The Shawn Ryan Show #207 Augustus Doricko - CEO of Rainmaker: Manipulating the Weather
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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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First Successful Cloud Seeding
- Rainmaker's first successful cloud seeding was in Pendleton, Oregon with precipitation seen 15 minutes after starting.
- It resulted in a local snow day, proving the weather modification's tangible impact.
Key Benefits of Cloud Seeding
- Cloud seeding prevents aquifer depletion, supports hydroelectric power, and sustains farming and industrial water use.
- It also helps wildfire prevention proactively by keeping soil moist through increased precipitation.
Coverage Scale for Watershed Seeding
- To cover a watershed like Bear River Basin for Great Salt Lake, operate over thousands of square miles.
- Drones targeting a watershed do not miss since water flows between the mountain ranges ensuring coverage.
