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Artwork for Origin Stories

Origin Stories

The Leakey Foundation
Human Evolution
Lucy
Neanderthals
Paleoanthropology
Leakey Foundation
Australopithecus Afarensis
Ethiopia
Human Origins
Evolution
Don Johanson
Genetics
The Leakey Foundation
Beads
Hair Morphology
Awash River Basin
Omo River Valley
Chimpanzees
Shanidar Cave
Ostrich Eggshells
Climate Change

Explore human evolution one story at a time. This award-winning show blends storytelling with science that will change your understanding of who we are.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes90Founded11 years ago
Categories
ScienceLife SciencesNatural Sciences

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Artwork for Origin Stories

Latest Episodes

This episode features two stories from the Science Podcast. First, Science writer Ann Gibbons tells the story of three ancient hominin species that lived side-by-side in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind. Then, anthropologist Melanie Beasley discuss... more

YouTube

This is a story about sweat, survival, speed, and the peculiar ways running may have shaped us as humans. Armed with a hydration vest, a dream, and paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman's endurance running hypothesis, filmmaker Nicole Teeny set out to... more

YouTube

After 10 years of exploring the stories behind breakthrough science, it's time to tell our own origin story! In this special anniversary episode, we're flipping the script to share how Origin Stories began. Join us behind the scenes, revisit three mi... more

Shanidar Cave is a unique archaeological site in Kurdistan where scientists found the remains of 10 Neanderthal men, women, and children. Some of these individuals had survived serious injuries, and one seemed to have been buried with flowers beneath... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
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Recent Guests

Ann Gibbons
Writer at Science Magazine specializing in human evolution
Science Magazine
Episode: Origin Stories x The Science Podcast
Melanie Beasley
Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University
Purdue University
Episode: Origin Stories x The Science Podcast
Nicole Teeny
Documentarian and endurance runner
Episode: Can a Human Outrun a Horse?
Christian Capelli
Molecular anthropologist from the University of Parma in Italy
University of Parma
Episode: Top Human Origins Discoveries of 2024
Sofia Campacaro
Zooarchaeologist and archaeological science lecturer at the Australian National University
Australian National University
Episode: Top Human Origins Discoveries of 2024
Fernando Villanea
Geneticist and professor of anthropology at the University of Colorado in Boulder
University of Colorado in Boulder
Episode: Top Human Origins Discoveries of 2024
Caroline Schuppli
An evolutionary biologist at the Max Planck Institute, studying how orangutans learn.
Max Planck Institute
Episode: Ape Medicine
Alessandra Mascaro
PhD student at the University of Osnabruck studying chimpanzee behavior.
University of Osnabruck
Episode: Ape Medicine
Rebecca Wragg Sykes
Archaeologist and author of Kindred, Neanderthal Life, Love, Death, and Art
Episode: Understanding Neanderthals

Host

Meredith Johnson
Host of Origin Stories, blending personal storytelling with scientific exploration in human evolution.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 937 ratings
  • Journeys

    I enjoy the topics they help me make sense of life in so many ways and different levels. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    T4ps
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Maggoty maggots

    Fascinating stuff. Wanted to hurl the entire time but now I know I can eat maggots to survive post apocalypse.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Allimiao77
    United States3 months ago
  • Poor delivery

    Interesting topics spoiled by poor delivery. Hosts’ accents/voices are alienating and the narrative is ponderous. Such a pity.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    jkynge
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Fascinating

    Great guests and always fascinating information. Love this podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JeanBru
    United States3 months ago
  • Success

    From a persistence hunter point of view you more than proved the theory as soon as you caught up. A hunter wouldn’t have given the animal a chance to get ahead again. Incredible achievement and great story.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sasquatch 365
    Canada4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews mention issues with delivery and pacing, citing a need for improved presentation styles.
Listeners find the podcast fascinating and educational, with many praising the storytelling approach to scientific topics.
Guests are frequently highlighted for their expertise, contributing to the show's credibility and interest.
The content is described as accessible, combining scientific rigor with engaging narratives.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Story of Human Hair
Q: So how did you first get interested in studying hair from an evolutionary perspective?
It all started with a lecture on human skin color variation and how it relates to UV radiation, which sparked her curiosity about hair.
The Story of Human Hair
Q: So if curly hair, tightly coiled hair protects from solar radiation, so well, why doesn't every human have curly hair?
It highlights the complexity of evolutionary traits and how they may not always be beneficial depending on environmental circumstances.
Understanding Neanderthals
Q: What do you hope people will take away from reading your book?
I hope people will feel a connection to the Neanderthals and see the complexity of their lives, understanding that they were other kinds of humans with whom we interacted, who lived vibrant lives.
Understanding Neanderthals
Q: Can you tell me why hearths and the things, the traces they left behind are such an important gateway into the lives of Neanderthals?
Hearths are central to understanding Neanderthal organization and lifestyle; they reveal how Neanderthals managed their resources and structured their living spaces through careful analysis of what was done around the hearths.
Ape Medicine
Q: How do these findings cause you to rethink notions of human uniqueness?
These findings suggest that the roots of pro-social behavior and medicinal use may not be unique to humans.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Origin Stories

What is Origin Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the captivating narratives of human evolution, this podcast features a mix of storytelling and scientific discussion that aims to transform listeners' understanding of humanity's past. Episodes often spotlight significant archaeological discoveries, intersectional research from various disciplines, and thought-provoking interviews with leading experts in paleoanthropology and genetics. Unique storytelling techniques are employed to engage listeners, making complex scientific concepts accessible and intriguing. With recurring themes centered around human origins, evolutionary biology, and the connections between ancient species and modern humans, it appeals to anyone with a curiosity about where we come from and what it means to ... more

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What are the audience demographics for Origin Stories?

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How many subscribers and views does Origin Stories have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Origin Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Origin Stories:

1. The Common Descent Podcast
2. Terrible Lizards
3. The Ancients
4. The Supermassive Podcast
5. History of the World podcast

How many episodes of Origin Stories are there?

Origin Stories launched 11 years ago and published 90 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 Origin Stories?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Origin Stories?

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What guests have appeared on Origin Stories?

Recent guests on Origin Stories include:

1. Ann Gibbons
2. Melanie Beasley
3. Nicole Teeny
4. Christian Capelli
5. Sofia Campacaro
6. Fernando Villanea
7. Caroline Schuppli
8. Alessandra Mascaro

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.

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