Prepare for a journey to a time when an ancient species co-existed with Homo sapiens. My esteemed guest, Dr. Lee Berger - one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of the year - and I will take you deep into the heart of this captivating past. We will navigate the uncharted waters of human evolution, guided by the discovery of Homo Naledi, a discovery that  challenges our very notion of what it means to be human.

Follow Lee @thefossilvault

Follow Chase @chase_chewning

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In this episode, you will learn...

• Dr. Lee Berger's discovery of Homo Naledi, a new species in human evolution, drastically challenges traditional understandings of human evolution. The species exhibited complex cultural practices such as mortuary rituals and engraving symbols, pushing the limits of our understanding of non-human culture. 
• The Homo Naledi species co-existed with Homo sapiens hundreds of thousands of years ago. The discovery contradicts the previous narrative that Homo sapiens were the only species in Africa, leading to a reevaluation of our assumptions in the field of archaeology and human evolution.
• The Homo Naledi species was found in extremely difficult-to-reach caves, showcasing the complexity and extent of their behaviors. The very use of these caves for their cultural practices, combined with the discovery of symbols, fires, and tools, suggests a higher level of intelligence and complexity than previously assumed for non-human species.
• The discovery of Homo Naledi had a profound personal impact on Dr. Berger. Not only did it challenge his understanding of human evolution, but it also put his life at risk during the exploration process. 

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Episode resources:

• Enroll in the 2024 Ever Forward Mentorship  
• Learn more about Cave of Bones book and the documentary-series on Netflix