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.

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Episodes

Jun 30, 2026

Ep. 55: Water, water everywhere, And every problem unique

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!

May 27, 2026

Ep. 54: The Enviropod Pod: Teaching Earth Science in a Changing World

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!

Apr 29, 2026

Ep. 53: From Seam to Ash: A Career in Coal

Apr 29, 2026

49 min

Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with world-renowned applied energy researcher Jim Hower. They discuss the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, coal petrology, coal research, the Fire Clay coal, sampling coal, sampling coal-fired power plants, fly ash, rare earth elements, and the future of applied energy research.

Mar 31, 2026

Ep. 52: New Harmonizing with Dr. Cobb

Mar 31, 2026

44 min

Matt, Sarah, and Doug speak with former KGS Director and State Geologist Jim Cobb. They talk about James Hutton, New Harmony, Indiana, the job of a State Geologist, the 12th Geological Survey at KGS, digital data dissemination, the legend of Dr. Paul Potter, loving our jobs, and much more!

Feb 27, 2026

Ep. 51: Friction and Fjords: Curling Stones and The Wave

Feb 27, 2026

52 min

Jam packed show! Fresh of the Winter Olympics, Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss the geology of curling stones. Next, back by popular demand (not really), they break down another Norwegian geology disaster film and discuss the 2015 film The Wave. They discuss rockslide-induced tsunamis, challenges of modeling unstable slopes and potential tsunamis, fjords, rockslope monitoring, geologists who are hoarders, and much more!Please hit the Like and Subscribe buttons to stay up to date on future episodes, and to help us grow this series. And, please offer feedback and suggestions for future guests!