Wonder: A Student-Led Podcast Bringing Earth’s Story to Life
What happens when a PhD student with a passion for storytelling brings together some of Australia’s leading geoscientists to talk about our ancient, ever-changing planet?
Wonder, a video podcast by Holly Cooke as part of her science communication initiative GeoCo, alongside Dr Anthony Reid, they explore the beauty and complexity of Earth through episodes on everything from tectonic tales and lava flows to rock trinkets and black slime.
Supported by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER), the series highlights Holly’s innovative approach to science communication combining research, creativity, and public engagement. Into the 2025 season, Wonder is proudly sponsored by the Geological Society of Australia and the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future.
Featuring guest appearances from University of Adelaide experts such as Dr Jack Mulder, Professor Alan Collins, Dr Lucy McGee, and Dr Andrew Merdith, the podcast makes the time to explain geological processes in a captivating manner for wider audiences.
While Holly’s doctoral research at the University of Adelaide focuses on the evolution of rare carbonatite mineral systems, she’s equally passionate about communication. She believes science isn’t just about lab work or academic papers, it’s about sharing knowledge and sparking curiosity.
Co-host Dr Anthony Reid, a professional geologist and visiting research fellow, shares that goal. Known for his ability to make technical concepts accessible, Anthony brings a wealth of geological field experience to the show, creating a thoughtful and engaging dynamic with Holly. Together, they use Wonder to translate millions (and sometimes billions) of years of Earth’s story into something relatable and often surprising.
ISER is committed to supporting not only innovative research, but also the communication of that research to the wider community. Holly’s work on Wonder aligns strongly with ISER’s mission to foster sustainability, critical resource thinking, and education through creative, interdisciplinary approaches.
By sponsoring several episodes of Wonder, ISER helped amplify emerging voices in geoscience and supported a student-led initiative that bridges research with public engagement.
Each episode takes a fresh look at our Earth’s history, complexity, and continued evolution. From mountain-building to lava lakes, from the Mediterranean to the outback, Wonder makes science entertaining without compromising on depth.
Watch or listen to the ISER supported Wonder episodes now.
Episodes are available via GeoCo website, YouTube, and Spotify.
- Early Earth & Mysterious Continents with Dr Jack Mulder
- Tectonic Tales with Professor Alan Collins
- Lava & Eruptions with volcanologist Dr Lucy McGee
- Slime, Rocks & Rolls with Professor Alan Collins
- Earth’s First Flora & the Disintegration of Mountains with Dr Andrew Meredith