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The five-episode Blazing the Trail podcast

Welcome to a remarkable expedition to the origins of mankind! Blazing the Trail is a five-episode podcast that the University of Wrocław was involved in producing. It was created through the combined efforts of Breakthru Films, the Australian Museum, the University of Sydney, the University of Wrocław and the University of Liverpool. The podcast takes listeners on an epic journey from our earliest known ancestors in Africa to the global spread of modern humans. Focusing on what makes us human, Blazing the Trail discusses key stages in our history, which include the origins of tool use and evolution, the harnessing of fire, the emergence of language, or the ability to adapt to different natural conditions and the ability to migrate.

The podcast is hosted by Dr Amy Way who is an archaeologist at the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum. She conducts passionate interviews with renowned researchers in the fields of archaeology, palaeoanthropology and linguistics, among others.

Podcast: https://blazingthetrail.pl/

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_NKl5gHOYI

The audiovisual material was prepared by Paweł Piotrowski/UWr Communication Department.

List of episodes:

Episode 1.  Who are we? What it means to be human
In this first episode of Blazing the Trail, join host Dr. Amy Mosig-Way and special guests Dr. Emma Mbua, Prof. Chris Stringer, Dr. Kathryn Ranhorn, and Dr. Keneiloe Molopyane in a discussion of the origins of Homo sapiens in Africa and the traits that make our species unique. The story of human evolution was not a linear progression when we first emerged around 300,000 years ago, but a complex process involving co-existing with multiple human species. Join us as we explore this fascinating story of where we come from, and what makes us human.

Episode 2. We Weren’t Alone!
In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the lives of our extinct human cousins, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, with special guests Dr. Rebecca Wragg-Sykes, Dr. Vivian Slon, and Prof. Andrzej Wiśniewski. Together, they unpack common myths about Neanderthals, revealing their adaptability to diverse climates, their varied diet, and possible ventures into artistic expression. Listeners are also introduced to the elusive Denisovan, another human cousin from Siberia, whose genetic testing indicates they interbred with Neanderthals. Join us as we uncover the shared chapters of our family tree.

Episode 3. Playing with Fire
In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way is joined by Prof. John Gowlett, Prof. Polly Wiessner, and First Nations Gamilaraay man Wayne Brennan to explore the profound impact of fire on human evolution. The control of fire marked a pivotal moment in our history, offering more than warmth, protection, and a way to cook food— it shaped our culture, behaviour, and even our physiology. Tune in to uncover how fire transformed early human life that set us on a unique evolutionary path.

Episode 4. Finding Our Voice
In this episode of Blazing the Trail, join host Dr. Amy Mosig Way and special guests Assoc. Prof. Mark Harvey, Prof. Maggie Tallerman, and Prof. Rob Mailhammer as they deliberate the origins and evolution of human language, a defining feature that separates us from other animals. Together, they discuss how language likely evolved gradually, progressing from simple proto-words to complex sentences, with each stage marking an increase in communication complexity. Tune into this conversation and explore how and why language was driven by social and cognitive forces, from cooperation and tool use to the need for abstract expression.

Episode 5. Out of Africa and Into the Unknown
In this episode of Blazing the Trail, host Dr. Amy Mosig Way explores the early migrations of Homo sapiens out of Africa with special guests Assoc. Prof. Patrick Faulkner, Dr. Oshan Wedage, and Dr. Shimona Kealy. They discuss how early humans utilised coastlines as highways for migration, relying on familiar marine resources to navigate unfamiliar territories. This conversation highlights the adaptability of humans, showcasing how early humans modified their technology and hunting strategies to thrive in new environments. Finally, the episode uncovers the origins of multi-day open-ocean sea crossings, which led to the arrival of humans in Australia around 60,000 years ago. Join us in this final episode of Blazing the Trail as we celebrate humanity’s ability to adapt and explore the unknown.