Rocks for Jocks – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Andy's recent paper discussed: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx9442

Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocks

In this episode, I host Andy Jones, a PhD candidate in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin Madison. We focus on Andy's recently published research in California’s Sierra Nevada, where glaciers are disappearing for the first time in 30,000 years! We cover the formation, recession, and climatic impact of glaciers. Andy also talks about glacier studies in the Tropical Andes, emphasizing the need for climate action. 

Listen and follow  “Rocks for Jocks” on Substack!

• ​00:00 Intro
• ​04:18 Glaciers' Role in Climate Regulation
• ​06:51 California's Disappearing Glaciers
• ​08:39 Historical Context of Expansion and Retreat
• ​20:00 Climate Change and Glacial Response
• ​29:59 Future Research

Music: 368 by Dyalla

This month, I bring back Marshall Pontrelli, a fan-favorite former guest and graduate school coworker! We talk about Marshall's research on geotechnical engineering, site response, and earthquake hazard mapping. We also get into Marshall’s thoughts on the peer review process and the application of scientific thinking to broader contexts.

Subscribe on Substack: ⁠⁠https://rocksforjocks.substack.com⁠⁠

00:00 Welcome and Intro

02:01 Marshall's Graduate School Research

08:31 Mexico City Earthquake Study

16:37 Geological Mapping and Hazard Analysis

28:43 Depth to Bedrock, Shear Wave Velocity, and Cone Penetration Tests

41:48 Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

49:29 Reflections on Scientific Thinking

Music: 368 by Dyalla

This week, I reunite with Christina Sanon, a researcher and PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss her journey and recent research developments! Christina discusses a recent seminar and her ~groundbreaking~ earthquake research. We also talk about water diplomacy, a recent Maine Earthquake, and the practical applications of Christina’s projects. Subscribe to hear more scientists discuss climate and natural hazards research projects!

00:00 Intro and Water Diplomacy

06:00 PhD Journey and Career Aspirations

16:54 Earthquake Loss Estimation Project

22:40 Understanding Hazard Maps and Soil Amplification

28:14 Real-World Earthquakes and Damage State Probabilities

35:14 Communicating Science Effectively

Music: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I chat with Dr. Matt Curran, a recent doctorate in physical therapy. Together, we talk through aspects of the physical therapy field, including the differences between hospital and outpatient settings, nerve repair, and cadaver dissections. Matt shares what it’s like working with patients of different age groups, his research on post-stroke rehabilitation, and his transition into home care. If you like the episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

00:00 Intro and Matt's Journey

09:16 Cadaver Dissections and Unique Cases

21:38 Clinical Experiences and Working in Hospitals

26:45 Transition to Home Care

35:09 Reflections and Advice for Upcoming PTs

I welcome back Aidan Bailey, a close friend and first-year MD/PhD student at Wayne State University! Aidan shares his experiences in medical school, reflecting on his study strategies, dissecting cadavers, and balancing extensive coursework. He discusses the structure and goals of the MD/PhD program, the value of both degrees, & his future research plans. Our conversation also touches on life in Detroit, highlighting its vibrant culture and sports!

00:00 Intro and Guest Background

01:20 Med School Journey Begins

08:32 Anatomy Lab and Clinical Skills

15:38 Favorite Professors & Classes

18:50 Program Structure and Classmates

30:29 Choosing the Right Advisor

32:30 Benefits of an MD-PhD

37:40 Life in Detroit

• Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.
• Music: 368 by Dyalla

I interview Peter Sousounis, an atmospheric scientist who now works as a climate and catastrophe modeling consultant. We discuss the recent January 2025 Los Angeles, California Wildfires, global catastrophe modeling, and the rising impacts of secondary perils (like smoke damage). Peter explains the factors contributing to winter wildfires in California and highlights the broader implications on human health and insurance in the region. 

00:53 Introducing Dr. Peter Sousounis

04:36 Catastrophe Modeling

08:46 Winter Wildfires

14:48 Mitigate and Prepare

22:15 Future Outlook

• Blog post discussed: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peter-sousounis-b7b19133_la-wildfires-initial-thoughts-activity-7285042301372911617-VTRP?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.
• Music: 368 by Dyalla.
• Photo: US Forest Service photo by Jason Benton/ Captain, SRF Engine 341. Accessed using Wikimedia.
• Photo Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:2025_Southern_California_fires_and_the_United_States_Forest_Service_(USFS)_-_Eaton_Fire_Initial_Attack_(54263489694).jpg&oldid=984491561

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Danielle and I discuss her journey from studying petroleum engineering to her PhD research on ocean sediments. Danielle explains why she studies sediment components to understand Earth's climate history, ice sheet dynamics, and ice-rafted debris. She also talks about the challenges of her research and offers advice for rising scientists. 

If you like this episode, please subscribe and share it with friends!

04:30 Paleoclimate Research

08:14 Isotopes Explained

14:59 Laurentide Ice Sheet

26:42 Career Reflections and advice 

32:34 Opportunities for Future Scientists

Note: the cosmic flux consists of high-energy particles originating from both our sun and other sources in space. Danielle also discusses "sun rays," which she uses here to refer to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays consist of lower energy particles relative to cosmic rays (or radiation), which consist of higher energy particles.

Music: 368 by Dyalla

Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.

In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I explore the frequently asked question: “isn't the climate always changing?”. I break down the components of climate change, distinguishing between natural cycles and human-caused impacts. Learn about solar radiation, greenhouse gases, airborne particles, climate feedbacks, and tipping points! Very fun!

I also go into some details about Earth's orbital patterns, using animations from NASA to help understand long-term climate trends. Listen and subscribe for an in-depth discussion on driving our planet's climate!

00:00 Intro

01:29 Climate Forcings

03:24 Feedbacks and Tipping Points

04:38 Solar Radiation

06:59 Orbital changes

12:08 Human impacts

Sources:

• https://climate.nasa.gov/nasa_science/science/
• https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/milankovitch-orbital-cycles-and-their-role-in-earths-climate/
• ⁠https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/why-milankovitch-orbital-cycles-cant-explain-earths-current-warming/⁠
• http://www.climatedata.info/proxies/ice-cores/
• Cover art: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ocean_world_Earth.jpg&oldid=946589202

In this bonus episode of Rocks for Jocks, we leap into the world of MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber. Alex and his guest, Colin Vergilio, discuss MrBeast's impressive rise, his business strategies, and the recent internal memo that reveals how his company operates. We cover his astonishing statistics, including over 50 billion views, 500 employees, and nearly $700 million in annual revenue. Wow! We also explore the ethical implications and challenges of running such a massive digital empire. Don't miss this inside scoop of one of the most influential media figures today!

• 00:00 Intro and Overview
• 07:25 MrBeast: The Phenomenon
• 16:14 The Leaked Memo
• 19:37 Metrics for YouTube Success
• 36:31 Engineered Randomness and Algorithm Manipulation
• 53:00 Philanthropy and Branding
• 58:42 The Risks and Rewards of Scaling
• 01:06:54 Final Thoughts on Mr. Beast's Impact

In this special episode of Rocks for Jocks, I discuss the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland near the town of Grindavík! With live video streams and data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, viewers get an in-depth look at magma flow, earthquake patterns, and the impact on local attractions like the Blue Lagoon. The video includes hazard maps, GPS data on ground deformation, and gas pollution trends. Despite massive disruptions, tourists can definitely keep visiting if they stay in the safe zones.

Perhaps more importantly, today I learned how to use a camera! While it can definitely be enjoyed with audio-only, the video should be available on Spotify and YouTube. If you’re listening on any other platforms and notice you’re able to see video as well, please let me know!

00:09 Recent Volcanic Eruptions

00:48 Impact on Iceland and the Blue Lagoon

04:11 Volcanic Defenses & Tourism

06:23 Analyzing Maps and Figures

11:01 Live Streams and Visuals

Sources:

• https://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/eruption-begins-on-the-sundhnukur-fissure-swarm
• https://en.vedur.is/volcanoes/fagradalsfjall-eruption/volcanic-gases/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCph8qQK3sc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6LgRBuNNns