The Smoko Podcast

Tune in and take a break, as I speak with Dr. Suzanne O'Connell, an esteemed professor of Earth and Environmental Science at Wesleyan University. In this episode, Dr. O'Connell shares her remarkable journey in the field of climate science  and scientific ocean drilling. Dr. O'Connell recounts her transition from being a biology major to discovering her true calling in geology and pl...

Tune in and Take a break, We're on Smoko! Introducing: Sanskriti Deva, a Quantum Engineer and  Design Research Intern at IBM. Sanskriti is a senior computer and electrical engineering student at North Carolina State University, where she serves as President of the Quantum Information Club and Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering Club, Vice President of Company Relations for the Societ...

Tune in and Take a Break, We're on Smoko! In this episode I sit down with Marlowe Treweeke, a highly skilled carpenter and joinery specialist who specializes in crafting the interiors of super yachts. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Marlowe takes listeners on a journey into the world of joinery, shedding light on the intricate details and fine finishing that define her craft.  Marl...

Tune in and Take a Break, We're on Smoko! In this episode I have the honour of speaking with  Catrina Alexandre, an electrical inspector and founder of Black Women in Construction. Black Women in Construction is a non-profit organization which aims to help women in trades by providing resources, contacts, and opportunities; all while creating a platform which praises and cultivates authentici...

Tune in and Take a Break, We're on Smoko! In this episode we have the honour to sit down with Dr. Reva Bond, the first female dean of SAIT's School of Construction. Dr. Bond has a diverse career in various industries, has managed multiple  programs within the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and currently serves as an Executive Advisor for the Women in Trades and Technolo...

Tune in and Take a Break, We're on Smoko! In this episode, I speak to Dr. Jessica Hinojosa, a geologist and climate scientist working in the energy transition field. Dr. Hinojosa works as a Nature-Based Solutions Lead in which she's tasked with unlocking high-quality carbon credits through nature-based solutions. Dr. Hinojosa shares her journey from her childhood fascination with nature...

Tune in and Take a Break, We're on Smoko! In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Bellamy, a forester in training who works as a Timber Development Supervisor in Prince George, British Columbia. Emma has worked in every aspect of the forestry industry and shares her insights into the field. She hold a BSc in Forest Ecology with a minor in Environmental Science. We speak to Emma's journe...

Tune in and Take a break, We're on Smoko! In this episode, it's an honour to sit down with Dr. Stella Kafka, a physicist and astronomer. Dr. Stella Kaftka is the Executive Director at the American Meteorological Society (AMS), and past CEO of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Dr. Kafka shares her journey into the field of astronomy, starting from her curiosity...

Tune in & Take a Break, We're on Smoko! Join us as I sit down with Yahara Vasquez, a second-generation carpenter and the founder and owner of Built by Her Construction run out of Carson, Washington. Her story is an inspiring one of breaking gender stereotypes in the construction industry and becoming a successful general contractor. Yahara shares her experience growing up in a traditional...

Tune in & Take a break, We're on Smoko! Join us in this episode as I sit down with my friend, mentor, and colleague Chieh Peng. Chieh is a living legend within the field of scientific ocean drilling, having worked aboard the Joides Resolution for 25+ years. As a laboratory officer for the IODP, Chieh shares her remarkable journey from Taipei to Texas, and unravels the mysteries of oceanog...

Tune in and Take a break, we're on Smoko! Join us for an exciting episode featuring Dr. Jean Hutchinson, a renowned professor and expert in geologic engineering and rock mechanics. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Hutchinson shares her inspiring journey from a serendipitous career pivot to her love for geotechnical engineering. Dr. Hutchinson's story is a te...

Tune in & Take a break, We're on Smoko! Today we are extremely lucky to be joined by Patricia Robinson, a first-year carpentry apprentice, who shares her incredible journey and inspiring switch from office administration to carpentry. Patricia's curiosity and love for learning new skills led her down a transformative path, and now she's making her mark in the industry. Patricia&...

Tune in and take a break, we're on Smoko! For today's episode we're joined by Dr. Sophie Hines, a climate scientist and paleoceanographer from WHOI (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute)! Dr. Hines shares how her passion for understanding climate change coupled with serendipity and "winging it" led her from a major in chemistry to specializing in paleoceanography. Discover t...

Tune in, take a break, and join us as we interview Natalie Kovarik, a business woman, podcaster, and cattle rancher from central Nebraska 🌾🐄. Natalie shares her fascinating journey from growing up on a ranch in Montana to pursuing a career in pharmacy before returning to ranching with her husband. Together, they run the Kovarik Cattle company, a cattle ranch that exemplifies the diversity and co...

Hello, Hello. In this episode of the Smoko podcast, I wanted to take the time to introduce myself, your host, Alexis Armstrong.  I talk about my experiences as a geologist, working in mining, my transition into academia, and my time working for the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP).  I talk about my experience at sea, working as a marine technician aboard the Joides Resolution, a deep-s...