James Spann: Tornadoes, Trauma & the Ministry of Weather cover art

James Spann: Tornadoes, Trauma & the Ministry of Weather

James Spann: Tornadoes, Trauma & the Ministry of Weather

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In the Season One finale of The Other Side of Success, Tyler sits down with Alabama’s most trusted voice during crisis — Chief Meteorologist James Spann. Known for his calm presence during deadly tornado outbreaks, Spann opens up about the private storms he’s weathered behind the camera: a broken home, early trauma, and the long road to faith and forgiveness.

This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and hard truth — from electric fences and ashtray VBS crafts to leadership under pressure and rebuilding after loss. Whether you’re from Alabama or not, this one will stay with you.

  • ​The childhood trauma that shaped Spann’s work ethic
  • ​How April 27, 2011 changed his life forever
  • ​The night a tornado hit his own house
  • ​Balancing public pressure with private pain
  • ​Why his real legacy is in children's ministry — not weather
  • ​A deeply personal story about forgiving his father
  • ​How he defines real success in today’s chaotic world
  • ​📚 Book: Weathering Life by James Spann – Buy on Amazon
  • ​📖 Recommended Reading: All Over But the Shoutin’ & The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg
  • ​🎧 WeatherBrains Podcast – weatherbrains.com
  • ​Instagram @spannwx
  • ​Twitter/X @spann
  • ​Facebook @JamesSpann
  • ​YouTube – Weather Updates
  • ​Instagram: @theothersideofsuccesspod
  • ​All Episodes & Platforms: linktr.ee/theothersideofsuccess

Enjoying the podcast? Share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review to help us keep telling stories that matter.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.