Beneath Your Feet: A Geoscience Podcast

From getting stranded in the middle of the desert, to burning the soles of his shoes on two-week old lava, Chris Spencer is truly a well-travelled geologist and adventurer! As a professor at Queens University (the best job in the world according to Chris), he teaches field geology and does research all over the world. Listen in to hear his advice for students, fun travel stories, and passion for the earth that shows in every story he tells.

Perrot was never a hiker - she preferred to stay indoors thank you very much. It was much to her parents surprise (and hers!), when she discovered she loves geology. Her love of thriller books and murder mysteries first led her to study medical science, but she wasn't satisfied. When she found geoscience and learned you can use science to solve mysteries of the earth, she knew that's where she belonged. Now, Dr. Perrot explores the Appalachian mountains in the summertime, doing as much field work research as possible, and lecturing at McGill University during the rest of the year. Every day is different, and she loves the variety. Tune in to learn more about Perrot's research and journey!

Get in-depth with Dr. Tiegan Hobbs on all things earthquakes! Listen in as we talk about the many (many!) cool projects Hobbs has on the go that take her from answering emails at her desk, to digging an eight metre trench in the wilderness, to (very very gently) throwing seismometers off a ship to measure the ocean floor. Hobbs discusses imposter syndrome and how she takes the attitude that, even if you don't feel like you're ready, there's someone else out there who is less prepared than you, and they're going to do it anyways. So be the imposter, and do it with whimsy!

Learn how geology is everywhere with Joana Rodrigues! In our latest episode, we chat with Portuguese UNESCO geoheritage expert Joana Rodrigues about how geoscience is everywhere. We generally only think about biodiversity when talking about conservation, but geodiversity is just as important to consider. Joana shares insights from her PhD thesis on how we can better communicate in engaging and relevant ways and broaden our understanding of our planet.If you’ve ever wondered how geology shapes your world, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Mark Priddle, P.Geo., shares insights from his career in environmental geoscience, reflecting on both the challenges and highlights along the way. He offers practical advice for students and discusses how geoscience is perceived in society today, from environmental responsibility to professional practice.

Join us as we explore an exciting new topic for our podcast – planetary science!From Martian landscapes to icy plumes on distant moons, Dr. Tanya Harrison explains how cameras help us explore other worlds and what those images reveal about the potential for life beyond Earth

In our latest episode, we speak with @Joannasaurus — a paleontologist and science communicator who’s using TikTok to make fossils fascinating for everyone.Joanna talks about what it takes to make complex science accessible, the role of humour in online storytelling, and her roundabout journey to paleontology!

Join Veronica Klassen as she interviews author Katie Maloney and illustrator Alex Young about their new children’s book Rocky the Raccoon Explores the Niagara Escarpment, designed to align with the Grade 4 Ontario science curriculum. We explore the art of science communication, the process of creating the book, and how teachers can use Rocky in the classroom.

Join host Veronica Klassen in Nova Scotia for this special episode on location at the Bay of Fundy! Dr. Jade Atkins, Curator and Director of Science Research at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, and geologist Danielle Serratos, Curator and Director of the Fundy Geological Museum, reveal the region’s one-of-a-kind fossils and dramatic geologic history. Along the way, they share the twists and turns of their unconventional paths into paleontology—and offer candid, inspiring advice for students and anyone charting their own career journey.

Veronica Klassen interviews resource geologist Mary-Anne Hildebrandt about her roundabout path to geoscience, unique career journey, and focus on sustainability throughout her career. Mary-Anne and Veronica discuss the perception of geoscience as a 'fluffy' science and how including geoscientists in conversation can benefit organizations. Mary-Anne provides insight into the role of geoscience in moving from a linear to a circular economy and how understanding the energy and value of a consumable good can help us to waste less.

In episode 5 of Beneath Your Feet, A Geoscience Podcast, host Veronica Klassen interviews geoscience communicator Cate Larsen. Cate discusses her non traditional route from astronomy to geology and her passion for making geoscience accessible and engaging through social media platforms like TikTok and Twitch. She emphasizes the importance of dispelling misconceptions about geology, highlighting that it’s more than just the study of rocks. Cate also shares insights into her daily activities, including content creation, scripting, and planning educational content. Throughout the conversation, she underscores the value of face-to-face interactions and creative approaches in effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to the public.

"The most interesting science, and the most interesting careers, I would argue, are at the intersection of a bunch of different academic fields."In this episode we sit down with Charlotte Spruzen to talk about her research on ancient reef systems in the Yukon and their role in the evolution of complex life. Charlotte explains how these ancient ecosystems provide clues about early animal life and Earth's changing environments. Beyond her fieldwork, she shares insights on geoscience communication, including her experiences making educational TikTok videos and the challenges of debunking misinformation online. The conversation highlights the importance of making science accessible, engaging, and accurate in a digital age where myths can spread quickly.

In this episode, we sit down with Keira Hum, a passionate Integrated Science student at McMaster University, to explore the ins and outs of student life in the world of Earth Sciences. Keira shares her journey from the classroom to the field, offering invaluable advice for balancing academics, personal growth, and career aspirations. Whether it’s navigating coursework, finding opportunities in the geoscience community, or preparing for a future in the field, Keira’s relatable stories and practical tips are sure to inspire students and geoscience enthusiasts alike. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation packed with guidance for thriving in geoscience studies! 🌍🎙️

Join podcast host Veronica Klassen and guest Professional Geoscientist and CEO of Geoscientists Canada Paul Hubley in this discussion of geoscience communication and the future of geoscience. Hear from Paul on his career, life advice, and how we can start to create a more accurate perception of geoscience in society. Join us in discussing how Earth Science can help us wrestle with the big issues of our time, and the importance of relationship building, storytelling, and listening in addressing these issues.

Join podcast host Veronica Klassen and guest paleontologist Dr. Daniel Dick as we delve into the creation of a GeoHike at Wainfleet Wetlands. Discover the unique ecosystem of the middle Devonian period through an array of fascinating features: encounter colonial organisms, massive corals, glacial striations, and pop-up structures. We'll discuss potentially undiscovered fossils, augmented reality animations to bring fossilized animals to life, and what counting layers on rugose corals can tell us about the speed of the Earth's rotation in the Devonian.