PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Geology of Petoskey Stones Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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, fossil fanatics, and anyone who loves uncovering the stories written in stone. 🌟

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Buy Low, Sell High - It's a Good Time to Be a Geoscientist Mar 27, 2025

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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 skilled geologists. Whether you're considering a career in geology or just rock-curious, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of geosciences. Plus, don’t miss their personal anecdotes and a sneak peek into future episodes of this compelling series!

Navigating Rocks - Field Geology and the Evolving Geosciences Mar 20, 2025

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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 We delve deep into whether mapping rocks and fieldwork are becoming outdated or if they still hold significant value.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 journey through rugged terrains, fascinating geological insights, and a spirited discussion on balancing fieldwork with lab skills!

Geology of Puddingstone Mar 13, 2025

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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 scientific significance. Plus, get ready for some rock-solid fun facts about the ancient landscapes and climates these stones reveal. Don't miss this riveting geological adventure that promises to be a conglomerate of knowledge and excitement. Let's rock and roll!

Gaia - The Earth As a System with Dean Lee Kump Mar 06, 2025

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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 administrator. Kump’s impressive resume includes over 130 published papers and groundbreaking work in Earth System Science, not to mention scuba diving in poisonous waters for fun. He also shares poignant stories about the importance of good leadership, inspired by his late father, and underscores the necessity for modern geoscience education to address pressing global issues like climate change. Buckle up for a conversation that’s as complex and layered as the Earth's crust itself!

Geology's Ologies Feb 27, 2025

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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 recently grown to appreciate. Adding some humor, Chris calls his mother Joyce to get her take on her favorite 'ology.' The episode emphasizes the importance of a broad and diverse geosciences education to adapt to evolving scientific landscapes.

Are These Earth's Oldest Rocks? Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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 old secrets. Plus, we'll uncover the realities of cross-cutting relationships and metamorphic mysteries. Dive in, and don't get too basalt by the complexity!

The Hit and Run Rockies - With Professor Basil Tikoff Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

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't miss this exciting interview packed with scientific exploration and discoveries!

Idaho to Iceland - Shawn Willsey Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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 shares insights into his teaching at the College of Southern Idaho, the processes behind his field-based educational content, and his plans for future projects. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the intersections of geology, education, and digital media.
You can find Shawn's website here with links to purchase his books
https://www.willseygeology.com/

Earth's Oldest Sediments - The Isua Supracrustal Belt Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 past? We’ll examine graphite layers and supposed stromatolites (yes, those algal wonders), and their controversies. Geology jargon and some decent rock puns included! Don't just be a sedimentary listener—subscribe, like, and join us on this tectonic adventure. 🌋🔬

00:00 Starting the Conversation: Geology vs. Geoscience and Updates

04:06 Exploring Earth's Oldest Materials: The Isua Greenstone Belt

10:49 Understanding Greenstone Belts and Their Significance

19:24 Earth's Oldest Oceans

20:35 Supra Crustal Belts Explained

22:41 Debates on Ancient Life Evidence

25:14 Formation and Composition of Early Rocks

27:47 Controversies and Scientific Challenges

34:34 Comparisons with Modern Geological Sites

38:24 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics