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Blazing the Trail

Blazing the Trail

By: University of Sydney / Australian Museum / Break Thru Films
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About this listen

Discover what makes us human with Blazing the Trail, a five-episode podcast that takes you on an epic journey investigating our shared story of human evolution. From our earliest ancestors in Africa to the global spread of Homo sapiens, each episode dives into the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors that have shaped our species.


This series interviews a range of internationally renowned archaeologists, paleo-anthropologists, linguists, and other specialists. Hosted by Dr. Amy Mosig Way from the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum, the podcast series highlights key milestones in our human journey such as the development of tools, mastering fire, the creation of language, and our capacity for migration and adaptation.


This series is a co-production between University of Sydney, Australian Museum, BreakThru Films, University of Liverpool, and University of Wroclaw.

Credits : Dr Amy Mosig Way (Host/Co-Writer) / Madeline Robinson (Co-Writer) / Hugh Welchman (Producer) / Peter Adams (Sound Editor) / Michal Jankowski (Sound Mixer) / Eric Wainaina (Music)


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A co-production between University of Sydney, Australian Museum, University of Liverpool, University of Wroclaw and BreakThru Films Biological Sciences Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Who are we? What it means to be human

    Who are we? What it means to be human
    Dec 2 2024
    In this first episode of Blazing the Trail, join host Dr. Amy Mosig-Way and special guests Dr. Emma Mbua, Prof. Chris Stringer, Dr. Kathryn Ranhorn, and Dr. Keneiloe Molopyane in a discussion of the origins of Homo sapiens in Africa and the traits that make our species unique. The story of human evolution was not a linear progression when we first emerged around 300,000 years ago, but a complex process involving co-existing with multiple human species. Join us as we explore this fascinating story of where we come from, and what makes us human.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    31 mins
  • We Weren't Alone!

    We Weren't Alone!
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the lives of our extinct human cousins, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, with special guests Dr. Rebecca Wragg-Sykes, Dr. Vivian Slon, and Prof. Andrzej Wiśniewski. Together, they unpack common myths about Neanderthals, revealing their adaptability to diverse climates, their varied diet, and possible ventures into artistic expression. Listeners are also introduced to the elusive Denisovan, another human cousin from Siberia, whose genetic testing indicates they interbred with Neanderthals. Join us as we uncover the shared chapters of our family tree.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • Playing with Fire

    Playing with Fire
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way is joined by Prof. John Gowlett, Prof. Polly Wiessner, and First Nations Gamilaraay man Wayne Brennan to explore the profound impact of fire on human evolution. The control of fire marked a pivotal moment in our history, offering more than warmth, protection, and a way to cook food— it shaped our culture, behaviour, and even our physiology. Tune in to uncover how fire transformed early human life that set us on a unique evolutionary path.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    24 mins

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