282 episodes

Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history.

Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more.

Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related to paleontology and evolution.

Each episode ends with the answer to a question submitted by subscribers on Patreon.

New episodes with new topics every fortnight!

The Common Descent Podcast Common Descent

    • Science
    • 4.7 • 103 Ratings

Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history.

Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more.

Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related to paleontology and evolution.

Each episode ends with the answer to a question submitted by subscribers on Patreon.

New episodes with new topics every fortnight!

    Spotlight 2024 - Dylan Wilmeth, Bedrock

    Spotlight 2024 - Dylan Wilmeth, Bedrock

    Welcome to Spotlight 2024! In this series, we’re sitting down with our fellow paleo-podcasters to discuss Science Communication.
    This episode, we’re joined by Dylan Wilmeth, host of Bedrock: Earth’s Earliest History!
    Find Dylan’s podcast here: https://www.bedrockpodcast.com/
    Connect with Common Descent: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    We’re an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Episode 190 - Cicadas

    Episode 190 - Cicadas

    Cicadas are among the most famous insects in the world, and in summer 2024, they’re set to put on quite a show in North America! This episode, we explore the function and evolution of cicadas’ most famous features, including their notoriously loud calls and their incredible life cycles, and we’ll take a peek into the past at the fossil record of cicadas and their ancient cousins.
    In the news: giant snakes, big kangaroos, dinosaur amino acids, and echolocation tissues.
    Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:03:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:39:35 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:18:50 Patron question: 02:00:30
    Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org
    Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

    • 2 hrs 13 min
    Silver Screen Science - Jaws

    Silver Screen Science - Jaws

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    It’s a series about shark movies, so how could we skip the most famous and influential shark film of all time? – Jaws.
    Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    We’re an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent
    Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Silver Screen Science - Deep Blue Sea

    Silver Screen Science - Deep Blue Sea

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    This time, we’re exploring the monster sharks and suspicious science of a 90s shark classic – Deep Blue Sea.
    Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    We’re an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent
    Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.

    • 55 min
    Episode 189 - Dromaeosaurs

    Episode 189 - Dromaeosaurs

    This group of predatory dinosaurs includes such famous names as Deinonychus, Microraptor, and Velociraptor, and they’re among the most well-studied and popular dinosaurs of all time. This episode, we’ll discuss what sets these dinosaurs apart, as well the much-discussed and -debated questions surrounding their relationships to birds, their distinctive claws and wings, and their hunting strategies.
    In the news: ant-mimic spiders, fishapod spinal column, early dinosaur growth, and a fossil tapeworm.
    Time markers:Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00News: 00:05:20Main discussion, Part 1: 00:33:00Main discussion, Part 2: 01:13:50Patron question: 02:22:05
    Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
    Links mentioned in the announcements:Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: https://www.pcrf.net/ Jewish Voice For Peace: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/take-action/
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org
    Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

    • 2 hrs 33 min
    Silver Screen Science - Meg 2: The Trench

    Silver Screen Science - Meg 2: The Trench

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    This episode, we’re examining the newest installment in the film series about giant monster ancient sharks – Meg 2: The Trench.
    Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
    Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
    Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/
    We’re an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent
    Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
103 Ratings

103 Ratings

PeteStM ,

Top 5 science podcasts imo!

Such good science communication! Every time I have a question about the natural world this podcast answers it. The Silver Screen Science and SpookE eps are some of my favorites! Keep up the amazing work guys

Pupk1n ,

One of the best

Super informative, great fun, puts other podcasts to shame.

RWRaffles ,

R Worby

Finally caught up with all the episodes. Well presented, excellent knowledge in an approachable format. Keep it up guys! Would recommend you look at Rebecca Wragg Sykes and Chris Stringer too.

Top Podcasts In Science

The Infinite Monkey Cage
BBC Radio 4
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
Science Weekly
The Guardian
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
Sean Carroll | Wondery
Reinvent Yourself with Dr. Tara
Dr. Tara Swart Bieber

You Might Also Like

Origin Stories
The Leakey Foundation
Terrible Lizards
Iszi Lawrence and David Hone
I Know Dino: The Big Dinosaur Podcast
Garret and Sabrina
The Ancients
History Hit
Palaeocast
Palaeocast
Tides of History
Wondery / Patrick Wyman