Forecasting
5. 31:15 The Role of Independent Weather Voices
6. 33:43 Future Aspirations for Balanced Weather

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Guest: Dr. Rachel Muncrief

When we think about tackling climate change, it’s easy to picture solar panels and wind farms. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that impacts us all, every single day: how we get from point A to point B.  Transportation accounts for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also an area of rapid innovation and urgent opportunity. From cleaner fuels in shipping lanes to electric trucks on highways, the road to a stable climate runs straight through the way we travel and transport goods.  Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Rachel Muncrief from The International Council on Clean Transportation, which is an organization leading the charge to transform global transportation systems with science-backed policy and practical solutions. We’ll talk about where progress is being made, what challenges remain, and why rethinking transportation is critical for a climate-resilient future. Let’s hit the road!

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Role of Transportation in Climate Change
2. 14:57 Electrification of Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges
3. 29:54 Decarbonizing Shipping and Aviation
4. 42:11 Equity in Clean Transportation

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Guest: Dr. Andy Hazelton, University of Miami

When a hurricane’s on the horizon, we turn to the forecast models—those swirling graphics and spaghetti plots that try to predict where the storm will go and how strong it might get. But behind every line and cone is a team of scientists working to make those models faster, smarter, and more accurate. One of those scientists is Dr. Andrew Hazelton, a hurricane modeling specialist who’s worked on some of the most advanced tools used by the National Weather Service. From tracking rapid intensification to improving ensemble forecasts, Dr. Hazelton has been on the front lines of one of the most complex challenges in meteorology. Today, we talk about where hurricane modeling stands, where it’s heading, and what it means for those of us who rely on it when the next storm takes aim.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Modeling
2. 03:03 Dr. Andrew Hazelton's Journey into Meteorology
3. 06:04 The Role of Hurricane Hunters
4. 08:57 Key Components of Hurricane Models
5. 12:01 Advancements in Hurricane Forecasting Models
6. 14:53 The Impact of AI on Hurricane Forecasting
7. 18:02 Real-Time Testing and Model Validation
8. 21:00 The Importance of Ocean Conditions
9. 23:54 Future of Hurricane Forecasting
10. 26:52 Challenges in Communicating Hurricane Forecasts
11. 29:35 Final Thoughts on the Current Hurricane Season

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Guest: Rep. Eric Sorensen, IL-17

When severe weather strikes, the National Weather Service is on the front lines saving lives, but what happens when those front lines are short-staffed as storms get stronger? As a former broadcast meteorologist turned Congressman, Representative Eric Sorensen knows firsthand how critical timely, accurate forecasts are for every community. That’s why he’s helping lead a bipartisan push in Congress to fully staff the National Weather Service, reclassify meteorologists as critical to public safety, and ensure that rural and underserved communities aren’t left behind when minutes matter most. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with Rep. Sorensen about why a fully staffed and supported NWS is essential for our country’s safety, and how weather policy can—and should—transcend politics in the face of a changing climate. Let’s get into it…

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Importance of a Fully Staffed National Weather Service
2. 03:08 Congressman Eric Sorensen's Journey and Achievements
3. 06:07 Flood Mitigation and Climate Change Challenges
4. 08:53 Bipartisan Efforts for Weather Workforce Improvement
5. 11:53 The Role of Meteorologists in Public Safety
6. 15:10 Addressing Staffing Shortages in the National Weather Service
7. 17:56 Proposals for Weather Safety and Research
8. 20:51 The Need for an NTSB for Weather
9. 23:54 The Future of Weather Forecasting and Public Safety

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Guest: Rachael Gauthier, IBHS

From hurricane shutters to fortified roofs, storm prep advice is everywhere, but how do you know what actually works? At the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, science leads the way. They test building materials, simulate real storms, and turn hard data into practical, life-saving guidance. Today, we're joined by Rachael Gauthier, a passionate voice for resilience and preparedness, to break down what science-backed storm prep really looks like and how it can protect your home and your family. Whether you're on the coast, in tornado alley, or somewhere in between, this is one conversation that just might help you weather the next big one.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Understanding Storm Preparedness
2. 04:28 The Role of IBHS in Resilience
3. 10:06 Building Codes and Industry Collaboration
4. 14:09 Home Improvement for Resilience
5. 16:15 Fortified Homes and Community Standards
6. 25:29 Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation
7. 30:40 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Resilient Building
8. 38:01 Practical Tips for Homeowners

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