WeatherBrains 1014: Among the Daywalkers

Tonight's show features an assortment of guests as we take a deep-dive into the National Weather Association - what it is, and why it matters.  In addition, we examine how the NWA is evolving in its 50th year.  We will talk about the NWA Road Map, the critical role of the NWA seals (both broadcast and digital), the power of professional service and volunteering, and the future of trusted weather communication in a changing media environment.

James Jessel is a friend of the podcast and works with Guest Booking Officer Bill Murray.  He works for Pinnacle Communications Corporation as National Account Manager and joins us tonight as Guest Panelist.  James, it is good to see you!

Becca Mazur is the 2025 President of the National Weather Association.  She's been active with the organization since 2014.  She works in Anchorage, Alaska, where she specializes in integrating new science, forecast methods and tools/operational forecasting.  She holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and Colorado State University.

We are also honored to be joined tonight by Matt Beitscher, who is one of the lead meteorologists with the NWS in St. Louis.  He is the Commissioner of Committees for the NWA.  Matt, it's great to have you join us tonight!

Kendra Kent also joins the gang tonight for our discussion and is the Chief Meteorologist Fox Carolina News in Greenville, South Carolina.  She is a long-time NWA seal holder and Emmy nominee.  She was named the 2024 South Carolina  Weathercaster of the Year.  She's also known for her community service and animal rescue work.  It's an honor to have you join us tonight, Kendra.

Last but certainly not least in order of their appearance, Isaac Williams joins us from WANF-TV in Atlanta Georgia where he is a broadcast on-air meteorologist.  He was formerly the Chief Meteorologist at WCBI-TV in Columbus, Mississippi.  He's also an instructor at Mississippi State and is currently pursuing his PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State.  Thanks for joining us, Isaac!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [e-mail].

• Memorable New England tropical systems this millennium (25:30)
• December 16th, 2000 Tuscaloosa tornado (29:00)
• Becca Mazur's most rewarding projects in meteorology (33:00)
• Notable professional challenges in meteorology (36:00)
• Difficulties of time management in a fast paced/digital world (39:30)
• Dr. George Fischbeck's legacy and passion for weather and its impact on James Jessel (46:10)
• How did James Spann get into the NWA/History of the NWA?  (01:06:45)
• Preparations for 50th Anniversary/Huntsville NWA meeting September 6th-10th 2025 (01:09:00)
• "A Brave New World" topic of discussion at NWA meeting (01:14:00)
• The RON (Research Operation Nexus) (01:18:00)
• Creation of the NWA Digital Seal/Bill Murray's inaugural Seal (01:21:30)
• NWA Roadmap Initiative (01:31:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:34:24)
• E-Mail Segment (01:35:35)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 1014:

2025 Annual Meeting in Huntsville, AL - National Weather Association

National Weather Association on X

Isaac Williams on X

Matt Beitscher on X

Kendra Kent on X

Picks of the Week:

Becca Mazur - Terrifying video of the deadly Enderlin, ND tornado

James Aydelott - My Perfect Weather

Jen Narramore - Cass County Sheriff’s Office identifies victims in deadly Enderlin tornado

Jen Narramore - Tornado kills three in upstate NY, including twin sisters

Rick Smith - .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}