logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2024
29m 46s

What happened to the Neanderthals?

American Public Media
About this episode

Dig in with Molly and co-host Audrey as they learn about our extinct ancient relatives, the Neanderthals! With archaeologist and Brains On producer Anna Goldfield as their guide, they’ll learn how Neanderthals were once misunderstood, and how scientists are learning more about them. Explore the wondrous NeanderHALL at Brains On HQ and unearth the truth about these prehistoric humans with Anna and her talkative NeanderDOLL, Paul! Plus, discover the origins of a tricky new mystery sound



Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
How does music get recorded and stored?
<p>Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and ... Show More
30m 56s
Nov 18
Do dogs know that they're dogs?
<p>We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people?</p> <p data-encore-id="text">In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question ... Show More
26m 18s
Nov 11
Mystery Sounds from the natural world
<p>Today&rsquo;s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be he ... Show More
33m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
The Cave of the Neanderthal Tools [ENCORE]
We're still on vacation, and while we wait to come back for our ninth season of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, we're sharing one of our favorite episodes from a few years ago: The Cave of the Neanderthal Tools. What tools did Neanderthals use? That’s what Leo wants to know. W ... Show More
18m 35s
Jan 2021
Neanderthals
The NeanderthalsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by hominids Alan Davies, Neanderthal expert and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes, and paleontologist and woolly mammoth expert Tori Herridge and learn just how misunderstood our ancestors have been. The image of the lumbering, ape lik ... Show More
38m 58s
Feb 2020
Neanderthals
Greg Jenner is joined by the brilliant comedian Tim Minchin and Palaeolithic archaeologist Dr Becky Wragg Sykes as they take us way back in time to visit the mysterious world of Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman archetypes we’ve come to kno ... Show More
47m 26s
Sep 2022
Selects: What Happened to the Neanderthals?
As recently as 40,000 years ago we lived among humans from an entirely different species – Neanderthals. About the same time our species showed up, Neanderthals suddenly vanished. Just what happened to the other guys? Did our ancestors do something … bad? Find out in this classic ... Show More
50m 55s
Nov 2020
Neanderthals (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by the brilliant comedian Tim Minchin and Palaeolithic archaeologist Dr Becky Wragg Sykes as they take us way back in time to visit the Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman we’ve come to know in pop culture or have we mis ... Show More
29m 2s
Nov 2020
Neanderthals, Our Closest Kin: Interview with Dr. Rebecca Wragg Sykes
<p>What were Neanderthals really like? Our closest relatives shared an incredible amount in common with us, argues Dr. Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of the wonderful new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Neanderthal-Life-Love-Death/dp/147293749X" rel="noopener noreferrer ... Show More
41m 38s
Jul 2023
Homo Naledi: The First Burials?
<p>Uncovered a decade ago in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa, Homo Naledi's discovery has impacted paleoanthropology in ways nobody could expect. Upon first discovery, it was assumed this small brained hominid lived millions of years ago - yet when dating of the fossi ... Show More
51m 46s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
<p>Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons!<strong><em> </em></strong>Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating ... Show More
31m 54s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
<p>Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons!<strong><em> </em></strong>Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating ... Show More
31m 54s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
<p>Today’s debate is a<strong> </strong>poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/elhTn8sm?sid=sbb" class="defau ... Show More
35m 3s