Podcast

Podcast

On Thursday 13 March I had the incredible opportunity to co-host an episode of the Sydney Catholic Schools podcast “So You Want To Be”, alongside Kevin Carragher, Director of Education and Research at SCS. In this episode, titled “So You Want To Be a Palaeontologist”, we interviewed the legendary David Elliott, one of Australia’s most renowned fossil hunters and founder of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

As someone passionate about STEM, it was an absolute honour to meet and interview David, whose discoveries have transformed Australia’s understanding of its prehistoric past. From uncovering some of the largest dinosaur fossils in the Southern Hemisphere to building a world-class fossil museum in the heart of outback Queensland, David’s journey was both inspiring and fascinating to explore.

Recording the podcast was such a fun and memorable experience. I loved being able to work with Kevin and ask David some of my own questions about his career, his discoveries, and the future of palaeontology in Australia. Throughout the interview, David shared how a single discovery of dinosaur bones on his sheep station in 1999 sparked a lifelong passion for fossils. It was amazing to hear how he went from having no formal background in palaeontology to leading one of the biggest fossil collections in the country. His story really showed that sometimes, the most unexpected experiences can lead to incredible opportunities.

David’s advised young people to stay curious, get hands-on experience, and never be afraid to take an unconventional path. Being part of this podcast was an unforgettable experience and something I’m incredibly grateful for. Not only did I get to meet an Australian legend, but I also gained valuable skills in communication and media production. If you want to hear more about David’s discoveries and his journey as a self-taught fossil hunter, you can check out the full episode on the Sydney Catholic Schools podcast, “So You Want To Be” airing later in April!

Podcast episodes when released will be available via the following channels:

Bianca Fortunato
Year 11