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.
    Show More Show Less
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Finding Our Voice

    Finding Our Voice
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of Blazing the Trail, join host Dr. Amy Mosig Way and special guests Assoc. Prof. Mark Harvey, Prof. Maggie Tallerman, and Prof. Rob Mailhammer as they deliberate the origins and evolution of human language, a defining feature that separates us from other animals. Together, they discuss how language likely evolved gradually, progressing from simple proto-words to complex sentences, with each stage marking an increase in communication complexity. Tune into this conversation and explore how and why language was driven by social and cognitive forces, from cooperation and tool use to the need for abstract expression.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Out of Africa and Into the Unknown

    Out of Africa and Into the Unknown
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the early migrations of Homo sapiens out of Africa with special guests Assoc. Prof. Patrick Faulkner, Dr. Oshan Wedage, and Dr. Shimona Kealy. They discuss how early humans utilised coastlines as highways for migration, relying on familiar marine resources to navigate unfamiliar territories. This conversation highlights the adaptability of humans, showcasing how early humans modified their technology and hunting strategies to thrive in new environments. Finally, the episode uncovers the origins of multi-day open-ocean sea crossings, which led to the arrival of humans in Australia around 60,000 years ago. Join us in this final episode of Blazing the Trail as we celebrate humanity’s ability to adapt and explore the unknown.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins