In this episode I was totally humbled to be able to talk to such a great guest in the form of Chris Stringer. Chris is the lead in Human Origins and the National History Museum here in the UK, has an extraordinarily comprehensive background in Prehistory and has published more books then I have done podcast episodes. 

Excitingly, as we were emailing back and forth to arrange a time to record, Chris let slip that a press embargo on some very current and ground breaking research was being lifted that day at 4pm. We recorded at 3, so technically....we had it first! Admittedly it has now been out for a few days now the podcast is being released....but still: A bunch of apes exclusive, revealing how the earliest Homo-sapiens in Europe were breeding with Neanderthals 45000 years ago AND, some strong hints that it may have been a simple case of interbreeding and absorbing the Neanderthal genome in certain areas of Europe that led to their mysterious demise. 

Before Chris got into this, I spoke to him about his role at the museum and some of the changes of perspective he has had in his vast career so far, as well as the trials and tribulations of sharing prehistory over twitter and being a social media presence. We discussed the out of Africa vs multi-regional hypothesis,  and the origins of our closest cousins The Neanderthals. 

There was so much incredible info packed into this episode I have had to listen back twice to even begin to absorb it all. Hopefully you will do the same and enjoy listening to Chris as much as I did. 

You can find Chris on twitter @ChrisStringer65 where he regularly shares fascinating articles, news and his own perspectives. For any of his many publications, head to any good online book store.

Neanderthals, interbreeding and a world exclusive with Chris Stringer

I first became aware of Algis Kuliukas on twitter. Twitter can be a place where you need to exercise a little caution when it comes to the understanding of prehistory it seems. So when I heard him discussing the wading hypothesis I wanted to know more, but must confess to being a bit sceptic. Was this Pseudoscience? Was I going to hear about how we were all mermaids? I'm no expert of course, but on reflection. I'm going to say no to both. 

In this episode, Algis explains the wading hypothesis and how perhaps a waterside lifestyle and adaptability led to the evolution of bipedality; his work and phD 'A wading component in the origin of hominid bipedality?' His journey as an academic in human evolution, including his quest to find out why so many of his peers were not giving 'The wading hypothesis' any validity. We also talked about his new book on one of his inspirations, Elaine Morgan, who sounds like an incredibly impressive person and Algis explained some of the counter-arguments to the wading hypothesis. 

I am of course, no expert in any of this. Yet I couldn't help finding myself convinced. At least that this idea was at least worth consideration and not something to be lumped in with Pseudo-science and Aliens building the pyramids. It did hurt that Algis was a engaging, fun and extremely knowledgeable guest. I do of course welcome any to a right of reply on the subject. 

You can find more on Algis and his work here
http://www.riverapes.com/

And his new book 'Elaine Morgan ~ 100 Years Towards Origins' is available at  on amazon and kindle. 

Please leave us nice reviews, like and share. It really helps and we want to hear from you with suggestions, feedback, links or contacts for guests. Email bunchofapes@gmail.com or find us on facebook and twiiter.

Wading your way upright with Algis Kuliukas

A layman's journey of discovery in the world of Human Pre-History.

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