Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history. Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more. Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related to paleontology and evolution. Each episode ends with the answer to a question submitted by subscribers on Patreon. New episodes with new topics every fortnight!
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Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 20 days 1 hour 28 minutes
episode 19: Episode 18B - Human Evolution Part 2
In the second part of our exploration of our own evolutionary past, we focus in on one particular recent group of big-brained, bipedal hominins. We explore their incredible diversity, their clever creations, and the origins of a species that we know ...
episode 18: Episode 18A - Human Evolution Part 1
This time, by request, we discuss an ancient story so detailed, compelling, and important that we had to split it in two! In part one, we find our own place on the family tree of life, and trace the history and evolutionary innovations of our ancesto...
episode 17: Episode 17 - The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP)
In this episode, David tells tales of his trip to Calgary for this year’s SVP meeting: research presentations; meeting new people; paleo-field trips in Alberta; and more. If you’re into vertebrate paleontology, this is one of the biggest and more exc...
episode 16: Episode 16 - Cephalopods
This episode, by request, we’re talking about one of our favorite groups of invertebrates! Specifically, invertebrates with big brains and squiggly arms - some with beautiful shells and others with incredible camouflage - and a fantastically rich fos...
episode 15: Episode 15 - The End-Triassic Extinction
This episode, we’re talking mass extinction again! Last time, we touched on the event that ended the Age of Dinosaurs, but this time – by listener request! – we’re discussing the event that started it: patterns and potential causes of the end-Triassi...
episode 14: Episode 14 - The Gray Fossil Site
This episode, we finally take the time to talk in detail about the dig site we mention more than any other, the site where we both spent many years: the Gray Fossil Site! We discuss the site’s discovery, ongoing work, ancient ecosystem, and some of o...
episode 13: ...But We Digress - The History of Earth
And now for something completely different! Just how deep is Deep Time? Exactly how are important events arranged throughout our planet’s history? Which events are recent and which are ancient? In this special episode, we take a tour through Earth Hi...
episode 12: Episode 13 - The Fossil Preparation Lab
The episode comes to you from inside the fossil prep lab, where we explore what goes into cleaning, repairing, and generally making fossils ready for study. We are joined by our friend Shawn Haugrud, as well as two of his lab’s head preparators: Shay...
episode 11: Episode 12 - The Geologic Time Scale
This episode is about the history of the earth, and how we compile all that we know about the ancient past in the great Geologic Time Scale. In the news: the shapes of bird eggs, very ancient amphibians, more dinosaur faces, and the history of hip...
episode 1: Episode 11 - Antarctica
This episode is another listener-requested topic! We’re discussing the fascinating and mysterious continent of Antarctica, its long complex history, and the rare and intriguing fossils that are found there. In the news: a baby bird in amber, ancient ...