Weather Geeks

Guest: Matthew Cappucci
If you’ve ever watched a weather forecast and thought, “Wow, that meteorologist has way more energy than the atmosphere itself,” there’s a good chance you were watching Matthew Cappucci. He’s a scientist, a storyteller, a storm chaser, an author, a communicator who somehow manages to make jet streaks sound exciting — and now he’s back on the show! Today, we’re talking to Matthew about how he brings weather to life across TV, print, social media, and whatever platform he conquers next. We’ll chat about the state of weather communication in the age of algorithms, how he cuts through the noise without losing the science, and where he thinks the industry is headed as our storms — and our conversations — keep evolving.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Matthew Cappucci
03:02 Matthew's Journey into Meteorology
05:51 Creating Engaging Weather Content
08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication
11:48 Challenges in Weather Forecasting
14:59 Navigating the Noise in Weather Communication
18:04 The Role of Meteorologists in the Digital Age
21:01 Future of Weather Communication
23:49 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHC
Every hurricane season tells a story — not just through the storms that form, but through the forecasts that guide us. And once the season ends, the real detective work begins: Which models nailed the track? Which ones struggled with intensity? And what did we learn that will help us prepare for the next big storm? Joining us today is Dr. Wallace Hogsett from the National Hurricane Center, one of the experts who turns those post-season numbers into meaningful insight. We’ll break down the verification results from the 2025 season, explore how models are improving — and where they’re not — and talk about the growing influence of AI-based forecasting tools. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the scorecard that shapes the future of hurricane prediction, straight from the people who know the models best.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting
01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology
05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurricane Forecasting
07:12 AI's Impact on Hurricane Prediction
13:47 Break 1
14:13 Rapid Intensification and Forecasting Tools
17:41 Incorporating AI Models into Forecasting
30:29 Break 2
30:31 Communication and Uncertainty in Weather Forecasting
39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Hurricane Prediction

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Guest: Samira Davis, United Cajun Navy
When disaster strikes, it’s often the people on the ground — not the headlines — who make the biggest difference. During Hurricane Florence, while historic floods swallowed neighborhoods across the Carolinas, Samira Davis was among those who stepped up. As a volunteer with the United Cajun Navy, she helped coordinate relief for families, pets, and even horses — filling the gaps between official response and human need. In this episode, we hear her firsthand account of what it’s like to navigate chaos and compassion side by side, the lessons she’s carried from that experience, and how grassroots responders are reshaping what disaster recovery looks like.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Human Impact of Disaster Response
03:03 Becoming a Weather Geek: Personal Journeys
06:16 The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Disaster Relief
09:02 The United Cajun Navy: A New Era of Response
11:55 Navigating Challenges in Disaster Recovery
14:46 BREAK 1
14:54 The Importance of Preparedness and Community
18:06 Animal Rescue in Disaster Situations
21:09 The Long-Term Effects of Natural Disasters
23:56 Getting Involved: How to Help
27:04 The Power of Community and Collaboration
27:40 BREAK 2
00:27:41 Real Estate Lessons from Disasters
00:31:28 Collective Action and Preparedness
00:34:54 Evolving Strategies in Disaster Relief
00:37:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Guest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather Network
When it comes to weather, few names carry the respect, trust, and authority of James Spann. For decades, he’s been the steady voice that Alabamians turn to when the sky turns dark — part scientist, part storyteller, and always a servant to his community. But beyond the green screen, James has become a powerful advocate for local weather, founding the Alabama Weather Network to bring hyper-local, science-based forecasting back to the people who need it most. Today, we talk with James about how the weather and media industries have evolved, why social science is now at the heart of saving lives, and how meteorologists can stay grounded in service even as technology and the atmosphere continue to change.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of James Spann: A Weather Legend
11:38 The Evolution of Weather Broadcasting
17:30 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication
18:16 BREAK 1
19:07 The Power of Social Media in Weather Reporting
21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network
25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation
29:56 BREAK 2
30:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting
39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future Generations

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Weather Geeks Team
What began as Fourth of July thunderstorms in Kerr County, Texas rapidly evolved into a catastrophic flash flood that overwhelmed campgrounds, highways, and homes. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re dedicating our episode to understanding the flood disaster in Texas’ Hill Country, how it happened so fast, and how we can better prepare for the next time the sky opens up. We’ll unpack the meteorological setup as well as the human and infrastructural challenges in warning, evacuation, and rescue. This isn’t just a weather story—it’s a community story, and a wake-up call for every corner of the country vulnerable to sudden flooding.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster
01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges
05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup
09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology
18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness
25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings
27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events
27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event
29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check
29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response
31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management
33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings
35:41 Psychology of Weather Response
37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems
39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios
41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding
43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events
45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures
51:30 The Human Element in Weather Events

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