Human Origins - The Story of Us

About Human Origins - The Story of Us

🌍 Welcome to “The Story of Us”! 🌍 Join host Seth Chagi as we explore human evolution on “The Story of Us,” by the World of Paleoanthropology. Discover groundbreaking discoveries, meet key figures, and unravel ancient mysteries through engaging storytelling and stunning visuals. 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Never miss an episode—subscribe and hit the notification bell. 👍 Like, Comment, Share: Enjoy our content? Give a thumbs up, share your thoughts, and spread the knowledge. 🌐 Follow Us: Twitter: @PaleoWorld Instagram: @PaleoWorld Facebook: World of Paleoanthropology #TheStoryOfUs

Publisher

World of Paleoanthropology

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 May 2024

Latest episode

25 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Jul 2025

   🌍 Living with Hunter-Gatherers: Dr. Helga Vierich on Animism, Ancestry, and the Human Past

   What is it really like to live with hunter-gatherers? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Helga Vierich—cultural and biological anthropologist—joins us to share vivid stories from her time with Indigenous communities in Africa. From hunting tales that rival action movies to deep insights into animism and ecological kinship, Dr. Vierich reveals what these ancient ways of living can teach us about human evolution, resilience, and how disconnected the modern world has become.🎙️ Expect storytelling, laughter, wonder, and a whole new lens on what it means to be human.🔍 Topics Covered: • Animistic worldviews and relational ecology • Lessons from forager societies about kinship, survival, and joy • A real hunting story you won’t forget • What modernity has lost—and what we can reclaim • Anthropology’s role in making the past matter today📌 If you’re into human origins, deep history, or anthropology with heart—this one’s for you.👣 Subscribe to The Story of Us for more conversations that bring humanity’s deep past into the present!#PaleoPost #TheStoryOfUs #WorldOfPaleoanthropology #AnthropologyPodcast #HunterGatherers #HelgaVierich #HumanOrigins #DeepHistory #Animism #CulturalAnthropology #BiologicalAnthropology #HumanEvolution #Foragers #IndigenousKnowledge

2. 

   16 Apr 2025

   Relatives of Homo naledi? New species of Paranthropus, and relatives of Hobbits!

   In this captivating episode of “The Story of Us,” Season 5, Episode 2, we’re honored to host Dr. Clément Zanolli, a distinguished paleoanthropologist from the University of Bordeaux. Dr. Zanolli shares his firsthand experiences from the groundbreaking discovery of Paranthropus capensis, a newly identified hominin species. This remarkable find stems from the analysis of the SK 15 mandible, a 1.4-million-year-old fossil unearthed in South Africa’s Swartkrans Cave. The identification of P. capensis offers fresh insights into the diversity of early hominins and their evolutionary relationships. We delve into the intriguing possibility of a connection between Homo naledi and this new species, exploring how such relationships reshape our understanding of human evolution. Dr. Zanolli also provides valuable fieldwork tips and reflects on the profound experience of participating in the discovery of an entirely new hominin species. Additionally, we discuss the future directions of paleoanthropological research and what these discoveries mean for the broader narrative of human origins.Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the past and the present, shedding light on the complex tapestry of our ancestry.#ParanthropusCapensis, #HomoNaledi, #HumanEvolution, #Paleoanthropology, #DrClementZanolli, #SwartkransCave, #FossilDiscovery, #AnthropologyPodcast, #TheStoryOfUs, #HumanOrigins

3. 

   7 Apr 2025

   Genetic Journeys: Dr. Jennifer Raff on the Peopling of the Americas

   Get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of ancient DNA and human history! In this episode of “The Story of Us,” we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Raff, a renowned anthropological geneticist and author of the New York Times bestseller “Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas.” Dr. Raff shares her fascinating insights into how genetics unravels the mysteries of our ancestors’ migrations and the peopling of the Americas.Throughout our conversation, we delve into Dr. Raff’s collaborative work with Indigenous communities across North America. She discusses the importance of combining genetic research with Indigenous knowledge to create a more comprehensive understanding of human history. Her passion for science literacy shines through as we explore how these partnerships are reshaping the narratives of our collective past.Join us as we also contemplate the future of anthropological genetics and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the field. Dr. Raff offers her perspective on how scientists and communities can work together to foster a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage. This episode is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the intersections of genetics, history, and culture.

4. 

   6 Jul 2024

   Exploring Neanderthals: Shanidar Cave Insights with Dr. Emma Pomeroy | New Netflix Documentary

   Description: Join us in an exciting discussion with Dr. Emma Pomeroy, a renowned paleoanthropologist, as we delve into the fascinating world of Neanderthals. In this episode, we explore the new Neanderthal documentary on Netflix and uncover the groundbreaking discoveries from Shanidar Cave, where Dr. Pomeroy conducts her research. Key Highlights: • Neanderthal Documentary: An overview of the latest Netflix documentary, its key insights, and its significance in understanding Neanderthal life. • Shanidar Cave: Discover the importance of Shanidar Cave in paleoanthropology and the remarkable findings that have emerged from this site. • Research and Discoveries: Learn about Dr. Pomeroy’s work, her findings, and what they reveal about Neanderthal behavior, burial practices, and social structure. • Evolutionary Insights: Discussion on how these discoveries shape our understanding of human evolution and the connections between Neanderthals and modern humans. About Dr. Emma Pomeroy: Dr. Emma Pomeroy is a leading paleoanthropologist with extensive experience studying Neanderthals and early human ancestors. Her work at Shanidar Cave has provided invaluable contributions to our knowledge of Neanderthal life and culture. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating discussions on human evolution and anthropology! Keywords: Neanderthals, Shanidar Cave, Dr. Emma Pomeroy, Netflix Neanderthal Documentary, paleoanthropology, human evolution, Neanderthal research, Neanderthal burial practices, anthropology, ancient humans Hashtags: #Neanderthals #ShanidarCave #EmmaPomeroy #NetflixDocumentary #Paleoanthropology #HumanEvolution #Anthropology #AncientHumans #NeanderthalResearch

5. 

   25 Jun 2024

   Exploring Brain Evolution and Neanderthal Autism Relations | Interview with Dr. Emily Casanova

   Join us for an enlightening episode of “The Story of Us” YouTube series as we sit down with Dr. Emily Casanova, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Loyola University New Orleans. Dr. Casanova’s groundbreaking research delves into the intricate connections between brain evolution, Neanderthal DNA, and autism in modern humans. In this interview, Dr. Casanova shares her insights on: • How Neanderthal genetic variants influence autism susceptibility in contemporary populations. • The evolutionary impact of ancient human hybridization on brain development and function. • The significance of her findings for understanding the complexity of autism and related conditions. Discover how the legacy of our ancient ancestors continues to shape human health and development today. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in genetics, anthropology, and the cutting-edge intersections of neuroscience and evolutionary biology.

6. 

   8 Jun 2024

   Did Homo naledi use Fire, Bury its Dead, and Carve Engravings?

   Now that we've all seen the headlines about the potential Naledi engravings, join Seth and Genevieve as we dig deep into the questions surrounding this new possibility. What do we know so far? How should researchers approach such an extraordinary claim? How can we study these engravings? What is the balance between media and academia? And what are the implications for the paleoanthropology field if these engravings are associated with these small-brained hominins? Definitely, a topic that's generated lots of opinions and thoughts, but I think we can all agree it's an exciting time to study human evolution!

7. 

   3 Jun 2024

   Lee Berger, Homo Naledi, and the Many Questions Surrounding Rising Star!

   n this special episode of “The Story of Us,” we are thrilled to welcome Professor Lee R. Berger from the University of Witwatersrand. Join us as we dive into the fascinating discoveries surrounding Homo naledi and the Rising Star cave system. Dr. Berger will address the many challenges and astonishing findings that have emerged from this groundbreaking site. We will explore critical questions that have sparked academic debate and discuss the broader implications of these discoveries for our understanding of what it means to be human. This episode promises to provide valuable insights into why these discoveries are significant, both scientifically and culturally. Dr. Berger will offer his perspective on the meticulous processes involved in unearthing these ancient secrets and their impact on the field of paleoanthropology. Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and remember to always keep exploring and learning! If you enjoy this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions on human origins and related topics. About Dr. Lee R. Berger: Lee Rogers Berger is an esteemed American-born South African paleoanthropologist and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. Renowned for his discovery of the Australopithecus sediba type site at Malapa and his leadership in the excavation of Homo naledi at the Rising Star cave, Dr. Berger’s contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of human evolution. With a rich academic background and a commitment to public engagement, he continues to inspire and educate through his research and explorations. Tune in to hear directly from Dr. Berger about his remarkable journey and the profound discoveries that are reshaping our knowledge of ancient hominins.

8. 

   3 Jun 2024

   Saving the Fongoli Chimps with Dr. Jill Pruetz - Human Origins: The Story of Us

   n this episode of “The Story of Us,” we are honored to have renowned primatologist Dr. Jill Pruetz join us. Dr. Pruetz is a conservationist and field researcher dedicated to studying and preserving the chimpanzees of Fongoli, Senegal. Her extensive work with these remarkable primates has provided invaluable insights into their behavior and the challenges they face. Dr. Pruetz shares her journey, beginning with her Bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Sociology from Texas State University in 1989, and her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she focused on primate competition and dominance. Her postdoctoral work at Miami University involved assessing chimpanzee presence in Senegal’s savanna habitats. Since 2001, Dr. Pruetz has been the Principal Investigator of the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project, where she studies the environmental pressures influencing ape behavior and compares it with that of forest-dwelling chimpanzees. Her research not only enhances our understanding of chimpanzee ecology but also informs our knowledge of early hominin behavioral ecology. Dr. Pruetz’s experience spans various countries, including Kenya, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru, where she has conducted field schools and research. Her dedication to primate conservation and education makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in primatology and conservation efforts. Tune in to hear Dr. Pruetz discuss her groundbreaking work, the unique behaviors of the Fongoli chimps, and the importance of conservation. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more captivating discussions on human origins and related topics.

9. 

   3 Jun 2024

   Re-Humanization of Remains after South African Apartheid - Annalin Matabane

   Join us for a compelling episode as we delve into the work of Annalin Matabane, a cultural heritage researcher and the founder of Reach Archaeology Consulting. Annalin specializes in the management, conservation, and ethical excavation of human remains. As one of the first black South African-born females in Cultural Resource Management, she advocates for inclusiveness and equality in archaeology and heritage. In this episode, we explore Annalin’s extensive background, including her undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Physical Geography, her Postgraduate Honours degree in Archaeology, and her Master’s degree in Archaeology from the University of Pretoria. She is a member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) and is well-versed in South African heritage legislation, policy research, rock art interpretation, and the management of cultural heritage. Annalin’s primary research focuses on the ‘re-humanisation’ of human remains, emphasizing the ethical considerations and contemporary challenges in Cultural Resource Management. Listen as she discusses her work in the preservation and conservation of burial grounds and graves, and how she assists communities in managing these culturally sensitive sites. With over 10 years of experience, Annalin brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate commitment to preserving heritage and promoting equality within the field of archaeology. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the complexities and significance of her work in post-apartheid South Africa.

10. 

    3 Jun 2024

    Examining Fossil Bias with Dr. Ryan McRae

    Join us as we welcome Dr. Ryan McRae to discuss the African fossil record and the inherent biases that shape our understanding of hominin evolution. In this episode, we delve into why certain types of fossils, like teeth, are more commonly found and whether this is due to their abundance or the methods we use in fossil searches. Dr. Ryan McRae is a paleoanthropologist whose research focuses on the hominin fossil record on a macroscopic scale. His Ph.D. work examined the biases in fossil recognition and the implications for identifying species and understanding evolutionary relationships. Ryan’s expertise in osteology, anatomy, and comparative morphology, combined with his passion for education and public outreach, makes for an enlightening discussion. Discover how biases in fossil discovery and cataloging affect our perception of human evolution and hear about the latest trends and theories in the field. Don’t miss this fascinating episode that sheds light on the complexities of paleoanthropological research. About Dr. Ryan McRae: Ryan McRae earned his B.A. from Yale University in Biological Anthropology and Archaeological Sciences and his Ph.D. from George Washington University in Hominid Paleobiology. He currently contributes to the Human Origins Program as a contractor, focusing on research, education, and international collaboration. His work aims to enhance science literacy and engage the public in discussions about human evolution.

11. 

    29 May 2024

    The Anatomical Foundations of Paleoanthropology with Dr. Bernard Wood

    In this episode of “The Story of Us,” we are honored to host Dr. Bernard Wood, a pioneering figure in the field of paleoanthropology and anatomy. Dr. Wood, currently a Professor of Human Origins and Human Evolutionary Anatomy at George Washington University, has significantly advanced our understanding of hominin anatomy and evolutionary morphology. Dr. Wood’s remarkable career began in medicine before transitioning to academia in 1972. He held esteemed positions at institutions such as the University of London and the University of Liverpool, and has been a key member of numerous influential research groups, including Richard Leakey’s first expedition to Lake Rudolf. Throughout this episode, Dr. Wood shares his extensive research on human evolutionary history, discussing innovative methods for analyzing the hominin fossil record and applying bioinformatics to improve data analysis. His work emphasizes the importance of a comparative context in studying hominin evolution, and he highlights significant contributions to the field, such as his role in editing the Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Human Evolution. Join us for an enlightening conversation that delves into the anatomical foundations of our origins, the evolution of our species, and the future directions of paleoanthropological research. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected experts in the field. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, share, and support our mission to provide open access to valuable human origins resources. The more we understand our past, the better prepared we are to shape our future.

12. 

    29 May 2024

    Unlocking the Secrets of Gestural Communication in Great Apes with Dr. Kirsty Graham

    In this episode of “The Story of Us,” we embark on an exciting exploration of gestural communication among our closest relatives, the great apes. Dr. Kirsty Graham, a leading expert in the field, joins us to delve into how chimpanzees and other great apes use gestures to convey meaning and interact with one another. Discover the fascinating parallels between human sign language and the gestures used by these majestic animals. Dr. Graham shares her groundbreaking research and remarkable fieldwork experiences, offering insights into the evolution of communication and cognitive abilities in our early ancestors. Join us as we discuss the scientific significance of gestural communication, the implications for understanding human evolution, and the incredible discoveries made in the field. This episode promises to enlighten and inspire, shedding light on the deep connections we share with our primate cousins. Don’t miss this captivating conversation on the complex and intriguing world of great ape communication. Tune in, subscribe, and share the journey with us!

13. 

    29 May 2024

    Anthropogeny, CARTA, and Life with Dr. Pascal Gagneux

    In this exciting episode of “The Story of Us,” we are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Professor Pascal Gagneux from UC San Diego. As the Executive Co-Director of CARTA (Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny), Dr. Gagneux brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolutionary mechanisms driving primate molecular diversity. Join us as we delve into the fascinating work being done under Dr. Gagneux’s direction at CARTA. We discuss his extensive research on wild chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast, the population genetics of West African chimpanzees, and the critical differences in sialic acid biology between humans and chimpanzees that shed light on our evolutionary path. Dr. Gagneux also shares insights into the innovative graduate specialization in Anthropogeny he helped establish in 2011, providing a unique interdisciplinary program that bridges social and natural sciences. Tune in to learn more about the groundbreaking work of CARTA and gain valuable advice from Dr. Gagneux on navigating the complex field of anthropogeny. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode!

14. 

    29 May 2024

    Unveiling Human Growth and Development with Dr. Zachary Cofran

    Join us for a milestone episode of “The Story of Us” as we reach our fiftieth installment with a special guest, Dr. Zachary Cofran, a distinguished professor from Vassar College in New York. In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the intricacies of human growth and development, shedding light on this often overlooked but crucial aspect of our evolutionary journey. Dr. Cofran shares his insights and expertise, exploring how our growth patterns influence not just our species but our individual identities. Tune in to hear about Dr. Cofran’s groundbreaking research, his career path, and valuable advice for aspiring anthropologists and enthusiasts. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between our ancient past and modern understanding. Be sure to catch this episode and celebrate our fiftieth journey together on “The Story of Us”!

15. 

    25 May 2024

    Neanderthals, Naledi, and Cave Art!

    Welcome to this episode! Are you ready to hear some awesome news on rock art, and so much more? George is an Associate Professor and currently lectures part-time at the Geosciences Centre, University of Coimbra (IPT), Portugal. He is a member of management and academic committee and lectures architectural and landscape theory, prehistory and art, excavation and European heritage planning legislation and policy. Prior to this, George lectured at Bristol University, between 1998 and 2016. Here, George ran the final two years of a part-time degree, with also input to the fulltime BA and MA in Landscape programmes. At IPT George is responsible for MA/PhD supervision for undertakes research. Away from academia, George is Principal Archaeologist with SLR Consulting and is responsible for SLR’s built heritage capabilities. George has over 30 years’ experience within the commercial heritage sector. George also has an extensive publishing record with over 35 authored, edited and co-edited books and 140 academic papers in print: focusing on the European post-medieval built heritage, prehistoric mortuary architecture, and prehistoric art. He is associated with a number of British and European university institutions and is a full member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA) Be sure to like and subscribe for more!

16. 

    25 May 2024

    Digging up Homo Naledi, Learning about Ancient Greece, and More! Join us for The Story of Us!

    On this episode of The Story of Us, we are talking to classic archaeologist Dr. Flint Dibble, son of a famed Archaeologist, Harold Dibble, (now we know where he got his name right?) Working mostly with Ancient Greece and their eating habits by analyzing animal bone remains in midden heaps and in other locations throughout Ancient Greece, he has been crucial to the understanding of the changes that occurred in eating habits due to changes in society and climate. Along with this, thanks to what he learned from his father Harold, who did an extraordinary amount of work on Neanderthal burials, as well as the first Homo sapiens child burial yet discovered. Because of this, Dr. Flint has had a great deal to say about the pre prints, and documentary put out by the Naledi team. Goring up hearing about Neanderthals, burials, what is and is not required etc. he as well as being on some of the digs himself, Flint has a great deal to say, which you can watch on his channel, as he discusses the Naledi Saga as I like to call it, he even has one of the Peer Reviews on to discuss why the peer review team came to the conclusion that that they did. Watch, enjoy and remember that there is always more to learn!

17. 

    25 May 2024

    Atapuerca, Teeth, American Biological Anthropology Association with Dr. Leslea Hlusko!

    On this very special episode of The Story of Us we have Dr Leslea Hlusko! Leslea J. Hlusko earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1992. After four years exploring the non-academic life in Washington, D.C., she went to Penn State University, where she earned an M.A. (1998) and Ph.D. (2000).  Leslea was an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2000-2004, and then moved to the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of California Berkeley. She received tenure in 2008 and was promoted to full professor in 2018. In 2021, she moved into a research professor position at CENIEH, Spain.hlusko_cv_august2022www.researchgate.net/profile/Leslea_Hlusko orcid.org/0000-0003-0189-6390Scopus Author ID: 6602557816(follow on twitter @LHlusko; email: hlusko (at) berkeley.edu or leslea.hlusko (at) cenieh.es) We had such a fun talked, learned so much and made plans for the upcoming AABAs in march! ((bioanth.org) and we cant wait to see you there! I have even more exciting plans and events for those going to the meeting, so we will talk soon!

18. 

    25 May 2024

    Toba Super Eruption and Green Arabia with Dr. Michael Petraglia!

    We are back! I know it’s been a while since the last episode of “The Story of Us.” life has been crazy, but coming back from the AABA 2024, I am very excited to bring this interview to you! In this episode, we are talking to archaeologist turned anthropologist Dr. Michael Petraglia, an exceptionally well-rounded and busy researcher! Hailing from Griffith University in Brisbane, Dr. Petraglia studies a wide range of ideas when it comes to “what makes us human” using decades of finely honed skills; join us as he discusses his past, his successes, how he does it, and even some exciting things coming in the future! In this episode, we discuss some of the ideas of what it means to be human, how ancient mega volcanoes affected human populations across the world, and “Green Arabia,” which is a fascinating topic that I and many others feel is on the brink of expanding into the world of paleoanthropology! With so much interesting information, do not miss this fantastic episode! If you enjoy how I bring the research and the researchers straight to you, be sure to like and subscribe for more! Hit that reminders button on the channel to always know when a new video is coming! Remember, there is always more to learn!

19. 

    25 May 2024

    It's Not All About the Men! Cracking Human Evolution with Dr. Cara Ocobock

    Welcome back to #TheStoryofUs, your favorite fireside chat style, and #Paleo Series! On this episode, we have another amazing guest—no surprise there. This time, we are honored to be joined by science communication master Dr. Cara Ocobock! Winner of the 2023 “AABA and Leakey Foundation Communication & Outreach Award in Honor of Camilla Smith,” we are not dealing with just any science communicator here! Join us as we have an excellent discussion on her work, which surrounds how people survive in the most extreme climates and the adaptations that they create to survive, as well as her incredible work on bringing “Women the Hunter” into the public eye, the idea that human evolution does always surround the work of men! We have an electrifying episode that you will not want to miss! If you learned something new today or just enjoyed the conversation, be sure to leave a like. It helps me out a great deal; it allows me to reach more people as I spread the story of our Human Origins! Don’t want to miss another episode? Be sure to subscribe! See you all next time!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

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