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Published by University of Sydney / Australian Museum / Break Thru Films
Discover what makes us human with Blazing the Trail , a five-episode podcast that takes you on an epic journey investigating our shared story of human evolution. From our earliest ancestors in Africa to the global spread of Homo sapiens , each episode dives into the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors that have shaped our species. This series interviews a range of internationally renowned archaeologists, paleo-anthropologists, linguists, and other specialists. Hosted by Dr. Amy Mosig Way from the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum, the podcast series highlights key milestones in our human journey such as the development of tools, mastering fire, the creation of language, and our capacity for migration and adaptation. This series is a co-production between University of Sydney, Australian Museum, BreakThru Films, University of Liverpool, and University of Wroclaw. Credits : Dr Amy Mosig Way (Host/Co-Writer) / Madeline Robinson (Co-Writer) / Hugh Welchman (Producer) / Peter Adams (Sound Editor) / Michal Jankowski (Sound Mixer) / Eric Wainaina (Music) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From the feed
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In this episode of Blazing the Trail , host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the early migrations of Homo sapiens out of Africa with special guests Assoc. Prof. Patrick Faulkner, Dr. Oshan Wedage, and Dr. Shimona Kealy. They discuss how early humans utilised coastlines as highways for migration, relying on familiar marine resources to navigate unfamiliar territories. This conversation highlights the adaptability of humans, showcasing how early humans modified their technology and hunting strategies to thrive in new environments. Finally, the episode uncovers the origins of multi-day open-ocean sea crossings, which led to the arrival of humans in Australia around 60,000 years ago. Join us in this final episode of Blazing the Trail as we celebrate humanity’s ability to adapt and explore the unknown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Blazing the Trail , join host Dr. Amy Mosig Way and special guests Assoc. Prof. Mark Harvey, Prof. Maggie Tallerman, and Prof. Rob Mailhammer as they deliberate the origins and evolution of human language, a defining feature that separates us from other animals. Together, they discuss how language likely evolved gradually, progressing from simple proto-words to complex sentences, with each stage marking an increase in communication complexity. Tune into this conversation and explore how and why language was driven by social and cognitive forces, from cooperation and tool use to the need for abstract expression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Blazing the Trail , host Dr. Amy Mosig Way is joined by Prof. John Gowlett, Prof. Polly Wiessner, and First Nations Gamilaraay man Wayne Brennan to explore the profound impact of fire on human evolution. The control of fire marked a pivotal moment in our history, offering more than warmth, protection, and a way to cook food— it shaped our culture, behaviour, and even our physiology. Tune in to uncover how fire transformed early human life that set us on a unique evolutionary path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Blazing the Trail , host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the lives of our extinct human cousins, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, with special guests Dr. Rebecca Wragg-Sykes, Dr. Vivian Slon, and Prof. Andrzej Wiśniewski. Together, they unpack common myths about Neanderthals, revealing their adaptability to diverse climates, their varied diet, and possible ventures into artistic expression. Listeners are also introduced to the elusive Denisovan, another human cousin from Siberia, whose genetic testing indicates they interbred with Neanderthals. Join us as we uncover the shared chapters of our family tree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this first episode of Blazing the Trail, join host Dr. Amy Mosig-Way and special guests Dr. Emma Mbua, Prof. Chris Stringer, Dr. Kathryn Ranhorn, and Dr. Keneiloe Molopyane in a discussion of the origins of Homo sapiens in Africa and the traits that make our species unique. The story of human evolution was not a linear progression when we first emerged around 300,000 years ago, but a complex process involving co-existing with multiple human species. Join us as we explore this fascinating story of where we come from, and what makes us human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 20, 2026.
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