Episodes

  • Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee

    Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee
    Jan 27 2026
    This episode of Fossils by Firelight was recorded in Hermanus, a place seasoned geologists seem to migrate to once their field boots are well worn. It brings together John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee for a wide-ranging, story-rich conversation about a life spent with rocks.

    From first field assignments and unforgettable camps to mentors, missteps, underground lessons, global mining adventures, and the responsibility that comes with experience, the discussion blends humour, hard-won wisdom, and sharp insight into how geology shapes both landscapes and lives. It’s a candid reflection on collaboration, communication, curiosity, and why getting your hands (sometimes literally your tongue) on real rocks still matters.

    Before we wrap up, a small correction from the editorial desk: John mentioned Gideon Groenewald during the conversation, but the geologist in question was in fact Gideon Scheepers — proof that even solid memories can suffer a little geological slippage over time. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr
  • Every Rock Has a Story | David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine

    Every Rock Has a Story | David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls goes solo at the helm from the geologists’ holiday haven of Hermanus, guiding a rich and often hilarious conversation with David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine.

    From childhood fossil finds and career-defining mistakes to life in remote field camps, mentors who shaped generations, and the enduring magic of rocks in three dimensions, the discussion ranges across decades of geological experience.

    It’s a warm, story-driven reflection on geology as both a science and a way of life — where every rock has a story, and the people chasing them matter just as much as the discoveries themselves. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr
  • Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology

    Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls sits down with Dr. Craig Smith — long-serving executive manager of the Geological Society of South Africa — at his home in Hout Bay as he reflects on a remarkable career that’s taken him from solitary months in the Wyoming field to laboratories, boardrooms, and what he jokingly calls being a professional “cross-dresser” between academia and industry. As Craig heads into retirement after nearly 16 years of guiding the GSSA, he shares stories, surprises, and insights into how the geosciences — and the Society — have transformed along the way. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    27 mins
  • At the Coalface

    At the Coalface
    Mar 25 2025
    Today’s guests Nico Denner, Bob Hatherly, Peet Meyer, and Karin van Deventer talk about their extensive careers in coal with host Sifiso Siwela.
    We explore the challenges facing the coal industry, the evolution of mining practices, the future of coal in energy production (particularly in light of global shifts towards renewable energy), the importance of proper training and education and mentorship for younger geologists, and so much more. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly

    Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly
    Feb 17 2025
    Hosts Noleen Pauls and Sifiso Siwela talk to three professionals who cut their teeth in the platinum industry. From fixing drill rigs to 2,000m underground to MBAs and future opportunities, Dennis Hoffman, Gordon Chunnett and Ken Lomberg covered it all. Our guests also emphasised the importance of underground experience for young geologists, and the evolving role of geologists in mining operations. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director

    From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director
    Jun 8 2023
    In this episode, intrepid explorers Dr Humphrey Mathe, James Campbell, and Oliver Barker talk to hosts Sifiso Siwela and Noleen Pauls about cold showers, actual drilling experiences, books on walls, and broken diamonds. We trace the paths from their early days in the field and what it takes to become inspiring leaders.

    Guests: Dr Humphrey Mathe (Tranter Exploration (Pty) Limited l CEO), James Campbell (Botswana Diamonds l MD), Oliver Barker (Banzi Geotechnics l Director) GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand

    The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand
    May 13 2022
    In this episode Noleen Pauls and fellow host Kathryn James-Kleynhans delve into the birth of Johannesburg and the role played by gold and the early prospectors, with renowned geologists Prof Bruce Cairncross, Prof Gillian Drennan, Prof Richard Viljoen and Frank Gregory. Our geological heroes also discuss the importance of preserving this history, before looking forward and how to equip future geologists with the tools needed to keep the spotlight and lustre on Witwatersrand gold. Connect with Katherine · Connect with Bruce · Connect with Gillian · Connect with Noloeen · Connect with Richard Viljoen · Connect with Frank Gregory · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Diamonds are Forever

    Diamonds are Forever
    Feb 2 2022
    The high pressure path and tenacity of the rough diamonds.

    Today, Sifiso Siwela and Tania Marshall (GSSA president and a diamond legend in her own right) talk to Mike de Wit, John Ward, and Renato "Spaggs" Spaggiari all three distinguished geological heroes in the diamond fields.

    Mike, John, Spaggs and Tania share stories of navigating unchartered territories in the pursuit of the precious stones.

    They also share learnings, memories, interesting stories and open up about valuable lessons learnt.

    The heroes share gems on the grit, resilience and basic exploration skills required by the young geologists to be able discover the now rare diamond deposits, even with all available technology. The guests finally emphasise the importance of having boots on the ground. Connect with John · Connect with Renato · Connect with Mike · Connect with Tania · Connect with Sifiso · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 27 mins