Guest: Dr. Dillon Amaya

The Pacific Ocean covers nearly a third of our planet, and yet some of its most important changes happen far from shore and often out of sight. But whether it's a developing El Niño, a cooling La Niña, or an expansive marine heat wave, what happens in the Pacific can influence weather, ecosystems, and communities around the world. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dillon Amaya, whose research focuses on the complex relationship between the ocean and the atmosphere. We'll explore the growing scientific interest in Pacific marine heat waves, what we've learned from some of the most notable events in recent years, and how these episodes can ripple through both weather and climate systems.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Marine Heat Waves
2. 02:32 Dylan Amaya's Journey into Meteorology
3. 05:34 Understanding Marine Heat Waves
4. 08:48 Marine Heat Waves vs. Ocean Warming
5. 11:38 Impact of Marine Heat Waves on Weather
6. 13:37 Break 1
7. 13:39 Marine Heat Waves and El Niño
8. 17:45 Causes and Effects of Marine Heat Waves
9. 20:54 Ocean Temperature Changes and Jet Stream Dynamics
10. 22:11 Marine Heat Waves and Climate Variability
11. 23:59 Ecosystem Impacts of Marine Heat Waves
12. 25:41 Coral Reefs and Marine Heat Waves
13. 27:17 Global Hot Spots for Marine Heat Waves
14. 28:05 Break 2
15. 28:06 Understanding Atlantic Niña and Its Effects
16. 30:32 European Heat Waves and Ocean Anomalies
17. 31:37 Surprising Discoveries in Marine Heat Wave Research
18. 34:13 Climate Change and Ocean Temperature Trends
19. 36:22 Future Research Directions in Marine Heat Waves
20. 37:41 Machine Learning in Marine Heat Wave Forecasting

Resources

• NOAA PSL Marine Heat Waves Forecast System - https://psl.noaa.gov/marine-heatwaves/
• NOAA Ocean Temperature Monitoring - https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/GODAS/
• El Nino and La Nina Explained - NOAA - https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/elninolanina/
• Marine Blob Tracker - NOAA - https://www.integratedecosystemassessment.noaa.gov/regions/california-current/california-current-marine-heatwave-tracker-blobtracker
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography - https://scripps.ucsd.edu/

Guest links

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dillon-j-amaya-2bb2a892
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/dillonamaya
• North Carolina State University - Dillon Amaya Profile - https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu/people/djamaya/

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Guest: Craig Setzer

When most people think of meteorology, they think of forecasts on television, hurricane updates, or severe weather warnings. But some meteorologists work in places most of us rarely consider—guiding ships across vast oceans, helping industries make critical weather decisions, and even reconstructing past weather events to answer important questions long after the skies have cleared. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by maritime meteorologist Craig Setzer. Throughout his career, Craig has helped bridge the worlds of weather, ocean navigation, and risk management, providing forecasts and expertise for operations that depend on understanding conditions far from land. We'll explore the unique challenges of forecasting weather at sea, how the cruise industry uses meteorological information to keep passengers and crews safe, and the fascinating field of forensic meteorology—where weather data, observations, and science are used to piece together what happened during past events.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Maritime Meteorology
2. 05:31 Differences Between Maritime and TV Forecasting
3. 08:32 Cruise Industry and Weather Disruptions
4. 10:27 Operational Decisions During Hurricanes
5. 12:38 Pressure and Responsibilities of a Maritime Meteorologist
6. 15:16 Legal Considerations in Maritime Operations
7. 16:42 Other Weather Hazards in Maritime Forecasting
8. 18:55 The Impact of Meteorology on Cruise Experiences
9. 20:51 The Value of Weather in Maritime Safety
10. 21:16 Break 1
11. 21:17 Introduction to Forensic Meteorology
12. 22:05 Craig Setzer's Background and Expertise
13. 23:36 Understanding Forensic Meteorology
14. 25:09 The Role of Captains and Meteorologists
15. 26:40 Clients and Cases in Forensic Meteorology
16. 28:22 Challenges in Weather Data Analysis
17. 30:28 The Importance of Buoy Data
18. 32:12 Historical Data from Ships
19. 33:38 Break 2
20. 33:38 Hurricane Forecasting and the Cone
21. 39:01 Communication in Meteorology
22. 40:21 Advice for Future Meteorologists

Resources

• Royal Caribbean Group - https://www.royalcaribbean.com/
• NOAA Buoy Data Center - https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
• Metropolitan State University of Denver - https://www.msudenver.edu/
• University of Oklahoma - https://www.ou.edu/

Guest links

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/craig-setzer-ccm-03095422a
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/craigsetzer

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Tim Gallaudet

The ocean shapes our weather, our climate, our economy, and ultimately, life on Earth itself. And yet, for something so vast and so essential, there’s still so much we’re only beginning to understand. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Tim Gallaudet—oceanographer, former NOAA administrator, and longtime advocate for advancing ocean science and literacy. His new book takes readers deep into the challenges, discoveries, and opportunities tied to the future of our oceans, while also reflecting on the leadership and innovation needed to better understand and protect them. We’ll talk about the inspiration behind the book, the emerging technologies transforming ocean research, and why collaboration and communication may be just as important as the science itself when it comes to shaping the future of ocean stewardship.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Ocean's Role in Earth's Climate
2. 00:47 Dr. Gallaudet's Background and Ocean Passion
3. 01:48 From Coast to Navy: A Dual Passion for Fluids
4. 02:48 Career Highlights and Leadership in the Navy
5. 07:22 Serving as NOAA Deputy and Leading Through Challenges
6. 09:32 Motivation Behind Writing 'Holding Fast in Heavy Seas'
7. 11:31 Break 1
8. 11:32 Stories of Leadership and Resilience
9. 15:09 Advances in Ocean Mapping and Research Initiatives
10. 17:35 Bipartisan Support and Environmental Wins
11. 21:14 Leadership Pillars: All In, All Good, All For One
12. 21:44 Break 2
13. 21:46 Coral Reefs: Biodiversity, Protection, and Economic Impact
14. 28:20 The Role of Private Sector in Ocean and Climate Science
15. 31:02 UAPs and the Quest for Scientific Truth
16. 33:55 Where to Find the Book and Future Research Directions

Resources

• Holding Fast in Heavy Seas by Tim Gallaudet - https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Fast-Heavy-Seas-
• NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - https://www.noaa.gov
• Ocean STL Consulting, LLC - https://oceanstl.com

Guest links

• Website - https://timgallaudet.com
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/TimGallaudet

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Amanda Staudt

We live in an era where the weather is breaking records, reshaping economies, and dominating global headlines. Navigating this rapidly changing landscape requires a unique blend of cutting-edge science, public trust, and bold leadership. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the American Meteorological Society, Dr. Amanda Staudt is stepping into the helm at a pivotal moment. From the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in forecasting to the battle against climate misinformation, she is tasked with guiding the scientific community into the future. Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Staudt to discuss her vision for the future of meteorology, how AMS is adapting to the AI revolution, and what it takes to inspire the next generation of weather and climate professionals.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Amanda Staudt's background
2. 00:50 How Amanda became a weather enthusiast
3. 04:02 AMS's history and Amanda's leadership role
4. 04:58 Bridging academia, government, and private sector
5. 07:42 AMS's publications, conferences, and programs
6. 10:46 The new AI-focused journal and its significance
7. 14:57 AMS's role in policy and advocacy
8. 15:46 Break 1
9. 20:01 Communicating science to policymakers and the public
10. 25:00 The importance of conferences and professional development
11. 27:47 Break 2
12. 30:00 Future vision for AMS and the evolving weather enterprise
13. 33:55 AMS's organizational structure and volunteer engagement
14. 36:43 Closing remarks and gratitude

Resources

• American Meteorological Society (AMS) - https://www.ametsoc.org
• AMS Journals - https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/publications/journals/
• Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship - https://www.nationalacademies.org/programs/NRCEO-CCX-23-P-56
• AI in Environmental Systems Journal - https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/publications/journals/artificial-intelligence-for-the-earth-systems/
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - https://www.nationalacademies.org

Guest Links

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/amanda-staudt-27ba22b8
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/amandastaudt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Amber Sullins, Chief Meteorologist at ABC15

When most people think about dangerous weather, they think about hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards. But in the deserts of the Southwest, one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—hazards can arrive as a towering wall of dust. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Amber Sullins, a longtime Arizona meteorologist who has spent her career helping people navigate everything from extreme heat and monsoon storms to the massive dust storms that have become synonymous with life in the desert Southwest. We'll talk about her journey forecasting some of the country's most unique weather, and we'll take a deep dive into the development of the new PHX-DUST scale—a groundbreaking effort designed to classify dust storms and better communicate their impacts to the public. From the science behind the scale to the challenges of translating complex research into actionable information, we'll explore how meteorologists are working to improve awareness and resilience in the face of one of Arizona's signature weather threats.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Dust Storms in the Southwest
2. 01:00 Amber Sullins' Journey in Meteorology
3. 02:21 Unique Weather Challenges in Arizona
4. 03:22 Forecasting Monsoon and Dust Storms
5. 05:05 Factors Influencing Dust Storm Severity
6. 07:16 Impact of Water Scarcity on Dust Storms
7. 08:40 Health Risks from Dust Storm Particulates
8. 10:33 Types of Dust Storms and Their Detection
9. 14:15 Break 1
10. 14:18 Development of the Phoenix Dust Scale
11. 17:02 Using Air Quality Data for Dust Severity
12. 20:27 Safety Tips for Dust Storms
13. 22:11 Assessing Dust Storm Intensity Quickly
14. 24:17 Applicability of the Dust Scale Elsewhere
15. 25:19 Break 2
16. 28:37 Sharing the Dust Scale with the Public
17. 30:01 Acceptance and Validation of the Scale
18. 32:41 Future Weather Challenges in Arizona
19. 33:40 Upcoming Weather Events and Outlook

Resources

• phoenixdust.asu.edu - https://phoenixdust.asu.edu
• American Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.org
• Arizona State University - https://www.asu.edu

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center

The peak of hurricane season is right around the corner—and whether you live along the coast or hundreds of miles inland, what happens in the tropics can have real impacts on your life. The question is: what do you actually need to know before the season really ramps up? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re getting a preview straight from the source. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, joins us to walk through what forecasters are watching this year, how hurricane prediction continues to improve, and where the biggest challenges still remain. We’ll also talk about new tools and products coming out of the National Hurricane Center, how technology is shaping the future of forecasting, and what all of this means for you when the next storm is on the horizon.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Season and Its Impacts
2. 02:45 Understanding Tropical Storm Arthur and Its Effects
3. 05:41 El Niño's Influence on Hurricane Activity
4. 08:34 The Importance of Preparedness and Messaging
5. 11:59 Evolving Forecasting Techniques and Challenges
6. 14:15 Break 1
7. 14:40 Advancements in Predictive Modeling and AI
8. 17:44 The Role of Communication in Weather Forecasting
9. 20:46 Inland Hurricane Threats and Their Impacts
10. 23:51 Future Directions in Hurricane Research and Forecasting
11. 26:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparedness
12. 26:58 Break 2
13. 27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparednes

Resources

• NOAA National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Google DeepMind - https://deepmind.com/
• Hurricane Forecasting Models (HWRF, HAFS) - https://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/products/hwrf/

Guest Links

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brennan-5a90322b2

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Mike Farrar, Booz Allen Hamilton

Weather forecasting has come a long way—from hand-drawn maps and limited observations to a world driven by supercomputers, satellites, and real-time data. But as technology continues to evolve, so does the challenge of making forecasts faster, smarter, and more useful for the people who rely on them every day. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Farrar, whose career has spanned research, operations, and leadership across the meteorological community. His company has been tasked to help modernize the National Weather Service, and with that he’s helping shape what the future of forecasting could look like for both meteorologists and the public alike. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges facing weather operations today, how emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are changing the forecasting landscape, and why communication and public trust remain just as important as the science itself.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Career Background of Dr. Mike Farrar
2. 01:30 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting Technologies
3. 04:18 Transformational Advances in Meteorology
4. 09:15 The Private Sector and Meteorology's Growth
5. 12:16 Break 1
6. 12:19 The Impact of AI and Cloud Computing
7. 19:28 Modernizing the National Weather Service
8. 22:55 The Role of Human Forecasters in the Age of AI
9. 26:51 Break 2
10. 28:01 The North Star of Meteorology: Science and Service
11. 30:18 Skills for Future Meteorologists
12. 33:50 Embracing Change in the Meteorological Field
13. 34:29 Closing Remarks and Resources

Resources

• Booz Allen Hamilton - https://www.boozallen.com
• NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction - https://www.weather.gov/ncep/
• American Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.org
• AWIPS (Advanced Weather Information Processing System) - https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/introducing-awips
• NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) - https://ncar.ucar.edu

Guest links

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mikefarrar-wx

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Francis, Woodwell Climate Research Center

When we think about the Arctic, it's easy to picture a remote landscape of sea ice and polar bears. But what happens in the far north doesn't stay there. As the Arctic continues to warm at an unprecedented pace, scientists are uncovering how those changes may be influencing weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere—from prolonged heat waves and persistent droughts to heavy rainfall and unusual swings in the jet stream. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by atmospheric scientist Dr. Jennifer Francis, whose pioneering research has helped shape our understanding of the connection between Arctic climate change and the behavior of the jet stream. We'll explore why the Arctic is warming so rapidly, how those changes can ripple through the atmosphere, and what they may mean for the persistent weather patterns we've seen in recent years—including the extreme heat that has gripped much of Europe this summer.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Dr. Jennifer Francis's background and interest in weather
2. 05:22 Jet stream patterns and their role in extreme weather
3. 13:21 Break 1
4. 14:31 Mechanisms of Arctic amplification and feedbacks
5. 22:57 Stratospheric polar vortex and winter weather effects
6. 25:04 Break 2
7. 25:58 Summer jet stream behavior and climate connections
8. 32:08 Ocean heat waves and their influence on jet stream patterns
9. 34:33 Current research and future challenges in Arctic climate studies
10. 37:06 Closing remarks and resources

Resources

• Woodwell Climate Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/
• Jennifer Francis - Research Profile - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/our-scientists/jennifer-francis/
• Clausius-Clapeyron Relationship - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius%E2%80%93Clapeyron_relation

 Guest links

• Twitter - https://x.com/WoodwellClimate https://x.com/JFrancisClimate
• Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Collins & Dr. Nadia Bloemendaal

When it comes to hurricanes, we often rely on a familiar scale to understand their strength — categories based largely on wind speed. But anyone who’s experienced a storm knows that impacts go far beyond just how fast the winds are blowing. Today, we’re joined by Jennifer Collins and Nadia Bloemendaal, whose work is helping to rethink how we model and measure tropical cyclones. They’re the minds behind the STORM model, a powerful tool for simulating thousands of storms across the globe, and the developers of the Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale — a new way of looking at storm risk that goes beyond traditional categories. In this episode, we’ll explore how large-scale modeling is changing our understanding of hurricane risk, why current classification systems may fall short, and how new approaches could improve the way we communicate danger and prepare for future storms.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to the New Storm Model
2. 00:20 The Storm Model's Impact on Various Sectors
3. 01:02 Challenges in Developing a Global Storm Model
4. 02:21 Modeling Hazards Beyond Wind: Rain and Surge
5. 04:31 Motivation for a New Hurricane Severity Scale
6. 06:42 Limitations of the Wind-Only Scale
7. 08:35 The New Scale: Incorporating Multiple Hazards
8. 10:27 Break 1
9. 11:28 The Concept of a Category 6 Storm
10. 13:05 Public Perception and Education Strategies
11. 15:22 Localized and Personalized Risk Communication
12. 17:27 Real-World Applications and Case Studies
13. 19:20 Future Directions and Climate Change Impacts
14. 21:54 Inertia and Adoption Challenges in Meteorology
15. 23:49 Break 2
16. 25:00 Public Perception of Storm Categories
17. 27:33 The Path Toward Standardization and Adoption
18. 30:12 Future Collaborations and Final Thoughts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Aran Mooney

When you think about saving coral reefs, you probably imagine divers, coral nurseries, or maybe even futuristic technology — but what if part of the solution starts with simply turning up the volume? Because it turns out, coral reefs don’t just look alive… they sound alive. Today’s guest, Dr. Aran Mooney, is helping scientists and conservationists tune into the ocean in a whole new way. His research explores how the natural “music” of healthy reefs — the pops, clicks, and choruses of marine life — can actually help guide coral larvae home and jump-start reef recovery. In this episode, we’ll talk about listening to the ocean, using sound as a conservation tool, and why sometimes the key to protecting our planet isn’t louder warnings — it’s learning how to hear what nature has been telling us all along.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Sound of Coral Reefs
2. 06:00 Sound as a Restoration Tool
3. 12:02 The Mechanics of Sound Playback
4. 17:23 Break 1
5. 17:55 Environmental Influences on Coral Soundscapes
6. 20:17 The Power of Sound in Coral Restoration
7. 26:59 Break 2
8. 27:28 Hurricanes and Their Impact on Coral Reefs
9. 30:43 Understanding the Time Scale of Sound Influence
10. 35:39 Scaling Sound Solutions for Coral Reefs
11. 40:51 Community Engagement and Partnerships for Coral Health

Resources

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - https://www.whoi.edu/
• NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program - https://coralreef.noaa.gov/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.