Science

Before Us

by Erich Fisher and Helen Farr

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United Kingdom · Science

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About the show

Every living person can trace their ancestry back to Africa, where modern humans evolved some 300,000 years ago before expanding out of Africa and around the world. Those early humans lived lives filled with emotions and challenges much like people today and their journeys stand as a testament to human intelligence, ingenuity, creativity, and resilience. But, what does the archaeological record tell us about their lives, their successes, their failures, and who we are today? In this podcast, world-recognized experts in maritime and prehistoric archaeology, Dr. Helen Farr and Dr. Erich Fisher, reveal the people and the world that existed “Before Us.” This season, we take a deep dive into the origins and development of Maritime Adaptations, tracing humanity's journey from the earliest interests in aquatic resources to the global expansion of modern humans via oceans, coastlines, and waterways. As the old saying goes, “smooth seas make boring stories” and this season promises to be an auditory adventure around the world and across millennia as told through captivating interviews with leading scholars in fun and down-to-earth discussions. Tune in weekly for new episodes on your favorite podcast app.

Latest episodes

Shore is dry around here

October 6, 2026 · 34 min

Click here to send us a message! As modern humans spread across the world along coastlines and waterways during the Late Pleistocene, they encountered a remarkable variety of coastal environments, each with its own resources and…
The lore you know

September 29, 2026 · 31 min

Click here to send us a message! As modern humans spread across the world at the end of the Pleistocene, they learned to survive in a remarkable range of environments. How did those hunter-gatherers preserve their knowledge and pass it on…
Before Us Season 2 Trailer!

September 8, 2026 · 4 min

Click here to send us a message! A new season of Before Us premieres Tuesday, September 29, 2026! Join us as we as we explore the remarkable human story behind the world we know today. We are continuing to explore humanity’s enduring…
Special Preview of Before Us Kids! Out for a stroll at White Sands

June 18, 2025 · 21 min

Click here to send us a message! Imagine taking a walk with Columbian mammoths, giant sloths, lions, sabre-tooth tigers, camels and loads of other animals? Sounds crazy, right! Yet it actually happened 20,000 years ago and in this episode…
Special Preview of Before Us Kids! Red-headed Neanderthals?

June 9, 2025 · 18 min

Click here to send us a message! In this hair-larious episode, Dr. Erich chats with Jake and Colton all about red hair, genetics, and some super cool things we might’ve gotten from our ancient cousins—the Neanderthals! Want to learn…
Special Preview of Before Us Kids! Woolly Mice?

June 2, 2025 · 18 min

Click here to send us a message! In this episode, Dr. Erich and Colton dive into a wild idea—bringing back the woolly mammoth! How are scientists doing it? Believe it or not…some scientists think it starts with woolly mice! Yep, you heard…
Going with the Flow

April 22, 2025 · 31 min

Click here to send us a message! There is unambiguous agreement that early humans had to cross open water when they traveled from Sundaland to Sahul before 40,000 years ago. How were they able to do this and would ocean winds and currents…
Water you waiting for?

April 15, 2025 · 23 min

Click here to send us a message! Sea levels rise and fall in response to complex planetary drivers, including shifts in polar ice caps, land masses, and other factors. Understanding these processes is crucial for studying prehistory in…