Anjana Khatwa

Geologist Anjana Khatwa, author of The Whispers of Rocks, unpacks the profound impact geology has on our civilization. She explains how tectonic events shaped Manhattan’s iconic skyline and connects rocks to cultural narratives, including indigenous stories. Khatwa warns against viewing rocks as infinite resources, highlighting their roles in issues like climate change and social demographics. From the secrets of zircon dating to the geological history that influenced voter trends in the Southern U.S., she reveals how Earth's past informs our future.

In this engaging discussion, Anjana Khatwa, an Earth scientist and author, links Western geoscience with indigenous stories, revealing how Hawaiian volcanic folklore connects with geological processes. Chamkaur Ghag, a particle physicist, shares insights about the LZ Dark Matter Experiment and underground detection challenges for elusive dark matter particles. Daniel Yon, a neuroscientist, explores how our brain shapes perception, influencing beliefs and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, while discussing the implications of reduced trust in our mental frameworks.

Dr. Anjana Khatwa, a passionate earth scientist and author of The Whispers of Rock, dives deep into her lifelong love affair with geology. She shares how a trip to the Shaitani Lava Flows sparked her passion and discusses the stories rocks tell about Earth's history. Anjana explores the interplay between geological formations and human culture, highlighting landmarks like Petra and the Miwuk origin story of Half Dome. She emphasizes the importance of emotions in science and how indigenous knowledge enriches our understanding of geology.