Weather Geeks

Guest: Kevin Roth

We all love to think that the outcome of a game comes down to talent, strategy, and maybe a little luck. But there’s another player on the field that nobody can control: the weather. Wind can turn a routine fly ball into an adventure, heat and humidity can test athletes and fans, and a thunderstorm can send an entire stadium scrambling for cover. So how much can weather actually influence the game—and what should fans know before they head to the stadium? Today, we’re talking to Kevin Roth, a sports meteorologist who lives right at the intersection of weather and sports. We’ll talk about forecasting for different sports, how weather affects performance and strategy, and how fans can be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Kevin Roth and sports meteorology
2. 01:57 How Kevin Rxoth became a weather geek and his background
3. 03:49 The intersection of weather and sports forecasting
4. 07:52 Data analysis in sports weather forecasting
5. 12:04 Challenges of using weather data for player-specific insights
6. 12:39 Break 1
7. 12:40 Impact of stadium microclimates and venue design
8. 19:48 Weather's influence on game strategy and player performance
9. 23:57 Weather considerations in sports betting and fantasy sports
10. 24:40 Break 2
11. 24:41 Adapting forecasts for severe weather and safety concerns
12. 32:02 Career advice for aspiring sports meteorologists
13. 35:46 Future of weather forecasting in sports and technology advancements

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Guest: Dr. Stephen Nesbitt

Five years ago, Dr. Steve Nesbitt joined us to unpack the fundamentals of radar meteorology. Since then, atmospheric science has undergone a massive evolution moving from how we capture severe weather to how we decode it using artificial intelligence and cloud computing. As a UIUC Professor, incoming Associate Dean, and newly named AMS Fellow, Steve has spent his career studying Earth’s most explosive storms. Today, he’s leading a new frontier in meteorology, building open-source tools like Radar DataTree to turn decades of legacy radar files into AI-ready intelligence. We’re sitting down with Steve to catch up on what’s changed since his last visit, how AI is reshaping weather science, and the physics behind the Midwest’s wild tornado season.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
2. 01:05 How Dr. Nesbitt Became a Weather Geek
3. 03:59 AI's Impact on Meteorology and Weather Resilience
4. 06:57 Recent Tornado Trends in Illinois and the Midwest
5. 09:58 Break 1
6. 09:59 Remote Sensing Technologies in Severe Weather Study
7. 15:35 Introduction to Radar Data Tree and Its Applications
8. 20:53 Stakeholder Engagement: Insurance and Water Resources
9. 22:08 Current Research Projects and Urban Resilience
10. 26:17 Break 2
11. 26:17 Future Advances in Satellite and Radar Technology
12. 29:18 Climate Change and Severe Weather Patterns
13. 32:57 The Evolving Role of Academics in Public Engagement
14. 35:51 Resources and Final Thoughts

Resources

• AtmosScale.ai - https://atmoscale.ai
• Ed Zipser - Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,11&qsp=5&q=edward+zipser&qst=ib
• Relampago Project - https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/102/8/BAMS-D-20-0029.1.xml
• Radar Data Tree - https://atmoscale.github.io/radar-datatree/index.html
• NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission - https://trmm.gsfc.nasa.gov

Guest links

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/steve-nesbitt-b8a06a54

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Guest: Dr. Samantha Montano

When a disaster strikes, most of us focus on what we can see: the storm, the wildfire, the flood, or the earthquake. But what if the real story begins long before the event—and continues long after the headlines fade?  Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dr. Samantha Montano, a disaster researcher, author, and one of the leading voices helping the public better understand how disasters actually work. Through her work in "Disasterology," she examines the systems, decisions, and vulnerabilities that can turn natural hazards into human disasters—and what we can do to build more resilient communities.  We'll talk about some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding disasters, why recovery is often the most overlooked phase of the disaster cycle, and how individuals, communities, and leaders can better prepare for the challenges that come before, during, and after a crisis.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Disasterology and Dr. Montano
2. 01:05 How Disasterology Became a Field
3. 02:07 The Human Side of Disasters
4. 03:36 Disaster Research and Human Responsibility
5. 05:08 The Role of Community and Leadership
6. 07:10 Impact of Physical and Social Vulnerability
7. 09:16 Training and Roles of Emergency Managers
8. 11:50 Public Misconceptions and Personal Responsibility
9. 13:51 Communication Strategies During Disasters
10. 14:29 Break 1
11. 14:30 Recovery Challenges and Success Factors
12. 18:49 Community Leadership in Recovery
13. 22:24 Social Media and Disaster Communication
14. 26:19 The Future of Disaster Communication
15. 28:51 Break 2
16. 28:51 Increasing Costs of Disasters and Communication
17. 36:16 Building Resilient Communities
18. 39:01 The Future of Disaster Management
19. 41:03 Optimism and the Next Generation of Emergency Managers

Resources

• Book - Disasterology: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis
• Dr. Samantha Montano - Website - https://disaster-ology.com
• FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency - https://www.fema.gov

Guest links

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samlmontano/
• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/samlmontano.bsky.social

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Guest: Mike Olbinski

For most people, a thunderstorm is something you watch from a window. But for storm chasers, it's a front-row seat to some of nature's most spectacular displays—and few have captured those moments as beautifully as today's guest. On this episode of Weather Geeks, we're joined by storm chaser and filmmaker Mike Olbinski. Based in the Desert Southwest, Mike has spent years documenting everything from towering monsoon thunderstorms and dramatic haboobs to lightning-filled skies across the Great Plains, creating breathtaking imagery that has inspired weather enthusiasts around the world. We'll talk about what makes chasing storms in Arizona so unique, some of the unforgettable moments he's experienced on the road, and how the art of storm storytelling has evolved alongside advances in cameras, social media, and live streaming.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Mike Olbinski and his work
2. 13:38 Break 1
3. 13:39 How technology has changed storm chasing
4. 24:38 Break 2
5. 24:40 Advances in weather models and forecasting
6. 26:53 Mobile connectivity and Starlink for storm chasing
7. 28:22 Apps and tools for real-time weather data
8. 28:45 Use of drones in storm photography
9. 29:45 Carving out a niche in storm photography
10. 30:22 Advice for aspiring storm chasers and photographers
11. 32:34 Platforms to follow Mike Olbinski
12. 33:24 Closing remarks and upcoming projects

Resources

• Storm Photo Contests - https://stormphotocontest.com/
• Stormchaser Atlas App - https://stormchaseratlas.com/
• Weatherfront App - https://weatherfront.com/

Guest links

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikeolbinski/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeolbinski

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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