Shawn Ryan Show

#207 Augustus Doricko - CEO of Rainmaker: Manipulating the Weather

99 snips
Jun 9, 2025
Augustus Doricko, a UC Berkeley dropout and CEO of Rainmaker, dives into the fascinating world of weather manipulation. He shares how his company uses drones and innovative technology to create precipitation, aiming to reverse desertification in the American West. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of altering weather patterns and the geopolitical impacts of water resources. He recounts his unexpected journey from personal training to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of inventive solutions for global water scarcity.
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INSIGHT

Weather Mod Regulation and Liability

  • Weather modification is regulated by states requiring licenses and suspension criteria to prevent flooding or avalanches.
  • Operators are liable for damage if they ignore regulations, making "acts of God" less applicable in caused disasters.
INSIGHT

2017 Proof of Cloud Seeding

  • Cloud seeding was proven effective and measurable in 2017 using dual polarization radar techniques.
  • This tech can now objectively confirm human-made precipitation by matching radar patterns to flight paths.
ANECDOTE

ISS Experiment in High School

  • Augustus' high school team designed a cellular experiment conducted on the ISS.
  • Despite breaking a test tube, it was a proud and inspiring life milestone for him.
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