GeoTrek

In this episode of the GeoTrek podcast, Dr. Jo Muller shares insights about the importance of paleoclimatology to improve our understanding of the risk for hurricane impacts and flooding in coastal areas. Professor Dr. Joanne Muller is the Whitaker Institute Eminent Scholar in the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University. She received her PhD in Paleoclimatology from James Cook University Australia and undertook her post-doctoral research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Her current research interests center on past climate change in tropical and sub-tropical latitudes, with a special focus on hurricane in the Atlantic Basin. Watch the episode or listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Wildfires are becoming more frequent—and far more destructive—damaging critical infrastructure from substations and hospitals to telecommunications and water systems. The problem isn’t a shortage of firefighters; it’s that our current technology is outdated and no longer equipped for today’s escalating risks.In this episode, Sunny Sethi, CEO of HEN Technologies, explains why resilience can’t rely on emergency response alone. Instead, we need a shift toward “smart” fire defense—systems that are predictive, adaptive, and fully integrated into modern infrastructure.We explore the limits of traditional, reactive firefighting and what it will take to move from protection to prevention. From AI-driven risk detection to next-generation fire suppression technologies, this conversation looks at how innovation can help safeguard communities and critical systems in the face of climate-driven wildfire threats.

📹 Part 2 of what it's really like to chase the world’s most extreme stories with a camera in hand?In this two-part GeoTrek series, Hurricane Hal sits down with prolific freelance photojournalist and videographer Austin Anderson to unpack a lifetime of stories behind the camera. Austin always comes at stories from unique angles and perspectives that no one else gets.Subscribe for Part 2—you won’t want to miss what he shares next!👉 Follow Austin Anderson on X: https://x.com/HDTVProducer------🔔 Subscribe to our Youtube channel📌 Bookmark your favorite podcast platform👥 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_geotrek✨ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_geotrek📩 Inquiries: [email protected]

📹 What’s it really like to chase the world’s most extreme stories with a camera in hand? In this two-part GeoTrek series, Hurricane Hal sits down with prolific freelance photojournalist and videographer Austin Anderson to unpack a lifetime of stories behind the camera. Austin always comes at stories from unique angles and perspectives that no one else gets. Subscribe for Part 2—you won’t want to miss what he shares next! 👉 Follow Austin Anderson on X: https://x.com/HDTVProducer ------ 🔔 Subscribe to our Youtube channel 📌 Bookmark your favorite podcast platform 👥 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_geotrek ✨ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_geotrek 📩 Inquiries: [email protected]

How do meteorologists communicate severe weather in a way the public actually understands, and acts on? In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal sits down with Emily Gracey, host of the Off the Radar Podcast, to talk about the evolving world of meteorology, severe weather communication, and emergency management messaging.Emily shares her personal journey into meteorology and how she built an engaged audience through podcasting and social media while translating complex weather science into information people can use during high-impact events. The conversation explores how meteorologists build public trust, why clear weather communication during hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, and extreme storms matters more than ever, and how digital media is changing the way weather stories are told.If you're interested in meteorology podcasts, severe weather forecasting, emergency management, and the future of weather communication, this episode offers practical insight from someone helping shape the conversation.

In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal sits down with Joe Martucci, New Jersey’s only Certified Broadcast and Digital Meteorologist and an FAA-certified drone pilot. They explore how he communicates critical weather information across a state known for dramatic seasonal swings — from coastal storms to inland snow — and a population as diverse as its climate. It’s a focused conversation on forecasting, public trust, and delivering clear warnings in a place where both the weather and the people keep you on your toes. Joe’s work has been featured in The New Yorker, Deadliest Catch, and Rutgers publications, and as the first Certified Digital Meteorologist (2023), he now speaks nationwide on the future of meteorology in media.Watch on Youtube or listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow Joe:Website — https://cupajoe.live/about/X — https://x.com/JoeMartWx/Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/JoeMartWx/Youtube — https://www.youtube.com/@joemartwxInstagram — https://www.instagram.com/joemartwxTikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@joemartwx

🌊 In this episode, we dive into the intersection of community engagement and climate tech with Julia Drapkin, the CEO and founder of ISeeChange. As flooding and climate risks become more unpredictable, traditional data often misses the "ground truth." Julia explains how her flood tracking and risk analytics software empowers residents to document local changes, providing critical data that helps cities and engineers build more resilient infrastructure.Connect with Julia and I See Change:Website 👉 https://www.iseechange.com/LinkedIn 👉 / juliakumariSubscribe to Geotrek: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!#Geotrek #ISeeChange #FloodTracking #ClimateTech #RiskAnalytics #Resilience #CommunityData #Sustainability

Robert de Groot, Operations Team Lead for USGS-managed ShakeAlert, shares insights about Earthquake Early Warning Systems. ShakeAlert is a public safety system serving 50+ million people in California, Oregon and Washington.Join us for this interesting episode!Visit our website here 👉 https://www.geo-trek.com/Watch our videos here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUqEjDwGJmk&list=PL5xmTc5tQd9l5AdQTpqZDcF7IXQ2N8ts4&index=82Learn more about ShakeAlert here 👉 https://www.shakealert.org/

As we close the book on 2025, Hurricane Hal takes a look back at the top 10 GeoTrek memories of 2025, ranging from an earthquake in Greece to insights from a massive drought mural in Mexico, as well as floods, hail and snowstorms in the United States.Join us for this final journey of the year as we celebrate the stories that shaped us and look ahead to a resilient 2026.

What happens when generations of tsunami stories become a blueprint for saving lives? In this episode, Quintin Swanson, Council Chairman and Education Director of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, explains how ancestral knowledge and modern engineering came together to build the first tsunami vertical evacuation structure in the United States.Quintin shares the tribe’s history on Washington’s coast, the warnings passed down about past quakes and tsunamis, and the turning point that pushed the community to act. He walks us through how the structure was designed, who it’s built to protect, and what those crucial minutes between an earthquake and a tsunami really look like.Quintin wraps with his “Weathered Wisdom,” offering a powerful reflection on the natural event that shaped his life.A sharp, compelling look at coastal resilience and a model for future tsunami preparedness.

Executive Director John Eckeberger has lived a life shaped by Gulf Coast weather. A native Texan with more than 50 years in ministry, John brings both grit and compassion to his leadership at the 4B Disaster Response Network—a coalition born out of Hurricane Harvey that now serves as a model for coordinated, faith-driven disaster relief.In this episode, John walks us through the mission of 4B DRN, how it all started, and why connecting churches, nonprofits, and volunteers is the secret sauce of effective disaster response. He shares the story behind their new response facility, the surprising ways volunteers stay active between major storms, and how other regions can replicate this community-first model.We also dive into Weathered Wisdom, where John recalls the extreme weather event that left the deepest mark on him—a moment that helped shape his calling.From mobilizing local churches as evacuation centers to equipping everyday people to step into disaster zones with confidence, John brings clarity, warmth, and hard-earned insight.Listeners will walk away with a practical understanding of how disaster resilience really gets built—and how they can support the mission.

Tracie Sempier has spent more than two decades working with disaster-prone communities along the Gulf Coast — listening, teaching, evaluating, and helping local leaders strengthen their resilience. As a Coastal Resilience Engagement Specialist with Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, she brings a rare mix of research, community insight, and hands-on experience.On this episode of GeoTrek, she shares what she’s learned about preparedness, trust, communication, and the realities communities face long after the headlines fade.

Documentary filmmaker George Siegal, founder of Move the World Films, exposes the hidden risks in our homes and what we can do to make smarter, safer housing decisions before disaster strikes.Be one of the first 10 to click the link below and you'll receive a free guest pass to watch The Last House Standing for FREE! - Click this link 👉 https://pro.speakerhub.com/speaker-feedback/?qr=f8e08b24-5d3a-45a9-982f-ef89c4d7fd41 - Then use this code at checkout (all uppercase) 👉 HURRICANEHALSPECIAL🎙️ Watch this episode to learn how everyday decisions about where and how we live can mean the difference between safety and disaster.

When hurricanes or floods threaten, most of us rush to The Home Depot to stock up—but have you ever wondered how they prepare?In this special episode, recorded during one of Dr. Hurricane Hal's talks at the National Tropical Weather Conference (NTWC), Hal and his colleagues sit down with Jason Arigoni from The Home Depot to talk about how the company gears up before, during, and after extreme weather events.From supply chain logistics to community support, Jason shares how Home Depot keeps stores running and helps neighborhoods recover when disaster hits.If you’re fascinated by disaster response, emergency planning, or large-scale logistics, this conversation offers rare insight into what it takes to weather the storm—literally.👉 Subscribe for more real stories and lessons on resilience, science, and extreme weather.

Television producer and digital storyteller Dan Krueger has spent his career turning complex stories into captivating visuals — from CBS and Discovery Channel to his latest work as Lead Technical Field Producer of FloodVision, a groundbreaking Climate Central project bringing flood risk to life.In this episode of GeoTrek, host Dr. “Hurricane Hal” Needham talks with Dan about his journey through television, marketing, and science communication — and how tools like FloodVision are helping forecasters, scientists, and communities better understand and visualize flood danger before disaster strikes.Plus, in our Weathered Wisdom segment, Dan shares the unforgettable extreme weather event that shaped his perspective on resilience and storytelling.

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 [email protected]

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.

Mark Sudduth, founder of HurricaneTrack, takes us along on his journey through more than two decades of hurricane videography and storytelling.

Hurricanes are complex storms that generate four deadly hazards- destructive winds, storm surge flooding, rainfall flooding and tornadoes. In this episode, Dr. Hal counts down his top 10 list of misunderstandings about hurricanes that increase the chance people will be blindsided.

Josh Morgerman (Hurricane Man) joins us for an interview that captures the intense impacts of the world's most powerful storms, discusses how to build better in hurricane country, and talks about the dangers of generalizing hurricane impacts based on observing a few named storms.

Forecasters, scientists and disaster relief specialists weigh in on what we can expect this upcoming hurricane season and how we can be better prepared. We also take a look at the connection between AI and weather forecasting.

My favorite meteorologist, Carl Parker from The Weather Channel, joins us for a discussion about climate change impacts on tropical weather, advice on science communication, and the importance of having empathy with those impacted by extreme weather events.

Melissa Beaudry, Senior Resilience Planner at Halff, provides insights on how to help communities improve resilience plans.

This podcast features interviews with four professionals focused on making Gulf Coast communities more resilient from coastal hazards. They were recorded at the Gulf of Mexico Conference, which brought together more than 1100 professionals to share the latest research and best practices, in Tampa, Florida.

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, in northwest Africa, inflicting more than 2,900 fatalities. This podcast provides on-the-ground interviews from the Kingdom of Morocco, including interviews with earthquake survivors in an earthquake tent village, and perspectives about the pros and cons of traditional versus modern building styles for disaster resiliency.

This podcast highlights interviews with seven participants from the CNC Connect Conference in Mobile, Alabama, from Jan 8-10, 2024. The conference brought together hundreds of professionals in the insurance services and extreme weather response industries. We also interview seasonal hurricane forecasting expert Phil Klotzbach to get a sneak peek of what we may expect next hurricane season.

After striking the Gulf Coast as a cat-5 hurricane in 1969, Camille inflicted the deadliest disaster in Virginia's history, killing 114 people in catastrophic floods and landslides near Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. This podcast interviews three storm survivors on live interviews recorded at the Nelson County Historical Society's Oakland Museum.