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The Common Descent Podcast

Common Descent
Paleontology
Evolution
Dinosaurs
Camouflage
Dragonflies
Filter Feeding
Natural Selection
Eels
Evolutionary Biology
Fossil Record
Ecological Niches
Odonata
Insects
Trilobites
Behavioral Ecology
Cephalopods
Osteophagy
Durophagy
Fish Fossils
Dragons

Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history. Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more. Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes342Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesScience

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Latest Episodes

Located in southeastern Alberta is a stretch of gorgeous badlands that are home to some of the world’s absolute best Late Cretaceous fossils. This episode, we explore how Dinosaur Provincial Park earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site... more

YouTube

Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution.

Spook-E Season is back! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species acr... more

Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution.

Spook-E Season is back! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species acr... more

The faces of vertebrate animals are often soft and full of teeth, but there is a common alternative. Birds, turtles, and many more groups have developed toothless snouts covered in a tough sheath. This episode, we’ll explore the defining features of ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Derek Dinaudin
An outgoing ETSU Master's student and an incoming Arizona State University PhD student, focusing on shrews.
East Tennessee State University
Episode: Episode 222 - Shrews
Dr. Ali Baumgartner
Paleobotanist and expert on ferns
Episode: Episode 215 - Ferns
Astrid Lundberg
Paleontologist and science communicator
Episode: Episode 211 - Edward Drinker Cope
Gabriel Philip Santos
Director of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Alf Museum of Paleontology, newest host of PBS Eons.
Alf Museum of Paleontology
Episode: Spotlight 2024 - Kallie, Gabriel, and Blake, Eons
Blake de Pastino
Co-host of PBS Eons with a background in science journalism.
PBS Eons
Episode: Spotlight 2024 - Kallie, Gabriel, and Blake, Eons
Meaghan Weatherill
Co-host of the Weird and Dead podcast, professor at University of Arizona focusing on statistics, science communication, and game design
University of Arizona
Episode: Spotlight 2024 - Amy and Meaghan, Weird and Dead
Amy Atwater
Education Director at Dinosaur Ridge, avid paleontologist and grant writer
Dinosaur Ridge
Episode: Spotlight 2024 - Amy and Meaghan, Weird and Dead
Dave Marshall
A seasoned paleontology podcaster from the UK with expertise in arthropods and micro-paleontology.
Palaeocast
Episode: Spotlight 2024 - Dave Marshall, Palaeocast
Dr. Aly Baumgartner
Paleobotanist and expert in plant-fungal relationships
Episode: Episode 201 - Fungi and Plants

Hosts

David
Host and co-host who provides insights on various paleontological topics, contributing to discussions with a blend of humor and education.
Will
Host and co-host known for his engaging storytelling and expertise in paleontology, actively involved in facilitating discussions and bringing guest perspectives.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.1k ratings
  • Minecraft series

    Can you make a Spook-E about the science and creatures of Minecraft?

    Love the podcast, thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sep 22 2022
    Canada20 days ago
  • Incredible!

    I've been binging this podcast since I discovered it a week ago. The hosts are so talented at explaining the topics clearly and with infectious enthusiasm. I'm learning so much, and I’m having a great time listening. Definitely one of my favorite podcasts of all time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sparkmark_abc
    United States23 days ago
  • Love their banter

    Great podcast on natural science, and a great distraction from the world

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dviabhav
    United Statesa month ago
  • This is my favorite podcast. I love the news and each topic they discuss is thoughtfully researched and distilled for a non PhD audience.

    Audible
    5
    onychophora
    United States2 months ago
  • Addictive in a good way!

    I’ve been binging for almost a month. For any one with an interest in paleontology these guys are awesome!! Dave and Will are very good at using and then explaining the technical terms. Truly can’t recommend this enough!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JerryM12345
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

There are occasional critiques regarding the overuse of certain phrases, but generally, the response is overwhelmingly positive.
The light-hearted yet educational approach is frequently praised by the audience, making complex scientific topics accessible.
Listeners find the discussions engaging and informative, often highlighting their enjoyment of the hosts' humor and knowledge.
Many listeners mention a keen appreciation for the community-driven aspect, contributing to discussions through questions and suggestions.
The podcast is often recommended for those interested in paleontology and evolution but may also attract a broader audience due to its entertaining format.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 227 - Beaks
Q: Did any theropod dinosaurs create pellets?
Yes, evidence suggests non-bird theropods, like Ankyornis, produced pellets.
Episode 226 - Dodos
Q: Has there ever been fossil evidence of super cool island evolution in a location where a physical island may not exist anymore?
Yes, there are places that once were islands, but now are just part of the continent. For example, during the late Cretaceous, Europe was a bunch of islands, where certain species like Magyarasaurus were discovered.
Episode 225 - Forests
Q: When were there any major plant extinctions? Were there others besides the Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse?
While there are no major plant mass extinctions like in animals, plants have faced serious downturns, particularly in relation to environmental shifts. They may not meet the strict criteria for mass extinctions as defined for animals, but significant losses have certainly occurred.
Episode 224 - Bipedalism
Q: What is the relationship between bipedalism and stereoscopic vision?
There does not seem to be a correlation between bipedalism and stereoscopic vision. Instead, humans developed stereoscopic vision independently, likely as a benefit for navigating a three-dimensional environment, such as moving through trees.
Episode 223 - Mutations
Q: If you could cure, in quotes, one common scientific misconception, what would it be?
A mutant is just an organism that has had a mutation happen. So any organism that has a mutated cell in it, technically, is a mutant.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About The Common Descent Podcast

What is The Common Descent Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intersection of paleontology and evolution, this series serves as both a rich educational resource and an engaging conversation hub for enthusiasts of life and earth's history. Each episode typically features a main discussion centered around listener-suggested topics, providing insights into fossils, evolutionary theories, and historical narratives that have shaped our understanding of life on Earth. Additionally, episodes include a news segment covering recent developments in paleontological research, ensuring the content remains timely and relevant. The format promotes accessibility, presenting complex scientific concepts in a lighthearted manner, which is likely to appeal to a wide range of listeners interested in science... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Common Descent Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Common Descent Podcast:

1. Origin Stories
2. Terrible Lizards
3. I Know Dino: The Big Dinosaur Podcast
4. Geology Bites
5. Leaf it to Us

How many episodes of The Common Descent Podcast are there?

The Common Descent Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 342 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Common Descent Podcast?

Recent guests on The Common Descent Podcast include:

1. Derek Dinaudin
2. Dr. Ali Baumgartner
3. Astrid Lundberg
4. Gabriel Philip Santos
5. Blake de Pastino
6. Meaghan Weatherill
7. Amy Atwater
8. Dave Marshall

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