Fossils by Firelight - GSSA
Fossils by Firelight is a podcast series from the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) featuring conversations with South African geological legends. Guests share their discoveries, learnings, memories, and personal stories from their careers in the field. The series aims to chronicle the country's geological history and inspire the next generation of geologists. It blends scientific insight with human storytelling, often framed around a firelight setting.
Episodes
30 years to Everest – Decisions, setbacks, and staying power
In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeannette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattere
Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee
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 ad
Every Rock Has a Story | David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine
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,
Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology
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 an
At the Coalface
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 mentorsh
Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly
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
From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director
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 Cam
The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand
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 geol
Diamonds are Forever
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 stone
The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining
Working as geologists during the glory days of the big mining houses.
Guests: Richard Viljoen, Frank Gregory, Ron Hieber, Phil Bentley, Roy Corrans and Derek Kyle.
In this episode our five distinguished geological legends talk to hosts Noleen and Sifiso about their time working for the big mining houses.
We explore the internal working of these companies and aspects such as training and mentors
Welcome to Fossils by Firelight
Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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