On Humans
Ilari MäkeläWhere do we come from? How did we get here? And what kinds of creatures are we? On Humans features conversations with leading scholars about human nature, human condition, and the human journey. From the origins of war to the biology of love, each episode brings fresh insights into perennial questions about our self-understanding. The show now unfolds in series of episodes built around a chosen th... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 104 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Science | |||
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Latest Episodes
Why did Western Europe and the US become the richest regions of the modern world? Was this powered by colonial violence, scientific ingenuity, or something else entirely? And what happened to the medieval might of China and India?
The term “great di... more
Apologies for the slow start to 2026! Something big is coming soon. Stay tuned for the announcement next week.
Whilst waiting, you can enjoy one of my all-time favourites from the archives.
A lot of the recent episodes have mentioned the impact of... more
Imagine a group of ancient humans, crafting stone tools at the dawn of humankind. What did these creatures look like?
To find out, we can stare at the skulls in museums or glance at reconstructions made by paleo-artists. Not a bad start. But what i... more
What was life like before farming? Was it nasty, brutish, and short? Or did our hunter-gatherer ancestors live lives that were relatively free, affluent, and ecologically stable?
In the lack of a time machine, many anthropologists have sought answer... more
Key Facts
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Reviews
- Wonderful
So much to learn and to think over and discuss at length in every episode. Highly recommend.
Apple Podcasts5public4jbh
United Kingdom3 months ago - Consistently fascinating interviews and analysis on what makes us human
A chance to listen to some of the world’s leading thinkers and researchers in the studies of the human condition from biology, anthropology, deep history, psychology and more. Ilari is erudite, and inexhaustibly curious and polite as a host. I’ve learned something from every episode.
Apple Podcasts5Jim B Canada
Canada5 months ago - Great podcast
Really well researched and thoughtful interviews. Also enjoy his voice and accent, which are quite soothing. Definitely recommend!
Apple Podcasts5bilays
United States6 months ago - Excellent!!
Unique stuff. So many angles covered, and not just Q&A, more like a convo. Learned tons listening to this!!
Apple Podcasts5Iaem2593United Kingdom6 months ago - Good topics
I really enjoy the information, but my brain has a hard time understanding his accent. That’s on me, not him. I wish I could keep listening.
Apple Podcasts4HelpersonetyUnited States8 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #93 |  Colombia/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #107 |  Singapore/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #169 |  United Arab Emirates/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #179 |  South Africa/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #190 |  New Zealand/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #214 |  Finland/Science |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About On Humans
What is On Humans about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Across recent episodes, the show surveys core questions about what makes humans human through conversations with leading scholars in anthropology, evolution, neuroscience, and history. Topics range from hunter-gatherer lifestyles and social structure, through origins of humankind and Neanderthal genetics, to the cognitive bases of humor and the neuroscience of consciousness. A recurring strength is thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue that connects deep past questions to contemporary debates, with guests who are professors, researchers, and science communicators. The format often blends historical perspective with new data (e.g., ancient DNA, brain evolution, migration), producing rich, multi-disciplinary discussions that appeal to curious, ... more
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How many listeners does On Humans get?
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What are the audience demographics for On Humans?
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How many subscribers and views does On Humans have?
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Which podcasts are similar to On Humans?
These podcasts share a similar audience with On Humans:
1. Origin Stories
2. Throughline
3. Big Lives
4. Radiolab
5. In Our Time
How many episodes of On Humans are there?
On Humans launched 4 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact On Humans?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for On Humans?
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What guests have appeared on On Humans?
Recent guests on On Humans include:
1. Jeremy De Silva
2. Denise Su
3. Richard B. Lee
4. Manvir Singh
5. Tim Coulson
6. Chris Stringer
7. Johannes Krause
8. Andrés Moreno-Estrada
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.