PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

In this rock-solid episode, we dive into Part 3 of their exciting geology series! 🪨 We discuss why it's a golden age to be a geologist, focusing on how the answers to many of today's challenges are literally set in stone. From contact metamorphism to the fascinating world of serpentinites, we explore how these natural processes are crucial in addressing climate change and charting a path towards the future. We even touch...

Join us for an exciting episode as we dive deep into the world beneath our feet with Dr. Katie Smye, a renowned research associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. In this interview, Dr. Smye takes us on a full journey through the intricacies of fracking, induced seismicity, and the oil industry. Learn how modern drilling technologies have revolutionized energy production and the challenges associated with wastewater...

In this episode of Planet Geo, Jesse and Chris delve into why now is an exhilarating time to be a geologist. They explore the importance of understanding what's beneath our feet—literally—and its implications for everything from finding deeper, smaller, and more costly geothermal energy sources to creating metamorphic reactions. There's emphasis on how the next big boom in geoscience will be driven by the world's cha...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Petoskey Stones, Michigan’s state fossil! 🌊 In this episode, Chris and Dr. Jesse explore the beautiful, fossilized coral known as Petoskey Stones. Discover how these unique stones, beloved by collectors, tell a story of ancient tropical seas and glacial movements. Learn about their formation, significance, and where to find these geological gems. This episode is perfect for rock hounds, fo...

It's a good time to Buy Geoscience! 

Join Chris and Jesse as they kick off an exciting series on why it's a great time to be a geoscientist! They dive into enrollment trends, industry demands, and the bright future ahead for those passionate about rocks and the Earth. The discussion covers the evolving perception of geosciences, the decline in geoscience programs, and how upcoming events will create a surge in demand for s...

Join us as we tackle the rocky topic of field geology's relevance in today's world, sparked by a listener question from Taylor. We delve deep into whether mapping rocks and fieldwork are becoming outdated or if they still hold significant value. Chris and Jesse share personal anecdotes, debate the evolving landscape of geoscience education, and highlight the importance of diverse skill sets in the field. Get ready for a j...

In this exciting episode of Planet Geo, Chris and Jesse dive deep into the fascinating world of pudding stones! From the picturesque Hertfordshire pudding stones in England to the Roxbury conglomerate in Massachusetts, and finally the scientifically wondrous Lorraine Quartzite pudding stone abundant in Michigan. They discuss the unique geological stories each of these beautiful rocks tells and explore their origins, formations, and...

In this episode of Planet Geo, hosts Jesse and Chris have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Lee Kump, Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State. In a chat that's more exciting than discovering a trilobite fossil, they explore Lee's profound career journey, paper citations thick enough to bury any rock hound, and his transition from groundbreaking geoscience research to becoming an influential adminis...

In this episode, Chris and Jesse delve into the various 'ologies' within geology, sparked by a listener question regarding the differences between geology and geography. The discussion explores the evolution and rebranding of geology departments, their experiences with different specializations, and the significance of courses like mineralogy and petrology. They share insights into their favorite fields and ones they have...

Get ready to dig deep into the geological weeds with Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they tackle the rock-solid debate about Earth's oldest rocks! Is the Ujaraaluk unit in Northern Quebec truly 4.25 billion years old? Or is it just a rocky mix-up? We meticulously break down isotope geochemistry, hydrothermal beauties, and field observations. Discover how extinct isotope systems shed light on our planet's fiendishly...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Basil Tikoff, a geoscience professor at the University of Wisconsin. We dive deep into the intriguing and controversial 'hit and run' model of the Rocky Mountains formation. From structural geology to the battle of geological models, this episode covers groundbreaking research, debates in the geological community, and the complexities of understanding mountain formation. Don...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Shawn Willsey to explore his journey as a geologist and educator. We discuss his impactful YouTube channel, where he brings the wonders of geology to a broad audience, how COVID-19 influenced his educational outreach, and delve into his contributions to seminal geology books like 'Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho' and 'Roadside Geology of Idaho.' Shawn also share...

Hold onto your rock hammers, folks! 📉🌎 In this episode, we're peeling back the layers (pun intended) of the Isua Greenstone Belt in Southwest Greenland. Tune in as we dive into debates about changing the name of geology classes, virtual Fight Clubs, and the complexities of Earth's ancient rocks. Could sediments, pillow basalts, and potential signs of life from 3.8 billion years ago hold the keys to planet Earth's p...

Quartz crystals are often the first example of minerals that people see, and are a source of inspiration for many a young geologist. In this episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion about quartz, a major rock-forming mineral characterized by its durability and prevalent in various geological environments. Key topics include the physical properties of quartz, the formation and identification of its different varieties like ...

Here is a link to the paper we discuss in this episode:

In this episode, we talk about meandering streams.  Why don't rivers flow in straight paths?  As soon as a river flattens out, it begins to meander.  It’s these meanders that manage the energy of the water.  How?  They really do 2 things: 1- they increase the resistance (physics) and 2- they decrease the gradient.  Essentially, the river is changing itself to min...

In this episode of Planet Geo, we delve into the fascinating world of meandering streams. Join Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they reminisce about their favorite episodes and explore the dynamics of meandering rivers. We discuss why they’re one of our favorite topics, from the patterns in geology to the intricate details of stream meanders. As we share personal stories and discuss the physics behind river dynamics, you&apos...

n this holiday re-release episode of Planet Geo, we revisit our exciting conversation with Brenna Quigley, a geologist turned wine consultant and terroir expert. We discuss her unique career trajectory, the fascinating intersection of geology and wine, and the concept of terroir. Brenna shares insights into her work, how geology influences vineyards, and the impact of terroir on wine taste. We also delve into Brenna's personal...

In this episode of PlanetGeo, we chat with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, the director of DARPA, about her incredible journey from geologist to leading one of the most innovative research organizations in the world. We discuss everything from her early passion for geology and the unexpected ways it prepared her for a career in national defense, to DARPA's groundbreaking advancements, including the surprising origins of the mRNA vaccin...

In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of countertops, exploring the geology behind the materials commonly used in kitchens and homes. They discuss the different types of rocks, including granite, pegmatite, marble, schist, gneiss, quartzite, and even synthetic options like quartz and engineered stones. With their engaging banter and deep geological insights, they unravel the complexities of these materials, making it a...