Don't Panic Geocast
Episodes
Episode 427 - "Feeding Tubes Yo!"
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we help a listener identify their bizarre fossil - and it's a trace fossil! Learn all about it and find out if you'd remember more i...
Episode 426 - "Hard K Sound is Hilarious"
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we continue to talk about temperature with a discussion of temperature scales, where they came from, and why there are so many! Fun Paper ...
Episode 425 - "How jiggly are your bits?"
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is temperature? Why do we care? Where did all of these temperature scales come from? This week, we find out! Fun Paper Friday Di Lorenzo, Emil...
Episode 424 - "Aunt Betty" Liquefaction
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week it's all about liquefaction as we explore why some caskets are above ground and how some cars get half way buried. Flame Structure San...
Episode 423 - "The rumors of our death"
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are back after a very challenging 2025 but don't panic - there is a plan! Fun Paper Friday Taloni, Andrea, Vincenzo Scorcia, and Giuseppe Giannacc...
Episode 422 - "Melissa"
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 421 - "Come work for you"
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we chat about our GEARS workshop that recently wrapped up, how it has evolved, and how it went! GEARS Workshop (https://leemangeophysicalll...
Episode 420 - "Tourist Destination" Kamchatka Earthquake
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
Episode 419 - "Diamonds Everywhere" A States
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're hitting the open road — geologically speaking. This episode kicks off our new state-by-state series covering the most fascinating, scenic, or ...
Episode 418 - "I like the crystal habit"
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a mineral a favorite? In this fun and down-to-earth episode, John and Shannon swap stories about the minerals they love most — and why. A...
Episode 417 - "Who are you?"
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back from summer break - Shannon taught field camp, John travelled for work and got hailed on, and more! John’s Hail Storm (https://youtube.co...
Episode 416 - "Life is a Physics Exam"
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about how we power our instruments in the field and all of the weird and wonderful ways they fail. Including getting turned into cha...
Episode 415 - "Fiat 500 Volcanic Bomb"
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk hail, Vesuvius, volcanic bombs, and vitrified brains. Scandone, Roberto, Lisetta Giacomelli, and Mauro Rosi. "Death, Survival and Da...
Episode 414 - "Closed Because of Landslide"
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 413 - "Waterfalls I Have Loved"
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Turner Falls, Oklahoma A rare waterfall that grows outward due to travertine deposition instead of eroding backward. Formed by spring-fed Honey Cr...
Episode 412 - "Unpopular Flavor of Capri Sun"
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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! ...
Episode 411 - "TSA Does Not Care About Your Data "
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how geologists figure out when a landslide happened? Or how ancient river terraces and glacial deposits get dated? This week, we dive in...
Episode 410 - "GEARS OIL UTEP"
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We just wrapped up our first-ever on-site GEARS Workshop at UTEP and it was a massive success! 🎉 Tune in as we break down the highlights, what we l...
Episode 409 - "Resolutions"
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, it's time for our 2025 resolutions show, where we see how we can improve this year and discuss everything that's changed in the past year! ...
Episode 408 - "Everywhere there's cottonwood trees"
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we wrap up our finding faults show started oh so long ago! Learn how to identify faults in the field and then relax with a coffee with a phy...
Episode 407 - "If you like dragons, that's important to you" Joshua Pearce
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Joshua Pearce to the show! We dive into the world of open-source hardware for academic labs, the challenges and...
Episode 406 - "Taking in all the really interesting things"
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon went to AGU and we're updated on the meeting and what cool new science things she saw! Fun Paper Friday He, Yu, et al. "Superionic iron alloys...
Episode 405 - "Getting Tensor"
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Faults are fractures in the Earth's crust where movement has occurred, creating features that are critical to understanding geological processes. In t...
Episode 404 - "So Many Paperclips"
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lithium, often called "white gold," is a critical resource powering modern technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and mo...
Episode 403 - "My Dad Caught my Mom's Pants on Fire"
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gold has been a symbol of wealth, beauty, and power for millennia, but its importance extends far beyond jewelry and currency. From its formation deep...
Episode 402 - "Shoes in a dryer on turbo"
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how silver journeys from ancient rock formations to the tech in your pocket? In this episode of Don't Panic Geocast, we dig deep into th...
Episode 401 - "I fell into a lot of bogs"
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we dive into the fascinating world of coal—its origins, types, and the role it has played in shaping economies, past and present. We disc...
Episode 400 - "Mushroom Cloud of Salt"
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout human history, certain minerals have held immense power, shaping economies, societies, and entire civilizations. In this economic rocks ser...
Episode 399 - "We would have already sacrificed some people"
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our 400th episode, we take a moment to reflect on some of our favorite past episodes and Fun Paper Fridays that have brought joy, knowledge, and a ...
Episode 398 - "Are you going to take our jobs?"
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into academic research and writing, offering a range of tools that can help streamline workflows, enhan...
Episode 397 - "Terps"
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we delve into the fascinating world of the ancient dwelling mounds—terps—of the northern Netherlands. These man-made mounds served as e...
Episode 396 - "Please Don't Call the FBI" GEARS 2024
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week John and Shannon summarize the GEARS 2024 workshop, lessons learned, and talk about a record air pressure that was just a fluke. Fun Paper F...
Episode 395 - "Pressure Finds a Way"
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the explosion at Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin site and what it means for the park. We also talk about drunk fruit flies and what they are t...
Episode 394 - "Gates of Hell" Darvaza Gas Crater
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we look at a geological oddity in Turkmenistan and see how getting a puppy can give you the blues. Video of the Burning Crater (https://www....
Episode 393 - "Fujiwhara Effect!" Twisters Movie Review
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We went to watch Twisters and review it from the standpoint of two people who have chased storms professionally. Also what do philosophers have to say...
Episode 392 - "Revisions"
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about when and how things get revised from classes to papers to theories. Also we read a paper about a curious cure for poisoning. ...
Episode 391 - "The Things We Take For Granted"
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss JMARS and how you can explore the planets at home with just a few clicks of the mouse. Field camp is almost over and we'll be bac...
Episode 390 - "Stretch Aquarium"
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is a flume and how do sedimentologists used them to understand depositional systems? This and how likely you are to be bitten by a rattlesnake if...
Episode 389 - "FieldVolt"
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stop losing power and data in the field. John and Shannon discuss the new FieldVolt open power standard. FieldVolt Standard (https://leemangeophysical...
Episode 388 - "Screaming Eagle"
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week John and Shannon talk about what some of the weird weather radar terms that get thrown around mean and how you can use them to keep up with ...
Episode 387 - "Adorable Baby Drilling Rig"
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John went to the Geoprobe open house to look at drilling rigs and then we discuss the optimum way to plan a large number of Christmas parties. Earth D...
Episode 386 - "Rock Colloid"
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's tiny, rocky, and alive? Forams! Learn about forams and what diseases James Bond may get while traveling to study them. Fun Paper Friday Grauman...
Episode 385 - "Father Sky Goes Away"
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John and Shannon both traveled to see the great eclipse of 2024 and share their experiences this week as well as talk about one of those rare times wh...
Episode 384 - "Glaciers caused the great lakes, now we have them, the end" Alexis Dahl
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we interview YouTube science creator, science writer, and communicator Alexis Dahl to learn about the rocks of Michigan's UP and how scienti...
Episode 383 - "Logarithmically Fades Away"
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we see how scientists break down the Earth into 7 or more spheres and why that is and isn't a good idea. We also explore a fun paper about g...
Episode 382 - "A world without attenuation would be unbearably noisy"
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What can we get from mining the moon? Should we? Who can do it? Why should we do it? That and more in this week's show! Fun Paper Friday Do we live in...
Episode 381 - "Desk Sedimentology"
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about new national parks, sticky notes, and empirical evidence about fly fishing. Fun Paper Friday Britton, B. J., J. Grimley Evans,...
Episode 380 - "Flame out like a bolide"
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about how rocks get magnetic field imparted to them and if scientists are really discovering anything new these days. Fun Paper Frid...
Episode 379 - "How would you like to buy Brunton?"
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're rejoined by the Heerschaps to learn about how they came to own and run Brunton and what's next for the company that is a staple of the...
Episode 378 - "I love the font"
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We generally don't think of sedimentary rocks when we think of volcanoes, but they are real! Find out why sedimentologists don't have to be bored in v...
Episode 377 - "Definitely Panic - Another Oklahoma Earthquake"
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oklahoma was rocked by another relatively large earthquake for a mid-continent region. We break it down, compare it to the 2011 earthquake and then ta...
Episode 376 - "Got to get those pizza ovens hot"
03 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we tackle the controversial topic of fracking. Learn about how it works and what it does to help get oil and gas out of the ground and into ...
Episode 375 - "Squeeze it shut"
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we keep talking about wells. It's all about casing, cementing, bottom hole assemblies, and wet underwear. Fun Paper Friday Bakkevig, Martha ...
Episode 374 - "Until you Lick It"
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you drill a hole in the ground? Turns out that drilling wells is more complicated than you might think! Fun Paper Friday “Eating Fossils,” ...
Episode 373 - "Tastes like Animal Crackers"
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This show got stuck in processing before sabbatical and did not automatically release, but here it is! This week we range over several topics on our m...
Episode 372 - "The Rumors of My Death" 2024 Resolutions
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for the 2024 season after our first ever sabbatical and we're ready to talk science, resolutions, and barbie. Fun Paper Friday Klamer, Kath...
Episode 371 - "Have you tried licking it?"
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about mudrock - which sounds pretty self explanatory, but of course geologists have made a complex classification scheme around it. ...
Episode 370 - "Siliceous Ooze"
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We said if you just pick up a rock, it is probably chert. How does this pervasive rock form? I mean we should have a good idea, right? Fun Paper Frida...
Episode 369 - "Collect data in the field, do science at home"
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It takes a lot to plan field work, no matter if it is a day rock hounding or a week in the deep field. This week we talk about what you need to know! ...
Episode 368 - "It is Chert"
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You walk outside and find a rock - what is it? Well, that's probably a difficult answer. Also, how round are electrons and how do you even measure tha...
Episode 367 - "Summer Break"
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Classes are about to start, so let's grab some gear and get to work! Field Supplies (https://leemangeophysical.com/product-category/field-supplies/) F...
Episode 366 - "I Didn't Blow Away"
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This summer while Shannon has been at field camp we took a short hiatus, but we're back! Find out what happened with camp and more as well as what hap...
Episode 365 - Salinity Crisis "Smoking Various Meats and WWII"
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about the Messinian Salinity Crisis and if your mom was right about cracking your knuckles. Fun Paper Friday Does cracking your knuc...
Episode 364 - Geology of War "I'm glad I listen to this podcast"
13 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we explore how the intricate interplay between geology and military strategy has shaped history. We unravel the secrets behind the terrain'...
Episode 363 - "National Natural Landmark"
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Don't Panic Geocast podcast, we continue our exploration of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, immersing ourselves in its stunn...
Episode 362 - "A lot of gray area in geology"
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Don't Panic Geocast, we dive into the fascinating world of dolomite, a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks. The...
Episode 361 - "No Ice Other than in Tea" Ice Age Trail Part 1
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John and Shannon are embarrassed to learn about a "new" national park - the Ice Age National Scenic Trail! Ice Age Trail (https://www.nps.gov/iatr/ind...
Episode 360 - "Third and Fourth Order Nonsense" Lane's Balance
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into rivers and what makes them erode, deposit, move and more using an engineering concept called Lane's balance. River Dynamics Fac...
Episode 359 - "Standing Around Staring"
18 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We've been off air for a bit due to a giant move! Find out more! Fun Paper Friday Have we been leaving more that footprints on Mt. Everest? What about...
Episode 358 - "Put a pin in it" Surveillance Balloons
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's been a lot of buzz about the PRC surveillance balloon, so we unpack the history of using balloons for science and for military. Fun Paper Frid...
Episode 357 - "Looks like the iron throne"
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Giant crystal in caves sounds more like a plot twist than a geological phenomena, but this week we learn how the Naica Mine crystals were formed! Fun ...
Episode 356 - "They'll find me laying in a graben"
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about basin and range topography, horsts, grabens, and more! Also how similar is your mouth bacteria to someone you kissed? John McP...
Episode 355 - "Best First Week of Class Ever"
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week John and Shannon discuss some mysterious rocks whose extraterrestrial origin is still debated and if growing a beard is a good defense again...
Episode 354 - "That's Gneiss"
21 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New York City is a sprawling metropolis, but the design of the city is heavily influenced by the geology of this tortured patch of rock. This week we ...
Episode 353 - "We Didn't Do So Well"
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon's Resolutions Streamline Digital Workflows Read a lot! (and use goodreads) Take a sabbatical John's Resolutions Read 24 Books Cut carbs and me...
Episode 352 - "Why are things so heavy in the future?"
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shannon went to a workshop on determining the provenance of sediments using heavy elements, optical microscopes, and Raman spectra! Raman Spectroscop...
Episode 351 - "Our Favorite Things"
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
2022 flew past, so this week John and Shannon review their favorite things, experiences, classes, and more of 2022. Everything from bee keeping to kit...
Episode 350 - "Borehole to Hell"
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How deep have we actually drilled into the Earth? Turns out, not very far, just 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) or about 0.3% of the way to the center of th...
Episode 349 - "That Sounds Heavy" Tech Replacement
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to decide when it is finally time to let go. When do you recycle that old tech and replace it? It may still work, but is it the thing holdin...
Episode 348 - "Hot Juicy Magma"
06 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Forms in fractures of rocks already in place, so it an INTRUSIVE feature Form at right angles to the direction of extension in the area - nature’s f...
Episode 347 - "Tiny Crusty Rocks"
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's all about meteorites, space rocks made from proto planets, metals, and more! Fun Paper Friday Ness, E., & Bihm, E. (2018). Short-Term Cognitive T...
Episode 346 - "They Haven't Broke"
22 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we recap Shannon's travel to GSA and John's travel to Europe before diving into what shaped knobs are best for different applications in an ...
Episode 345 - "3rd Hoodoo on the Left"
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week its all about the badlands and how they got to be so bad! Fun Paper Friday DECEPTIVELY CHONKY LIZARD BREAKS AN UNFORTUNATE, STRANGE RECORD (...
Episode 344 - "Pre-Cognated"
01 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learning new things is hard - and we're talking about how we are trying to do it! Fun Paper Friday How is sleep tied to creativity? Weinberger, Eva, e...
Episode 343 - "Div, Grad, and Curl"
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vector calculus is everywhere, but sadly good explanations are not. This week we talk about the div, grad, and curl operations. Div, Grad, Curl, and A...
Episode 342 - "Kiss Me"
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do we remember all of the sequences, facts, and processes in our fields? Mnemonic devices! This week we chat about a few of our favorites. Fun Pap...
Episode 341 - "Scrambler Outside the Physics Department"
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss more about the three apparent forces we feel on a rotating ball: * Coriolis Force (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolis_force) ...
Episode 340 - "Coriolis Thing"
27 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Coriolis force is a ficticious force that makes winds flow parallel to isobars in the atmosphere - this week we talk about it and how it fights th...
Episode 339 - "Museum with a crater out back"
20 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about meteor crater. Meteor Crater (https://meteorcrater.com/) Kring, David A. "Air blast produced by the Meteor Crater impact event...
Episode 338 - "GEARS 2022"
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John's company ran the second iteration of the GEARS workshop (read about 2021 here (https://leemangeophysical.com/gears-2021-workshop/)). After learn...
Episode 337 - "Air Guitar"
23 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lightning produces many phenomena, but one is pops, clicks, and whistles in the radio frequencies. Learn why, how, and what the upper atmosphere has t...
Episode 336 - "Chopstick Breaking Sound"
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about sounds from the Aurora and strange atmospheric conditions that create it. * Sound producing mechanism in the temperature inver...
Episode 335 - "Fish with a Ray Gun"
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to singing ice! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3O9vNi-dkA) Fun Paper Friday Science makes you feel stupid and that's okay! Schwartz, Martin ...
Episode 334 - "Rock Concert"
25 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking about ringing rocks and why we think they sound just like cast iron bells. * Video of Ringing Rocks in PA (https://www.youtube...
Episode 333 - "Sandphony"
11 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can some wind and sand make booming, singing, and wailing sounds? Find out what we know this week and then dive into geo-economics with a short an...
Episode 332 - "Caliche"
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're new in the field, caliche might fool you the first few times you encounter it. This week we talk about what it is, how it forms, and why you...
EPISODE 331 - "GUESS AGAIN DUMMY" RYAN MAY
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Dr. Ryan May joins us to talk about life as a scientific software developer and his career path from radars to radiosondes and more!
Episode 330 - "Blamo"
14 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk about fracture of toughness of materials or how resistant they are to cracking. Fun Paper Friday Morrill, Kathleen, et al. "Ancestry...
Episode 329 - "Granite Annulus"
07 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hardness, toughness, and brittleness are all unique, but related quantities. In this week's show we explore how they each relate to the atomic structu...
Episode 328 - "Bouma"
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bouma Sequence (https://glossary.oilfield.slb.com/en/terms/b/bouma_sequence) Lowe Sequence (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowe_sequence) Fun Paper Fri...