What is it like to be the person everyone turns to when the sky turns dark and the sirens start to wail? This episode pulls back the curtain on the world of broadcast meteorology, storm chasing, and the unique Kansas weather community, featuring Ross Janssen, chief meteorologist at KWCH, and a few surprise guests (both human and canine).
Highlights
- The story behind Kansas’ most famous weather dog, May, and her predecessor Millie
- How Ross Janssen’s passion for weather started in fourth grade and led to a 22-year career
- The science (and art) of predicting tornadoes, hail, and Kansas’ wild weather
- What it’s really like to deliver life-saving information during severe storms
- The evolution of storm chasing—from palm pilots to live-streaming and crowded highways
- How meteorologists balance scientific accuracy with the psychological needs of their audience
- The impact of streaming, social media, and YouTube on local weather coverage
- Advice for aspiring meteorologists (and why you shouldn’t let a low math score stop you)
- Personal stories from the hosts and guests about storm chasing, weather clubs, and growing up in Kansas
Chapters
00:00 – Weather Club Origins & Storm Chasing Stories
02:17 – Introducing Ross Janssen & May the Weather Dog
04:53 – Ross’s Path to Meteorology and Kansas Roots
13:14 – The Human Side of Weather Broadcasting
21:10 – The Science of Tornadoes and Severe Weather
34:46 – Technology, Storm Chasing, and the Changing Media Landscape
46:06 – The Psychology of Weather Communication
56:43 – Streaming, Social Media, and the Future of Local News
1:10:07 – Advice for Aspiring Meteorologists
1:18:46 – Storm Chasing Tales with Tanner
1:27:54 – Listener Call to Action & Closing
Resources Mentioned
- KWCH (Ross Janssen’s station): https://www.kwch.com/
- Ask a Kansan Podcast Website: www.askakansan.com
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
- Submit your storm photos or questions: http://www.askakansan.com/contact
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