Geotrek

Geotrek
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

Extreme Weather and Disaster Scientist, Dr. "Hurricane Hal" hosts the Geotrek podcast, exploring the world to tell stories about extreme weather and natural disasters not covered by the mainstream media. Each conversation takes a deep-dive into the world where extreme forces of nature threaten to inflict fatalities and economic losses on vulnerable populations. These engaging stories help listeners prepare for extreme events, making their families and communities more resilient. Our guests include meteorologists, innovators, science communicators, thought leaders, filmmakers, insurance professionals, emergency management specialists, scientists, and storm chasers. Visit 👉 https://www.geo-trek.com/ Subscribe on Youtube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@geotrekpodcast Listen on Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geotrek/id1577259065 Listen on Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/73GLqlNgdJr04KoI5yU6h5 Follow on Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/geotrekpodcast Join the Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/515960219869748 Follow on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/_geotrek/ Part of Stormline Network Follow on TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@_geotrek Connect on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/geotrekpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sep 29

    Why Secondary Perils Are Now Driving Insurance Losses

    What happens when the natural disasters we once considered “secondary perils” become some of the biggest drivers of insurance losses? On this episode, Hurricane Hal sits down with Kevin Sharp, Chief Risk Officer and Capital Strategy Leader at Victor Insurance and ICAT, for a wide-ranging conversation about catastrophe risk, natural disasters, insurance losses, reinsurance, and the changing global risk landscape. Kevin brings a unique perspective shaped by a lifelong passion for extreme weather and years of experience in catastrophe insurance and risk modeling. Together, Kevin and Hal explore how insurers can better understand and prepare for an increasingly complex disaster landscape. Kevin also shares his personal journey from being a weather-obsessed kid experiencing blizzards, floods, tornadoes, and monsoonal flooding to becoming a leader in the catastrophe insurance industry. If you work in insurance, catastrophe modeling, underwriting, reinsurance, claims, risk management, extreme weather, or disaster preparedness, this episode offers a fascinating bird's-eye view of how today's natural disaster risks are reshaping the insurance landscape. Subscribe to GeoTrek for more conversations about extreme weather, natural disasters, catastrophe risk, and the people working to better understand and prepare for them. #GeoTrek #CatastropheRisk #Insurance #NaturalDisasters #ExtremeWeather #Reinsurance #RiskManagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Secondary Perils Are Now Driving Insurance Losses

  2. Sep 15

    What Causes Glacial Lake Outburst Floods? The 2026 Himalayas Disaster Explained

    What causes a glacial lake outburst flood, and why are these disasters becoming a growing concern in high mountain regions? In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal talks with Dr. Alton C. Byers, a mountain geographer, scientist, mountaineer, Senior Fellow at The Mountain Institute, and Senior Research Associate with the High Mountains Adaptation Partnership (HiMAP). The conversation examines the catastrophic August 26, 2026 flood and debris flow near the Nepal-Tibet border and breaks down the chain of events that can turn glacier and permafrost instability into a devastating downstream flood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What Causes Glacial Lake Outburst Floods? The 2026 Himalayas Disaster Explained

  3. Sep 1

    The Future of Our Coastlines: Resilience, Rising Seas & Saltwater Intrusion with Nina Davis

    Coastal environments are changing, and preparing for the future means more than simply reacting to the next hurricane. In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal sits down with Nina Davis, Habitat Resilience Specialist with PLACE and Extension Associate at Mississippi State University, to explore the complex relationship between people, infrastructure, and the natural environments along our coastlines. From living shorelines and storm surge to sea level rise and the often-overlooked threat of saltwater intrusion, Nina explains how communities can use science, local knowledge, and long-term planning to prepare for a changing future. They also discuss why resilience isn't about predicting exactly what will happen; it's about making smarter decisions today that give communities and ecosystems more options tomorrow. In this episode: What coastal resilience really meansHow living shorelines can serve as a first line of defenseThe hidden risks of saltwater intrusionWhy storm surge and sea level rise require long-term planningHow communities can prepare for uncertain futuresWhy working with nature may be key to protecting our coastlines A fascinating conversation about the future of the Gulf Coast and what resilience looks like when nature, infrastructure, and people all intersect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Future of Our Coastlines: Resilience, Rising Seas & Saltwater Intrusion with Nina Davis

  4. Aug 18

    The Hidden Side of Disaster Recovery: Saving Local Businesses with Gina Spagnola

    When disasters strike, homes and families often receive immediate attention—but how do businesses recover? Gina Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, shares how chambers of commerce help businesses rebuild, recover, and get back on their feet after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters. From Hurricane Ike in Galveston to disaster recovery efforts across the United States and internationally, Gina explains the lessons she has learned about business recovery, community resilience, disaster preparedness, and the importance of knowing when—and how—to rebuild. Learn how chambers of commerce can support local businesses after disasters, connect communities with critical resources, and help economies recover when disaster strikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Hidden Side of Disaster Recovery: Saving Local Businesses with Gina Spagnola

  5. Jul 21

    Why People Ignore Wildfire Risk: The Neuroscience of Fight, Flight & Freeze with Erica Peng

    When disaster strikes, why do some people prepare while others delay, deny, or freeze? In this episode, Hurricane Hal sits down with Erica Peng, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business lecturer and neuroscience educator, to explore the hidden role that our fight, flight, freeze response plays in disaster preparedness, leadership, and decision-making. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and her own experience leading wildfire mitigation efforts in a high-risk California community, Erica explains why people often resist taking action—even when they understand the risks—and how communities can overcome those barriers together. In this episode you'll learn: Why the brain naturally resists change and uncertaintyHow fight, flight, freeze affects disaster preparednessWhy education alone often doesn't change behaviorHow Firewise Communities help neighborhoods become more resilientPractical ways to communicate about wildfire risk without triggering defensivenessWhat leaders, emergency managers, insurers, and homeowners can do to build stronger, more prepared communities Whether you live in a wildfire zone, hurricane-prone region, floodplain, or simply want to better understand human behavior under stress, this conversation offers practical insights that can improve preparedness and resilience. Guest: Erica Peng Lecturer, UC Berkeley Haas School of BusinessSpecializing in neuroscience, leadership, crisis communication, and the fight-flight-freeze response Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why People Ignore Wildfire Risk: The Neuroscience of Fight, Flight & Freeze with Erica Peng

  6. Jun 30

    Protecting Summer Camps from Flash Floods: Lessons from the Texas Hill Country Tragedy

    On this episode of GeoTrek, host Hurricane Hal welcomes Laura Myers and Nick Stanley to discuss how we can better protect summer camps and outdoor recreation areas from the growing threat of flash floods. Using the devastating Texas Hill Country tragedy as a case study, they explore the unique risks facing camps located near rivers, canyons, and steep terrain, the role of land-use planning and regulations, and how advanced GIS technology can help identify safer locations and improve emergency planning. The conversation also examines communication between meteorologists, emergency managers, law enforcement, and camp staff, why so many flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and what practical steps can be taken to prevent future tragedies. Whether you're involved in emergency management, weather, outdoor recreation, or disaster resilience, this episode offers valuable insights into protecting lives before, during, and after extreme weather events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Protecting Summer Camps from Flash Floods: Lessons from the Texas Hill Country Tragedy

  7. Jun 16

    Preparing for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages with Haskell Moore

    Hurricane season brings more than just strong winds—it brings critical decisions that can impact your safety, your family, and your recovery. In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal Needham sits down with hurricane preparedness expert Haskell Moore, President of Hurricane Preparedness Training and Consulting, LLC. With more than two decades of experience in disaster preparedness education and training delivered to audiences across 54 countries, Haskell shares practical strategies that families, businesses, and communities can use to prepare before the next storm strikes. Drawing from his extensive experience in hurricane preparedness, crisis management, and emergency planning, Haskell discusses family preparedness plans, evacuation decisions, emergency communications, backup power solutions, and the importance of building resilience long before a storm appears on the forecast. Whether you're new to hurricane-prone areas or a seasoned resident looking to improve your readiness, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you prepare, protect, and recover with confidence. Be sure to check out Haskell's book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780578531366 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Preparing for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages with Haskell Moore

  8. Jun 3

    Power Out Cooking Recipe Book: Preparing Families for Storm Recovery with Hidalgo County, TX Officials

    When the power goes out after a hurricane, flood, or severe storm, one of the first challenges families face is figuring out how to safely prepare meals without electricity. In this episode of GeoTrek, Hurricane Hal Needham sits down with Hidalgo County, Texas Judge Richard Cortez, Assistant Chief of Staff Hilda Salinas, and Director of Administrative Operations Lizbeth Gonzalez to discuss the Power Out Cooking Recipe Book—an innovative community preparedness initiative designed to help residents cook and eat safely during extended power outages. The cookbook teaches practical food preparation techniques using multiple off-grid cooking methods, empowering families to be more self-sufficient when traditional utilities are unavailable. It's a simple but impactful resilience program that could be adopted by communities across the country. Tune in to learn how Hidalgo County is helping residents prepare before disaster strikes and why food preparedness is an often-overlooked component of community resilience. View or download the Power Out Cooking Recipe Book for free: https://www.hidalgocounty.us/3285/Power-Out-Cooking-Recipe-Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Power Out Cooking Recipe Book: Preparing Families for Storm Recovery with Hidalgo County, TX Officials
See All (144)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Extreme Weather and Disaster Scientist, Dr. "Hurricane Hal" hosts the Geotrek podcast, exploring the world to tell stories about extreme weather and natural disasters not covered by the mainstream media. Each conversation takes a deep-dive into the world where extreme forces of nature threaten to inflict fatalities and economic losses on vulnerable populations. These engaging stories help listeners prepare for extreme events, making their families and communities more resilient. Our guests include meteorologists, innovators, science communicators, thought leaders, filmmakers, insurance professionals, emergency management specialists, scientists, and storm chasers. Visit 👉 https://www.geo-trek.com/ Subscribe on Youtube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@geotrekpodcast Listen on Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geotrek/id1577259065 Listen on Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/73GLqlNgdJr04KoI5yU6h5 Follow on Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/geotrekpodcast Join the Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/515960219869748 Follow on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/_geotrek/ Part of Stormline Network Follow on TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@_geotrek Connect on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/geotrekpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Geotrek
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Geotrek
  • Show Website
    Geotrek

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