Show Notes
Hi folks, If you’re a long-term listener, you know this show often takes long, multi-week breaks. This break has been much longer than normal, and will likely continue for a few months. What’s going on? Right now, I have one goal on my mind: to find a new, permanent job. My three-year contract at Grand Valley State University will end in April. I knew this going in, and it’s public information, so don’t worry about any dirt being spilled. In the past three months I have applied for dozens of jobs, and that number will double before year’s end. Each application takes time. I also have a full teaching schedule and I’m supervising undergraduate research. In short, there’s simply no time to make the show right now. I don’t know where I’ll be in six months, and that’s honestly a very stressful situation. But things are looking up- I’ve had a few interviews, and jobs are still being posted. When I find a permanent position, hopefully by early 2025, I will let you all know and finally return to Bedrock, both the show and in my own life. In the meantime, thank you as always for your patience and enthusiasm. If you’ve finished the show, you can recommend it to a science-curious friend. You can always drop a line at [email protected], it always makes my day. See you next time, whenever that may be.
More from Bedrock: Earth's Earliest History
Today, we visit the three major locations for Season 3. A three-ring circus of rocks, if you will. One area is a remote desert full of ancient fossils. One area is a forested mountainland with evidence for global catastrophes. One area is our most populated region yet, full of iron mines. Dylan has visited two of these three locations, and hints at a few personal field stories that will set Season 3 apart. Check out bonus episodes on Patreon! One-off donations on Paypal
Welcome to Season 3 of Bedrock! This season will cover the Paleoarchean Era, from 3.6 to 3.2 billion years ago, or March to April on the "Earth Calendar". Get ready for more fossils and strange new rocks! In this episode, we'll see why Season 3 begins and ends when it does: an extinction? an impact? or something more random? On the way, we'll visit geology's great "Council of Time", meet a bishop who was a founder of modern geology, and make a cake on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Want bonus content? Check out our Patreon! One-off donations on Paypal
While we're on a break between seasons, and while I'm starting my new job, I figured this would be a nice palate cleanser. There's no script, just answers like I'd actually give in person. If YOU want your question to be on a future Mail Time (and listen to bonus episodes), join our Patreon here! Today, I talk about the day I fell in love with "fossil pond scum", some of my favorite field locations, and my favorite time period in Earth history. Enjoy!
Get caught up on Season 2! The Eoarchean Era covers 4 to 3.6 billion years ago, Feb 15 to March 19 on the Earth Calendar. Highlights include: the oldest rock on Earth (24), a dimmer Sun (28), the Man in the Moon (35), the oldest ash (46) the oldest uncontested(-ish) evidence for life (50), and the oldest rocks in the USA (55). While you wait for Season 3, check out patreon.com/bedrockpodcast for episodes of Hometown Geology, or bedrockpodcast.com for helpful scripts and images! Thanks for all the support!
Season 2 Finale! For 50 years, the title of "USA's Oldest Rock" was held on the prairies of western Minnesota. In 2025, that throne was usurped by a brand new study. Where is this "new" ancient location, what rocks are here, and how old are they? Stay tuned to find out! Dylan has an exciting announcement: he has a new visiting professor job at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota! Thanks to everyone for their support. Speaking of which, if you want to donate: Monthly donations on Patreon One-off donations on Paypal