Guest: Dr. Barb Mayes Boustead

When we talk about climate change, the conversation is often full of data, models, and projections, but sometimes, the most powerful insights come from stories. Long before satellites and Doppler radar, Laura Ingalls Wilder was documenting the weather in her own way: through her vivid accounts of prairie blizzards, scorching droughts, and the struggle to survive it all. In a brand new book connecting Wilder’s writings to the realities of climate change, author Dr. Barb Boustead shows us that the past doesn’t just inform the present—it can shape how we care for the future. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking about the intersection of literature, climate memory, and what we choose to protect when nature pushes back.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Power of Stories in Climate Change
2. 11:58 Resilience in the Face of Unpredictable Weather
3. 23:34 Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Experiences
4. 35:19 Connecting Literature and Climate Preparedness

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Guest: Dr. Neal Driscoll

Wildfire season used to have a start and end date, but in today’s climate, it feels like it never really stops. As flames race across parched landscapes and smoke clouds drift for miles, the stakes for early detection, response, and resilience have never been higher. Enter ALERTCalifornia, a groundbreaking program using high-tech cameras, real-time data, and cutting-edge research to help first responders and communities stay one step ahead of disaster. At the center of it all is Dr. Neal Driscoll, who is leading this powerful collaboration between science, public safety, and technology. How can a network of mounted cameras change the way we fight wildfires? And what’s next for one of the most advanced wildfire monitoring systems in the world?

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges
2. 02:43 The Alert California Program
3. 06:06 AI and Camera Technology in Fire Detection
4. 08:52 Collaboration with CAL FIRE
5. 11:56 Operational Impact and Community Involvement
6. 14:56 Weather's Role in Fire Management
7. 17:43 Data Integration and Future Prospects
8. 20:53 Public Engagement and Awareness
9. 23:48 Cascading Disasters and Multi-Hazard Approach
10. 26:52 Future of Alert California and Technology Advancements
11. 29:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Guest: Dr. Renato Molina, University of Miami

Every year, hurricanes threaten lives, infrastructure, and the economies of coastal communities—but what if better forecasting could actually save billions of dollars? Turns out, it already has! But how can we put a dollar value on something as complex as a weather forecast? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Renato Molina of the University of Miami, who has dived deep into the economic impact of improved hurricane forecasts. From the costs of misjudged wind speeds to the hidden value of getting the forecast right, his research shows just how powerful—and expensive—information can be when a hurricane is on the horizon.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Economic Impact of Hurricane Forecasting
2. 07:10 Understanding Forecast Accuracy and Economic Value
3. 13:25 Protective Spending and Recovery Costs
4. 20:08 Quantifying the Value of Forecast Improvements
5. 29:56 Connecting Research to Policy and Industry

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