Shaping tomorrow through wisdom, science, and hope. In today’s episode, Marcus Arredondo connects with Cornell professor Toby Ault to discuss what most people get wrong about climate change, how to approach skeptics with curiosity, and why aligning passion with purpose matters. Through stories of travel, research, and teaching, this episode reveals practical wisdom for facing today’s challenges and building a more resilient future.

Toby Ault is an Associate Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University and Director of Graduate Studies in Atmospheric Science. His work spans climate variability, megadroughts, and wildfire risk, bridging fundamental research with real-world impact. He teaches across all levels, mentors the STARDUST project team, and is recognized for connecting scientific rigor with thoughtful guidance that equips the next generation to navigate uncertainty with clarity and resilience.

Episode highlights:

[0:00] Intro
[2:50] From math major to climate scientist
[6:51] Lessons from retracing Darwin’s voyage
[14:46] Choosing climate science as a life’s work
[19:59] What most people get wrong about climate change?
[29:25] How to talk to climate skeptics
[37:23] Career alignment and midlife recalibration
[41:15] The tenure process and academic pressures
[48:28] Funding challenges and diversifying support
[59:46] Advice for students on sustaining passions
[1:06:17] Balancing human connection and AI in education
[1:17:36] Outro