Storm Before the Calm Podcast - Episode 4: Jennifer Brindley Ubl

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.
EXTRA VIDEO AND PHOTO CONTENT USED WITH PERMISSION, AND ALL RIGHTS AND CREDIT TO JENNIFER BRINDLEY UBL.
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.

[@shaneinaz00]

Hi and great video! This is awesome!

[@skiptalbot]

You two did an amazing job on this one. Thank you for asking and sharing about the important topics.

[@trdprostormchasers]

Skip - I also want to thank you for all of the safety/learning videos that you’ve created and published. My son and I have watched every one of them together and stop to discuss along the way! They are a great learning tool especially for younger chasers! Much appreciated!

[@LoriGraceAz]

Thanks, Skip! I appreciate the feedback!

[@MelanieMetzStormChasing]

I really resonate with everything you said, Jen! I've gone through it all. And still do. I love chasing, but it's overwhelming at times and it's necessary to take a step back and reset, or change focus completely. It's hard to find that balance sometimes. And thanks for the shoutout!

[@JenniferBrindley]

Thanks for always being someone to look up to, and sharing your experiences. You’ll always be the 🐐

[@Kimtwister]

GREAT video talk awesome

[@LoriGraceAz]

thank you!

[@RyanSeek]

A very interesting conversation. You covered a lot of topics and I can tell if you and I ever get the opportunity to just visit like this, we'll be at it for hours! KUDOS, Lori!

[@LoriGraceAz]

thanks, Ryan!

[@trdprostormchasers]

Great video! In particular, I loved the part of the discussion about not getting too close/being too aggressive from 29:30 to 37:00 into the video. As a parent of a young teenager that loves meteorology and storm chasing, it’s critical to instill this mindset both by example when in the field and by hearing from others who operate with the same mindset regarding caution/responsibility. Thank you both! ❤

[@LoriGraceAz]

best we can do is learn vicariously from others and learn from our own mistakes. I do hope we see a push for safety, but sadly I see more people being more aggressive.

[@qzuku]

A+ to both of you on the 30: to 35: conversation... I chased a LOT between 1996 and 2001, but really got spooked on 5/3/99 and then also again 2000 when a chase partner of mine died chasing. Learning lessons and being really scared is why I've held back all these years. 2024 is getting me more excited than I've been since 2013 BUT I don't think I'll ever break the cardinal rules of last-century chasing: Don't chase alone. Don't chase at night. Don't EVER go into the water. And no zero metering (like who EVER would have thought of THAT before?!?! omg)

[@LoriGraceAz]

Yeah, you forgot don't chase Dixie. That's not on my plate like ever. Thanks for sharing!

[@AdamLucio]

Good conversation. its OK to sit out setups! Theres a skill in being able to get the goods on fewer chases by honing in on what setups are more likely to produce them.

[@JenniferBrindley]

Your season this year has been straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LoriGraceAz]

Watching you this year has been a masterclass on positioning. Just nuts.

[@UNWTWeatherDiva]

Greenfield did this. We were the only ones on the road where it crossed and then doubled and became multi vortex and got alot bigger. I was behind most other people so i dont think anyone else got that perspective.