Discovering Us

The Leakey Foundation
  • 4.5 (11)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • SERIES

Ashley Judd explores the thrilling stories behind important scientific discoveries in a new 12-episode series based on the book "Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins."

  1. Bonobos' Powerful Sisterhood

    EPISODE 1

    Bonobos' Powerful Sisterhood

    Bonobos are close cousins of humans, known for their highly active sex lives and peaceful female-centered social structure. In this episode, Ashley Judd shares how researchers studying bonobos are unlocking the secrets of female friendship. Further reading: Dr. Liza Moscovice - Leakey Foundation Grantee SpotlightOpen-access research on bonobo interactionsRare bonobo behavior photographed at LuiKotaleAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    9 min
  2. Chimpanzee Hunting

    EPISODE 2

    Chimpanzee Hunting

    This installment of Discovering Us tells the story of an unusual group of chimpanzees that live on the grassy plains of Fongoli, Senegal where temperatures reach over 110 degrees. Water is scarce, and wildfires sweep through every year - burning the leaves from the trees and baking the soil. These chimpanzees have adapted to their environment in surprising ways that can shed light on the evolution of our own species.  Further reading: Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee ProjectOpen-access research paper on tool-assisted hunting in chimpanzeesAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    7 min
  3. Inside Baboon Minds

    EPISODE 3

    Inside Baboon Minds

    Why are humans such social creatures? In this episode, Ashley Judd explores the origins of social behavior by taking you inside the minds of a troop of baboons living in Botswana’s Okovango Delta. Further reading (and listening) Baboon Metaphysics: The Evolution of a Social MindOrigin Stories - Being a Nice Animal -podcast episodeLunch Break ScienceAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    10 min
  4. The People of the Rock

    EPISODE 4

    The People of the Rock

    Neanderthals lived from around 400,000 years ago to around 40,000 years ago. Scientists are still working to understand how and why Neanderthals went extinct. This episode takes you to the island of Gibraltar–where researchers think the very last surviving population of Neanderthals lived and died. Further reading (and listening): Gorham's Cave - UNESCO World Heritage SiteOrigin Stories: NeanderthalsOrigin Stories: Understanding NeanderthalsAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    10 min
  5. The Lion Man

    EPISODE 5

    The Lion Man

    One thing that’s special about humans is the way we express ourselves through art and music. Ancient humans were no different. The art they left on cave walls and carved in stone lives on. It gives us a profound connection to our ancestors and their creative, complex lives. In this episode, Ashley Judd explores some of the earliest art ever discovered. Further reading: The Lion Man: An Ice Age MasterpieceAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    9 min
  6. Ambush at the Lake

    EPISODE 6

    Ambush at the Lake

    In this episode of Discovering Us, Ashley Judd takes you to Ice Age Europe, where a stunning discovery paints a picture of how early humans survived in a harsh and highly competitive landscape.   About The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    8 min
  7. The African Milk Trail

    EPISODE 7

    The African Milk Trail

    There are some mysteries about human evolution that can’t be answered by looking at fossils or our closest living primate relatives. In this episode, you’ll learn how scientists used genetic research to explain how humans came to be the only mammals who continue to drink milk - even after we’re grown. Further reading Milk tolerance evolved more than onceAbout The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    9 min
  8. Unexpected Ardi

    EPISODE 8

    Unexpected Ardi

    In this episode, Ashley Judd tells the story of the discovery of a fascinating fossil of a female that lived 4.4-million-years ago. This unexpected find opened up a new window into the very early evolution of the human species. Further reading Ardipithecus ramidus - SmithsonianArdipithecus ramidus - Science About The Leakey Foundation The Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org. Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins In 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research. Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books. Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com. Show Credits: Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

    8 min
See All Season 1 (14)

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4.5
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About

Ashley Judd explores the thrilling stories behind important scientific discoveries in a new 12-episode series based on the book "Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins."

Information

  • Creator
    The Leakey Foundation
  • Episodes
    14
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 The Leakey Foundation
  • Show Website
    Discovering Us

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