Whimsical Wavelengths - A Science Podcast

Volcanologist & Geophysicist: Jeffrey Mark Zurek, PhD, PGeo | Science Communicator
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EARTH SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Winner of the 2026 Science Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards), Whimsical Wavelengths is a science podcast hosted by volcanologist Dr. Jeffrey Zurek dedicated to the "how" and "why" of discovery. > Eschewing the trend of bite-sized science, the show offers a deep, honest look at how science actually works—messy data, imperfect models, and the human personalities behind the research. From geophysics and planetary discovery to the history of scientific paradoxes, the focus is always on the process: how evidence is gathered, how ideas evolve over centuries, and why uncertainty is a fundamental feature of science rather than a flaw. Because science is conducted by people, Whimsical Wavelengths doesn't ignore the human element. We weave together mathematical rigor and historical context with reflections on the realities of building a scientific career and what it truly means to belong in STEM. Whether it's a solo narrative exploration or a conversation with a working researcher, the goal is clarity without oversimplification. The tone is thoughtful and curious, anchored by real-world field experience and the occasional groan-worthy dad joke—because while the science is serious, the pursuit of it is a human adventure. This is for listeners who want to understand the machinery of the natural world and the people who spend their lives trying to take it apart. New episodes are released every two weeks. Research the the host and the show: SFU Volcanology Lab2026 Science Podcast of the YearWhimsicalWavelengths.comLinkedin; Host Dr Jeffrey Zurek, The Show Whimsical Wavelengths

  1. Inclusive Fieldwork: How Accessibility is Changing the Future of Geosciences

    APR 27

    Inclusive Fieldwork: How Accessibility is Changing the Future of Geosciences

    For decades, the "field" has been treated as a character-building barrier in geosciences—a place for the rugged and the able-bodied. But what happens when we view the outdoors as a classroom rather than an obstacle? In S2EP16, Jeff Zurek welcomes Brett Gilley, a Professor of Teaching at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a master of field pedagogy. They dive into the results of a groundbreaking accessible field trip held right here in Vancouver. From the shores of Stanley Park to the volcanic peaks of Whistler, we discuss Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the "Mammoth Cave" inspiration. You'll hear the transformative story of a visually impaired student who traded her seeing-eye dog for a rock scramble and a professor with a progressive disability who finally got off the bus to argue geology again. Whether it's using Silly Putty to feel 3D models or running "Mission Control" from a dorm room, this episode proves that diversity is the lifeblood of discovery. Plus, we find out why Brett has an IMDB page and why he thinks "gravity sucks." Chapters (00:00) Intro: Rethinking the Degree(01:50) Fieldwork as a Rite of Passage(03:20) Guest: The "Rate My Prof" Legend(06:10) Why High Schools Skip Geology(09:30) Funding and Enrollment at UBC(13:20) Why Geoscience is Unique for DEI(15:15) Designing the Vancouver Workshop(17:40) Inspiration: Mammoth Cave(21:00) Redefining "Disabled" in the Field(23:45) Data: Transforming the Experience(28:00) "Hold My Dog": Scrambling Blind(31:20) Multi-Sensory Exploration(35:30) Meta-Discussion: Validating Disability(39:00) Universal Design for Learning(42:20) Silly Putty and 3D Models(45:45) Post-COVID: Mission Control Learning(50:00) Geodude: The IMDB Mystery(53:30) Call-outs: Join the IAGD(55:00) The Punchline: Geologists vs. EngineersLinks & Resources The International Association for Geoscience Diversity Geodude Youtube Support: PateronSocials: Bluesky | Instagram | FacebookWhimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    57 min
  2. Strepsiptera: A Real Xenomorph? Evolution and Life Cycle of Twisted-Winged Parasites

    APR 13

    Strepsiptera: A Real Xenomorph? Evolution and Life Cycle of Twisted-Winged Parasites

    What if Alien wasn't science fiction, but a documentary? 2026 Science Podcast of the Year winner Dr. Jeffrey Zurek sits down with Dr. Rebecca Millena (University of Rochester) to explore Strepsiptera, an enigmatic & bizarre insect order. We untangle the "Strepsiptera Problem"—a century-long academic debate over where these creatures belong on the tree of life. From males with "raspberry" eyes to worm-like females that live inside their hosts, we cover the visceral reality of behavioral hijacking, traumatic insemination, & the genomic revolution. We also show the "sausage-making" of museum research. Topics Sexual Dimorphism: Why males & females look different. The Strepsiptera Problem: How DNA solved a taxonomic mystery. Matrophagy: "Bag of larvae" stage where young consume their mother. Longevity Research: Link between parasitic infection & extreme host aging. Museum Science: Vital role of "back-catalog" collections in modern genetics. Chapters 0:00 Universal Obscure: Welcome to Strepsiptera 1:30 Xenomorphs in RL: Parasitoids vs. Parasites 3:50 "Strepsiptera Problem" in Academia 5:15 Dr. Rebecca Millena’s "Bug Kid" Origins 8:00 Twisted Wings & Raspberry Eyes: Anatomy 101 11:15 Dimorphism: Males vs. Worm-like Females 14:35 Sexual Hijacking: Pheromones & Ant-Crickets Hosts 17:40 Cephalothorax: Breathing & Living In a Host 20:30 Traumatic Insemination & Bag of Larvae 23:45 Matrophagy: When Young Consume the Mother 26:50 Taxonomy’s 150-Year Detective Story 30:50 Genetics vs Morphology: Fly-Beetle Debate 36:10 Genomic Revolutions: 2012 the Shift to Beetles 41:40 Cryptic Species: Hiding in Plain Sight 46:40 Parasites of Parasites: Wolbachia Connection 53:30 Fountain of Youth? Lifespan Extension in Wasps 59:45 Museum Research: "Sausage-Making" of Science 1:05:00 Millipedes & the Science Joke Links Papers: Strepsiptera systematics: past, present, and future Web: WhimsicalWavelengths.com Support: Pateron Socials: Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook Whimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    1h 10m
  3. Maars on Mars: Mapping Volcanic Water Interactions on the Red Planet

    MAR 30

    Maars on Mars: Mapping Volcanic Water Interactions on the Red Planet

    Detecting volcanic eruptions on Earth is detective work; doing it on the Red Planet is a feat of cosmic proportions. 2026 Science Podcast of the Year winner Dr. Jeffrey Zurek welcomes Dr. Allison Graettinger (UMKC) to discuss the hunt for "Maars"—violent, steam-driven volcanoes—on Mars. We explore the sociology of becoming a scientist, from muddy kid to volcano expert, & how these unassuming circular lakes are actually clues to subsurface water & ice. Discover the Marvelous Database, the physics of thermal inertia, & why a rubber duck named "Ducky" is the most famous attendee at international science conferences. Topics Covered Phreatomagmatism: Breaking down the explosive interaction between magma and groundwater.The Marvelous Database: A global catalog of 430+ Earth Maars used as a training set for planetary discovery.Career Paths: Why New Zealand and Nicaragua were the "Permissive Environments" Dr. Graettinger needed to grow.Geologic Hazards: The moving threat zones of distributed volcanic fields.Experiments: Pouring molten lava onto "sand popsicles" to simulate Martian ice interactions.Planetary Detectives: Using crater shapes (even "Mickey Mouse" ones) to map hidden Martian water.Chapters (00:00) Maars on Mars: A Tongue Twister (02:10) Phreatomagmatic Diatremes Defined (03:45) Guest: Dr. Allison Graettinger (05:15) Sociology: Permission to Study Lava (06:40) Field Work: Dust, Ash, and Gas (08:30) Why Study Maars? Hazards and Risks (10:45) Scaling Eruptions: VEI vs. St. Helens (12:35) Distributed Volcanic Fields Explained (17:15) Physics of Magma-Water Interaction (21:50) The Marvelous Database Project (26:50) Remote Sensing: Thermal Inertia (30:10) Mars vs. Earth: Gravity and Shape (34:40) Searching for Craters on Mars (36:40) "Goofing" with Lava and Ice Popsicles (41:10) Methane, Permafrost, and CO2 Ice (43:55) Mapping Water for Future Missions (48:25) Ducky: The Scientist’s Companion (51:00) The Science Joke Links & Resources Support: PateronSocials: Bluesky | Instagram | FacebookWhimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    54 min
  4. The Chemical Language of Black Widows: Pheromones and Deception in Spider Silk

    MAR 16

    The Chemical Language of Black Widows: Pheromones and Deception in Spider Silk

    The Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is a master of invisible chemistry. 2026 Science Podcast of the Year winner Dr. Jeffrey Zurek joins Dr. Andy Fisher (Greifswald University) to untangle the chemical love letters hidden in spider silk. We explore how "virtually blind" predators use smell & electrostatic charges to communicate. Discover the "stinky cheese" pheromone, why males destroy female webs during courtship, and the scandalous truth about "cheating" widows who lie about their age and fitness to attract a mate. Topics Covered Podcast of the Year: Celebrating 2026 American Writing Awards win.Chemical Languages: How smell and taste dominate the "dark taxa."Explore the sausage-making of science, & how chemical ecology replaces toxic pesticidesThe "Gym Sock" Signal: Identifying butyric acid in widow websHonest vs. Deceptive Signals: How starved spiders "cheat" the systemNew Anatomy: Hot-off-the-press research on how spiders smell with their legs.Chapters (00:00) 2026 Podcast of the Year! (01:05) Warning: Arachnophobia (03:30) Guest: Dr. Andy Fisher (05:55) How Spiders "See" with 8 Eyes (08:50) Electrostatic Communication (12:35) Pest Management vs. Pesticides (14:35) The Western Black Widow (17:00) Field Work: How Not to Get Bitten (22:30) Web Chemistry: Stinky Pheromones (25:45) Why Males Destroy the Web (29:50) The Metabolic Cost of Love (33:15) Deception: The Cheating Widow (38:10) Mass Spec: Smashing Chemical Legos (41:40) Seasonality of Sex Signals (44:55) Sub-Social Web Sharing (48:20) Black Widow Science Joke Links Animal Metabolomics & Ecology Lab Papers: Starving Female Spiders Pheromone Abundance Study Web: WhimsicalWavelengths.com Support: Pateron Socials: Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook Whimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    51 min
  5. The Artificial Geologist: Using Machine Learning & Neural Networks to Find Gold

    MAR 2

    The Artificial Geologist: Using Machine Learning & Neural Networks to Find Gold

    The "motherlode" is just a model away. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo) bridges between the classroom & the boardroom with colleague & data scientist Frederick Jackson from Computational Geosciences Inc. Together, they explore how machine learning (ML) & artificial intelligence are revolutionizing mineral exploration. We dig into the expensive reality of drilling—where a single hole can cost over $100k—& how neural networks act as an "artificial geologist" to find patterns in massive "data cubes." From the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia to the surprising links between finding gold, & detecting brain tumors, this episode proves that while the intelligence might be artificial, the discovery is real. Topics Covered The Business of Discovery: How science functions in the corporate world & the real-world consequences of being wrong.Drilling by the Numbers: Why de-risking drill holes is the primary driver for AI in mining.The Data Cube: Integrating geophysics, radiometrics, etc., to build "geological ChatGPT."Neural Networks 101: Moving beyond simple regressions to non-linear, brain-inspired algorithms.Prospectivity & Policy: How heat maps help inform land-use decisions .Bioacoustics: Whimsical detour to tracking whales for conservation using the same ML technology.Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro: Geology Meets Algorithms (02:05) The High Cost of Drilling: Why We Need Models (04:35) Frederick Jackson Spinosaurus to Data Science (07:50) Industry vs Academia: The Cost of Being Wrong (10:10) The SEG Paper: Gold Prospectivity in Australia (11:50) AI Hallucinations in Geophysics Managing Risk (15:15) Building the Data Cube: Features vs. Labels (19:35) Garbage In, Garbage Out: AI Pitfalls (21:20) Neural Networks: an "Artificial Geologist" (25:10) Results: Heat Maps and 2D De-risking (30:45) Beyond Minerals: Tracking Mosquitoes & Brain Tumors (32:45) Bioacoustics: Citizen Science & Whales (34:30) The infamous Science Joke Links & Resources Citizen Science: Orca SoundSupport: PateronSocials: Bluesky | Instagram | FacebookWhimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    37 min
  6. The Science Behind Lunar Permanently Shadowed Regions: Ice and Resources for Future Missions

    FEB 16

    The Science Behind Lunar Permanently Shadowed Regions: Ice and Resources for Future Missions

    What if the coldest, darkest craters on the Moon are quietly storing a record of solar system history and the resources that could power future exploration? In this episode, we dive into the science of lunar permanently shadowed regions (PSRs): craters near the Moon’s poles that sunlight hasn’t touched for potentially billions of years. Dr. Jeffrey Zurek is joined by Dr. Katlyn (Caitlin) Ahrens (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) to unpack what PSRs are, how volatile molecules migrate and freeze there, and why these ultra-cold environments are targets for future missions. We explore how the Moon’s 1.5-degree axial tilt creates shadowed traps, what the lunar exosphere means for molecule transport, and how researchers balance “easy mode” science with high-risk, high-reward targets. It also illuminates why some of the most exciting discoveries happen in places sunlight never reaches. Topics Covered PSRs & Cold Trapping: Why sunlight hasn't touched these poles for billions of years.Lunar Exosphere: Surface processes and molecule migration.Mission Logistics: The hurdles of "Pluto-cold" sample return and CLPS landers.Geotechnical Risks: Moon-slides, virtual lava tubes, and soil mechanics.STEM Outreach: The impact of FIRST Lego League.Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro: The Riddle of Lunar Darkness(01:51) The Physics of 1.5° Axial Tilt & PSRs(04:04) Meet Dr. Katlyn Ahrens (NASA Goddard)(09:33) The Lunar Exosphere vs. Atmosphere(15:30) Diverse Volatiles: Water, Methane, & CO2(22:38) Logistical Challenges: Cold Sample Return(26:18) Double PSRs: Craters within Craters(34:14) VIPER Rover & The Future of Lunar Mining(41:14) Flour & Dust: Lunar Soil Mechanics(46:40) Moonslides & Virtual Lava Tubes(49:50) STEM Outreach: FIRST Lego League(55:08) The Infamous Science JokeLinks & Resources Featured Paper: Diverse lunar polar permanently shadowed regions and environmental metrics for site planning decision making. FIRST Lego LeagueSupport: PateronSocials: Bluesky | Instagram | FacebookWhimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    58 min
  7. From Canada’s Largest Landslide to Modern Flood Hazards: Mt. Meager’s Volcano‑Driven Sediment Story

    FEB 2

    From Canada’s Largest Landslide to Modern Flood Hazards: Mt. Meager’s Volcano‑Driven Sediment Story

    Mount Meager last erupted 2,400 years ago, but today the hazard is the mountain literally falling apart. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo) moves downstream with environmental professional Veronica Woodruff to unpack the legacy of the Capricorn Creek landslide—Canada's largest recorded mass wasting event. We explore how 40km of 1940s diking in the Pemberton Valley has complicated modern flood risks, the physics of river aggradation, and why Engineered Log Jams (ELJs) are a vital green-infrastructure solution for stabilizing massive sediment loads. This conversation highlights how community resilience, reforestation (380k trees), and proactive investment can change environmental outcomes before the next high-flow event. Chapters (00:00) Intro: Shifting Focus to Resilience(01:51) Mount Meager & The 2010 Landslide(05:13) What is an "Environmental Professional"?(09:50) The Science of Grants & Funding(13:20) The Lillooet River Watershed(15:45) 1940s Engineering: Straightening the River(18:42) Eyewitnesses & 50M m3 of Debris(23:08) River Evolution: Meanders & Braided Streams(25:45) Aggradation: Why the Riverbed is Rising(29:25) Diking Dilemmas & Seismic Regulations(32:30) Real-time Data: The Rain-to-Town Dashboard(38:00) Volcanic Reforestation & Habitat(44:30) Engineered Log Jams: 92 Jams to Save a Watershed(51:00) Proactive vs. Reactive Spending in Canada(57:22) Blind Drunk: Alcohol & Society(59:17) Science Joke: Flat Earth FearsLinks & Resources Veronica's book: "BLIND DRUNK A sober look at our boozy culture"Veronica & Glyn’s Whistler talkSupport: PateronSocials: Bluesky | Instagram | FacebookWhimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    1h 2m
  8. Mount Meager: Canada’s Most Dangerous Volcano? Cascadia, Landslides, and Hidden Risk

    JAN 19

    Mount Meager: Canada’s Most Dangerous Volcano? Cascadia, Landslides, and Hidden Risk

    Summary Subduction zones don't carry passports, and the Cascade Volcanic Arc doesn't stop at the U.S.-Canada border. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo) welcomes his mentor Dr. Glyn Williams-Jones (Simon Fraser University) to discuss Canada’s most dangerous volcano: Mount Meager. We dig into the "detective story" of Meager’s last explosive eruption 2,400 years ago—an event that sent ash to Calgary and created a 110-meter-high volcanic dam. We explore the physics of block and ash flows, the "unzipping" of prehistoric dams leading to Jökulhlaups (outburst floods), and the current monitoring gaps on this restless massif. From InSAR satellite radar to the risk of "pulling the cork" on a magma chamber via massive landslides, this conversation illuminates the high-stakes world of Canadian volcanology. Topics Covered The 2,400 BP Eruption: Reconstructing the 20km ash column and Keyhole Falls.Columnar Jointing: Why "columns never lie" about the direction of volcanic cooling.Hydrothermal Alteration: How acidic fluids turn strong rock into unstable "garden clay."Mass Wasting: Analyzing the 2010 Capricorn Creek slide (53 million m³).Monitoring: The shift from tectonic monitoring to specialized volcano seismology.Chapters (00:00) Mentorship & Pedigrees (01:51) Backpacking vs. Geophysics (04:04) Dr. Glyn Williams-Jones (06:40) Why Meager is Dangerous (09:33) Explosion to Effusion (12:00) Volcanic Dams & Jökulhlaups (16:00) Physics of Cooling Joints (18:30) Future Hazard Forecasts (21:50) InSAR vs. Seismometers (25:50) The 2010 Slide (28:45) Turning Mountains to Clay (32:15) Can Landslides Trigger Eruptions? (34:50) Public Perception (41:40) Scientific Patience (45:40) Science Joke Links Besure to check out the center for natural hazards at SFU FIRST Lego League Support: Pateron Socials: Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook Whimsical Wavelengths: Deep-dive conversations where a working scientist unpacks how we know what we know, one paper, one idea, or whimsical detour at a time. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Zurek (P.Geo).

    49 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Winner of the 2026 Science Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards), Whimsical Wavelengths is a science podcast hosted by volcanologist Dr. Jeffrey Zurek dedicated to the "how" and "why" of discovery. > Eschewing the trend of bite-sized science, the show offers a deep, honest look at how science actually works—messy data, imperfect models, and the human personalities behind the research. From geophysics and planetary discovery to the history of scientific paradoxes, the focus is always on the process: how evidence is gathered, how ideas evolve over centuries, and why uncertainty is a fundamental feature of science rather than a flaw. Because science is conducted by people, Whimsical Wavelengths doesn't ignore the human element. We weave together mathematical rigor and historical context with reflections on the realities of building a scientific career and what it truly means to belong in STEM. Whether it's a solo narrative exploration or a conversation with a working researcher, the goal is clarity without oversimplification. The tone is thoughtful and curious, anchored by real-world field experience and the occasional groan-worthy dad joke—because while the science is serious, the pursuit of it is a human adventure. This is for listeners who want to understand the machinery of the natural world and the people who spend their lives trying to take it apart. New episodes are released every two weeks. Research the the host and the show: SFU Volcanology Lab2026 Science Podcast of the YearWhimsicalWavelengths.comLinkedin; Host Dr Jeffrey Zurek, The Show Whimsical Wavelengths

Information

  • Creator
    Volcanologist & Geophysicist: Jeffrey Mark Zurek, PhD, PGeo | Science Communicator
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jeffrey zurek 2024
  • Show Website
    Whimsical Wavelengths - A Science Podcast