Best Geoscience Podcasts (2025)

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Data, Insight, and Risk in Modern Geoscience 33:37

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20d ago33:37

33:37

"Sustainability is about reliance and resilience. Our focus needs to be on how systems remain reliable over time."Céline Gerson shares how Fugro is reshaping its business to focus on resilience, adaptability, and sustainability. She explains the importance of critical minerals, coastal resilience, and digital transformation for the future of geophy…

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Top Science Stories of 2025 | The New Scientist Features Special 59:57

6d ago59:57

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Episode 337 As we reach the end of the year, catch up on some of New Scientist’s most exciting and thought-provoking features of the past twelve months. For decades we’ve got autism in girls all wrong. Symptoms present quite differently in girls to boys, meaning they often go undiagnosed. So why have we failed to see the differences - and why are g…

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The Tools, People, and Moments That Built a Geophysics Career 31:05

6d ago31:05

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“Models are still the bread and butter in gravity and magnetics interpretation. Interpreters still have to condition the data properly, and that's half technical, half art.”Betty Johnson shares how her early career in gravity and magnetics grew from curiosity, hands‑on learning, and rapidly changing technology. She explains how potential field meth…

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Orcas and dolphins are now hunting together; Genetic root of psychiatric conditions; Black hole stars and cosmic ecology 33:02

12d ago33:02

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Episode 336 In an unlikely turn of events, orcas and dolphins have been observed teaming up - to hunt and kill massive chinook salmon in the pacific. Given that orcas sometimes prey on dolphins, what’s going on? Despite the promising signs of cooperation between these two species, there may be something less heartwarming at play. We dig into the fi…

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The Awards That Shape Geophysics and Why They Need You 23:29

13d ago23:29

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“Your nomination might be the only way their work is recognized at the level it deserves. The Honors and Awards program is powered by our members and only succeeds when we take the time to lift up one another.”Maurice Nessim explains why SEG Honors and Awards are essential for recognizing scientific, professional, and social contributions in applie…

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How exercise shrinks tumours and starves cancer; Weird molecules found on comet 3I/ATLAS; Einstein v Bohr on the nature of light 25:25

19d ago25:25

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Episode 335 Exercise has been shown to shrink tumours by 60 per cent. A new study shows another link between regular exercise and cancer prevention, this time revealing that muscle cells may outcompete cancer cells for energy - basically starving them. We explore the links between metabolism and glucose - with the caveat that so far this has only b…

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The evolution of sperm and the enduring mystery of the scrotum; How our brain rewires itself 4 times in life; The (real) disaster scenarios of imminent climate breakdown 39:11

26d ago39:11

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Episode 334 Which sperm is the oldest sperm - the ancestor sperm that came before all others? Well, you might think it links back to an ancient animal that came before us, but the oldest sperm may actually predate animals altogether. We explore this plus the enduring mystery of the scrotum - and why a male’s most important body part is so delicate …

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57. Arizona’s Porphyry Copper Story: Exploring the Tectonic and Geologic History of the Laramide Province 59:47

30d ago59:47

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Host Maxwell Porter is joined by two experts to explore the geological and tectonic evolution of the iconic Laramide Porphyry Copper Province, focusing on its complex geodynamic history and the key exploration criteria that define this world-class copper belt. Our guests share complementary academic and industry perspectives, offering insights draw…

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The origin and evolution of music: Steve Pretty plays the conch 30:43

1M ago30:43

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Episode 333 It’s not often you get to see or hear someone playing music on a conch shell. So prepare yourself for a musical treat with musician and podcaster Steve Pretty, who brings into the studio a trumpet and a collection of his favourite conches, rigged up to some modern electronics. Steve is best known as the bandleader of the Hackney Collier…

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Fiber Optics, DAS, and the Future of Geophysical Monitoring 21:31

1M ago21:31

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"Sometimes the traditional methods are way more effective or efficient in handling certain things. To succeed in this new paradigm, we need to build on our strong fundamentals and progress further."Ivan Lim Chen Ning shares how data-driven methods are reshaping geophysics by challenging traditional workflows and opening new possibilities. He highli…

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New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod! 45:02

1M ago45:02

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Episode 332 For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this genome is being described as a bombshell moment, revealing an early stage of Denisovan history. We explor…

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Why the claims about Hitler’s genome are misleading 29:00

1M ago29:00

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Episode 331 This week sees the broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK of a documentary called Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Geneticists have managed to find a DNA sample from Adolf Hitler and have sequenced it and verified it, and now we have his genome. The big question is what does this really tell us – what can we tell from someone’s genome? …

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The Role of Drones in Modern Geophysical Exploration 16:58

1M ago16:58

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"The applications of drones in geophysics have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Drones can be said to be an established platform for geophysical measurement methods."Drones have quickly moved from experimental tools to essential platforms in geophysics. Johannes Stoll explains how advances in sensor miniaturization, AI navigation, and r…

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COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting 31:30

2M ago31:30

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Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are qu…

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Episode 422 - "Melissa" 46:02

2M ago46:02

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We're still here - it has just been a very difficult time, but this week we're talking about Hurricane Melissa and Halloween Candy! Hurricane Melissa Video Inside the Hurricane Fun Paper Friday Trick or Treat! Maybe it should be Treat or Toy? Find out in this week's Fun Paper! Schwartz, Marlene B., Eunice Y. Chen, and Kelly D. Brownell. "Trick, tre…

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Adapt or Be Left Behind: Lessons for the Next Generation of Geophysicists 28:47

2M ago28:47

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"Geophysics plays a central role in this energy transition because it provides the tools and insights needed to understand, manage, and optimize subsurface resources. These resources are critical for both traditional and renewable energy systems."Geophysics is essential for geothermal energy, carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and critical minerals.…

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The collapse of America’s health data system; How sleep affects your focus; Life on Mars in liquid veins? 23:51

2M ago23:51

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Episode 329 America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the country. From drug use to food security and birth data, discover the 5 surveys most critically hit by th…

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How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus 29:20

2M ago29:20

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Episode 328 Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour’s team at t…

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Digital Twins and Generative AI in Subsurface Geophysics 23:25

2M ago23:25

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"Generative modeling is a game-changer. We can now capture high-dimensional statistics that we could never have captured in the past."Felix Herrmann explains how digital twins and generative AI are reshaping subsurface geophysics. He highlights the importance of open-source tools, multimodal data, and uncertainty-aware models for better decision-ma…

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Neuroscience of reality; Quest for dark matter; Folklore of geoscience (New Scientist Live Special) 28:29

2M ago28:29

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Episode 327 A special episode recorded on October 18 at New Scientist Live in London, featuring experts in geoscience, dark matter and neuroscience. Anjana Khatwa is an Earth scientist and TV presenter. In her new book, The Whispers of Rock, she brings together Western scientific knowledge about the evolution of our Earth and indigenous knowledge a…

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First climate tipping point triggered; Man controls another person's body by brain implant; health worries over sumo wrestlers 34:00

2M ago34:00

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Episode 326 The world’s first major climate tipping point has been triggered. The decimation of warm water coral populations caused by rising temperatures is now irreversible - passing the point of no return. The global consequences of widescale coral dieback could be catastrophic, so experts are sounding the alarm. But is anyone listening? A man w…

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Pennsylvania State Parks: Presque Isle 37:25

2M ago37:25

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Pennsylvania is known for many interesting features, but beaches are not high on the list. Yet Pennsylvania boasts a very unique shoreline with features worth exploring and understanding. Join us for a trip to Presque Isle State Park to explore a one-of-a-kind beach setting.By Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists

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Space 2075: How Humanity Will Live, Work and Make Drugs off-planet | Live Recording at the Royal Society 53:35

2M ago53:35

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A special episode all about the future of space exploration, recorded in front of a live audience at the Royal Society in London. Earlier this year, the Royal Society published ‘The Space: 2075 report’, which recognises the huge changes we’re seeing in space exploration, and urges for action to be taken to make sure the next 50 years of activity in…

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56. The Future of Mining - Innovative Pathways to a Skilled Workforce 57:04

2M ago57:04

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Host Anne Thompson explores the diverse and innovative methods being employed in Australia to build and retain the technical workforce in the mining industry. From attracting new talent, to supporting early career geoscientists, to training professionals from other industries - this episode might just change your perspective on what is possible. Fi…

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How Jane Goodall changed the world; How the universe ends; How “selfish sperm” affect male fertility 43:27

3M ago43:27

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Episode 324 The legendary primatologist Jane Goodall died last week aged 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Her work studying tool use in chimpanzees completely reshaped the way we view animal intelligence. Fiercely protective of the natural world, she was also responsible for a huge amount of advocacy during her life. Primatologist Alejandra …

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The Next Decade of AI in Seismic Imaging 26:33

3M ago26:33

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"Physics-based approaches are like solving a puzzle with a set of rules. Data-driven geophysics is more like giving the puzzle to a computer that can learn the rules itself."Amine Ourabah shares how data-driven geophysics is transforming our understanding of the subsurface by combining physics with the power of machine learning. He explains how new…

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Emergency in Antarctica; How movement changes the brain; Why women live longer than men 30:56

3M ago30:56

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Episode 323 Temperatures in Antarctica have soared by over 35°C. Scientists are concerned about how quickly things are changing on the continent as these warmer temperatures impact the polar vortex. Coupled with record lows in sea ice cover over the last decade, this could be a sign that Antarctic weather patterns have shifted permanently. What’s d…

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Dr Jamie Pringle, Reader in Forensic Geoscience 26:45

3M ago26:45

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This time on the Podcast we speak to Dr Jamie Pringle, Reader in Forensic Geoscience, about his work, his media appearances around the Titan submersible disaster, and some forensics myth-busting!By Keele University

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Skull rewrites story of human evolution; Autism and Tylenol; discovery of wind coming from black hole 33:57

3M ago33:57

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Episode 322 An ancient skull discovered in China may have just rewritten the story of human evolution. It’s widely accepted that the common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Denisovans and Neanderthals came out of Africa. But this skull upends that assumption - potentially showing human evolution began in Asia. Discover how a new reconstruction of the Yunx…

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How Distributed Chemical Sensing Could Rewrite the Rules of Risk Management 26:46

3M ago26:46

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“Distributed chemical sensing really is the next frontier in fiber-optic monitoring. It adds a new dimension by directly connecting chemical changes in the environment to signals we can read.”Distributed chemical sensing (DCS) is an emerging technology that utilizes fiber optics to measure chemical changes over long distances in real-time. Authors …

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The evolutionary price we pay for longer lives; the asteroid coming VERY close to Earth; how dinosaurs shaped the ecosystem 32:59

3M ago32:59

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Episode 321 Humans live a lot longer than other primates - and much of that is down to our immune system. But there’s a price we pay for the capacity to fight off infections: inflammation. Chronic inflammation is to blame for a range of health issues, especially those related to older age. And now research has revealed exactly why inflammation is g…

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Episode 421 - "Come work for you" 1:06:26

3M ago1:06:26

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This week, we chat about our GEARS workshop that recently wrapped up, how it has evolved, and how it went! GEARS Workshop Fun Paper Friday Hejnol, Andreas, and Mark Q. Martindale. "The mouth, the anus, and the blastopore—open questions about questionable openings." Animal Evolution: Genomes, Fossils, and Trees (2009): 33-40. Contact us: Show Suppor…

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The Low-Cost Seismic Revolution Already Buried in Your City 20:27

3M ago20:27

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"By mapping fiber optic cables accurately, we can transform them into dense seismic arrays. This opens the door to city-scale imaging and monitoring."Haipeng Li explains how distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) can turn existing urban fiber optic cables into powerful seismic arrays for near-surface imaging and monitoring. By using everyday traffic an…

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Routes into Academia - Tom Foster & Louisa Street 20:29

3M ago20:29

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In this episode of Keele's Routes into Academia podcast, Louisa hands over the reins to Tom Foster, the new presenter for the series. Louisa and Tom chat about their own journeys into academia so far, and their hopes for the series.By Keele University

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Why we can't announce life on Mars (yet); The Romans' impact on the British economy; Link between exercise and your microbiome 29:59

3M ago29:59

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Episode 320 Was Mars once home to alien life? The evidence is stronger than ever, since NASA’s discovery of rocks marked by patterns similar to those made by microbes on Earth. Found in an area now named Bright Angel, these rocks give us a tantalising insight into Mars’ ancient past - but just how definitive is this finding? It’s long been thought …

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The Missing Tool Every Geoscientist Needs for the Next Decade 28:34

3M ago28:34

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"The glossary will bridge two complex worlds, geoscience and sustainability, and make them easier to understand."Maria Angela Capello shares her vision for a new glossary that connects geoscience to sustainability in clear, practical terms. She explains how a shared vocabulary can help scientists, educators, and policymakers better understand the p…

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Episode 420 - "Tourist Destination" Kamchatka Earthquake 46:03

4M ago46:03

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This week we are back and discussing the recent large earthquake in Russia! Fun Paper Friday Is that viral video of a fault rupture form a security camera real? This paper checks it out. Kearse, Jesse, and Yoshihiro Kaneko. "Curved Fault Slip Captured by CCTV Video During the 2025 M w 7.7 Myanmar Earthquake." The Seismic Record 5.3 (2025): 281-288.…

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First complete map of brain activity; Queen ant lays eggs of another species; The perils of scrolling while on the toilet 31:10

4M ago31:10

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Episode 319 Scientists have created the first complete activity map of a mouse’s brain. Combining brain images from multiple mice, researchers recorded more than 650,000 neurons while these mice manipulated little Lego steering wheels in a driving game. This complex behaviour has allowed scientists to examine the interplay between various parts of …

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Searching for Water in Kakuma: A GWB Story (Re-Release) 43:25

4M ago43:25

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For this episode, we’re re‑releasing one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told - a complete listening experience that transports you to one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth.Searching for Water in Kakuma takes you inside the second‑largest refugee camp in the world, home to more than 185,000 people and still growing. There, …

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55. Diamonds in Transition: Markets, Mining and the Future 1:03:02

4M ago1:03:02

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The diamond industry has a rich and complex history, influenced by discoveries, geoscience and marketing. Join host Halley Keevil as she explores the industry’s history from the onset of modern diamond mining in Kimberley, South Africa in the 1800s, to the advent of laboratory grown diamonds and new platforms for marketing. Featured guest Eira Thom…

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Scientists discovered a 100,000-year-old organism; Breakthrough brain implant uses AI to treat pain; How climate change leads to revolutions 25:50

4M ago25:50

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Episode 318 An ancient organism has been discovered that has been alive for at least 100,000 years. Found in the Siberian permafrost, this lifeform doesn’t appear to have just remained dormant - but instead has actually been growing extremely slowly. Our understanding of life is already quite fuzzy, and this finding adds to the idea that life itsel…

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Karelia La Marca - Geophysicist at bp (Inside IMAGE) 16:46

4M ago16:46

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Karelia La Marca shares how her passion for geophysics has taken her from the classroom to exciting fieldwork around the world. She offers an encouraging tip for first-timers while explaining the skills and teamwork that make science stronger.Get a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the geosciences.Inside IMAGE is a special series from Sei…

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Bill Langin - Exploration and Development Leader (Inside IMAGE) 8:54

4M ago8:54

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Bill shares how reconnecting with colleagues fuels collaboration and why sustainable energy means balancing oil, gas, and new sources to meet global needs. He discusses progress in reducing carbon impact, the urgent need to attract top talent, and takes pride in contributing to technologies that shape everyday life.Get a front-row seat to the conve…

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Adriana Citlali Ramírez - SEG Second Vice President (Inside IMAGE) 21:19

4M ago21:19

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Adriana reflects on the power of connection across science, industry, and academia, as well as the importance of listening to the needs of its members. She explores how geoscientists can expand into new energy solutions, support students’ career paths, and use storytelling to engage the public and strengthen the community’s impact.Get a front-row s…

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Lars Koehn - SEG EVOLVE, Young Professional (Inside IMAGE) 18:40

4M ago18:40

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Get a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the geosciences.Inside IMAGE is a special series from Seismic Soundoff, SEG’s flagship podcast hosted by Andrew Geary, now in its 10th year. This limited-edition series takes you behind the scenes of IMAGE, the premier geoscience event, with exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions.Geoscientist…

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Molly Turko - AAPG Technical Program Co-Chair (Inside IMAGE) 16:16

4M ago16:16

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Get a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the geosciences.Inside IMAGE is a special series from Seismic Soundoff, SEG’s flagship podcast hosted by Andrew Geary, now in its 10th year. This limited-edition series takes you behind the scenes of IMAGE, the premier geoscience event, with exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions.Structural g…

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Alison Malcolm - Vice President, SEG Publications (Inside IMAGE) 7:54

4M ago7:54

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Get a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the geosciences.Inside IMAGE is a special series from Seismic Soundoff, SEG’s flagship podcast hosted by Andrew Geary, now in its 10th year. This limited-edition series takes you behind the scenes of IMAGE, the premier geoscience event, with exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions.Alison Malco…