Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale

A survey of the Earth's history through the lens of the geologic timescale. We begin with a discussion of the terminology of geochronologic units and how they are specified using 'golden spikes'. We then review the development of Earth's atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere through the Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic eons. We cover many topics including the supercontinent cycle, the great oxidation event, the evolution of eukaryotes, the Cambrian explosion, and mass extinctions. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.

You can listen to Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale is an episode from The Science of Everything Podcast by James Fodor.

This episode is 61:35 long.

This episode was published on Jan 17, 2026.

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