On this episode of the StormReel podcast, The Weather Channel's Mike Bettes joins Gabe and Jeremy to share about memorable events he has covered during his 30 years as a broadcast meteorologist. Mike discusses the shock and heartbreak of being first on the scene after the 2011 Joplin, MO EF5 tornado, the terror of his vehicle being tossed by the 2013 El Reno tornado - the largest tornado on record - and of nearly being hit by a surprise tornado while covering Hurricane Irma live in Florida in 2017. He also talks candidly about his mental health journey, the process of recovering from PTST that resulted from the traumatic events in El Reno, and the importance of recognizing the moments when we need to pause and ask for help.

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WeatherStar 4000+ | Joplin, MO Aftermath Coverage | Inside the El Reno Tornado | Tornado During Hurricane Irma's Eyewall | 2024 National Storm Chaser Summit Talk on Mental Health

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On this episode of the StormReel podcast, Gabe and Jeremy catch up on the last 3 years of life, and the personal journeys they've been on since the last episode. The two also share the story behind a wild 24-hour storm marathon in Colorado that ended with a tornado forming directly in front of their chase vehicle near the town of Akron. The episode a lesson in persistence and allowing necessary healing in all aspects of life.

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Akron, CO Tornado Short Documentary

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Music: Metamerism - Auragraph
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The Tornado Trackers Podcast is back with a new season and a new name. We are now StormReel: a podcast about the intersection of people and weather. While the name is new, we'll be bringing back all of the things you loved in our first two seasons, like our own personal stories of tornado and hurricane chases, guests from around the world to chime in on all things weather, and some new ideas we have brewing (like a well-sculpted supercell) as well. So be sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and come along for the next chapter in this stormy journey!

Subscribe to the show! Receive early access to every new episode and support the show when you become a subscriber.

Buy us a coffee! Keep the caffeine flowing as we work those extra hours to get you the best storm stories on the planet.

Music: Metamerism - Auragraph
Soundcloud | Spotify | Instagram

For partnership opportunities, contact our team: stormreel@gmail.com

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