{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast","title":"John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Geology & Paleontology with Paleontologist Nick Famoso","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/6386e303\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":6539,"description":"In this episode of Safe Travels, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Famoso, Paleontology Program Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the richest fossil regions in North America.\nWe explore the incredible geology of the John Day Basin, how millions of years of volcanic activity helped preserve ancient life, and the remarkable fossil record of prehistoric mammals that once roamed the Pacific Northwest — including some of the earliest horses, ancient rhinos, camels, and dog-like predators that filled a weasel-style ecological niche.\nDr. Famoso also explains why fossil teeth are some of the most important clues paleontologists use to identify species, understand diets, and reconstruct ancient ecosystems.\nWhether you’re curious about paleontology careers, fossil hunting science, or the evolution of mammals, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists piece together Earth’s deep past.\nTopics Covered\nGeologic history of the John Day Basin\nHow volcanoes helped preserve fossils\nEvolution of early horses and mammals\nAncient rhinos, camels, and carnivorous “dog-weasels”\nWhy fossil teeth are critical to paleontology\nWhat makes John Day Fossil Beds so scientifically important\nCareers in paleontology and working in national parks\nAbout Safe Travels\nSafe Travels is a storytelling podcast focused on national parks, public lands, conservation, science, and the people who protect these places. New episodes feature park rangers, scientists, historians, and explorers from across the country.\n\nIf you enjoyed this episode:\nLike, subscribe, and share to help more people discover the stories behind our national parks.\n______________\nFollow us on social!\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspod\nTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspod\nYouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspod\nSafetravelspod.com ","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/XvTeG_yyl6M691T9OEMeL8Y01h4_Ks1GMk9luf85RuQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82MWIy/ZjZlZTQ3OTlkN2E1/NTFhMmMyMGM5Mjkz/ZGU3Ni5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}