Show Notes
How and where did the first cells form on planet Earth, 4 billion years ago? To answer that question, we investigate why oil and water hate each other, explore the seafloor with the Titanic's discoverer, and take a relaxing dip inside a hot spring. Extra credit: drop some olive oil into water, or make a trip to the closest hot spring in your local area.
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