Journey from Darwin's fossil-free world of 1871 to today's treasure trove of human ancestry with renowned paleoanthropologist Dr. Yohannes Haile-Selassie. When Darwin published "The Descent of Man," he had virtually no fossil evidence to support his bold claim that humans evolved from "some lower form"—yet he courageously predicted our origins lay in Africa.

Fast-forward 150 years, and thousands of hominin fossils from Lucy to Ardi have not only confirmed Darwin's African hypothesis but revealed the intricate story of our bipedal ancestors. Discover why walking upright evolved before big brains, how ancient climates shaped our family tree, and what a single fossilized jaw can tell us about millions of years of evolution.

From the rift valleys of Ethiopia to the caves of South Africa, this episode explores how modern paleontology has transformed Darwin's educated guesses into scientific fact—while revealing that human evolution was far more complex and fascinating than even Darwin imagined. Perfect for anyone curious about our deep past and the painstaking detective work that uncovers it, one bone at a time.#AMostInterestingProblem

#Darwin

Explore the deep roots of human morality in Chapter Three of A Most Interesting Problem with evolutionary psychologist Dr. Brian Hare.

Journey back to Darwin’s original insights about sympathy, social instincts, and cooperation, and discover how modern research reveals these moral foundations extend far beyond humans. From chimpanzees helping one another to capuchin monkeys protesting unfair treats, learn how empathy, fairness, and self-control evolved to shape our uniquely social species.

This episode uncovers the evolutionary pathways—kin selection, reciprocal altruism, and cultural group dynamics—that fostered moral behaviour long before complex societies existed. Perfect for anyone curious about the biological and cultural origins of morality, this episode reveals how our sense of right and wrong is built on ancient emotional foundations shared with our closest animal relatives.#AMostInterestingProblem

#Darwin

Journey into the most complex structure in the known universe—the human brain—as we explore Chapter Two of "A Most Interesting Problem" with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel.

Darwin believed our mental powers evolved gradually from those of other animals, but he could never have imagined the quantitative revolution that would prove him right.

Discover why counting neurons matters more than brain size, how cooking may have fuelled our cognitive evolution, and why elephant brains with 257 billion neurons don't make elephants smarter than humans.

Through groundbreaking research that literally dissolves brains into "neuron soup," we'll uncover what makes human cognition special—and surprisingly ordinary. From the metabolic costs of thinking to the evolutionary trade-offs that shaped our minds, this episode reveals how Darwin's 150-year-old insights about mental continuity between humans and animals have been spectacularly confirmed by modern neuroscience. Perfect for anyone curious about consciousness, intelligence, and what it truly means to think.

#AMostInterestingProblem

#Darwin

What happens when a virus born in the forests of Tanzania hitchhikes across continents? In this episode, we unravel the story of Chikungunya—a mosquito-borne virus that causes debilitating joint pain and fever, and has sparked outbreaks from Africa to Asia to the Americas.

We explore its mysterious origins, the science behind its rapid spread, and the human toll it leaves behind. From historical outbreaks to modern-day prevention strategies, this episode blends epidemiology, global health, and cultural impact into one compelling narrative.

Whether you're a science buff, a traveller, or just curious about the invisible forces shaping our world, this is one virus story you won’t want to miss.

#ChikungunyaVirus

#Pandemic

She lit up screens with quiet intensity—from The Walking Dead to indie gems that whispered truths louder than blockbusters ever could.

But behind Kelley Mack’s rising star was a story that ended far too soon. In this episode, we trace her artistic journey, unpack the roles that defined her, and reflect on the impact she left on fans and fellow creatives alike. Through interviews, archival clips, and heartfelt commentary, we explore how Kelley’s work continues to echo in the spaces she once filled—and why her legacy matters now more than ever.#KellyMack

Step back in time to the Victorian era as our host unravels the remarkable evidence for human evolution that Charles Darwin first assembled without ever seeing a strand of DNA.

In this debut episode of "Darwin Revisited," we dive into "A Most Interesting Problem," focusing on Chapter One, where anatomist Dr. Alice Roberts explores the striking anatomical and embryological clues linking us to the rest of the animal kingdom. Discover why you once had gill slits, how your arm is a modified fish fin, and what connects you to a fruit fly.

Through engaging stories and modern insights, we reveal how our own bodies carry the legacy of millions of years of evolution—and why Darwin’s questions remain as fascinating today as they were 150 years ago.

Perfect for science lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about what it truly means to be human.#Darwin

#Evolution

#AMostInterestingProblem

Explore the profound story of Islam's arrival in Iran and its immediate aftermath. For decades, Abdul Hossein Zarinkoob's influential book, "Two Centuries of Silence," has shaped our understanding of this pivotal era, especially the first two centuries after Islam's entry.

This podcast critically revisits Zarinkoob's narrative, drawing on seven decades of new research and discoveries to challenge long-held assumptions and offer fresh perspectives.We delve into the realities of pre-Islamic Arabia, moving beyond the conventional image of an "illiterate, savage, and uncivilized" land to reveal a region with surprisingly high literacy, established kingdoms, and diverse religious communities, including Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians.

We also re-examine the state of Sassanid Iran on the eve of the Islamic emergence, questioning the pervasive narrative of internal decay and bankruptcy. Instead, we present evidence of a militarily and economically strong empire that experienced significant internal political turmoil at its highest levels (e.g., multiple kings in less than ten years), rather than a fundamental societal collapse.

The intellectual and linguistic landscape of Sassanid Iran was also dynamic, with translation movements and multiple languages spoken.

The podcast further scrutinises the speed and nature of the Islamic conquests, suggesting they were less about swift, new invasions by a foreign "other" and more about a rapid shift in power dynamics following the collapse of the Sassanid leadership.

We explore the complex interplay of linguistic and racial identities, challenging the simplified notion of distinct "Iranian" versus "Arab" entities that was prominent in 20th-century nationalist narratives.

Crucially, we argue against the idea of "two centuries of silence" for the period between 650 and 850 AD. Instead, this era was one of rich intellectual and cultural dynamism, marked by significant continuity in social, economic, and political structures. Pahlavi continued to be used, Zoroastrianism developed its philosophical and theological foundations in places like Baghdad, and Islamic thought, philosophy, and jurisprudence were profoundly shaped through extensive dialogue with existing Zoroastrian, Christian, and Jewish traditions in the region.

The tradition of translation also continued and expanded, fostering immense intellectual exchange.

Join us as we use new lenses to understand historical events and figures, acknowledging that narratives are often influenced by the spirit of their times. This episode aims to add new dimensions to the ongoing conversation about the complex and fascinating history of Iran during this transformative period.

#twocenturyofsilence

A comprehensive overview of Louis XIV's life and reign, focusing on his ambition and obsession with magnificence. It details the construction and expansion of the Palace of Versailles, highlighting the king's desire to demonstrate his absolute power and establish France as a cultural leader in Europe.

The narrative also explores his personal relationships, including his various mistresses and eventual secret marriage, contrasting his private life with the highly public and ritualised court he cultivated.

#LouisXIV

#SunKing

Ready to keep the momentum going beyond the podcast?

In Episode 8 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts deliver the ultimate innovation step-by-step guide for embedding the “How Might We” mindset into your own work and organization.

Explore a curated set of practical resources: HMW question templates, brainstorming and sketching sheets, SCAMPER prompts, dot-voting kits, and flexible digital tools for in-person or remote collaboration.

Learn how to apply these resources for everything from initial problem framing to rapid idea generation, prioritization, low-fidelity prototyping, and scaling up a culture of curiosity.

Perfect for innovators, facilitators, and anyone ready to turn possibility into ongoing practice, this season finale equips you with everything you need to ask better questions, generate stronger ideas, and make lasting impact—one toolkit, one habit, and one "How Might We" at a time.

#HMW

What happens when fame meets an invisible enemy?

In this episode, we spotlight Justin Timberlake’s struggle with Lyme disease to explore how it impacts lives—from red carpets to remote hiking trails. Learn practical ways to prevent tick bites, early signs to watch for, and how to manage symptoms if the worst strikes. It's a gripping blend of celebrity insight, medical awareness, and actionable tips—because Lyme doesn't discriminate.

#lymedisease

#justintimberlake

#justintimberlakelymedisease

#ticks