GeoTrek

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 insig...

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 resi...

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 prot...

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 flo...

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 an...

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...

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 claims How All...

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 the...

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 h...

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 i...

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 f...

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 ad...

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 Avalanch...

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 res...

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.

Historic Hurricane Beryl broke many Atlantic basin hurricane records, becoming the farthest east hurricane and the only cat-4 hurricane to form in June, then the earliest cat-5 hurricane on record. This podcast features interviews with Brian McNoldy and Phil Klotzbach, who provide historic context for this record-breaking storm, as well as on-the-ground interviews with storm survivors in Texas.

Engineering provides many solutions to reduce losses from coastal hazards. But how do we determine optimal solutions, considering design criteria, budgets, and community input? Dr. Bret Webb, Professor of Civil Engineering at University of South Alabama, provides engineering perspectives on coastal resiliency in this episode.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) President and CEO, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, shares her vision to reduce property losses through groundbreaking awareness initiatives for homebuilders, homeowners and design professionals.

Join us to dive deeper into the journey Alan Sealls took to become the meteorologist we know and love! Hear about Alan's early life, education, and the path that lead him to where he is now.

As we kick off the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season we want to be prepared and informed about tropical weather communication. Join us as none other than meteorologist Alan Sealls joins us to share information about tropical weather communication.