PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

Feb 20 2025 231 ep. 36 mins 519

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast artwork

A Geology and Earth Science Podcast. Join Chris, an award-winning geology teacher, and Jesse, a geoscience professor, in discussing the amazing features of our planet and their impact on your everyday life. No prior knowledge required. New episodes coming at you every week. Listen, subscribe, share with someone you know!

Science Education

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Are These Earth's Oldest Rocks?

Feb 20 2025 68 mins

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 syst

The Hit and Run Rockies - With Professor Basil Tikoff

Feb 13 2025 80 mins

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

Idaho to Iceland - Shawn Willsey

Feb 06 2025 67 mins

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 Geol

Earth's Oldest Sediments - The Isua Supracrustal Belt

Jan 30 2025 42 mins

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 yea

The Geology of Quartz

Jan 23 2025 56 mins

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

Our Past Favorites #8 - Plants, Meanders, and How to Read a Geoscience Paper

Jan 16 2025 37 mins

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, th

Our Past Favorites #7 - Not All Who Meander Are Lost

Jan 09 2025 42 mins

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 an

Our Past Favorites #6 - The Geology of Wine with Brenna Quigley

Jan 02 2025 62 mins

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 wi

Our Past Favorites #5 - Geology and National Defense with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins

Dec 26 2024 49 mins

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, inclu

Our Past Favorites #4 - The Geology of Countertops

Dec 19 2024 38 mins

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 unrav