Robert Chervin interviewed Dr. Jerry Mahlman at the NCAR Foothills Laboratory for the Tape Recorded Interview Project sponsored by the American Meteorological Society and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Mahlman reflects on his early life, highlighting formative influences from his family and early work experiences. He discusses his upbringing in Crawford, Nebraska, during the Great Depression and his fascination with severe weather and science, which began in childhood.

On January 10-13, 2002, Robert M. Chervin interviewed Stephen H. Schneider for the American Meteorological Society Tape Recorded Interview Project. Schneider, a renowned scientist, recounts his early fascination with science, technology, and engineering, beginning with childhood experiments such as building Lionel trains and making soap. His formative years were marked by curiosity and a drive to understand the world, evidenced by his tinkering with electronics, mechanics, and even homemade rockets.