PODCAST · science
The Discovery Files
by Scott Briscoe and Ahmad Saleem
What really makes a discovery? This isn’t another podcast about the next big deposit or the person who “called it.” This is a journey into the human side of discovery—the stories behind the core sheds, drill pads, and field maps. We talk to the people who make exploration work: core loggers, drillers, project geologists, senior geos, and everyone in between. Through honest, unfiltered conversations, we explore the emotions, lessons, failures, team dynamics, and quiet wins that rarely make it into the headlines. We ask: what does a truly successful exploration team look like? How much of discovery is science, and how much is intuition, collaboration, or even chaos? If you’ve ever wondered whether our industry really understands what drives discovery—or if we’re missing the bigger picture—this podcast is for you. Real people. Real stories. Real discovery.
Episodes
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#18: Andover #2 Eleanore Dowling
In this episode, Eleanore Dowling shares her journey in geology, from her early experiences in data entry to her current role in lithium exploration with the Andover discovery. She emphasizes the importance of networking, the challenges of transitioning from academic knowledge to fieldwork, and…
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#17 Cove-McCoy Helen Zone #3 Rick Streiff
In this episode, Scott Briscoe interviews Rick Streiff, who shares his experiences in the mining industry, particularly focusing on the Cove deposit and the challenges of downhole contamination. Rick discusses the complexities of geological mapping, the unique characteristics of the Cove deposit,...
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#16 Midas #2 Rick Streiff
In this episode, Scott Briscoe interviews Rick Streiff about his experiences at the Midas deposit in Nevada. They discuss the challenges faced during early drilling, the importance of structural geology, and the discoveries made in the southern half of Midas. Rick shares insights on the role of...
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#15 Waihi Wharekirauponga #1 Rick Streiff
In this episode, Scott Briscoe interviews Rick Streiff, a seasoned geologist with extensive experience in mining and exploration about the Wharekirauponga discovery at Waihi in New Zealand. Rick shares his journey from his early interest in geology to his significant roles at various mining...
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#14 Cove-McCoy Helen Zone #2 Ken Coleman
In this episode, Scott Briscoe interviews Ken Coleman, a seasoned geologist with extensive experience in mineral exploration, particularly in Nevada. They discuss Ken's journey in geology, starting with his early career at Victoria Resources, the excitement surrounding the Cove project, and the...
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#13 Cove-McCoy Helen Zone #1 Jeff Nicholes
In this episode, Scott Briscoe and Ahmad Saleem interview Jeff Nichols about his experiences during the discovery of what would become the Helen zone at Cove McCoy. Jeff shares insights into the challenges of data organization, the drilling strategy, and the geological insights that led to...
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#12 Midas Part 1 John Marma
In this episode of Discovery Files, Scott Briscoe interviews John Marma, a geologist with a rich family history in mining. John shares his journey into geology, his experiences at the Midas deposits, and the transition from production to exploration. He discusses the importance of team dynamics,...
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#11 Reflection on the first ten episodes
In this episode, Scott and Ahmad reflect on the first ten episodes of their podcast, discussing the diverse perspectives shared by guests and the complexities of decision-making in the discovery process. They explore themes of uncertainty, the role of luck and serendipity, and the importance of...
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#10: Invincible Part 6 Dale Sanderson
In this episode, Dale Sanderson shares his journey as a geologist, discussing the importance of exploration, mentorship, and team dynamics in the mining industry. He reflects on his experiences at St. Ives, the challenges of balancing exploration and production, and the critical role of data...
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#9: Nick Tate Individual vs Team Discoveries
Our first video episode, if you'd like to watch on video search for The Discovery Files on youtube! https://youtu.be/bULDgcbhFzM In this conversation, Nick Tate shares his extensive experiences in mineral exploration and discovery, discussing the nuances of working solo versus in teams, the...
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#8: Invincible Part 5 Aaron Megas
Aaron Megas shares his journey from a graduate geologist at Gold Fields to becoming a principal geologist, highlighting the excitement and challenges of working in exploration. He reflects on the importance of graduate programs, team dynamics, and leadership in successful discoveries…
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#7: Andover Part 1 Paul Smith
In this conversation, Paul Smith shares his journey in the mining industry, focusing on the Andover Discovery and the transition from nickel to lithium exploration. He discusses the challenges faced during the exploration process, the importance of team dynamics, and the pressures that come with...
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#6: Invincible Part 4 Julian Woodcock Part 2 of 2
In this conversation, Julian Woodcock shares insights from his extensive career in geology, focusing on the importance of connections, the challenges of people management, and the dynamics of team interactions. He discusses the necessity of adapting management styles throughout the life cycle of...
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#5: Invincible Part 4 Julian Woodcock Part 1 of 2
In this conversation, Julian Woodcock shares his journey as a geologist, discussing how connections and opportunities shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social license in mining, as well as the necessity of having a structured process for exploration.…
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#4: Invincible Part 3 Mark Roux
In this conversation, Mark Roux shares his experiences and insights from his journey in resource geology, particularly focusing on the Invincible project. He discusses the personal growth he experienced, the pressures faced during exploration, and the importance of collaboration and communication...
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#3: Invincible Part 2 Steve Radford
This conversation with Steve Radford delves into the experiences and challenges faced by the geological services team during the Invincible drilling project, highlighting the importance of team dynamics, logistics, and the impact of age and experience in the workforce. It emphasizes the need for...
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#2: Invincible Part 1 Ayesha Ahmed
In this conversation, Ayesha shares her journey as a geologist working in the St. Ives Gold Camp in Western Australia. She discusses her early experiences, the challenges faced during exploration, and the importance of teamwork and geological understanding in making significant discoveries. The...
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#1: Setting the Stage
In this episode of the Discovery Files, Scott Briscoe and Ahmad Saleem explore the multifaceted nature of discovery in the fields of science and exploration. They discuss the complexities of defining discovery, the importance of team dynamics, and the often-overlooked human elements that…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What really makes a discovery?
This isn’t another podcast about the next big deposit or the person who “called it.” This is a journey into the human side of discovery—the stories behind the core sheds, drill pads, and field maps. We talk to the people who make exploration work: core loggers, drillers, project geologists, senior geos, and everyone in between.
Through honest, unfiltered conversations, we explore the emotions, lessons, failures, team dynamics, and quiet wins that rarely make it into the headlines. We ask: what does a truly successful exploration team look like? How much of discovery is science, and how much is intuition, collaboration, or even chaos?
If you’ve ever wondered whether our industry really understands what drives discovery—or if we’re missing the bigger picture—this podcast is for you.
Real people. Real stories. Real discovery.
HOSTED BY
Scott Briscoe and Ahmad Saleem
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Discovery Files have?
The Discovery Files currently has 18 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Discovery Files about?
What really makes a discovery? This isn’t another podcast about the next big deposit or the person who “called it.” This is a journey into the human side of discovery—the stories behind the core sheds, drill pads, and field maps. We talk to the people who make exploration work: core loggers,...
How often does The Discovery Files release new episodes?
The Discovery Files has 18 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Discovery Files?
You can listen to The Discovery Files 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 The Discovery Files?
The Discovery Files is created and hosted by Scott Briscoe and Ahmad Saleem.
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