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GeoTrek investigates the impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters on individuals and communities. Our goal is to help your decision making, risk assessment and communication related to extreme events, so you can take action to make yourself, your family and your community more resilient. Our guests include scientists, storm chasers, farmers, urban planners, disaster response professionals, and travelers/ explorers.
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120 Episodes
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Shel Winkley, Weather and Climate Engagement Specialist, joins Hurricane Hal to discuss his career journey, his work at Climate Central, and where he helps bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding. They dig into the importance of attribution research, lessons learned from unforgettable storms, and the future of weather messaging. Listeners will walk away with practical insights into why clear communication could save lives in an era of increasing extremes.
Clear communication is paramount for effective disaster response. Julie Kay Roberts, seasoned expert in strategic communications and emergency management, joins us on GeoTrek podcast #119 to talk about the importance of having a disaster plan, and to share about her amazing work at the Private Sector Emergency Management Association (psema.org).
Hurricane Katrina changed the Gulf Coast forever. 20 years later, GeoTrek host Hal Needham sits down with legendary Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, who rode out the storm in coastal Mississippi.Jim shares his firsthand experience covering Katrina in 2005, the unforgettable moments he witnessed on the ground, and the lessons we’ve learned since then about hurricane preparedness and resilience.👉 Subscribe for more stories from the front lines of extreme weather.
In this episode of GeoTrek, we’re joined by Alessandra Jerolleman, Director of Research at the Center for Environment, Land, and Law at Loyola University in New Orleans. As we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Alessandra shares her personal story of the storm’s impact and reflects on the critical lessons we've learned since then.We dive deep into the ongoing challenges of flood protection, discussing both the benefits and risks of levee systems, as well as how infrastructure can lead to unintended consequences. Alessandra offers a compelling perspective on how the Gulf Coast can better prepare for future storms, while acknowledging the limits of flood defenses.Plus, we’ll hear a powerful "Weathered Wisdom" story that showcases the raw power of nature and leaves a lasting impression. Tune in for valuable insights on how to protect New Orleans and other vulnerable communities in the face of extreme weather.
Catastrophic floods killed at least 135 people in the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Alex Garcia, Chief Meteorologist at Fox 29 San Antonio, explains the science behind sudden and violent flash floods in this region, and what we can do to reduce loss of life and property in the future.
Flooding is the most common—and costly—natural disaster in the U.S. So how do you protect your property before the water rises?Tom Little, President and CEO of Smart Vent Products, LLC, joins Dr. Hal to explain the science and strategy behind wet and dry floodproofing. A Certified Floodplain Manager and longtime educator in resilient design, Tom shares how these methods can drastically reduce flood damage and lower insurance premiums.💧 Topics covered:Wet vs. dry floodproofing: What’s the difference?Tips for builders, homeowners, and local officialsHow Smart Vent, Freedom Flood Vent, and Floodproofing.com address the full spectrum of flood protectionWhy investing in mitigation pays off long termProtect your property—and your wallet—by getting smarter about flood risks.#Floodproofing #SmartVent #FloodResilience #GeoTrek #FloodInsurance #ClimateAdaptation
Join “Hurricane Hal” Needham as he sits down with Carl Schneider, insurance agent and co-founder of Smart Home America, for a story that spans continents and communities. Drawing on the ingenuity of his Swiss ancestors and the perspectives they passed down, Carl shares how smarter construction methods—honed in the rebuilding efforts of post-Katrina Mississippi—can safeguard disaster-prone areas and reduce losses where it matters most.Why you’ll love this episode:• Discover the lessons Carl learned rebuilding homes after Katrina• Learn about cutting-edge techniques that make our communities more resilient• Hear how Smart Home America is changing the game in risk reduction
Join host Hal Needham as he talks with Meteorologist Robert Speta about the stark differences in preparing for and experiencing tropical cyclones. Speta shares invaluable insights into forecasting and living through powerful typhoons in East Asia, a region renowned for its exceptional disaster preparedness. He also raises critical concerns about hurricane complacency in northeast Florida, where he now resides. Discover why residents in this area, despite being on the fringe of recent hurricane activity, might be underestimating their risk since the last direct hit from Hurricane Dora in 1964. Tune in for a fascinating global storm perspective and learn essential tips for hurricane preparedness, whether you're in East Asia or Florida!
How do we protect our past from our future? On the latest GeoTrek, we tackle this crucial question with preservation powerhouse Lisa Craig-Hensley! With over 30 years' experience, Lisa reveals the strategies and innovations for making historic properties, from Annapolis to Lodi, more resilient to climate impacts. Prepare to be inspired.
How does forensic meteorology help protect homeowners and insurers from fraud? In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Allied Trust Litigation Summit, we sit down with Amy Fail and Ron Ligocki from Allied Trust to explore how advanced weather science is being used in insurance claims investigations. They share insights on:The role of forensic meteorology in detecting fraudulent claimsHow Allied Trust is using data to protect policyholdersPractical advice for homeowners to avoid contractor scams—like always getting multiple bids This conversation is packed with expert perspectives on the evolving fight against fraud and how science is leading the charge. 🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts!
Coastal communities face growing threats from erosion, storms, and rising sea levels—but could nature itself be the key to resilience? In Episode 110 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we explore how living shorelines blend natural and engineered solutions to protect our coasts. Our guest, Ryan Gilbert, a natural resource specialist and project manager with Headway Environmental, shares insights on where these projects work best, their biggest opportunities and challenges, and how they are funded.Whether you're a coastal resident, an environmental advocate, or simply curious about sustainable solutions, this episode will provide valuable insights on working with nature to safeguard our shores.🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!
Hailstorms cause billions of dollars in damage each year, but how do we study hail to build stronger homes and communities?In Episode 109 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we dive into the world of hail research, forensic meteorology, and building science with two incredible guests:Brenna Meisenzahl – Researcher at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), leading field studies on hail formation and its impacts on buildings.Sara Hudson – a Forensic Meteorologist at CNC Catastrophe & National Claims, specializing in storm analysis and severe weather damage assessments.Together, we explore:🔬 How scientists simulate hailstorms in a lab💰 The financial toll of hailstorms and how we can reduce losses🏠 How building materials and design impact hail damage🛰️ How forensic meteorologists analyze past storms to assess damageCheck out IBHS here 👉 https://ibhs.org/Whether you’re a homeowner, insurer, builder, or just fascinated by extreme weather, this episode unlocks the secrets of hail and how science is helping us better prepare!
In Episode 108 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we explore how extreme winter weather impacts the transportation and logistics industry. From blizzards to icy roads, truck drivers and logistics professionals must navigate unpredictable and often dangerous conditions to keep supply chains moving.Our guest, Gary Falldin, Senior Director of Industry Solutions at Platform Science, shares expert insights into how technology and best practices help fleets operate safely and efficiently in severe weather.Join Dr. Hal Needham and Gary as they discuss:🚛 The biggest winter weather challenges for trucking fleets❄️ How advanced weather-intelligence technology helps drivers make safer decisions📦 The impact of extreme weather on delivery deadlines and industry contracts🌨️ Should truck drivers be required to pass winter driving training?Whether you're in the transportation industry, love extreme weather stories, or just want to understand how storms affect our global economy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
In Episode 107 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we analyze the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Southern California and discuss how communities can better prepare for future wildfire threats. Our special guest, Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire at IBHS and former CAL FIRE Battalion Chief, brings decades of expertise in wildland firefighting and fire prevention. Having been deployed to the LA fires, he shares firsthand insights into wildfire behavior, risk mitigation, and the importance of building resilience.Join us as they explore:🔥 How wildfires differ from house fires and why they threaten homes from the outside🌍 The highest-risk wildfire zones across the U.S. and what makes them vulnerable🏡 Key strategies for protecting homes, from landscaping to building design🛠️ Fire-resistant construction materials and their role in reducing property loss📜 The future of fire-resistant building codes and what needs to changeWhether you live in a wildfire-prone area or want to learn more about fire science and mitigation, this episode delivers critical insights for homeowners, builders, and policymakers alike.
In Episode 106 of GeoTrek, we explore the fascinating intersection of extreme weather and professional sports. Special guest Mark Paquette, an expert on how weather influences sports, gambling, and betting, joins Dr. Hal Needham to discuss the surprising ways weather conditions impact athlete performance and game outcomes.From wind and rain to heat and humidity, discover how teams and athletes adapt to the elements, and learn why weather is a critical factor for sports analysts, bettors, and fans alike. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a weather buff, or curious about the science behind athletic performance, this episode offers unique insights you won’t want to miss!
Join us for Episode 105 of the GeoTrek Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of avalanches! Simon Trautman, Director of the National Avalanche Center, breaks down the science behind how avalanches form, the tools forecasters use to predict them, and the essential steps to interpret avalanche ratings for safer mountain adventures.In this episode, Simon and Dr. Hal Needham discuss the Avalanche Danger Scale, highlight the intricacies of avalanche forecasting, and share captivating images of avalanche events. Learn how to assess and manage avalanche risks, navigate hazardous conditions safely, and discover what a real-life rescue operation involves.Whether you're a skier, mountaineer, or simply curious about the natural forces shaping our world, this episode delivers valuable insights to keep you informed and prepared.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton recently impacted west-central Florida, including the Tampa/ St. Pete metro area. Dr. Jennifer Collins, Professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of South Florida shares insights on the physical and social impacts of these massive storms.
Gain insights on the challenge of freshwater flooding below sea level, as we explore New Orleans with Chris Franklin, Andrew Woodroof and Johnny Vindigni.
In this episode of the GeoTrek Podcast, we bring you exclusive insights from the 2024 Texas Groundwater Summit, where industry experts and thought leaders gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in groundwater management in Texas. Join us as we sit down with special guests from the summit to explore the critical issues surrounding groundwater sustainability, drought resilience, and the future of water resources in the Lone Star State. Our guests share their perspectives on the importance of innovative technologies, regulatory updates, and collaborative efforts in securing Texas' water future.Our guests are:Jeremiah Long, Senior Video Producer, Blue Leopard Agencywww.blueleopardagency.comShay Hlavaty, Communications and Outreach Manager, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation Districtwww.bseacd.orgTaylor Christian, Team Lead on the Texas Water Data Team, Texas Water Development Boardhttps://txwaterdatahub.org/Jodi Ruonavar, Vice President of the Board of Directors, Porter Special Utility Districthttps://portersud.com/Sarah Rountree Schlessinger, CEO, Texas Water Foundationhttps://www.texaswater.org/https://www.texasrunsonwater.org/Amy Bush, Hydrologist, P.G., RMBJ Geohydrogeek@gmail.com
After making landfall in Florida as a hurricane, Tropical Storm Debby stalled out along the South Carolina coast, bringing days of heavy rain impacts to the region. This podcast investigates the science behind the increasing number of slow-moving tropical cyclones impacting the U.S. over the past decade.
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