Explore the biggest mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns, a podcast hosted by historian David Christian. From the origins of the Big Bang to humanity’s future, join expert conversations unraveling unanswered questions about life, the cosmos, and our place within it. Perfect for curious minds seeking deep insights and fresh perspectives. Subscribe now to dive into the unknown. Stay tuned for more!
What will the world look like in 100 years? What about 1,000 or 1,000,000 years from now? While we can’t know the future, we can say with some certainty that technology will play a huge part in it. In this episode, historian David Christian and Kevin Kelly, futurist and Senior Maverick for Wired magazine, discuss why we need a healthy dose of optimism and imagination to envision the future of technology. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
21 Nov 2025
Episode 7: Origins of Complex Societies
We know a lot about early human societies, especially as they grew more complex and morphed into states, empires, and nations. But there’s a lot that we don’t know, such as why early humans began farming in different parts of the world around the same time, or why most early complex societies shared common characteristics. In this episode, historian David Christian and archaeologist Peter Bellwood discuss why humans migrated, farmed, and built more and more complex societies. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
3 Oct 2025
Episode 6: Over a Decade of Big History
Big History has been asking big questions for more than 10 years, what have we learned along the way? In this episode, Big History teacher Kim Lochner chats with David Christian about the past, present, and future of Big History. Big questions. No easy answers. Dive into the mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns. From the secrets of the Big Bang to the future of humanity, discover what we still don't know. Tune in for big questions, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
19 Sept 2025
Episode 5: The Future of Space Exploration
While we can’t predict the future, we can make some educated guesses about life beyond our planet. In this episode, historian David Christian and astrobiologist—an expert in ancient ecosystems and Mars exploration—David Flannery explore how new innovations like NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover are helping to unlock this mystery. Curious minds wanted. Explore the origins of life and mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns. Tune in and explore the unknown. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
5 Sept 2025
Episode 4: Origin Stories
What can we learn from ancient stories? Turns out, a lot. In this episode, historian David Christian and research fellow Lynne Kelly explore global origin stories and what they reveal about where we come from and where we are headed. Discover how ancient narratives connect us, shape our understanding, and influence how we see the Universe. Curious about humanity’s biggest questions, tune in to Unknowns. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
22 Aug 2025
Episode 3: Human Origins
There’s a lot we don’t know about human evolution. In this episode of Unknowns, historian David Christian and paleontologist Michael Archer dive into our origins and speculate on the future of our species. Explore the gradual journey from early hominins to modern humans, and the milestones that shaped us. Discover what we still don’t know about humanity. Tune in and explore the unknown. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
8 Aug 2025
Episode 2: Origins of Life on Earth
How did we get here? Where are we headed next? In this episode of Unknowns, historian David Christian and biologist Michael Gillings delve into the leading theories on the origins of life and tackle the big question: could there be life on other planets? If you’re fascinated by mysteries of existence and humanity’s place in the cosmos, be sure to subscribe. Tune in and explore the unknown. Click here to learn more about Big History (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD).
25 Jul 2025
Episode 1: Origins of the Universe
Do we know how the Universe began? Sort of… In this episode of Unknowns, historian David Christian and astrophysicist Orsola de Marco explore what we know about the origins of the Universe and the many questions that remain. Unravel the mysteries of existence, from the birth of the cosmos to the origins of life. Perfect for curious minds seeking big answers! Tune in and explore the unknown. Subscribe to join the journey into the Universe’s greatest mysteries. Click here to learn more about Big History. (https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD)
16 Jul 2025
Unknowns Podcast Trailer
Explore the biggest mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns, hosted by historian David Christian. From the origins of the Big Bang to humanity’s future, join expert conversations unraveling unanswered questions about life, the cosmos, and our place within it. Perfect for curious minds seeking deep insights and fresh perspectives. Subscribe now to dive into the unknown.
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