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.
Episodes
Friday May 26, 2023
Ep. 18: Kentucky Cooperative Extension -- more than free soil testing
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Matt, Doug, and Sarah talk about everything extension with UK Professor Brad Lee, from soil and water quality to dog poop and lawn care. We also explore the role of extension in the University’s land grant mission and UK Extension’s environmental and educational services.
This week’s top takeaway? Check out the soil tests available from your local county extension office. Find the office online at https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county, or just google it.
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Ep. 17: Schist Geologists Say
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug have a lively discussion about geology jargon, odd and old geoscience concepts, and weird terminology that geologists love to use. KGS geologist Meredith Swallom is the guest and helps us decipher rocks vs. minerals, lithification, unconformities, how awesome (and outdated) graywacke is, accretionary wedges, and much more!
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Ep. 16: Exploring Cumberland Gap
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
"I'm just gonna to go ahead and say it. I love Cumberland Gap."
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss all things Cumberland Gap National Historical Park! KGS geologist William Andrews is our guest and we get into the park history, geologic setting, unique park features, Ridge Trail, rodents in cabins, Pinnacle Overlook, Hensley Settlement, the Tunnel, the first geology field camp, and much more!
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Ep. 15: Unpacking Science Communication
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug unpack all things science communication! We talk with Dr. Sarah Vos from UK Department of Health Management and Policy and the Director of Undergraduate Research in the College of Public Health. We discuss communication spanning many scientific disciplines, bridging the gap between science and the public, disaster communication, getting your message to stick, building trust, and why it all matters!
About our guest:
Sarah C. Vos, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy and the Director of Undergraduate Research in the College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Her research explores how public health organizations can use social media and other short message systems to improve health outcomes, particularly during a public health crisis. Her work has been published in Cancer Control, Health Security, Risk Analysis, and the Journal of Health Communication. In her free time, she likes to run, hike, and watch birds.
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Ep. 14: Thinking About Climate Science
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss all things climate science with Dr. Alice Turkington, geography professor at the University of Kentucky. We get into climate terminology, climate change indicators, extreme events, climate change education, and much more!
Dr. Alice Turkington is an associate professor of physical geography with affiliations in environmental and sustainability studies and historic preservation at the University of Kentucky. A native of Northern Ireland, she has lived in Kentucky since 2001. Dr. Turkington holds both an BA and PhD in Geography from Queens University of Belfast. Her doctoral and postdoctoral research examined the breakdown of rock in deserts and conservation of European cultural stone and monuments. She has worked in diverse global landscapes including the Australian outback, volcanic regions of New Zealand, high Arctic glaciers, and the national parks of the Southwestern United States. Her research focuses on geomorphology, examining the control rock weathering exerts on landform and landscape evolution and the role microclimates play in forcing rock decay. Dr. Turkington has taught courses on climate change at the University of Kentucky for 20 years. This year, she will offer a freshman course, Global Climate Change, and several upper division undergraduate courses, including Science and Policy of Climate Change and Rising Seas: Our Changing Coastline.