Best Paleontology Podcasts (2024)

1
TLS10E04 Dinosaurs of the Antarctic 1:10:06

2d ago1:10:06

1:10:06

We all know about how common dinosaurs can be in places like Europe, Argentina, the US, China and Mongolia, but they have turned up in dozens and dozens of countries and on every continent, including Antarctica. Unsurprisingly, it’s a very tough place to work, it costs a ton of money, and there are not that many dinosaurs to be found, but they are …

1
Podcast 282 - Early Fishies 1:19:39

3d ago1:19:39

1:19:39

The gang discusses two papers that look at the morphology and ecology of early fishes. The first paper investigates a hypothesis for how the pectoral girdle could have evolved, and the second paper looks at the functional morphology of a Paleozoic jawless fish. Meanwhile, Amanda missed some context, James throws some shade, and Curt is annoyed by A…

1
A new stegosaur posing as an ankylosaur 44:15

3d ago44:15

44:15

Thyreosaurus was a stegosaur, but wore its armor like an ankylosaur; A new iguanodontian, Hesperonyx, was named from Portugal; and dinosaur of the day Eotyrannus, a large early tyrannosauroid For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Eotyrannus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Eotyrannus-Episode-490/ Join us…

1
A new stegosaur posing as an ankylosaur 44:15

21h ago44:15

44:15

Thyreosaurus was a stegosaur, but wore its armor like an ankylosaur; A new iguanodontian, Hesperonyx, was named from Portugal; and dinosaur of the day Eotyrannus, a large early tyrannosauroid For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Eotyrannus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Eotyrannus-Episode-490/ Join us…

1
Silver Screen Science - Deep Blue Sea 55:12

1d ago55:12

55:12

It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks! This time, we’re exploring the monster sharks and suspicious science of a 90s shark classic – Deep Blue Sea. Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on…

1
🙏🏽⛩🤖 219 - Joshua Schrei on Embodied Ethics in The Age of A.I. 1:29:37

8d ago1:29:37

1:29:37

This week marks the beginning of Embodied Ethics in The Age of A.I., a six-week online course led by writer and teacher Joshua Schrei, host of The Emerald Podcast. This course is, in large part, inspired by an episode he wrote last year called “So You Want To Be A Sorcerer in The Age of Mythic Powers” — exploring the mythic dimensions of tech innov…

1
Episode 189 - Dromaeosaurs 2:33:52

5d ago2:33:52

2:33:52

This group of predatory dinosaurs includes such famous names as Deinonychus, Microraptor, and Velociraptor, and they’re among the most well-studied and popular dinosaurs of all time. This episode, we’ll discuss what sets these dinosaurs apart, as well the much-discussed and -debated questions surrounding their relationships to birds, their distinct…

1
South America Spectacular with Tito & Aline 1:13:07

8d ago1:13:07

1:13:07

A new titanosaur from Uruguay is the most complete ever found in the country; Northern Alaska had even more dinosaur diversity than we thought; A site in Brazil shows dinosaur enthusiasts have been there for 1,000s of years For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Orkoraptor, links from Tito Aureliano and Aline Ghilardi, an…

1
South America Spectacular with Tito & Aline 1:13:07

8d ago1:13:07

1:13:07

A new titanosaur from Uruguay is the most complete ever found in the country; Northern Alaska had even more dinosaur diversity than we thought; A site in Brazil shows dinosaur enthusiasts have been there for 1,000s of years For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Orkoraptor, links from Tito Aureliano and Aline Ghilardi, an…

1
Silver Screen Science - Meg 2: The Trench 1:01:18

8d ago1:01:18

1:01:18

It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks! This episode, we’re examining the newest installment in the film series about giant monster ancient sharks – Meg 2: The Trench. Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodc…

1
Podcast 281 - Climate and Extinction 1:37:44

12d ago1:37:44

1:37:44

The gang discusses two papers that look at the correlation between climate change and extinction risk in the fossil record. The first paper uses climate modeling to simulate extinction risk during past periods of climate change, and the second paper uses new radiometric age dates to infer diachronous extinction between marine and terrestrial enviro…

1
Spotlight 2024 - James, Amanda, and Curtis, Palaeo After Dark 1:04:17

15d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Welcome to Spotlight 2024! In this series, we’re sitting down with our fellow paleo-podcasters to discuss Science Communication. It’s episode two, and our guests are the hosts of Palaeo After Dark: James, Amanda, and Curtis! Find Palaeo After Dark at their website: www.palaeoafterdark.com Connect with Common Descent: https://linktr.ee/common_descen…

1
Microraptor revisited and April Fowl's Day 1:06:17

20d ago1:06:17

1:06:17

We have so many Microraptor specimens we know the color of their feathers, how they molted, what they ate, and much more. Plus a new hypothesis for why the first wings may have evolved. On a lighter note we cover some famous pop-culture dinosaurs: Rodan, Godzillasaurus, Ultimasaurus, and Toronto's Raptor mascot. For links to every news story, all o…

1
Microraptor revisited and April Fowl's Day 1:06:17

16d ago1:06:17

1:06:17

We have so many Microraptor specimens we know the color of their feathers, how they molted, what they ate, and much more. Plus a new hypothesis for why the first wings may have evolved. On a lighter note we cover some famous pop-culture dinosaurs: Rodan, Godzillasaurus, Ultimasaurus, and Toronto's Raptor mascot. For links to every news story, all o…

1
🎋🔬🕸️ 218 - Neil Theise on Complexity & Nonduality 1:26:55

16d ago1:26:55

1:26:55

I’m honored to share a profound and soulful conversation on science and spirituality with Neil Theise, professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discoverer of a new human organ (the interstitium), lifelong Zen meditator, and author of the superb book, Notes on Complexity. ✨ Mentioned & Related Links: Embodied Ethics in The Age …

1
Episode 188 - Cannibalism 2:20:49

19d ago2:20:49

2:20:49

An animal eating another member of its own species might sound like a rare and abnormal occurrence – and it is often portrayed that way – but cannibalism is actually extremely widespread and common in nature. Some animals are occasional cannibals, while some go so far as to rely on this behavior to fuel proper growth and development. In this episod…

1
A strong-tailed ornithopod and a strong-armed enantiornithine 1:09:30

22d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Also, a nearly complete titanosaur was recently found! How long did it take for fossils in Australia to turn into opal? And how much do really exceptional fossil sites skew paleontological research? For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Zanclodon, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Zanclodon-Episode-487/ Jo…

1
A strong-tailed ornithopod and a strong-armed enantiornithine 1:09:30

22d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Also, a nearly complete titanosaur was recently found! How long did it take for fossils in Australia to turn into opal? And how much do really exceptional fossil sites skew paleontological research? For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Zanclodon, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Zanclodon-Episode-487/ Jo…

1
TLS10E03 Dinosaur footprints 1:00:26

23d ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Dinosaur footprints with Peter Falkingham Footprints and trackways are an amazing source of data on how dinosaurs moved and what they did. But interpreting these can be a real nightmare since it’s hard to work out the interactions between a moving foot and the actual surface, or work out which species might have made which tracks. At the forefront …

1
Podcast 280 - Just a Weird Little Guy 1:06:04

26d ago1:06:04

1:06:04

The gang talks about two papers that look through existing museum collections to discover some fascinating new discoveries. Meanwhile, Curt may be haunted, James may be losing energy, and Amanda may not be real. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): The friends look at two papers about new things that found when going through the stuff stored in a big build…

1
Episode 160: An introduction to Evolutionary Biology 1:06:41

1M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

The field of evolutionary biology has been greatly influenced by the development of modern genetic methodology. The understanding of genes, genomes and the molecular mechanisms key to life on Earth are all goals of evolutionary biology in the 21st century, yet its potential applications seem to be near limitless. Palaeontology and evolutionary biol…

1
Episode 160: An introduction to Evolutionary Biology 1:06:41

27d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

The field of evolutionary biology has been greatly influenced by the development of modern genetic methodology. The understanding of genes, genomes and the molecular mechanisms key to life on Earth are all goals of evolutionary biology in the 21st century, yet its potential applications seem to be near limitless. Palaeontology and evolutionary biol…

1
How Dinosaurs Got So Big 58:07

29d ago58:07

58:07

Sauropods were the longest, tallest, and heaviest animals to ever walk the Earth. What adaptations did they have to get so large? And which dinosaurs were the largest in other groups? For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Uberabatitan, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Uberabatitan-Episode-486/ Join us at …

1
How Dinosaurs Got So Big 58:07

1M ago58:07

58:07

Sauropods were the longest, tallest, and heaviest animals to ever walk the Earth. What adaptations did they have to get so large? And which dinosaurs were the largest in other groups? For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Uberabatitan, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Uberabatitan-Episode-486/ Join us at …

1
Episode 187 - Migration 2:07:07

1M ago2:07:07

2:07:07

Among the most spectacular of animal behaviors is migration, the habit of many species to undertake massive journeys, sometimes traveling thousands of kilometers to access food or breeding grounds. This episode, we explore the incredible diversity of migratory behaviors, we examine the functions and adaptations that make migration happen, we discus…

1
New Species of Ankylosaur Was Likely Social While Young 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

New ankylosaur Datai yingliangis is already a contender for best ankylosaur of 2024; What's up with how ankylosaurs ate their food? Also, connection challenge with orthodontic braces; And a deep dive into a new animal found to have osteoderms. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Avisaurus, and our fun fact check out ht…

1
New Species of Ankylosaur Was Likely Social While Young 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

New ankylosaur Datai yingliangis is already a contender for best ankylosaur of 2024; What's up with how ankylosaurs ate their food? Also, connection challenge with orthodontic braces; And a deep dive into a new animal found to have osteoderms. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Avisaurus, and our fun fact check out ht…

1
Podcast 279 - Frogcast 1:27:36

1M ago1:27:36

1:27:36

The gang discusses two papers that look at the fossil frog record. The first paper identifies fossil frogs from Antarctica, and the second paper looks at some exceptional soft-tissue preservation. Meanwhile, James has ideas for expanding the brand, Amanda asks for clarification on an important topic, and Curt makes some executive decisions. Up-Goer…

1
A New Spinosaurid and a Spinosaurus Swimming Update 53:10

1M ago53:10

53:10

The latest spinosaurid, Riojavenatrix lacustris, was named from Spain; An update on the swimming Spinosaurus debate; And a new mamenchisaurid was named "Jingia", but a moth has that name so it will be renamed soon. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Walgettosuchus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Walg…

1
A New Spinosaurid and a Spinosaurus Swimming Update 53:10

1M ago53:10

53:10

The latest spinosaurid, Riojavenatrix lacustris, was named from Spain; An update on the swimming Spinosaurus debate; And a new mamenchisaurid was named "Jingia", but a moth has that name so it will be renamed soon. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Walgettosuchus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Walg…

1
💻💶🌏 217 - Gregory Landua & Speaker John Ash on Regenerative Accelerationism & How To Heal A Broken Internet 1:35:39

1M ago1:35:39

1:35:39

If you care about this show as a public good, consider signing up on Substack or Patreon today for bonus episodes, live calls, and more — or at least mash “subscribe” on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a five-star review. The unborn future archaeologists who find these episodes inscribed in DNA will thank you! Today I welcome you to join me for…

1
Spotlight 2024 - Adele Pentland, Pals in Palaeo 1:11:03

1M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Welcome to Spotlight 2024! In this series, we’re sitting down with our fellow paleo-podcasters to discuss Science Communication. In this first episode, our guest is Adele Pentland, host of Pals in Palaeo! Find Adele and Pals in Palaeo in these places: https://adelepentland.com/ https://palsinpalaeo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/palsinpalaeo/ https…

1
Episode 186 - Owls 2:09:39

2M ago2:09:39

2:09:39

Owls are among the world’s most iconic and charismatic birds, and they’re also among the most effective aerial predators. This episode, we’ll take a tour of the amazing adaptations that have allowed owls to achieve their modern diversity and worldwide range, and we’ll explore what we know – and what we don’t – about their evolutionary history. In t…

1
Hadrosaur holotypes and duck-billed diets 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

A new small African hadrosaur, Minqaria, was named; Mantellisaurus was redescribed and found to be a valid genus; Maiasaura had a high metabolism; and much more For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Titanoceratops, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Titanoceratops-Episode-483/ Join us at www.patreon.com/ikn…

1
Hadrosaur holotypes and duck-billed diets 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

A new small African hadrosaur, Minqaria, was named; Mantellisaurus was redescribed and found to be a valid genus; Maiasaura had a high metabolism; and much more For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Titanoceratops, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Titanoceratops-Episode-483/ Join us at www.patreon.com/ikn…

1
TLs10E02 Coelophysis 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

We don’t often delve into the Triassic since Dave is not well versed in that time and the animals that were around then, but there were some very important animals that we’ve unduly overlooked across the last 9 series. Happily, today we can redress a large part of that with this episode on Coelophysis. Known from hundreds of skeletons, it’s one of …

1
Podcast 278 - The Wrong Shapes 1:13:48

2M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

The gang discusses two papers that investigate evidence of symbiosis in the fossil record. The first paper looks at wormy organisms living inside Cambrian vetulicolians, and the second paper shows potential evidence of hydroids growing in mollusc shells. Meanwhile, Amanda is haunted, James’s computer is totally cooperating, and Curt may or may not …

1
🐦‍⬛🦖🕵🏼‍♀️ 216 - Jingmai O'Connor on Dead Birds & Living Paleontologists 1:33:53

2M ago1:33:53

1:33:53

This week I speak with Jingmai O’Connor (Staff Page | Instagram), Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles (a.k.a. Priestess of Dead Dino-Birds) at The Field Museum in Chicago, about the magnificent strangeness of Mesozoic flying reptiles, the perverse anthropology of paleontologists, and much else. Contrary to expectations for a show with “fossils” in…

1
The 200 Year History of Megalosaurus 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

Megalosaurus, the first ever named dinosaur, was named 200 years (and one day) ago! There have been over 50 species of Megalosaurus named, but now there is just one left. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Megalosaurus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Megalosaurus_revisited-Episode-482/ Join us at www…

1
The 200 Year History of Megalosaurus 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

Megalosaurus, the first ever named dinosaur, was named 200 years (and one day) ago! There have been over 50 species of Megalosaurus named, but now there is just one left. For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Megalosaurus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Megalosaurus_revisited-Episode-482/ Join us at www…

1
Episode 159: An Introduction to Palaeontology 1:02:52

2M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

In 12 years of podcasting, we have never actually taken the time to address the fundamentals of our field. Such questions could include: what is palaeontology, what is a fossil, how does one become a palaeontologist, and why is palaeontology important? For what should have been our very first episode, we've invited Prof. Roy Plotnick, University of…

1
Episode 159: An Introduction to Palaeontology 1:02:52

2M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

In 12 years of podcasting, we have never actually taken the time to address the fundamentals of our field. Such questions could include: what is palaeontology, what is a fossil, how does one become a palaeontologist, and why is palaeontology important? For what should have been our very first episode, we've invited Prof. Roy Plotnick, University of…

1
Episode 185 - Cacti 2:16:50

2M ago2:16:50

2:16:50

Cacti are famous for their spine-shaped leaves, their water-retaining tissues, their green stems, and especially for being among the most well-adapted organisms on Earth for dry environments. This episode, we’re joined by Dr. Aly Baumgartner to discuss the diversity of cacti, their unique adaptations for an unusual lifestyle, and their mysterious e…

1
Tiny Theropods in a Tyrannosaur's Tummy 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

A new juvenile Gorgosaurus was found with oviraptorosaur legs preserved as gut contents; A brand new Stegosaur was named; Evidence of Albertosaurus cannibalism; And some troodontids may have been herbivores For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Urbacodon, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Urbacodon-Episode…

1
Tiny Theropods in a Tyrannosaur's Tummy 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

A new juvenile Gorgosaurus was found with oviraptorosaur legs preserved as gut contents; A brand new Stegosaur was named; Evidence of Albertosaurus cannibalism; And some troodontids may have been herbivores For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Urbacodon, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Urbacodon-Episode…

1
Podcast 277 - Bird Tracks For Fun and Profit 1:28:00

2M ago1:28:00

1:28:00

The gang discusses two papers that look at Mesozoic tracks that may or may not have been made by an avian archosaur. Meanwhile, Curt becomes activated, Amanda has to deal with harsh truths, James gets creative with taxon names, and everyone get distracted very quickly. (Editor’s Note: If you want to just “get to the science” skip to 11 minutes in. …

1
A New Oviraptorosaur That Lived Alongside T. rex 40:02

3M ago40:02

40:02

Eoneophron, the "Pharaoh’s dawn chicken from Hell”, was described from the Hell Creek; The large carnivore Acrocanthosaurus roamed all over what’s now the U.S.; and an update on the Yale Peabody Museum's renovations For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Chaoyangsaurus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Cha…

1
A New Oviraptorosaur That Lived Alongside T. rex 40:02

2M ago40:02

40:02

Eoneophron, the "Pharaoh’s dawn chicken from Hell”, was described from the Hell Creek; The large carnivore Acrocanthosaurus roamed all over what’s now the U.S.; and an update on the Yale Peabody Museum's renovations For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Chaoyangsaurus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Cha…

1
200 Years of Dinos 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

It's been two centuries since the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, was named by William Buckland and to commemorate the date, the Natural History Museum hosted '200 Years of Dinosaurs: Their Rise, Fall, and Rebirth'. This international conference provides a snapshot of dinosaur research in 2024, demonstrating just how far our understanding of this gro…

1
200 Years of Dinos 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

It's been two centuries since the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, was named by William Buckland and to commemorate the date, the Natural History Museum hosted '200 Years of Dinosaurs: Their Rise, Fall, and Rebirth'. This international conference provides a snapshot of dinosaur research in 2024, demonstrating just how far our understanding of this gro…

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