The Big Blue Rock Pod
Welcome to the Big Blue Rock Pod, produced by the Kentucky Geological Survey, at the University of Kentucky. This podcast is a fun, conversational approach to discussing all things geology and earth processes. We primarily focus on Kentucky. We talk emerging ideas in research, along with classic topics in earth science for all levels of interest.
Welcome to the Big Blue Rock Pod, produced by the Kentucky Geological Survey, at the University of Kentucky. This podcast is a fun, conversational approach to discussing all things geology and earth processes. We primarily focus on Kentucky. We talk emerging ideas in research, along with classic topics in earth science for all levels of interest.
Episodes

Oct 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
57 min
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the sudden passing of Dr. William (Bill) Haneberg, former Kentucky state geologist and director of the 13th Kentucky Geological Survey (2016–2023).
Bill brought together experts from multiple academic disciplines to address complex geological problems. He placed a strong emphasis on engaging societal stakeholders and translating scientific information about hazards and risks into knowledge that could be understood and used by the people and communities who needed it.
We are deeply grateful for the time Bill spent at KGS serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky and advancing our mission-driven science. In his honor, we are re-releasing the August 2022 episode, which featured Bill as our guest. In this episode, Matt, Sarah, Doug, and Bill discuss the future of the KGS and geological surveys.
Oct 1, 2026
57 min

Aug 31, 2026
Aug 31, 2026
53 min
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with UK Art Museum Curator Rachel Hooper and KGS Public Resources Coordinator Cheyenne Hohman. They discuss a brand-new exhibit at the UK Art Museum called the “Museum of Natural History and Artificial Curiosities.” They get into the origin of the exhibit, UK president John Bowman, scientific collections, The Henry Clay Estate, items on display, hair balls, shark jaws, and much more!
Aug 31, 2026
53 min

Jul 30, 2026
Ep. 56: Digging the Lake Core Life
Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
44 min
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with KGS geologist Bailee Hodlka. They discuss Quaternary limnology, lakes in the Sierra Nevada, aquatic ecology, ostrocodes, environmental geology, tools for investigating stratigraphy of lakes, Lake Metropolis, and much more!
Jul 30, 2026
44 min

Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
49 min
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with KGS geologist Chuck Tayor. They discuss karst hydrogeology, karst vs. other aquifer types, tools for groundwater monitoring, the KGS groundwater monitoring network, Burgin, KY., protecting groundwater resources, our favorite karst terrains, and much more!
Jun 30, 2026
49 min

May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
43 min
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with Earth and Environmental Sciences Department Senior Lecturer Summer Brown. They discuss earth science education, teaching, how scientists connect to stakeholders, natural hazard anxiety, the NSF EPSCoR-funded project CLIMBS and the Enviropods Program, the future of earth science education, and much more!
May 27, 2026
43 min






