Paleo Nerds
Paleo Nerds
paleonerds
A Paleo Nerd is a grown-up who still has the child-like wonder and love for dinosaurs, fossils, science, and paleontology. Paleo Nerds follows Alaskan artist, Ray Troll, and his friend ventriloquist David Strassman, as they host exciting interviews with paleontologists, scientists and fellow paleo nerds from around the world. They take what would’ve been a boring science class and turn it into an exciting and extremely informative party.
Ep #99 Gigantic Ichthyosaurs, Enormous Octopuses and the Importance of Museums with Makoto Manabe
Ray and Dave interview worldly traveled and renowned Japanese paleontologist and curator who was just appointed President and Director General of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo
Jun 24
1 hr 3 min
Ep #98 How one fossil can change everything with MOR's Scott Williams
Ray and Dave interview field paleontologist and museum leader, Scott Williams, Senior Director of Exhibitions at the Museum of the Rockies whose work has helped uncover major Late Cretaceous fossils Including the famous tyrannosaurid, “Jane.”
May 27
1 hr 10 min
Ep #97 Paleo Nerds Journey to the Galápagos Islands with Naturalist Guide Sandra Masaquiza
After a Galápagos trip with his partner Stephanie and paleontologist friends Lee and Ashley Hall, Dave realized the group was so impressed by their tour guide and conservationist, Sandra Masaquiza, that she became the perfect candidate for the next Paleo Nerds guest.
Apr 29
1 hr 20 min
Ep #96 Nanotyrannus vs. Juvenile T-rex Solved with James Napoli
Ray and Dave review the evidence with James Napoli, co-author of the new research paper that resolves the long-standing debate over whether Nanotyrannus represents a distinct species or a juvenile T-Rex.
Mar 25
1 hr 19 min
Ep #95 From Fossils to Film and the Science of Motion with Stuart Sumida
Ray and Dave talk with vertebrate paleontologist and SVP President Stuart Sumida about sail-backed synapsids, pelycosaurs, and the world before dinosaurs while also diving into his work advising filmmakers and animators on how extinct animals should really move, look, and behave.
Feb 25
1 hr 13 min
Ep #94 The Marvelous Mini-Monsters of Mazon Creek with Arjan Mann
Ray and Dave discuss the amazing biota of the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte with Arjan Mann, Assistant Curator of Fossil Fishes & Early Tetrapods at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois
Jan 28
1 hr 6 min
Ep #93 Cretaceous Kansas Geology with Kate Andrzejewski
Ray gets schooled on the Cretaceous geology around the shores of Kansas Lake Kanopolis by paleontologist Kate Andrzejewski.
Dec 31, 2025
1 hr 3 min
Ep #92 From Smok to Spinosaurus with Smithsonian Curator Hans-Dieter Sues
Ray and Dave talk with Smithsonian paleontologist Hans-Dieter Sues about the origins of reptiles, the rise of dinosaurs, and a lifetime unearthing Triassic treasures from around the world.
Nov 25, 2025
1 hr 15 min
Ep #91 The Incredible Paleo Impressionist Art of Doug Henderson
Ray and Dave explore the mind of paleo artist Doug Henderson exploring his techniques, inspirations, and the breathtaking body of work that re-imagines ancient worlds.
Oct 29, 2025
1 hr 1 min
Ep #90 Fossil Fish, Antarctic Adventures and Teaching Anatomy with Kerin Claeson
Ray Troll shares morning coffee in his Ketchikan lounge room with Dr. Karin Claeson, exploring fish evolution, anatomy, development, and variability across deep time.
Sep 24, 2025
1 hr 13 min
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