Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee
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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.
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.
Chapters
- 00:08 Introduction
- 01:56 Henry's early field experiences and farmer relations
- 05:41 John's coal mining experiences and early career development
- 10:24 Mentorship and mapping techniques
- 13:07 Field adventures and flood experiences
- 15:46 Romance and early career connections
- 17:36 International mining experiences and safety standards
- 19:46 Mining culture and management differences
- 20:55 Transition from mining to civil engineering
- 21:38 Equipment and gender in mining operations
- 22:53 Underground mining experiences and challenges
- 24:42 The importance of field experience vs underground work
- 27:08 Hands-on geological experience and modern challenges
- 31:45 Global opportunities and challenging locations
- 33:12 Resource extraction and historical context
- 35:18 Technology and AI
- 37:04 Extreme working conditions and technological applications
- 40:00 Modern diamond mining and local development
- 42:19 Cultural understanding and workforce development
- 43:00 Wisdom from decades of experience
- 45:57 Communication challenges and professional recognition
- 47:11 Professional legacy and geological diversity
- 49:12 The Overberg Geoscientist Group formation
- 50:50 Community engagement and knowledge sharing
- 54:25 Expanding outreach and future collaboration
- 56:29 Global perspective and future challenges
- 58:15 Future publications and closing thoughts
