PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Venezuela’s Black Gold Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we are kicking off a new series on Geology News. We delve into why Venezuela is rich in oil, the complex tectonic interactions, and the geological formations that make it a hotspot for heavy, sour crude oil. We also take a humorous stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about our hard rock geology days and the unintuitive yet captivating world of sedimentary rocks. Join us as we explore why Venezuelan oil isn't just black gold but a treasure trove of geological intrigue.

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Rocks, Risks, and Riches: Strategies and Stories with CEO Doug Heller Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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 case, and running Sun Specialty Products.

Doug sheds light on how to think about and manage risk, and provides tips for those interested in geoscience careers, the critical minerals sector, and much more. Join in for a fascinating conversation about the crossroads of geology and finance, complete with insightful risk analysis and career guidance for the next generation of geoscientists.

Petrification - Rerelease Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

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 enthusiasts, because we're about to make some solid gains in your understanding of mother nature's mineralization marvels. And don't forget, the Camp Geo mobile app and our website have a treasure trove of geology content waiting for you!

How to Identify Rocks - Rerelease Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

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. Plus, stay tuned for new episodes and exciting modifications coming to Planet Geo’s sixth year, including deep dives with Dr. Rachel Phillips and geology news segments with Dr. Josh Davies. Follow us on social media and check out our Camp Geo mobile app for tons of free, cool content!

Today's discussion dives into the nitty-gritty of rock identification. We walk through our methods, distinguishing between sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, and share handy tips like carrying a magnifying lens, a little acid bottle, and a hammer to reveal a rock’s true identity.

We also chat about reliable resources like the Roadside Geology series to help you understand the geology of specific areas. We emphasize the importance of breaking rocks open to see fresh surfaces and narrow down your identification process methodically. Remember, even seasoned geologists take samples back to the lab for further analysis! Finally, we talk about the value of curiosity and the learning process. Whether it’s being the 'annoying student' who asks all the questions or participating in practical exercises like visiting a gravel pit, there’s a lot to gain from hands-on experience. We encourage you to do some research before your next trip and embrace the joy of discovery. If you have more questions or need help, hit us up at Planet Geo Cast on Gmail or on social media. Happy rock hunting and may your geological inquiries always rock!

Rockhounding 101 (ReRelease) Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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 Geo mobile app, and give us your feedback as we transition into the new year with more listener-focused content. So grab your gear, let's get digging, and marvel at the natural beauty of our planet!

The Moon-Forming Impact - Q&A with Dr. Rachel Phillips aka GeoGirl Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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 tectonics and its broader implications on our planet! The center of our discussion revolves around a burning question: Did the moon-forming impact trigger plate tectonics? From vigorous debates on early Earth’s behavior to the staggering differences between Earth and its 'toxic twin' Venus, we leave no stone unturned—or unmelted. Dr. Phillips and Jesse examine the evidence, debunk some age-old myths (bye-bye, late heavy bombardment), and think about how a cataclysmic impact billions of years ago might have reset our planetary clock. Oh, and don't get us started on whether Earth or moon rocks are older—trust us, it's complicated. As we approach the end of our cosmic conversation, we speculate about how such colossal impacts might have played a role in developing early life on Earth. Did these monumental collisions cook up the perfect conditions for life's early proliferation, or did they serve as the ultimate reset button? Join us on this epic journey through time, magma oceans, and cratered landscapes. And hey, if you have more burning questions or just want to say hello, hit us up on all the social medias at Planet Geo Cast or visit our website planetgeocast.com. Cheers to more geological deep dives in the future!

Whence Plate Tectonics? Q&A with Dr. Rachel Phillips aka GeoGirl Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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 scientific insights, humorous quips, and plenty of geologic puns to keep you entertained. Don't forget to check out our Camp Geo mobile app for a deep dive into Earth's ancient rocks!

Rocks and Rules, Putting Things in Order (Re-Release #1) Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

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 please reach out on our social media or website with your thoughts on the show's future direction.

Before we usher in the new year, we're revisiting some classic episodes, including “Rocks and Rules: Putting Things into Order,” where we lay out the foundational principles of geology. From superposition to cross-cutting relations and inclusions, we tackle the basic yet essential concepts that make geology so fascinating. Imagine sorting a giant puzzle—except it's with rocks! Whether you're in the field, driving past road cuts, or just curious about those layered rocks on your hike, these principles bring a newfound appreciation for the Earth’s history. We also highlight the invaluable role of index fossils in correlating rock sequences across vast distances, even globally. So, if you're a puzzle enthusiast or a geology newbie looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is for you. Join us as we simplify these scientific principles and show you how they fit into the grand story of our planet's past. And don’t forget—your input is vital as we look to make Planet Geo awesome not just for today, but for years to come!

The Length of Day 2.5 Billion Years Ago - BIFs, Milankovitch, and Geochron with Dr. Josh Davies Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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-Earth distance and the length of days billions of years ago. Plus, stick around to hear their field stories and the future of geochronology!

What is a Continent? Part 1 - The Composition Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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 deepest boreholes. Plus, they touch on the notion that water might just be the secret ingredient to building continents! Ready to rock? Let’s dig in!

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