Step into the eye of the storm with Josh Johnson, WSFA's chief meteorologist for 17 years, as he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to forecast Alabama's wildest weather. Far from just reading radar screens, Josh reveals how his profession demands equal parts science, geography, and communication skills to keep communities safe when minutes matter most.

With candor and humor, Josh tackles the dangerous rise of weather misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. These aren't just annoying distractions—they're potentially deadly diversions that force legitimate forecasters to waste precious time debunking viral nonsense during actual emergencies. His passionate explanation of why Alabama leads the nation in tornado deaths per capita will forever change how you think about severe weather preparedness, especially his urgent message for mobile home residents: "Save your miracle for something else."

Beyond the forecast, Josh opens up about his remarkable journey from weather-obsessed teenager to trusted meteorologist, including the pivotal moment when a job rejection from Fred's Dollar Store inadvertently launched his broadcasting career. Now, he's channeling his passion for mentorship into coaching youth football, creating a program designed not just to win games but to build character in young men through positive male role models—something he sees as increasingly vital in today's world.

Whether you're a weather enthusiast, a parent concerned about storm safety, or simply appreciate authentic conversations with people making a difference in their communities, Josh's insights will leave you better prepared for life's storms—both meteorological and metaphorical. Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear these potentially life-saving perspectives from Alabama's weatherman.

From sideline strategies to administrative vision, Coach Caleb Ross takes listeners on a compelling journey through the evolving world of football in this candid conversation about his career path and the state of the game today.

After fulfilling his dream of coaching college football at Troy and Tulane, Ross found himself at a crossroads when doors began closing unexpectedly. His surprising transition to the Alabama High School Athletic Association reveals how sometimes our most meaningful opportunities emerge from unexpected places. "I truly feel like this is where God's leading me," Ross reflects, capturing the essence of his philosophy about trusting the journey rather than forcing a predetermined path.

The conversation provides a rare insider's glimpse into the reality of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in college sports. Ross doesn't mince words when describing the current landscape: "What is going on is not NIL... it's pay for play." He details the concerning practices of agent tampering, the constant need to re-recruit your own roster, and how these dynamics are fundamentally reshaping college football. His practical proposal for implementing contracts with buyout clauses offers a thoughtful solution to restore stability to a system increasingly dominated by transfer portal chaos.

Perhaps most poignantly, Ross shares his perspective on balancing professional ambition with family priorities. After years in the demanding college coaching environment where "it's a grind," his current role has allowed him to "catch my breath and have time to be a good dad again." This refreshing honesty about work-life tensions resonates beyond sports, touching on universal questions about career paths and personal fulfillment.

Whether you're a football enthusiast, a parent navigating youth sports, or someone interested in the intersection of faith and career choices, this episode delivers authentic insights that extend far beyond the gridiron. Subscribe now to catch future episodes of the Preferred Experience Podcast!

Mike Reynolds sits down with Coach Duwan Walker, the newest contributor to Prattville Alive and Th Preferred Experience