Beyond the Sketch
Beyond the Sketch is built for adjusters, roofers, and insurance carriers who want to stay ahead of what's next in property intelligence. Hosted by Brittany Harris of Sketch My Roof, this show goes beyond roof measurements to uncover the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of insurance, claims, and construction. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are redefining how we think about property data, technology, and customer experience.
Beyond the Sketch
In Honor of the Last Day of Hurricane Season: A Conversation with Hurricane Hal
Hurricane season officially ends today, and while 2025 didn't bring a U.S. landfall, we're closing it out with the real deal: Dr. Hurricane Hal Needham.
In this episode of Beyond the Sketch, Dr. Needham breaks down what it actually takes to survive extreme weather, from understanding wind and flooding to the often-overlooked dangers of storm surge. We dive into forensic meteorology, the critical role of hurricane hunters in collecting real-time data, and why impact-based forecasting is changing how communities prepare for disasters.
But here's the contrarian angle: Dr. Needham explains why human complacency is one of the biggest threats we face. With populations in vulnerable coastal areas exploding and a quiet hurricane season potentially lulling people into a false sense of security, the real risk isn't just the next storm. It's whether we're ready for it.
We also discuss data-driven risk analysis, how past weather events inform future predictions, and why communicating risks in simple, actionable terms can save lives. If you think a calm hurricane season means you're off the hook, think again.
This is the hurricane conversation the insurance industry needs to hear.