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 the human story, making new research about humanity more accessible to everyone and more meaningful to the big questions about who we are. In addition to regular episodes, the show now includes longer series on some of the greatest arcs in the journey of our ... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 108 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Education | |||
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Latest Episodes
Was India once an affluent empire, later impoverished by British colonisation? Or was India never rich to begin with?
More generally, what does historical data on wages and other economic indicators tell us about the broader story of the making of ... more
The tech gap between China and the West is closing fast. But why did the land that invented paper and gunpowder ever fall behind?
Debin Ma is the world’s leading economic historian of East Asia. In this fourth episode of our Great Divergence series... more
Why was industrial modernity born in Europe and not, say, China? This is one of the most consequential questions about the origins of the modern world. Yet asking “why Europe” can mislead. The Industrial Revolution was not a European event. It was a ... more
Several inventions mark the progress towards modernity - the Gutenberg printing press, the Galileo telescope, the Watt steam engine. But why was Europe the birthplace of so many of these?
Joel Mokyr, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in economics, thi... more
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Reviews
- Excellent Host, Guests, and Content
Ilari is the perfect host. I can tell he does his homework before each episode, making him a good counterpart for each guest. He has a keen ability to guide a conversation in a way that reaches the desired destination while still letting his guests roam the territory. I’ve been listening for over a year and continue to be pleasantly surprised when I realize how relevant anthropology can be for non-scholars like myself. I think that’s the magic of this show, and I’m grateful for Ilari and his gue... more
Apple Podcasts5cale-for-real
United Statesa month ago - Wonderful
So much to learn and to think over and discuss at length in every episode. Highly recommend.
Apple Podcasts5public4jbh
United Kingdom4 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
Canada7 months ago - Great podcast
Really well researched and thoughtful interviews. Also enjoy his voice and accent, which are quite soothing. Definitely recommend!
Apple Podcasts5bilaysUnited States7 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 Kingdom7 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #71 | Canada/Education |
Apple Podcasts | #108 |  Australia/Education |
Apple Podcasts | #216 |  Singapore/Education |
Apple Podcasts | #246 |  New Zealand/Education |
Talking Points
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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. Radiolab
3. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
4. The Quanta Podcast
5. Throughline
How many episodes of On Humans are there?
On Humans launched 4 years ago and published 108 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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What guests have appeared on On Humans?
Recent guests on On Humans include:
1. Stephen Broadberry
2. Debin Ma
3. Robert Allen
4. Joel Mokyr
5. Kenneth Pomeranz
6. Jeremy De Silva
7. Denise Su
8. Richard B. Lee
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.