Our Primate Past artwork

Life Sciences · Ian Towle

Our Primate Past

by Ian Towle

How did primates evolve, and what can they tell us about being human? Our Primate Past takes you inside the science of primate evolution, fossils, and living primates through in-depth conversations with the world’s leading researchers. Leading biological anthropologists discuss their careers, discoveries, and the big questions driving their work. Our Primate Past is an interview based podcast featuring experts in primatology, paleoanthropology, paleontology, osteology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. In accessible episodes for a general audience, renowned scientists explore primate behavior, fossil discoveries, evolutionary theory, and the origins of lemurs, lorises, monkeys, apes, and humans. Each episode highlights a distinguished academic as they share their research, career journey, and the evolving questions shaping their field, from early primates and extinct species to modern conservation challenges. Guests also reflect on science communication, museum collections and curation, ethics, data sharing, conferences, and public outreach. Whether you are a student, researcher, educator, or simply curious about primates and our place in the natural world, Our Primate Past offers direct access to cutting edge science and the people behind it.

Latest episodes

Showing 6 · updated from the feed

Lemur Discoveries, Fossils, and Conservation – Patricia Wright

How do you rediscover a species thought to be extinct, and help protect an entire rainforest at the same time? In this episode, we explore the remarkable career of Profe

Mar 1
42 min

Origins of the Genus Homo – Brian Villmoare

Where did our genus Homo come from, and how confident are we about its earliest members? In this episode, we explore the fossil evidence for human origins with one of the

Feb 2
26 min

Loris Evolution, Venom, and Conservation – Anna Nekaris

How do slow lorises use venom, and what can these elusive primates tell us about evolution and conservation? In this episode of Our Primate Past, Anna Nekaris takes us in

Jan 26
31 min

Hominin Evolution and Taxonomy – Bernard Wood

How do scientists decide what counts as a species in the fossil record? And how certain can we really be about our evolutionary family tree? In this episode of Our Primat

Jan 26
28 min

Spinal Evolution and the Origins of Bipedalism – Catalina Villamil

Dr Catalina I. Villamil is a biological anthropologist whose research explores how the primate spine evolves and what it can tell us about the origins of bipedalism in hu

Jan 26
19 min

How Primates Spread Across the Globe – Matthew Borths

How did primates first evolve, and how did they spread across the globe? In this episode, Dr Matthew Borths takes us on a journey through the fossil record of Africa, Mad

Jan 25
52 min

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