The Artificial Forecaster: Innovation or Impersonation?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere – some people feel it’s unavoidable and needs to be embraced. After all, it can save time and has the potential to make writing, editing, and researching drastically easier. But what about weather forecasting? And what happens when people use this technology with bad intentions? In this episode, Emily talks with two meteorologists with very different AI experiences: one who created her own AI avatar to deliver important weather updates to viewers, and another who had her likeness stolen by someone on the internet. We’ll get into the pros and cons of using AI, along with the ethics of AI, and we’ll cover some basic advice on how you can safeguard yourself from being manipulated by others who use this technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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43:08
Deadly Debris Flows – The Flood After the Fire
After a wildfire is put out, there’s another risk that develops, one that’s far more deadly than the fire itself: rain. While water might seem like nature’s remedy for parched and fire-ravaged landscapes, heavy rainfall can trigger catastrophic mudslides and flash floods in burned areas. That’s because the fire has destroyed the plants and trees whose roots help stabilize the ground. Without living plants, hillsides pummeled with rain become fast-moving slurries that can carry boulders and move at terrifying speeds of over 35 mph. These debris flows can wash out highways and roads, carry cars away with ease, and destroy buildings in their path. This week, Emily welcomes Dr. J.J. Gourley, Research Hydrometeorologist at NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory, to discuss how scientists are utilizing lifesaving NOAA technology to predict these post-wildfire hazards. Tune in to learn what communities need to know to stay safe when the flames are extinguished but the danger isn’t over.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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27:06
When the Lights Went Out: Anchor Moms Reflect on Helene
When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina last September, it left a trail of destruction that thrust communities back to a pre-modern era. In Asheville, TV news anchors Katie Killen and Karen Zatkulak found themselves simultaneously reporting on a disaster...and living through it with their families. Katie and Karen are not just reporters — they're also mothers and hosts of the "Anchor Moms" podcast. This week they join Off the Radar to share their unique dual perspective—broadcasting the catastrophe while trying to comfort their own families through weeks without power or water. They discuss how they balanced professional responsibilities with protecting their children, what they wish they'd known before the storm hit, and how the experience fundamentally changed their approach to motherhood and emergency preparedness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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45:22
Storm Rights: Tornado Chasers vs. Oklahoma Legislation
In this episode, veteran storm chaser Warren Faidley discusses Oklahoma's controversial legislation that would restrict independent storm chasers while giving local television stations preferential access during severe weather events. With decades of experience in the field, Faidley explains why independent chasers are crucial for public safety, providing real-time ground verification that radar alone cannot capture and collecting valuable data that improves our understanding of dangerous storms. He offers practical solutions for a more productive relationship between broadcasters and independent storm chasers with the ultimate goal of saving lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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25:06
Healing the Hole: The Ozone's Road to Recovery
This Earth Day, we’re celebrating a triumph of human endeavor: the healing of the ozone layer! Many listeners will remember the hole that formed in the ozone layer, due in large part to human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. My guest this week is Dr. Paul Newman, a Senior Scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore and retired NASA Chief of Atmospheric Sciences. We’ll dive into what these chemicals are, how they damaged our vital ozone layer, and how countries around the planet came together to repair the damage we caused.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join National Weather Desk Meteorologist Emily Gracey every week as she leads listeners on an exciting voyage exploring a diverse range of topics related to weather, climate, space, and beyond. The podcast offers exclusive interviews with leading experts on topics that you wouldn't usually come across in a typical weather broadcast. It’ll enlighten, entertain, and educate, whether you’re a novice weather follower to the most passionate weather geek.
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