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 officials
• How Smart Vent, Freedom Flood Vent, and Floodproofing.com address the full spectrum of flood protection
• Why investing in mitigation pays off long term

Protect 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 claims
• How Allied Trust is using data to protect policyholders
• Practical 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!