Rocks for Jocks

This week, a 7.4 Magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan! This caused shaking, a tiny tsunami, and an advisory about a possible mega-quake. Listen to learn more about what this means for Japan, natural disaster preparation, and earthquake advisories everywhere! Like this episode? Pick one of the following! Subscribe wherever you're listening! Send this episode to a friend o...

Why fund research into so many narrow questions far removed from everyday problems? Solving niche science problems expands bounds of human knowledge and makes new breakthroughs possible! In this episode, I walk listeners through a recent article I wrote on this topic posted on Substack. Read along (and subscribe) here: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com/p/want-to-solve-hard-problems-fund Music: 36...

In this episode I was lucky enough to discuss the book "Stories in Stone" with the author, David B. Williams! We talk about how geology weaves its way through human history and touch on some highlights from the book, including the Bunker Hill Monument's granite and how Michelangelo got his marble! My substack: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips David's...

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 formati...

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....

Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface. Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the limitations of traditional VS 30 models, and human-reported seismic data. Subscribe on Substack: ⁠https:/...

In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior Rocks for Jocks guests, Christina Sanon and Marshall Pontrelli! Jeremy and I talk about detecting...

This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and guests. My favorite part was Sydney highlighting how guests spread across different shows in a similar way...

This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu has a really unique perspective from his time studying astronomy in Chile and also leading researc...

I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different research projects he’s done to improve education at different levels. He emphasizes the importance of inter...

In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history.  Listen to hear about the history of both our atmosphere and life itself! 00:00 Intro and Overview 02:46 Research Projec...

Today is a solo episode with your host, Alex Chansky! I talk about why I do this show — in addition to some personal reasons, this channel is a great opportunity to make scientific research more accessible and understandable to the public! This is especially important in recent months as research funding cuts are proposed and our country’s top research institutions are cutting people & project...

In this week’s episode, I host Catherine Knox, PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss water diplomacy and decision-making! We talk about different ways to think about water management, especially when it stretches across multiple boundaries. Catherine goes on to discuss her work on sea-level rise adaptation in Boston and also how decisions can be made under both uncertainty and ambiguity. F...

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 clim...

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 h...

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...

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 hu...

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 h...

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...

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 reven...

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 polluti...

Welcome back to Rocks for Jocks! Today's episode is all about climate change, uncertainty, and the wild ride of asymmetric risks. Stick around to see why every tenth of a degree matters in this high-stakes climate game. Subscribe and join us on the journey towards a greener future! Cover image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polar_bear_watches_USCGC_Healy_230922-D-GO191-1035.jpg

Welcome to the latest episode of Rocks for Jocks! Today, we jump into the fascinating earth science discoveries I learned about during my trip to Iceland. I discuss Iceland's position on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, witness the breathtaking sights of a national park, and discover how magma, hot springs, and geysers interplay to create stunning natural features. Listen here! 00:00 Introduction and Icela...

In this episode, I interview Rob Baxter, CEO and founder of CBC Wind Energy. We talk about the mechanical resilience, environmental impacts, and minimal infrastructure of CBC’s wind turbines, which are especially useful in disaster relief areas. Rob also shares insights on the broader role of renewables in diversified energy portfolios and offers advice for entrepreneurs in the energy space.  01:1...

Privately funded Spacewalks! What are they? Why do they matter? Are they good or bad? Let's find out! Spacewalks are when astronauts leave their shuttle in outer space and are completely reliant on their spacesuits to keep living. Listen here to learn more! Sources: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220713-how-to-make-rocket-launches-less-polluting https://www.statista.com/statistics/564769/air...