PODCAST · science
Rocks for Jocks
by RfJ Media
Welcome to Rocks for Jocks, a Science podcast for everyday people with a focus on Climate and Natural Hazards! Each episode covers a new topic or features insights from guests, including scientists and industry professionals. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just curious about the world, this podcast has something for you.https://linktr.ee/RocksForJocks
Episodes
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Pluto's Surface Podcast
Today I’m reviewing an open-access Comment published in Nature Communications called, “Pluto: dazzling, dynamic, and not so dead” by Perianne E. Johnson & Benjamin Proudfoot. I talked about this comment in a Substack article a few weeks ago so definitely go check that out if you haven’t yet! This...
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Japan's Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Advisories
This week, a 7.4 Magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan! This caused shaking, a tiny tsunami, and an advisory about a possible mega-quake. Listen to learn more about what this means for Japan, natural disaster preparation, and earthquake advisories everywhere! Like this...
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Want to Solve Hard Problems? Fund Niche Research.
Why fund research into so many narrow questions far removed from everyday problems? Solving niche science problems expands bounds of human knowledge and makes new breakthroughs possible! In this episode, I walk listeners through a recent article I wrote on this topic posted on Substack. Read…
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Stories in Stone with author David B. Williams
In this episode I was lucky enough to discuss the book "Stories in Stone" with the author, David B. Williams! We talk about how geology weaves its way through human history and touch on some highlights from the book, including the Bunker Hill Monument's granite and how Michelangelo got his…
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Glacier Recession with Andy Jones, PhD Candidate
Andy's recent paper discussed: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx9442 Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocks In this episode, I host Andy Jones, a PhD candidate in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin Madison. We focus on Andy's recently published research in California’s...
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Geotech Talks with Marshall Pontrelli, PhD
This month, I bring back Marshall Pontrelli, a fan-favorite former guest and graduate school coworker! We talk about Marshall's research on geotechnical engineering, site response, and earthquake hazard mapping. We also get into Marshall’s thoughts on the peer review process and the application…
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Seismic Site Effects with Ellie Meyer and Maggie Roberts, PhD Students
Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface. Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the...
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Seismicity, Site Response, & Nuclear Weapons with Jeremy Salerno
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior...
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The Science of Podcasts with Sydney DeMets, PhD Candidate
This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and...
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Planets, Meteorites, & Paleoclimate with Professor Roger Fu
This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu...
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Teaching Comp Sci with David Zabner, PhD Candidate
I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different...
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Ancient Earth with Amanda Calhoun, PhD Candidate
In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history. Listen to hear...
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Why Science Funding Matters
Today is a solo episode with your host, Alex Chansky! I talk about why I do this show — in addition to some personal reasons, this channel is a great opportunity to make scientific research more accessible and understandable to the public! This is especially important in recent months as research...
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Water Diplomacy & Uncertainty with Catherine Knox, PhD Candidate
In this week’s episode, I host Catherine Knox, PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss water diplomacy and decision-making! We talk about different ways to think about water management, especially when it stretches across multiple boundaries. Catherine goes on to discuss her work on…
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Mapping Earthquake Hazards with Christina Sanon, PhD Candidate
This week, I reunite with Christina Sanon, a researcher and PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss her journey and recent research developments! Christina discusses a recent seminar and her ~groundbreaking~ earthquake research. We also talk about water diplomacy, a recent Maine Earthquake,...
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Navigating Physical Therapy with Matt Curran
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I chat with Dr. Matt Curran, a recent doctorate in physical therapy. Together, we talk through aspects of the physical therapy field, including the differences between hospital and outpatient settings, nerve repair, and cadaver dissections. Matt shares what…
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Dissecting Medical School with Aidan Bailey
I welcome back Aidan Bailey, a close friend and first-year MD/PhD student at Wayne State University! Aidan shares his experiences in medical school, reflecting on his study strategies, dissecting cadavers, and balancing extensive coursework. He discusses the structure and goals of the MD/PhD...
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2025 Los Angeles Wildfires with Dr. Peter Sousounis
I interview Peter Sousounis, an atmospheric scientist who now works as a climate and catastrophe modeling consultant. We discuss the recent January 2025 Los Angeles, California Wildfires, global catastrophe modeling, and the rising impacts of secondary perils (like smoke damage). Peter explains…
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Climate History using ocean cores with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Danielle and I discuss her journey from studying petroleum engineering to her PhD research on ocean sediments. Danielle explains why she studies sediment components to understand…
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Climate Change: Natural Cycles vs. Human Impacts
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I explore the frequently asked question: “isn't the climate always changing?”. I break down the components of climate change, distinguishing between natural cycles and human-caused impacts. Learn about solar radiation, greenhouse gases, airborne particles,...
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BONUS: MrBeast's Business & the Leaked Memo
In this bonus episode of Rocks for Jocks, we leap into the world of MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber. Alex and his guest, Colin Vergilio, discuss MrBeast's impressive rise, his business strategies, and the recent internal memo that reveals how his company operates. We cover his...
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Iceland's Latest Volcanic Eruptions
In this special episode of Rocks for Jocks, I discuss the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland near the town of Grindavík! With live video streams and data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, viewers get an in-depth look at magma flow, earthquake patterns, and the impact on local…
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Climate Change: what are Asymmetric Risks?
Welcome back to Rocks for Jocks! Today's episode is all about climate change, uncertainty, and the wild ride of asymmetric risks. Stick around to see why every tenth of a degree matters in this high-stakes climate game. Subscribe and join us on the journey towards a greener future! Cover image:...
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Iceland: Earthquakes and Geysers!
Welcome to the latest episode of Rocks for Jocks! Today, we jump into the fascinating earth science discoveries I learned about during my trip to Iceland. I discuss Iceland's position on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, witness the breathtaking sights of a national park, and discover how magma, hot…
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Wind Energy Innovations with CEO Rob Baxter
In this episode, I interview Rob Baxter, CEO and founder of CBC Wind Energy. We talk about the mechanical resilience, environmental impacts, and minimal infrastructure of CBC’s wind turbines, which are especially useful in disaster relief areas. Rob also shares insights on the broader role of...
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Spacewalks
Privately funded Spacewalks! What are they? Why do they matter? Are they good or bad? Let's find out! Spacewalks are when astronauts leave their shuttle in outer space and are completely reliant on their spacesuits to keep living. Listen here to learn more! Sources:...
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Laura Huepenbecker: Flora, films, and farms
Today, we're sharing a conversation with Laura Huepenbecker. With notable contributions to several professional movie and podcast productions, Laura continues to be a leader in the environmental media space. We talk about Laura’s experiences on a farm set for 3 years, soil research, and sheep...
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Book review: The Theory of Everything, part 3
Alex jumps into the third and final part of his summary and review of Stephen Hawking's 'The Theory of Everything’. Lecture 6 covers the concept of time using thermodynamic, psychological, and cosmological arrows. Lecture 7 explores the search for a unified theory and its philosophical impacts…
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Book review: The Theory of Everything, part 2
In this episode, I dabble in lectures 3 through 5 of Stephen Hawking’s book, ‘The Theory of Everything’. We are talking Hawking’s shocking explanations of stars, black holes, and the Big Bang! Hawking tells a joke about the pope. I explain surface area using a baseball as an analogy — sports! I...
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Adel Asadi, PhD — Machine learning, mining, and more
In this episode, I interview Adel Asadi, PhD, who talks about his journey from Iran to Stanford University. Adel shares details from his academic career, including his achievements in mining, machine learning, and geohazards. He also offers a glimpse into his ongoing postdoctoral work and...
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Book Review: The Theory of Everything, part 1
In this episode of 'Rocks for Jocks', I recap and discuss the first part of Stephen Hawking's book 'The Theory of Everything'. The book, despite its brevity and easy-to-understand language, has a lot information to go over. In this episode, I get through lectures 1 and 2 out of 7. 00:00 Overview…
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Climate Change Impacts and GHGs
Today I explore the main impacts of climate change, a topic often covered in introductory earth science courses. I also talk about the basics of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, explaining how they trap heat and alter global weather patterns. 00:00 Defining Climate and Change 01:53 Major...
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Christina Sanon -- Engineering and Machine Learning, Part 2
In this episode, I continue my conversation with Christina, a PhD candidate at Tufts University. We talk further about Christina’s dissertation, the challenges she faced, and advice for rising engineers. 00:00 Christina's Dissertation 04:13 Fragility Functions & Empirical Data 08:48 Project…
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Christina Sanon -- Engineering and Machine Learning, Part 1
In this episode I interviewed Christina Sanon, a Civil & Environmental Engineering PhD candidate at Tufts University. Christina discusses her academic journey, how concrete is used in structural engineering, and her research with earthquake damage data. We talk some specifics about Christina’s...
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East Coast Earthquakes
This episode reviews the recent 4.8 magnitude New Jersey earthquake, its causes, and its implications. I also discuss a few other topics, including tectonic plates and fault lines, the rarity of significant earthquakes on the US East Coast, and different earthquake measurement scales. 00:00...
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Marshall Pontrelli, PhD -- Trail Crews and Site Response, Part 2
In this episode, we discuss Marshall's graduate school projects in seismic site response and geotechnical engineering. In his projects, Marshall studied Mexico City's seismic response after the 2017 earthquake, then extend the application of his findings from Mexico City to New England. We also...
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Marshall Pontrelli, PhD -- Trail Crews and Site Response, Part 1
In this episode, we discuss Marshall's life ranging from his academic journey to work with trail crews in the White Mountains. We talk about Marshall’s scientific accomplishments and his eventual career path in geotechnical engineering. Lastly, we discuss Marshall’s graduate school experiences,...
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Book Review: Coming of Age in the Milky Way
This episode takes us on a journey through the history of early astronomy, from ancient astronomers observing the night sky to celestial sphere models. Using chapter 1 of "Coming of Age in the Milky Way" by Timothy Ferris, I discuss the evolution of scientific models, including the details and...
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What are Plate Tectonics?
In this episode I give an overview of plate tectonics by explaining their movements and characteristics. I discuss the different types of plate boundaries, the formation of mountain ranges and volcanoes, and the evidence supporting tectonics, including paleomagnetism, earthquakes, and the...
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Liquefaction Losses & Research
In this episode, I introduce my recently published paper, mostly completed during graduate school, titled “National Liquefaction Loss Database and Event-Level Fragility Functions”, published in the journal, Earthquake Spectra. My goal is to simplify and explain the scientific concepts behind the...
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Article Review: "Mining through the Valleys of Death"
Today we’re discussing an article called “Mining through the Valleys of Death” by the newsletter, Climate Tech Venture Capital. The article goes through topics including the importance of mining in the transition to renewable energies, highlighting the increased demand for rare earth elements…
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Aidan -- Rare Diseases, Physics, and Med School
An interview with my friend, Aidan, about his work in academia and research. Our conversation covers Aidan’s academic and professional journey, starting from his high school years where he showed an interest in biology, to his experiences in college, graduate school, and his work in the...
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Brian -- Film, Plumbing, and Social Media
A chat with with Brian about his experience and passion for film and media, as well as his work in marketing for a plumbing company. Brian discusses his approach to content creation, including video testimonials, education videos, and the impact of AI and technology on the film industry.
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Colin Vergilio -- Venture Capital and Life, Part 2
Part 2 of a conversation between two friends, Alex and Colin, discussing Colin's career, academic background, and his experience in the venture capital industry. We also talk about the importance of finance education, entrepreneurship, and the role of venture capital in funding startups.
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Colin Vergilio -- Venture Capital and Life, Part 1
A conversation between two friends, Alex and Colin, discussing Colin's career, academic background, and his experience in the venture capital industry. We also talk about the importance of finance education, entrepreneurship, and the role of venture capital in funding startups.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Rocks for Jocks, a Science podcast for everyday people with a focus on Climate and Natural Hazards! Each episode covers a new topic or features insights from guests, including scientists and industry professionals. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just curious about the world, this podcast has something for you.https://linktr.ee/RocksForJocks
HOSTED BY
RfJ Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rocks for Jocks have?
Rocks for Jocks currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rocks for Jocks about?
Welcome to Rocks for Jocks, a Science podcast for everyday people with a focus on Climate and Natural Hazards! Each episode covers a new topic or features insights from guests, including scientists and industry professionals. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just curious about...
How often does Rocks for Jocks release new episodes?
Rocks for Jocks has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Rocks for Jocks?
You can listen to Rocks for Jocks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rocks for Jocks?
Rocks for Jocks is created and hosted by RfJ Media.
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