Earth Sciences · Amy Atwater and Meaghan Wetherell
by Amy Atwater and Meaghan Wetherell
A podcast about evolution's most embarrassing and bizarre stories as told by two very gossipy paleontologists. Amy and Meaghan happily dish the details on everything from fossilized dinosaur butts to the secret drama behind naming new species. Time for the hottest tea from prehistory!
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
Position in the Earth Sciences chart (US), last 90 days.
Where Weird & Dead ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 24, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Two senior professional paleontologists, good friends, delve into intriguing aspects of prehistoric biology and paleontology. Each episode delves into rarely discussed, often gross physiology that brings these creatures to life with unexpected charm. Told with lighthearted humor and genuine welcome, as if we are also their old, fine friends, sharing good wine, digesting a potluck dinner, sitting on the dirt around a roaring campfire. I’m sure you will enjoy learning from this podcast as much as I do.
An awesome podcast- it’s great to hear more from women in science, and to hear dense topics talked about in such a fun and approachable way. It’s what I need in 2025. So excited to hear more in the future!
Cloaca discussion? Copious. Cursing? Also copious. Criticism of crusty old white men? You guessed it, copious. The idea that science should be serious business all of the time is one of those crusty old ideas that this podcast destroys. If you can’t laugh at a fossilized hadrosaur with a sturgeon up its bum, you’re not the target audience (and should probably remove the stick from your own bum).
I absolutely love that this is simultaneously so fun and so well-made. I love that they take a moment to talk about things aside from the "majesty" and focus on the weird stuff, which really underscores that these were just regular ol' animals.. and I like that it's not entirely focused on dinosaurs, because the "everything else" of the fossil record is just as cool and talked about a whole lot less! I'm a pathologist so I love the overlap with pathology as well. They have great chemistry together and are absolutely hilarious.
I’m so disappointed in this Podcast. I was familiar with the hosts from other media and was looking forward to their new Podcast. The constant references to private parts and bodily functions, as well as the number of “F-bombs they use, detract from what would otherwise be a great show. As it is, I feel like I’m listening to junior high students. I don’t think I can listen anymore.
The topics and science are interesting. And they do warn you that discussions will include very gross details. I'm fine with that. But a little crudeness goes a long way and there is much more than a little. I really wanted to listen more but it just got too sophmoric for this old guy.
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Popular shows in Earth Sciences, for your next listen.
Daily updated Apple Podcasts rankings for the United States.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Weird & Dead, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
Questions or issues? Reach us at hello@reason.fm