Off the Radar - podcast cover

Off the Radar

The National Weather Deskart19.com

Join National Weather Desk Meteorologist Emily Gracey every week as she leads listeners on an exciting voyage exploring a diverse range of topics related to weather, climate, space, and beyond. The podcast offers exclusive interviews with leading experts on topics that you wouldn't usually come across in a typical weather broadcast. It’ll enlighten, entertain, and educate, whether you’re a novice weather follower to the most passionate weather geek.

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Episodes

Storming the Digital World

How you get weather information is changing and changing fast. Print, digital, audio, video, and all the applications that support them continue to evolve. In this special collaborative episode, Emily will talk with Joe Martucci and Sean Sublette from Across the Sky podcast about how the field is changing and how you can be a better weather consumer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 16, 202452 minEp. 51

FOREcasting the Future of Golf

Golf takes center stage as The Masters tees off! Today's show delves into the challenges posed by rising sea levels to golf courses worldwide, with insights from a golf course architect. Get an exclusive glimpse into the meteorological intricacies of forecasting weather for the prestigious tournament through the lens of the PGA's seasoned meteorologist. Plus, gain valuable tips from golf pro Andrew Rice, who has crafted simple formulas to enhance your scoring abilities, rain or shine! See Privac...

Apr 09, 202446 minEp. 50

The Day the Clocked Stopped

On the 50th anniversary of the devastating 1974 Xenia, Ohio tornado, we're joined by documentary producer, Adam Aaro, to look back at this iconic F5 twister that killed 32 people and changed tornado science forever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Apr 02, 202419 minEp. 49

Eclipse Essentials: Optimizing your viewing experience

This week we are going into the moon's shadow with scientists from fields like astrophysics, heliophysics, and meteorology. They'll shed light on how those brief minutes of darkness can impact weather, how increased solar activity may mean a different viewing experience than the 20217 eclipse, and exactly what you should look for when the skies go dark on April 8th. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 26, 202424 minEp. 48

The Future of Tornado Science

Spring's arrival ushers in a heightened risk of severe weather outbreaks. In this episode, we venture into the epicenter of tornado research - the National Severe Storms Laboratory. Here, we unravel the pioneering work being done to deepen our comprehension of these powerful storms and enhance our readiness to face nature's fury. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 19, 202433 minEp. 47

The Cicadas are Coming!

For the first time since 1803, two distinct broods of periodic cicadas will simultaneously emerge across the Midwest and Southeast this spring. Emily will be joined by entomologist Dr. Floyd Shockley from the Smithsonian to learn the biology behind cicadas' precise life cycles, their ecological impact, and the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of millions of these insects surfacing together after over a decade underground. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Mar 12, 202424 minEp. 46

Sunshine Protection or Circadian Nightmare?

This weekend, Daylight Saving Time begins. We will "spring forward" and lose an hour of sleep with the goal of shifting more daylight into the evening. Some politicians support adopting year-round Daylight Saving Time. Today we'll hear from Meteorologist Andrew Buck Michael about the Sunshine Protection Act that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. We'll also talk to sleep expert, Dr. Chris Depner about how the semi-annual clock changes disrupt our natural Circadian Rhythms. See Privacy Po...

Mar 05, 202433 minEp. 45

Melting Melodies: The Sounds of Climate Change

Norwegian sound artist Jana Winderen captures the pops, drips, and rumbles of melting glaciers around the world. Using hydrophones, she records the unique symphony of thawing ice and animals below the surface and transforms it into haunting music. Her glacial soundscapes pose thoughtful questions about humanity's relationship with nature in the face of sobering climate shifts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m...

Feb 27, 202419 minEp. 44

June Bacon-Bercey: America's First Female Broadcast Meteorologist

June Bacon-Bercey was a true pioneer in meteorology. She had many groundbreaking firsts including being the first female with a meteorology degree to give a tv weather report and the first female granted the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society. This week, we speak with June's daughter, Dail St. Claire, about her inspirational career and life. We learn what fueled her passion for meteorology from an early age and how she balanced her successful science career with motherhood...

Feb 20, 202424 minEp. 43

Love is in the Air Pressure

Today's special Valentine's Day episode explores the relationship between weather and sex! Emily will talk to experts that have done research on how weather patterns and climate influence mating behaviors in both animals and humans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Feb 13, 202429 minEp. 42

The Power of Art to Inspire Climate Action

The recent National Climate Assessment contains nearly 100 original artworks highlighting the impacts of climate change, from serene landscapes to flooded city streets. Allyza Lustig discusses with Emily how art inspires emotion and action around climate change in a way data alone cannot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Feb 06, 202419 minEp. 41

The Groundhog: Prognosticator or Rodent?

In this episode we'll explore the origins and scientific relevance of Groundhog Day at Gobbler's Knob with Meteorologist Joe Murgo. Joe will share secrets from the Inner Circle and entertain us with some great stories from his 22 years of covering Punxsutawney Phil's prognostications. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 30, 202424 minEp. 40

The Dirty Truth Behind Composting

Think composting is just for old banana peels? Think again! This episode dives into the dirt on composting with soil ecologist, Dr. Deb Neher. From beginner tips to to green burials, you'll learn how this down and dirty process can help the planet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jan 23, 202423 minEp. 39

Forecasting or Fear Mongering?

Polar Vortex, Bomb Cyclone... these are weather terms that get attention but do they effectively communicate risk or do they incite fear and create distrust? Emily sits down with Dr. Gina Eosco, a social scientist from NOAA to get some insight into the matter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 16, 202412 minEp. 38

Cruise Forecasting

Craig Setzer has a unique job - he's Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist. In this episode, Craig shares what it's like predicting storms, waves, and wind along constantly moving cruise routes. Craig offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he works with ship captains to keep passengers and crew safe and comfortable. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 09, 202424 minEp. 37

Exploring the North Pole

On this special holiday episode we will explore the unknown- The North Pole! We'll uncover environmental conditions at the top of the world with Dr. Walt Meier and NORAD shares their Santa tracking secrets. Emily is joined by WJLA Meteorologist, Eileen Whelan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 19, 202326 minEp. 36

Rotten Truth: the Climate Cost of Food Waste

The shocking statistics on America’s food waste problem, how it contributes to climate change and the practical advice for slashing household food waste. We'll talk to food waste experts Dr. James Gerber from Project Drawdown and Dr. Meredith Niles from the University of Vermont. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 12, 202328 minEp. 35

Internet Apocalypse

As solar activity intensifies in the next year, the possibility increases of a massive worldwide blackout of power and internet. It's happened before, and Dr. Peter Becker says it's only a matter of time before it happens again. We’ll discuss what solar eruptions are, the likelihood of catastrophic outages in the next solar cycle, and most importantly, how we can prevent and prepare for what would happen if we do lose the internet globally. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

Dec 05, 202324 minEp. 34

Inside The National Hurricane Center: 2023 Wrap Up

This week we are wrapping up the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season with Dr. Mike Brennan, Director of The National Hurricane Center. We'll talk about the noteworthy storms, the new forecasting and communication tools being used and the successes and struggles of the past 6 months. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 28, 202325 minEp. 33

Mayflower Forecast

Author and historian Rebecca Fraser explains the pivotal role weather and climate played in the lives of the Pilgrims settling in New England in 1620. From their decision to leave England, to their transatlantic journey, to their first brutal winter in the New World, we'll discuss the weather that influenced America's very first Thanksgiving. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 21, 202324 minEp. 32

Weaponizing Weather

Uncovering America's secret history of using weather modification as a weapon during the Vietnam war. Ed Darak joins us to talk about Operation Popeye and the attempt to flood the Ho Chi Minh Trail with cloud seeding operations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 14, 202316 minEp. 31

The Donner Party

The Donner Party's tragic journey west ended in disaster when an early winter trapped them in the Sierra Nevada in 1846. Pioneers were forced to camp at Donner Lake as massive storms blocked the mountain passes with snow. Meteorologist Matt Monroe describes the unrelenting conditions the group faced, from freezing cold to dwindling supplies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 07, 202314 minEp. 30

Weather Fears & Phobias

Many people have an irrational fear of weather phenomena. In this Halloween episode, we'll explore some common (and less common!) meteorological phobias, understand what causes them, and provide tips to help confront and overcome these anxieties with Dr. Kevin Chapman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 31, 202323 minEp. 29

The Perfect Storm

We'll delve into the science behind the 1991 Halloween Nor'easter storm. It features an interview with Joe Sienkiewicz from the Weather Service, who was forecasting and tracking the storm when it occurred in October 1991. Sienkiewicz provides insights into how the unique combination of weather conditions came together to create the devastating storm, which was later dubbed "The Perfect Storm." Emily will also chat with WJLA Meteorologist, Brian van de Graaf about weather in the movies. See Priva...

Oct 24, 202328 minEp. 28

A Storm by Any Other Name: The History of Naming Hurricanes

We explore the history of naming hurricanes with hurricane expert Brian McNoldy and West Palm Beach Meteorologist Vytas Reid. From the origins of naming storms to the process of selecting names today, we'll have a look back at the memorable, the hard to pronounce and the retired names of these destructive natural disasters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 17, 202335 minEp. 27

Into the Shadow: Your Guide to the Upcoming Eclipses

We are exploring the annular solar eclipse coming this weekend and the total solar eclipse of April 2024. What's the difference between these eclipses? Where are the ideal viewing locations? How do you experience totality safely? Dave Jones from Storm Center Communications joins us to discuss everything you need to know to prepare for these stunning events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 10, 202331 minEp. 26

The Origins of Meteorology

Aristotle is often called the "Father of Meteorology," but the science has evolved dramatically since his time. To trace the roots of modern forecasting, we spoke with historian Dr. Kristine Harper about meteorology's origins. Like the field it covers, the National Weather Desk has witnessed its own growth and innovation throughout its inaugural year. To revisit the moments that defined our first year on-air, Emily chats with colleague Matt Ritter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

Oct 03, 202328 minEp. 25

Girls Who Chase

Jen Walton started Girls Who Chase to give female storm chasers a platform to showcase their work in a male-dominated field. She joins us to discuss her own experiences that led her to create the organization, the talented women involved, and her mission to elevate women's voices in storm chasing. We talk challenges, milestones, and the importance of representation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 26, 202342 minEp. 24

Overtopped: Visualizing the Impact of High Tide Flooding

Coastal flooding is on the rise, even on sunny days. In this episode, we hear from NOAA Oceanographer, Dr. William Sweet and explore the impacts of high tide flooding and what's driving the trends. We'll also talk to Charleston flooding photographer, Jared Bramblett about how he combines his engineering background and artistic eye to document nuisance flooding in his community and raise awareness about sea level rise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice ...

Sep 19, 202322 minEp. 23

Contrail Control: Can AI Help Clear the Skies?

A new study shows airplane contrails are contributing to climate change. We interview Google's Dinesh Sanekommu about using AI to optimize flight plans and reduce contrails. Also, climate scientist Dr. Susanne Bauer explains contrail science and atmospheric effects. We discuss if Google's contrail reduction study offers a practical way to mitigate aviation emissions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 12, 202322 minEp. 22
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