For our latest episode, we dig (literally) into the world of geological field tools with geologist Lauren Heerschap, CEO of Brunton - one of our sponsors. Join us as we discuss Lauren's journey from geologist to designing tools to running a company!

Lauren Heerschap (she/her) is a geologist and educator whose invention of the revolutionary Axis transit led to her to working alongside Brunton for its launch. One thing led to another and in 2021, her and her husband, David, were able to purchase Brunton, helping ensure the brand's longevity as the main US manufacturer of quality compasses used around the world by geologists, outdoor recreationists, and military professionals.

Social links:

Brunton FB - https://www.facebook.com/BruntonInternational

Brunton Insta - https://www.instagram.com/brunton_intl/

Brunton LinkedIn - Brunton International

Brunton YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bruntoninternational

Lauren FB - https://www.facebook.com/lauren.heerschap.1

Lauren Insta - https://www.instagram.com/laurenheerschap/

Volcanic rocks can prove very versatile as building and construction materials , and in one site in south west England, a 400 million year old band of volcanic lava is being used for exactly that!

In this episode, we speak to Ben Dormer, Operations Director and prior Quarry Manager, for John Wainwright & Co., an aggregates and asphalt quarrying operation in Somerset, England. At Moons Hill Quarry, Wainwright Aggregates have been quarrying a large body of andesite for over 130 years, providing a strong and robust material for construction and aggregate asphalt across the UK.

Ever wondered what process goes into the quarrying industry? How rocks are chosen, how they are extracted, and how they become final materials for clients? We delve into this industry and the many roles needed for it to operate smoothly, with our podcast sponsor.

Find out more about Wainwright Aggregates here: https://wainwright.co.uk/

Our relationship with the natural world can be both emotional and spiritual , as well as one of just physical science. But by blending those, we can create an even deeper understanding and respect for the processes and history of our planet. Here to talk to us more about this connection, and her new book "The Whispers of Rock" is Earth Scientist, Presenter and Author, Anjana Khatwa.

Dr Anjana Khatwa (She/Her/Hers) is an award-winning earth scientist who has worked for several universities, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the National Trust. Dr Khatwa has contributed to and presented TV programmes for the BBC as well as ITV. She has been given the Geographical Award for public engagement by the Royal Geographical Society, the RH Worth Award by the Geological Society of London and the Halstead Medal from the Geologists’ Association. In 2021, she received a National Diversity Award in recognition of her work to champion inclusion within earth science and natural heritage and the same year was longlisted for the 2021 Nan Shepherd Prize for nature writing. She lives with her family in Dorset in a house filled with rocks and fossils collected from all over the world. The Whispers of Rock is her first book.

Author of The Whispers of Rock: Stories from the Earth

Released 4th September 2025 (UK) and 4th November 2025 (USA)https://geoscientist.online/sections/books-and-arts/whispers-of-rock-stories-from-earth/tiktok @jurassicg1rl

instagram @anjanakhatwa

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website www.anjanakhatwa.com