Geology Podcast Network

Episode summary introduction:​ ​In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores oil found right in people’s backyards. Finding oil in your backyard depends on a host of variables that all need to align perfectly. From the hill billies who struck oil and moved to Beverly Hills to the oil dowsers of the Appalachians, oil has […]

So you wanna find gold in your backyard? Listen to find out how! Episode summary introduction:​ ​In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the precious mineral of gold! Do you think you can find gold in your backyard? Well, that depends… Find out why we care about gold so much in the first place […]

Episode summary introduction:​ ​ In this episode Dr B. interviews, the original traveling geologist himself, Assistant Prof. Chris Spencer. Chris shares how the initiative of traveling geologist started during his PhD studies in St. Andrews, and also, his love for one of the most fascinating parts of our job: fieldwork. During this Gneiss chats episode, […]

Episode summary introduction:​ ​  “How old is the Earth?” Generations of scholars have asked this fundamental question, and estimates ranged from a few thousand years to indefinite time spans. Geologic and biologic observations from the 18th and 19th centuries (like Darwin’s theory of evolution and Hutton’s concept of deep time) suggested that Earth was old – but […]

Episode summary introduction:​ ​In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the natural phenomena of landslides. Landslides, however common, are incredible to witness and horrific if caught in one. But, how and why do they happen? Chris will answer these questions through a discussion of the impact of a fault scarp and its role in […]

Episode summary introduction:​ ​In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the incredible variety and flow of lava! Not everyone’s backyard is a place to see lava, but that doesn’t mean that lava flows are uncommon. Chris will explore the major types of lava as well as share some unbelievable, and in some cases, catastrophic […]

This episode of GEOY is dedicated to brilliant interdisciplinary scientist, and pioneer polar explorer Alfred Wegener, whose theory of continental drift shook the foundations of geology, paleontology, and biology research. While today continental drift and plate tectonics are firmly established concepts, when first proposed Alfred Wegener’s theory was ridiculed and received immense push-back by the scientific community. In this episode geology researchers Janne Liebmann and Bryant Ware take you on a science odyssey from initial rejection of Wegener’s ideas as a “geo fairy tale” to the accumulation of evidence that finally prompted its acceptance and laid the groundwork for the theory of plate tectonics.

The true discoverer of sea-floor spreading.

Episode summary introduction:​ ​ Space? Exoplanets? In this episode our guest is Dr Francesca Miozzi aka ‘La Giovi’ who will take us outside of our home ‘the Earth’ by talking about to the study of exoplanets. La Giovi will tell us about how, through experimental petrology, she tries to understand C-rich exoplanets versus O-rich planets […]

The first Canadian female geologist.

Episode summary introduction:​ ​   In this episode Dr B. decided to investigate and discuss about contested theories in geoscience and the reasons for their creation with current PhD candidate Angus Rogers at Monash University. As we all know, Dr B enjoys to break the ice with a funny game and for this episode our guest Angus will find out his favorite geochronometer. […]

Episode summary:​  This episode of GEOY explores the life of Dr. John Tuzo Wilson, the famous geologist responsible for the Wilson cycle and the discovery of transform faults. Geologists Noelle Lin and Mikaela Moore discuss the important contributions Wilson made, including his time at the Geological Survey of Canada, his research on hotspots, and contributions […]

Episode summary:​ ​ This episode of GEOY takes you back to the 18th century when James Hutton set out for his famous expedition to Siccar Point, and introduced the concept of geological time. Back in Hutton’s day when it was widely believed that Earth came into creation only about 6000 years ago, the narration of […]

Episode summary introduction:​ ​This episode of GEOY explores the incredible and inspiring life of notable geologist Tanya Atwater, the Mother of Plate Tectonics. Geologists Mikaela Moore and Gillian Ivey discuss Atwater’s life from a young age, through her major discoveries regarding the theories of plate tectonics, obstacles and discrimination faced as a woman in science […]

For the first time Dr. B is going back to the motherland. In this episode he interviews his countrywoman and also ECR celebrity Dr Bruna Carvalho, who is a postdoc at the University of Padova in ‘Italia’. This episodes’ central theme is Melt Inclusions. But before starting to dig into the good bits, Dr. B […]

In this episode we have a bit of a freaky Friday thing going. Gneiss Chats producer and occasional co-host Dr Silvia Volante is the host of the game Newly Grad (formerly known as Twinning). She interviews Dr B and his co-author, producer of the Gneiss Chats podcast and also BEST FRIEND…or just FRIEND? No, BEST […]

How would you like to find a diamond in your backyard?

This episode can be treated as a sequel to the previous episode with Dr Bryant Ware on radiogenic isotopes. This time Dr B has a Gneiss Chat with Mikaela Moore, who tells us about the use of Stable IsoTOPes in geoscience. Mikaela just obtained a bachelor degree from Queens University in geology and she is […]

What would you do if a meteorite fell in your backyard?

What exciting geology is in your backyard?