Behind the Front
166 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsWBRC First Alert Chief Meteorologist, Wes Wyatt, is going beyond the forecast. He sits down with weekly guests to chat about a range of weather topics.
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Episodes
Behind the Front: Communicating Severe Weather
June 19, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MBYou can get severe weather alerts almost anywhere: television, phones, social media, etc. But if the messaging is hard to understand, it doesn’t matter how you get it. J-P Dice speaks with Dr. Cory Armstrong, Department Chair of Journalism & Creative Media at the University of Alabama, on the research the university is doing to better understand how we interpret and process weather messaging and warnings. Plus, the impact good communication can have on the public. This episode of Behind th...
Behind the Front: Chasing Hurricanes with Fred Hunter
June 12, 2019 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBFred Hunter has been covering hurricanes for 20+ years. He joins J-P Dice to share tales from the coast. Plus, Fred shares his thoughts on why anyone would ever want to cover a hurricane, his closest calls, and the biggest celebrity he has ever come across while chasing storms. This episode of Behind the Front is sponsored by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather.
Behind the Front: Social Media & Weather Seals
June 05, 2019 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBMeteorologists unite! J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt are preparing for the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting in California. They breakdown the importance of weather seals, like the AMS seal, and share their stories of how they got certified. Plus, how the weather industry was at the forefront of using social media, and how it shaped the way news stations deliver forecasts. This episode of Behind the Front is sponsored by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call (205) 956-4110 ...
Behind the Front: Meet the Weather Interns
May 29, 2019 05:00 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBWhat on earth would make someone want to get into the weather business? J-P Dice finds out from a few future meteorologists on this episode of Behind the Front. Hear from both Andrew Vice, Mississippi State, and Josh Culbreth, University of South Alabama, two weather interns at WBRC FOX6 News this summer. Learn what got them into weather, where they want to work, and more. This episode of Behind the Front is sponsored by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call (205) 956-4110 to learn ho...
Behind the Front: 2019 Hurricane Season
May 22, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBThe Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June 1st, but we have already seen the first named storm of the year with Andrea. J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt preview the season, including the list of names for 2019, and look back on some of the busiest years they have witnessed. Plus, experts are forecasting a below average season, but J-P and Wes discuss how even a lesser season can leave a lasting impact. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Related: Hurrican...
Behind the Front: Hunting for Hurricanes
May 15, 2019 05:00 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MBImagine collecting data for storms by flying right into the eyewall of one. Maj. Kyle Larson, Weather Officer with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, speaks with J-P Dice on how the Air Force tracks hurricanes, his most memorable storms, and what it’s like being in a WC-130J aircraft. Plus, find out how you can tour the “Hercules” at Weather Fest. Related: The who, what, where, and when of Weather Fest 2019 This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteri...
Behind the Front: First Alert Weather Fest
May 09, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MBWeather Fest is back - and it's bigger than ever this year! In this bonus edition of Behind the Front, J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt break down what you can expect at the First Alert Weather Fest, including touring a hurricane hunter aircraft and a sneak preview at the "News Brothers" playlist. Related: The who, what, where, and when of Weather Fest 2019 This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can hel...
Behind the Front: Severe Weather Phobias
May 08, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 31.7 MBAre you afraid of bad weather? You aren’t alone. Dr. Josh Klapow joins J-P Dice to discuss how you can face your fears and how they could be tied to other forms of anxiety. Plus, dealing with internet trolls after major weather events. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather.
Behind the Front: Don’t Take Air Quality for Granted
May 01, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBWhy does it feel harder to breathe during the summer months? Matt Lacke, air pollution meteorologist for Jefferson County, explains how heat can alter the quality of the air around you. Plus, the importance of the Air Quality Index, and how you can help the environment while helping out your wallet at the same time. Related: Behind the Front #9 - Air Quality in Birmingham This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Call: (205) 956-4110 to l...
Behind the Front: The Power of Wind
April 24, 2019 05:00“Oh it’s not a tornado threat, it’s just wind.” Have you ever heard that? J-P Dice and Jill Gilardi talk the truly devastating power of wind, and why you should never take it lightly. J-P and Jill explain how a severe wind event, like on 4/18/19, can prove to be more destructive than a day with a handful of tornado warnings. Related: Woman dies after tree falls on her St. Clair County home This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Cal...
Behind the Front: The Power of Wind
April 24, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MB“Oh it’s not a tornado threat, it’s just wind.” Have you ever heard that? J-P Dice and Jill Gilardi talk the truly devastating power of wind, and why you should never take it lightly. J-P and Jill explain how a severe wind event, like on 4/18/19, can prove to be more destructive than a day with a handful of tornado warnings. Related: Woman dies after tree falls on her St. Clair County home This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Click Here or Cal...
Behind the Front: Tracking Severe Weather & Storm Preparedness
April 17, 2019 00:41 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBIt’s already been an active month for severe weather and another threat is rolling into the state this week. J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt track Thursday’s storm risk. Plus, what to look for when scrolling through so many posts about weather on your Facebook feed. And do you have a severe weather plan? J-P and Wes discuss why every second matters when it comes to preparing for tornadoes. Find the latest forecast: https://bit.ly/2EN41nD This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Duran...
Behind the Front: April Severe Weather & Storm Shelters
April 10, 2019 05:00 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBApril has historically been a very active month for severe weather in Alabama. J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt look ahead to some potential storm threats while looking back on some of the biggest tornadoes to hit the state in the month of April. Plus, where do you go when bad weather hits? J-P and Wes discuss where to shelter yourself during storms. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn h...
Behind the Front: First Anniversary Special
April 04, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBBehind the Front is turning one! We’re celebrating the special occasion by revisiting some of the biggest moments from the first year of the show. J-P Dice recaps a handful of the 50+ episodes released in the last 12 months. Learn about storm PTSD, spotting fake weather posts on Facebook, what went wrong with the Snowmaggedon forecasts, and much more. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110...
Behind the Front: First Alert Trifecta
March 29, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 14.9 MBWeather can change in an instant in Alabama. You need to be prepared for anything. In this special episode of Behind the Front, J-P Dice and Wes Wyatt introduce you to a brand-new way to stay ahead of the forecast, the First Alert Trifecta. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather.
Behind the Front: Solar Power
March 27, 2019 05:00 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBThe future of forecasting could be very eco-friendly. Dan Satterfield, WBOC Chief Meteorologist, joins J-P Dice to discuss green energy and using solar energy to power his station in Salisbury, MD. Plus Dan looks back on his time in Birmingham and covering the Blizzard of 1993. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather.
Behind the Front: JSU Tornado – One Year Later
March 19, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBIt’s been one year since a tornado hit Jacksonville, Alabama, causing widespread damage, including on the campus of Jacksonville State University. On the same night, Cullman County was devastated by hail. Wes Wyatt joins J-P Dice to look back on the historic severe weather event on March 19, 2018. Plus, a look at how those communities are recovering one year later. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: ...
Behind the Front: The Year of Rain
March 13, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 26.2 MBIt’s already been a very wet year and it’s only March. Jill Gilardi joins J-P Dice to look back on a very rainy winter and what it could mean heading into spring and severe weather season. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather
Behind the Front: The Lee County Tornado
March 06, 2019 06:00 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBRecovery efforts continue in East Alabama days after an EF-4 tornado left a path of destruction. Josh Johnson, WSFA 12 Chief Meteorologist, joins J-P Dice to discuss tracking such a powerful storm and the devastating impact of the tornado outbreak that has claimed the lives of more than 20 people. Related: Drone footage shows EF-4 tornado’s damage in Lee County This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (...
Behind the Front: Getting your first television job
February 27, 2019 06:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBWhat’s it like trying to land your first weather job in the media? Hunter Williams of 13WMAZ in Macon, GA, joins J-P Dice to discuss getting your name out there, moving to places you aren’t familiar with, and what to expect for anyone coming out of college. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weather
Behind the Front: Severe Weather Awareness Week
February 20, 2019 06:00 - 18 minutes - 26 MBIt can sometimes feel like in the state of Alabama that severe weather season lasts all year. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for anything. Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist with the Alabama EMA, joins J-P Dice to discuss Severe Weather Awareness Week and what you should know to keep you safe in severe conditions. Related: Alabama’s Severe Weather Awareness Week Tax Holiday This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewi...
Behind the Front: Turbulence Forecasting
February 13, 2019 06:00 - 14 minutes - 20.7 MBWhat causes turbulence? Can it damage the plane? When’s the best time to fly? Dr. John Knox of the University of Georgia joins J-P Dice to answer these sky-high questions. Plus, how new research is helping to better predict turbulence and create a more comfortable experience for passengers. This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can help protect your home from the weat...
Behind the Front: What happened to the snow?
February 06, 2019 06:00 - 20 minutes - 28 MBThere’s just something about seeing snow in the forecast that can cause a psychological response when you see it pop up. Friend of the podcast, Dr. Josh Klapow, stops by to discuss why trying to predict the certain uncertainty associated with snow can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions for some. Where's the snow?: 1/29/19 This episode of Behind the Front is brought to you by Durante Home Exteriors. Visit: https://www.durantewindows.com/ or Call: (205) 956-4110 to learn how Durante can h...
Behind the Front: Snow Day – Behind the Scenes
January 29, 2019 10:48 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBWhat’s the best thing to do when you’ve been working all day on tracking winter weather? You record a podcast in the middle of the night! J-P Dice and producer, Sebastian Posey, discuss forecasting snow, why everyone runs to the store to get bread & milk, and more.
Behind the Front: Fake Winter Weather
January 23, 2019 06:00 - 23 minutes - 33.3 MBHave you come across a post on Facebook or Twitter warning you of a massive snowstorm heading your way? Before you go out to stock up on bread and milk you need to know just where the message is coming from. Wes Wyatt joins J-P Dice to talk about the rise of fake weather posts and what you can do to spot a phony account.
Behind the Front: The long road to recovery after Hurricane Michael
January 16, 2019 06:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MB“It takes away a little bit of your passion for weather when you see the destruction, and the hurt, and just how helpless you feel from it.” Those of the words of Chris Smith, Chief Meteorologist at WJHG in Panama City Beach, Florida. He joins J-P Dice to discuss the lingering impacts of Hurricane Michael on the Florida Panhandle. Plus, how the storm could cause a major shift in the area’s population and the recent push by the community to upgrade Michael to a Category 5.
Behind the Front: El Niño Winter
January 09, 2019 06:00 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MBYou may be wondering how much snow we will get this winter, but this year you should be asking how much rain instead. Wes Wyatt joins J-P Dice for the first episode of 2019 where the two discuss the mild winter ahead. Plus, why you shouldn’t worry about the “name” of winter storms, the difference in marginal and slight risks, and more.
Behind the Front: Best of 2018
December 26, 2018 06:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBJ-P Dice looks back on some of the best moments from Behind the Front in 2018. Hear from hurricane hunters, a Tornado Alley Icon, and much more. If you want to hear full versions of any of the episodes highlighted this week you can find links below: Episode #1 – Storm Anxiety Episode #10 – Hurricane Hunter Pilot Episode #19 – The Future of Weather in the Media Episode #30 – Hurricane Michael vs. Fred Hunter Episode #32 – Gary England - Tornado Alley Icon
Behind the Front: NORAD Santa Tracker
December 19, 2018 06:00 - 9 minutes - 13 MBOn Christmas Eve Santa Claus will be coming to town! For over 60 years, NORAD has been tracking Kris Kringle’s world tour, giving you the chance to follow along on his journey. In this special holiday edition of Behind the Front, J-P Dice speaks with John Cornelio, Deputy Director NORAD, and USNORTHCOM, on the technology they use to keep tabs on Father Christmas. You can use NORAD’s Santa tracker yourself on Christmas Eve. Check out their site for more details here. You can also call the...
Behind the Front: Weather on the roadways
December 12, 2018 06:00 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBBaron Weather’s Chief Development Officer, Bob Dreisewerd, talks the impact severe weather can have on bridges and roads. Plus, how new technology is helping to provide better safety for users and how it allows meteorologists to pinpoint the areas of severe weather and even time of arrival. Baron Weather is located in Huntsville, Ala. You can learn more about the company here. And check out episode #20 of Behind the Front where the company’s Director of Broadcast Meteorology spoke with J-...
Behind the Front: Winter Weather Questions
December 05, 2018 06:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBIn a winter storm, what causes ice instead of snow? What’s the difference between sleet and hail? Is J-P Dice a fan of Vanilla Ice? Find out the answers to these important topics and more as J-P takes a look at your winter weather questions.
Behind the Front: Answering your weather questions
November 28, 2018 06:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBJ-P Dice answers your questions in this special listener mailbag edition of Behind the Front. What are the chances of a white Christmas this year? What is thundersnow? All that and more is answered this week.
Behind the Front: Snow in Alabama
November 20, 2018 06:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBThe fury of flurries – when it comes to snow in the forecast, it seems like there is no middle ground. Either the event falls apart or we get hit with a winter wonderland. But J-P Dice and guest, Wes Wyatt, explain why it’s not snow that worries them, it’s ice. Plus, how something like “Snowmageddon” can completely shut down a city.
Behind the Front: Nighttime Tornadoes
November 14, 2018 06:00 - 18 minutes - 26.2 MBStorm chasing is already a dangerous activity but imagine tracking a tornado in the dark. Jill Gilardi returns to the show this week to discuss how tough it can be covering severe weather at night.
Behind the Front: Gary England – Tornado Alley Icon
November 07, 2018 07:13 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB"Jump back, throw me down, Loretta, it's Friday night in the big town!" A phrase made famous by Gary England. The Oklahoma weather icon joins J-P Dice this week to discuss his 40+ years covering weather, his involvement in movies like Twister, and what are some of the worst storms he’s ever seen.
Behind the Front: Don't 'fall back' into depression
October 31, 2018 05:00 - 12 minutes - 17 MBDaylight Saving Time is here once again. Winter is coming, which means the days will continue to get shorter. This loss of sunlight could give you a case of “the blahs”. But could it be more serious than that? Friend of the podcast, Dr. Josh Klapow, stops by to discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how this time of year could cause depression for some. Plus, what are the three steps you could take to help fight off the winter blues.
Behind the Front: Hurricane Michael vs. Fred Hunter
October 24, 2018 05:00 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBFred Hunter joins J-P Dice this week to discuss covering Hurricane Michael in Panama City, the Waffle House Index, and more. Plus, how does Michael rank compared to other storms Fred has covered in the last 22 years?
Behind the Front: The dangers of flying in severe weather
October 17, 2018 05:00 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBHave you ever heard of a TAF? It stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast and its important information for any pilot looking to take to the sky. Mary Keiser, a Senior Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, joins the show this week to discuss Aviation Weather and the importance of forecasting for airways. Plus just how big a factor bad weather plays in most airplane crashes.
Behind the Front: Hurricanes and Heatwaves
October 10, 2018 05:00 - 17 minutes - 24.9 MBWhat happened to fall? First Alert Meteorologist, Jill Gilardi, joins J-P this week to discuss the never-ending summer, an active hurricane season in the tropics, and when it may actually start feeling like autumn around Alabama.
Behind the Front: Storm(s) of the Century
September 26, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBHurricanes, tropical storms, blizzards – you’ve likely experienced a “storm of the century” for several different severe events over the years. Paul Dellegatto, from FOX13 in Tampa, joins J-P Dice to discuss the unique personalities of storms, when and why anyone would try to ride out a hurricane, and the most impactful events he has covered in his nearly 30-year career at WTVT. Which happens to include the tropical storm that would go on to form the Blizzard of 1993 in Alabama.
Behind the Front: What about Cullman?
September 19, 2018 05:00 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBCullman County is in the Birmingham television market, but it’s in Huntsville’s National Weather Service warning area. Sound confusing? Friend of the podcast, Chris Darden, the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the NWS in Birmingham, joins the show this week to help explain the split with Cullman, how it affects severe weather advisories, and how offices across the states work together to cover multiple counties.
Episode 24: The Evolution of Radar
September 12, 2018 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20 MBThe godfather of weather radar software, Mike Gibson, talks developing new programs that now help you track storms better than ever. Plus, what led to the creation of GREarth and why these radar tools are more than just eye candy.
Episode 23: Why weather radios are still important
September 05, 2018 05:00 - 15 minutes - 21.2 MBWith so many different apps and alerts out there, why do you still need to have a weather radio? Bruce Thomas of Midland Radio explains how NOAA weather radios continue to be at the forefront of warning you and your family during severe weather.
Episode 22: Climate Change
August 29, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 39.9 MBIt’s a hot button issue that often sparks a debate across party lines - climate change. Dr. Marshall Shepherd, of the University of Georgia, joins J-P Dice to discuss the science behind it, and why it transcends politics.
Bonus: Introducing Air It Out
August 28, 2018 05:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MBJ-P Dice speaks with his WBRC cohort Rick Karle, about his brand-new podcast - Air It Out. Find out what you can expect to hear on this brand new weekly sports podcast from the makers of Behind the Front. Air It Out premieres on 8/30/18. New episodes will be released each Thursday during football season. Learn more about the show here.
Behind the Front: The Origin of Matt Daniel
August 22, 2018 05:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBMatt Daniel has joined the WBRC First Alert Weather Team as a digital meteorologist. Hear what sparked the Georgia native’s love for weather, his hobbies, and what brought him to Central Alabama. Plus, he dishes on some of his favorite foods as he begins discovering all the Magic City has to offer.
Behind the Front: Baron Weather
August 15, 2018 05:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBEvery second counts when it comes to sharing critical information during severe weather. Baron Weather has been helping meteorologists reach the public for nearly 30 years with their storm tracking tools. Steve Bray, Baron’s New Director of Broadcast Meteorology, explains the importance of using the air around us to time storm threats as early as possible.
Behind the Front: The Future of Weather in the Media
August 08, 2018 05:00 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBThe way we get News continues to change thanks to advancements in technology. So, what does that mean for weather? Nate Johnson, of the National Weather Association Broadcast Meteorology Committee, shares his thoughts on what the future of forecasting could look like in the next few years.
Behind the Front: The Seal of Approval
August 01, 2018 05:00 - 13 minutes - 19.2 MBHave you ever noticed the little logos next to a meteorologist’s name? Nate Johnson, of the National Weather Association Broadcast Meteorology Committee, explains what those seals mean, and how a meteorologist earns them. Nate and J-P Dice discuss the importance of taking the complex nature of weather and being able to share it with the viewers, in Part One of our “Weather on Television” series.
Behind the Front: Snowmaggedon – What went wrong?
July 25, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBJanuary 28th, 2014. To many people that was just a Tuesday – but the folks of Alabama know it by a different name – Snowmaggedon. The impact of the wintry storm was felt across Central Alabama. But what went wrong with the forecasting of the monumental event? Dr. Tim Coleman, of the University of Alabama Huntsville, discusses some of the major factors going into covering Snowmaggedon.