PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

To kick off Season 6 of the Planet Geo Podcast, we invited Doug Heller, a Penn State alum and geoscience finance guru, to explore investment risk in the geosciences. 

Doug shares thrilling stories about turning modest funds into substantial investments and offers invaluable advice for budding geologists and students. The episode delves into Doug's journey from exploring oil in the Gulf of Mexico to managing a complex bankruptcy...

In this episode of Planet Geo, we dive deep into the fascinating phenomenon of petrification as we wrap up our season five re-release holiday series. From the beauty of petrified wood to its rare yet awe-inspiring occurrence, we explore how this natural wonder forms. We also tease exciting updates for season six, including segments with Dr. Rachel Phillips and interviews with top geoscientists. Strap in geologists and rock enthusia...

Welcome back to Planet Geo, the podcast where we delve into the wonders of our planet's geology, how it works, and why it matters. In this episode, part three of our holiday re-release series, we’re breaking down the basics of rock identification and collection techniques. Chris and I tackle the popular question: how do you identify rocks? We provide a general strategy perfect for budding rock hounds and outdoor enthusiasts. P...

In this episode, we dive into the thrilling hobby of rock hounding, sharing our personal adventures and offering a Rocks and Minerals holiday re-release theme. We'll guide you through the basics of rock hounding, including crucial tips, resources, and a few funny anecdotes about our own experiences in gravel pits, quarries, and even snake-infested areas. Also, don't forget to follow us on social media, download the Camp G...

In this episode, we're back with the fabulous Dr. Rachel Phillips, also known as Geo Girl on YouTube, diving into part two of our intriguing Q&A session. This time, we cover listener questions about early Earth geology, the moon-forming impact, geochemistry, and much more. Spoiler alert: we journey into the cosmic and tectonic weeds, so grab your scientific hats as we ponder if the moon-forming whammy kickstarted plate tec...

Jesse joins forces with Dr. Rachel Phillips, AKA Geo Girl, to tackle viewer questions about Earth's oldest rocks. We cover a wide range of topics, from how Earth's age is calculated using meteorites to the intriguing details of zircon dating. We also discuss the beginnings of plate tectonics, early continents, and the much-debated timeline of Earth's geological history. This in-depth discussion is packed with scienti...

In this episode of Planet Geo, we share some exciting updates as Chris steps back a bit. Don’t worry; Chris will still join us regularly, but you'll also be hearing more often from fantastic guests like Dr. Rachel Phillips, Dr. Mike Ackerson, and Dr. Josh Davies. We’re diving deep into the geoscience topics we all love and bringing you insightful interviews with geoscience leaders. We’re also eager to hear your feedback, so pl...

Join us as we dive into an awe-inspiring chat with Dr. Josh Davies – an expert in high-precision geochronology! Josh and Jesse go way back to their University of Alberta days, and in this episode, they unravel a groundbreaking project involving banded iron formations. Together, they explore how these ancient rocks bring to light the Earth's history, dating back 2.5 billion years. Discover how the research reveals the Moon-Eart...

In this episode, we dive deep into the composition and formation of the continental crust! We explore the tough questions about what makes up our continents, debunking some rudimentary class teachings and revealing the misunderstandings in our current knowledge! But don't worry—it’s not all sedimentary! We also ponder the role of basalt and Granite, the conundrum of exhumed terrain, and even how we get our data from the deepes...

Ready to rock your buildings with some fascinating geology tales? Join us as we chat with the amazing David B. Williams, author of 'Stories in Stone.' David shares his insights on the hidden geological marvels in urban landscapes and the history behind some iconic building stones. From Seattle's local quarries to Chicago's memorable marbles, this episode is a treasure trove of stone-cold facts! Dive in for a jou...

Join us in this action-packed final episode of our Gettysburg series as we uncover the rock-solid weathering patterns that shaped one of the most famous battles in history! Standing on the historic battleground, you'll see how two supercontinent formation and breakup events have influenced the topography and geology of Gettysburg. Discover the impact of weathering and time on the eastern U.S landscape, and how these factors pl...

Join us for a deep dive into the world of flash floods in this exciting episode!  Navigate the rapid waters of this intense topic with Chris and Jesse, as we unravel the captivating geoscience behind these dramatic events. From the devastating impacts of flash floods to the intricate balance of soil, vegetation, and slope, we leave no stone unturned. Discover how human activities and climate change are setting the stage for more fr...

In this action-packed episode of our Gettysburg Geology series, we dig deep into the dynamic geological history of South Mountain. Discover how this towering terrain played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg, from offering a sneaky passage for the Confederates to serving as a dramatic retreat route. We explore the fascinating world of faults, folds, and the incredible rocks that shape this region. From ancient basalt and rh...

In this episode of our visual podcast series, journey back to the battlefields of Gettysburg to unearth the geological forces that played a pivotal role in history. Dive deep with Herr Professor Dr. Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they explore the York Haven Sill and Rossville Dykes, parts of the massive Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). Discover how these ancient volcanic events potentially triggered the end-Triassic mass ex...

Join us on a rockin' journey as we explore the fascinating tale of Potomac Marble and its role in rebuilding the US Capitol after the War of 1812. From the emotional experience of visiting ancient quarry sites to the intricate details of fanglomerates and alluvial fans, we uncover the geology behind this historically significant stone. Whether you're a rock enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode has something ...

Join Chris and Jesse as they dive deep into your rock-solid questions!  From magnetic sands on Lake Michigan's dunes to the ancient mysteries of plate tectonics, nowhere on Earth (or beyond) is safe from their geological curiosity.  Ever wondered who names minerals or how to remember those complicated mineral formula? Tune in to this special listener Q&A episode to unearth some epic answers! Plus, find out what really rock...

Join us for a rockin' episode where we dive into the explosive world of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal activity! Chris and Jesse chat about the intriguing 'Sasquatch eruptions'—no, not Bigfoot, but sudden hydrothermal explosions that have scientists buzzing. From close encounters with geysers to the epic history behind Black Diamond Pool, we break down the steamy details. We even touch on the purported stories of animals...

Get ready to dig deep into geology with the one and only Dr. Philip Prince! Join su as we rock out with discussions on the game-changing one-meter resolution lidar, geomorphology, landslides, and the captivating landscapes of the Appalachians. Learn about Philip's aha moments in geology, his journey from a trout fishing enthusiast to a top-notch geomorphologist, and the incredible insights revealed by lidar technology. Plus, d...

In this exciting episode of our series on Gettysburg's geology, we dive deep into the Gettysburg Basin to uncover how the rocks beneath the famous battlefield shaped the events of history. From the famous McPherson's Ridge to the subtle hills that played crucial roles, discover how changes in rock types have left their mark. Join us as we zoom in on sedimentary rocks, explore the reddish Gettysburg Formation, the Heidelsb...