Best Geophysics Podcasts (2025)

1
255: Generative, Physics-Informed and Agentic AI in Geophysics 28:54

17d ago28:54

28:54

"We’re not replacing geophysicists; we’re giving them superpowers to analyze data faster and better."Explore the cutting-edge world of generative and physics-informed AI with Vladimir Kazei, guest editor for The Leading Edge. AI is transforming geophysics, from revolutionizing seismic imaging to pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency. V…

1
Audio long read: Do smartphones and social media really harm teens’ mental health? 17:33

1h ago17:33

17:33

Research shows that, over the past two decades, rates of mental illness have been increasing in adolescents in many countries. While some scientists point to soaring use of smartphones and social media as a key driver for this trend, others say the evidence does not show a large effect of these technologies on teenagers’ psychological health. At th…

1
Episode 415 - "Fiat 500 Volcanic Bomb" 48:12

1d ago48:12

48:12

This week we talk hail, Vesuvius, volcanic bombs, and vitrified brains. Scandone, Roberto, Lisetta Giacomelli, and Mauro Rosi. "Death, Survival and Damage during the 79 AD Eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum." J. Res. Didact. Geogr 2 (2019): 5-30. Fun Paper Friday An amazing new finding shows that brains were vitrified or t…

1
A brand-new colour created by lasers, a pig-liver transplant trial gets the green light, and a nugget-sized chunk of lab-grown meat 20:27

21h ago20:27

20:27

00:27 Five people see ‘olo’, a brand-new colour Using a laser system to activate specific eye cells, a team has allowed five study participants to perceive a vibrant blue-greenish hue well outside the natural range of colours seen by humans. Although the setup required to accomplish this feat is currently complicated, this finding could provide mor…

1
Ep. 9 - Upcoming Episode 0:16

3d ago0:16

0:16

This episode is currently in the making.By Jay Govindji

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‘Dark matter’, 'Big Bang' and ‘spin’: how physics terms can confuse researchers 33:11

2d ago33:11

33:11

Categorizing things is central to science. And there are dozens of systems scientists have created to name everything from the trenches on the sea bed to the stars in the sky. But names have consequences. What’s in a name is a series exploring naming in science and how names impact the world. We look at whether the system of naming species remains …

1
Individual decision-making and collective animal behavior 12:45

6d ago12:45

12:45

Individual decision-making and collective animal behavior Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS…

1
Episode 414 - "Closed Because of Landslide" 1:05:01

8d ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Shannon's class took a trip to study catestrophic sedimentation... and they found it! John switched back to a Mac after 5 years. Join us for these and other exciting updates! Fun Paper Friday Find out how alcohol and an eye puffer machine cominbed with magnets can teach us about where our motor skills reside in the brain. Johansson, Fredrik, et al.…

1
256: Creating Value with 4D - Lessons from a Global Forum 21:12

9d ago21:12

21:12

“It’s more than just getting data - it's about inspiring your organization to take action on it.”In this episode, host Andrew Geary talks with Adam Bucki, Co-Chair for the 4D Forum, held in Galveston, TX, in November 2024. The forum brought together geophysicists, engineers, and decision-makers to explore how 4D seismic can create value, reduce cyc…

1
What a trove of potato genomes reveals about the humble spud 32:41

9d ago32:41

32:41

In this episode: 00:46 A potato pangenome Researchers have created a ‘pangenome’ containing the genomes of multiple potato types, something they believe can help make it easier to breed and sequence new varieties. The potato's complicated genetics has made it difficult to sequence the plant's genome, but improvements in technology have allowed the …

1
Long-awaited ape genomes give new insights into their evolution — and ours 29:48

17d ago29:48

29:48

00:46 Complete sequencing of ape genomes Researchers have sequenced the complete genomes of six ape species, helping uncover the evolutionary history of our closest relatives and offering insights into what makes humans human. The genomes of chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Bornean orangutan, Sumatran orangutan and siamang have been sequenced end-to-en…

1
Ep. 8 - The Sociology of Ghost Beliefs: Unveiling Social Influences on the Paranormal w/ Dr. Barry Markovsky 31:58

19d ago31:58

31:58

In this episode, we discuss the sociology of ghost beliefs, including the research and science aiming to explain the paranormal with Dr. Barry Markovsky, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of South Carolina and former Chair of its Sociology Department. Together, we unravel everything from the key concepts contributing to misinterpret…

1
Modeling extreme heat waves 10:35

20d ago10:35

10:35

Modeling extreme heat waves Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scien…

1
From Hippocrates to COVID-19: the scientific fight to prove diseases can be airborne 32:27

19d ago32:27

32:27

Science writer and New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer's latest book Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life we Breathe dives into the invisible maelstrom of microbial life swirling in the air around us — examining how it helped shape our world, and the implications that breathing it in can have on human health. Carl joined us to discuss histori…

1
Trump team removes senior NIH chiefs in shock move 11:32

22d ago11:32

11:32

In this Podcast Extra, we hear the latest on how decisions by the Trump administration are affecting science in the US. Most recently, a purge of National Institutes of Health (NIH) leadership has seen the chiefs of multiple institutes and centres removed from their posts. Plus, after cancelling nearly all NIH projects studying transgender health, …

1
Episode 413 - "Waterfalls I Have Loved" 57:30

22d ago57:30

57:30

Turner Falls, Oklahoma A rare waterfall that grows outward due to travertine deposition instead of eroding backward. Formed by spring-fed Honey Creek flowing through Ordovician limestone, creating massive travertine deposits. Pe'ePe'e Falls, Hawai'i (Big Island) ~80 ft falls in downtown Hilo, part of the Wailuku River flowing between Mauna Kea and …

1
World’s tiniest pacemaker could revolutionize heart surgery 37:41

24d ago37:41

37:41

00:46 Millimetre-sized pacemaker fits inside syringe Researchers have developed a tiny, temporary pacemaker that dissolves when no longer needed, helping to overcome some of the challenges associated with current devices. Temporary pacemakers are often required after heart surgery but implanting them can require invasive procedures. This new device…

1
254: Why Companies and Individuals Should Invest in Humanitarian Science 28:58

26d ago28:58

28:58

“For companies, supporting GWB isn’t just philanthropy – it’s a smart investment in the future of geophysics and global resilience.”Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) is changing lives using geophysics to tackle real-world humanitarian challenges. In this episode, Bob Merrill, Chair of the GWB Steering Committee, shares inspiring stories of geophy…

1
Audio long read: How quickly are you ageing? What molecular ‘clocks’ can tell you about your health 17:56

29d ago17:56

17:56

With money pouring in and an unprecedented level of public attention and excitement, scientists are publishing a steady stream of papers on ways to measure how rapidly a person’s body is declining. However, there are mixed feelings of enthusiasm and apprehension among researchers about efforts to develop tests that measure the impact of ageing on t…

1
New lasso-shaped antibiotic kills drug-resistant bacteria 32:45

1M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode: 00:46 Newly discovered molecule shows potent antibiotic activity Researchers have identified a new molecule with antibiotic activity against a range of disease-causing bacteria, including those resistant to existing drugs. The new molecule — isolated from soil samples taken from a laboratory technician’s garden — is called lariocid…

1
Ep. 7 - The Worldwide Hum Phenomenon: The Mystery of Earth's Unexplained Noise w/ Dr. Glen MacPherson 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

In this episode, we discuss the worldwide hum phenomenon, covering the mysterious noise worldwide with Dr. Glen Macpherson, the founder of the global Hum Map and Database. Together, we unravel everything from the reasons for the hum to the reality of how it’s been meddled up and confused with misinformation and pseudosciences.…

1
Estimating the social cost of carbon 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

Reconsidering the social cost of carbon Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad ra…

1
253: Sustainability, Prosperity, and Geophysics in Latin America 32:53

1M ago32:53

32:53

“Geophysicists have an incredible ability to see what’s below the surface – now we need to make sure the world sees what we do above it.”Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s about people, the planet, and prosperity. Dr. Maria Angela Capello shares how geophysicists drive sustainability in Latin America and beyond in this episode. …

1
Tiny satellite sets new record for secure quantum communication 31:05

1M ago31:05

31:05

00:46 Microsatellite makes messaging secure A tiny satellite has enabled quantum-encrypted information to be sent between China and South Africa, the farthest distance yet achieved for quantum communication. Using a laser-based system, a team in the city of Hefei was able to beam a ‘secret key’ encoded in quantum states of photons, to their colleag…

1
Sapphire anvils squeeze metals atomically-thin 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

00:46 2D metals made using sapphire press Taking inspiration from industrial forging, researchers have demonstrated a way to squeeze molten metals into atomically-thin layers, creating relatively large flakes of 2D metals. Using a hydraulic press containing two sapphire anvils, a team was able to create sub-nanometer thick sheets of different metal…

1
Ep. 6 - The Wonders of Outer Space: Aliens, Intelligent Beings, and the Quest for Discovery w/ Dr. Avi Loeb 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, we discuss the state of civilisations beyond Earth, including aliens and intelligent beings with Dr. Avi Loeb, a widely-recognised theoretical physicist known as an expert on astrophysics and cosmology, as well as the leading figure behind research into extraterrestrial life. Together, we unravel everything from the state of Earth'…

1
252: How the Ivishak Formation Could Change Carbon Sequestration 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

“Geophysics lets us predict rock properties where well data is sparse - this is crucial for understanding carbon storage potential.”What if Alaska’s North Slope holds the key to large-scale carbon storage? In this episode, Rae Jacobsen discusses his research on the Ivishak Formation, revealing how geophysics can unlock new possibilities for carbon …

1
How hula hoops stay aloft 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

How hula hoops stay aloft Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scienti…

1
Episode 412 - "Unpopular Flavor of Capri Sun" 48:42

2M ago48:42

48:42

This week we talk about snow forecasting as the winter season starts to wrap up and try to figure out if you're really happier in the morning or not! Fun Paper Friday https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1/e301418 Contact us: Show Support us on Patreon! www.dontpanicgeocast.com @dontpanicgeo [email protected] John Leeman www.johnrleeman…

1
251: From Noise to Knowledge – Lessons in Geophysics and Innovation w/ Joe Dellinger 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

"The difference between an ordinary geophysicist and a great one? Knowing when noise is actually signal."Joe Dellinger discusses his new book, Forensic Data Processing. In this episode, Joe shares how his career journey – from growing up surrounded by geophysics to pioneering low-frequency seismic applications – inspired him to write this book as h…

1
Earliest crafted bone tools date back 1.5 million years 29:48

2M ago29:48

29:48

00:46 Ancient humans made bone tools 1.5 million years ago A 1.5-million-year-old cache of animal-bone tools reveals that ancient humans systematically crafted with this material much earlier than previously thought. Researchers uncovered 27 bone artefacts in Tanzania honed into sharp tools almost 40 cm long. This discovery pushes back the dedicate…

1
Audio long read: Why kids need to take more risks — science reveals the benefits of wild, free play 16:10

2M ago16:10

16:10

Over the past two decades, research has emerged showing that opportunities for risky play are crucial for children's healthy physical, mental and emotional development. However, because play is inherently free-form it has been difficult to study. Now, scientists are using innovative approaches, including virtual reality, to probe the benefits of ri…

1
If your heart stops, this smartwatch-AI can call for help 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

00:47 A ‘smart’ way to quickly detect cardiac arrest Google researchers have developed an AI for a smartwatch that will call for help if its wearer is having a cardiac arrest. Trained, in part, on data gained when patients had their hearts deliberately stopped during a medical procedure, the team’s machine learning algorithm can automatically detec…

1
Ep. 5 - The Enigma of the Hessdalen Lights: A Scientific Investigation 2 w/ Dr. Erling Strand 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

In this episode, we discuss some of the science and theories associated with the enigma of the Hessdalen lights with Dr. Erling Strand, a pioneer in the scientific study of unexplained atmospheric phenomena. Together, we unravel everything from the appearance of the Hessdalen lights to the theories behind the lights, backed by years and years of gr…

1
250: Bridging Science and Society – The Impact of Geoscientists without Borders 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

"Humanitarian geophysics isn’t separate from the industry – it’s part of what makes our profession so valuable to the world."In this episode, Geophysical Society of Houston Honoree Craig Beasley discusses the importance of the Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) program for companies interested in aligning with the UNSDGs and achieving their CSR go…

1
Racist ratings linger in five-star systems — a thumbs up could fix that 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

01:14 A simple switch to reduce racist ratings A study of almost 70,000 ratings showed that racial discrimination could be eliminated from an online platform by switching from a five-star rating system to a thumbs up or down. The platform connected customers to workers who performed home repair jobs, and prior to the shift people categorised by the…

1
Climate effects and shifting Arctic coastlines 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

Erosion, subsidence, and sea level rise on Arctic coastlines Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (P…

1
Episode 411 - "TSA Does Not Care About Your Data " 45:27

2M ago45:27

45:27

Ever wondered how geologists figure out when a landslide happened? Or how ancient river terraces and glacial deposits get dated? This week, we dive into the detective work behind dating geomorphic features! 🌍🔬 From tree rings to cosmic rays, we explore the fascinating methods geologists use to reconstruct Earth’s history and assess natural hazards.…

1
249: Machine Learning Methods in Geoscience 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

“The biggest challenge for geophysicists? Learning machine learning's ‘new language’ from the world of statistics.”Machine learning is transforming geoscience, and Gerard Schuster explains how. This conversation explores key ML applications in seismic interpretation, the role of convolutional neural networks in fault detection, and why hands-on lab…

1
Record-breaking neutrino detected by huge underwater telescope 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

In this episode: 00:45 An elusive, cosmic neutrino with a record-breaking energy An enormous array of detectors, deep under the Mediterranean Sea, has captured evidence of the highest-energy neutrino particle ever recorded, although researchers aren’t sure exactly where in the cosmos it originated. Calculations revealed this particle had over 30 ti…

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