Storm Chaser and OU Meteorology Student Conner Stines shares about his passion for weather and recaps his experience of being directly impacted by the Valley View, Texas tornado on May 25, 2024.

Summary
In this episode of the Storm Before the Calm podcast, host Lori Grace Bailey interviews Connor Stines, a young meteorology student and storm chaser. They discuss Connor's journey into meteorology, his experiences with tornadoes, and a harrowing incident where he and his sister were caught in a tornado while seeking shelter. The conversation delves into the emotional aftermath of the event, the importance of safety in storm chasing, and Connor's aspirations for the future. Throughout the episode, they explore the beauty and danger of storms, the personal growth that comes from chasing them, and the impact of severe weather on communities.

Takeaways

Connor's passion for storms began in childhood.
He switched from nursing to meteorology after a tornado experience.
Safety is paramount when storm chasing.
The tornado incident was a life-changing experience for Connor and his sister.
There were no serious injuries during the tornado incident, thanks to quick thinking.
Connor feels a mix of guilt and gratitude after the tornado incident.
The impact of tornadoes on communities is profound and tragic.
Connor is interested in studying historical perspectives on weather phenomena.
He aims to contribute to meteorology through research and education.
The importance of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
titles
Chasing Storms: A Journey into Meteorology
Caught in the Storm: A Tornado Experience
Sound Bites

"I definitely do carry baggage with that."
"I feel like we were meant to be there."

Summary

In this conversation, Lori Grace Bailey interviews Jennifer Brindley Ubl, a professional studio portrait photographer and well-known storm chaser. They discuss Jennifer's journey into storm chasing, her passion for photography, and the challenges and burnout that can come with the pursuit. Jennifer shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and giving oneself permission to take breaks and pursue other interests. They also touch on the need for open conversations about the realities and struggles of storm chasing. In this part of the conversation, Jennifer and Lori discuss their love for storm chasing and their favorite tornado videos. They also touch on the topic of safety in storm chasing and the need for responsible chasing practices. Jennifer shares that she is not a thrill seeker and is more interested in capturing the beauty and awe of tornadoes. They also talk about the impact of the El Reno tornado and the importance of learning from past mistakes. They end the conversation by sharing prints they have purchased from other photographers and celebrating the work of fellow storm chasers. In this conversation, Jennifer Brindley Ubl and Lori Grace discuss their experiences with storm chasing and the passion that drives them. They talk about the number of tornadoes they have seen and the different approaches to counting them. They also discuss the importance of finding a balance between chasing storms and taking care of other aspects of life. Jennifer shares her favorite tornado experiences and offers advice for new storm chasers. They also mention their involvement as extras in the upcoming movie 'Twisters' and their excitement for its release. Overall, the conversation highlights the love for storm chasing and the importance of finding joy and peace in life.

Keywords

storm chasing, photography, passion, burnout, self-reflection, challenges, storm chasing, tornado videos, safety, responsible chasing, El Reno tornado, beauty of tornadoes, learning from mistakes, prints from other photographers, celebrating fellow storm chasers, storm chasing, tornadoes, passion, balance, movie 'Twisters', advice

Takeaways

• Storm chasing can be a passion that lasts for years, but it's important to acknowledge and address burnout when it arises.
• Taking breaks and pursuing other interests can help maintain passion and prevent burnout in storm chasing.
• Failures and challenges in storm chasing are opportunities for growth and learning.
• Open conversations about the realities and struggles of storm chasing are important for fostering understanding and support within the community. Storm chasing is a thrilling activity that allows people to capture the beauty and awe of tornadoes.
• Safety should always be a top priority in storm chasing, and it is important to learn from past mistakes and practice responsible chasing.
• Not all storm chasers are thrill seekers, and some are more interested in capturing the spectacle and beauty of storms.
• The El Reno tornado was a turning point in storm chasing, and it highlighted the need for increased awareness and caution.
• It is important to celebrate and support the work of fellow storm chasers and photographers. Storm chasing is a passion that drives many people, and the number of tornadoes seen can vary among individuals.
• Finding a balance between storm chasing and other aspects of life, such as paying bills and taking care of mental health, is important.
• It's okay to take breaks from storm chasing and focus on other priorities.
• Talking to loved ones and trusted individuals can provide clarity and support during times of uncertainty or burnout.
• There are many resources available for learning about storm chasing, such as Girls Who Chase, Skip Talbot's educational videos, and TitanU.
• Being

In this conversation, Storm Chaser, Engineer and Educator Seth Price discusses his experience with storm chasing and his involvement in a high school storm chasing program. He shares the impact of storm chasing on high school students and the challenges of coordinating trips. Seth also talks about his choice of vehicle for storm chasing and the use of ham radio in communication. He reflects on the changes in storm chasing technology over the years. This conversation covers the importance of storm chasing tools, the upside and downside of storm chasing tools, the experience of storm chasing, early interest in weather and storm chasing, childhood fascination with storms, choosing a career path, personal setbacks and motivation, chasing in different regions, challenges of chasing in wooded areas, memorable chasing experiences, personal setbacks and pursuing storm chasing, challenges in the field of meteorology, and teaching and inspiring students. In this conversation, Seth Price shares his experiences as a storm chaser and the impact it has had on his personal growth. He discusses the educational opportunities he provides to students through field trips and the importance of exposing them to real-life experiences. Seth also reflects on how storm chasing has changed his perspective on fear of missing out and the concept of success. He emphasizes the value of embracing the journey and finding joy in the process rather than focusing solely on the end result. Seth also addresses imposter syndrome and the importance of celebrating personal accomplishments. He concludes by discussing his bucket list and the continuous learning that comes with storm chasing.

Takeaways

• Storm chasing can have a profound impact on high school students, exposing them to new experiences and broadening their horizons.
• Choosing the right vehicle for storm chasing is important, considering factors such as trunk space, power supply, and durability.
• Ham radio can be a valuable tool for communication during storm chasing, allowing for local and long-distance communication.
• Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced the capabilities of storm chasers, providing real-time radar and satellite data. Storm chasing tools have become essential for making informed decisions and staying safe during storm chasing.
• While storm chasing tools provide valuable information, it is important to understand their limitations and not rely solely on technology.
• The experience of storm chasing is a combination of knowledge, intuition, and learning from past experiences.
• Early interest in weather and storms can shape a person's passion for storm chasing.
• Personal setbacks can sometimes lead to new opportunities and a change in career path.
• Chasing storms in different regions presents unique challenges and considerations.
• Chasing storms in wooded areas can be particularly challenging due to limited visibility and road networks.
• Memorable chasing experiences include witnessing significant tornadoes and experiencing successful chase days.
• Personal setbacks can sometimes hinder the pursuit of storm chasing, but resilience and adaptability are key.
• The field of meteorology can be competitive, and job opportunities may require perseverance and flexibility.
• Teaching and inspiring students about storm chasing can broaden their horizons and expose them to new experiences. Field trips and real-life experiences can provide valuable educational opportunities for students.
• Storm chasing can lead to personal growth and a shift in perspective.
• Embracing the journey and finding joy in the process is more important than focusing solely on the end result.
• Imposter syndrome can be overcome by recognizing and celebrating personal accomplishments.
• Continuous learning and exploration are key components of storm chasing.