Dr Amy Way, achaeologist and host of Blazing the Trail podcast series
Drawing on the latest research in human evolution, the series invites listeners on an extraordinary journey from our earliest ancestors in Africa to the global expansion of Homo sapiens.
The series delves into what defines us as modern humans, spotlighting pivotal milestones such as the invention of tools, the mastery of fire, the emergence of language, and humanity’s remarkable adaptability and migrations across the globe.
Hosted by archaeologist and lecturer Dr Amy Way, who holds a joint position with the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum, the podcast sheds light on the triumphs and trials of Homo sapiens. Dr Way, a specialist in stone artefacts and ancient human behaviour, said the series uncovers the secrets behind our species’ extraordinary success.
For over a million years, humans have forged paths across the planet, shaping our collective story of evolution. This podcast distils decades of cutting-edge research from leading anthropologists, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of where we come from and why we’re the sole surviving human species.
The series was written by Madeline Robinson and Amy Way, and was produced and directed by Hugh Welchman of BreakThru Productions, who described it as a “palaeoanthropology crash course” designed for a broad audience.
“Our origin story is absolutely fascinating. In just the last 20 years, scientists have uncovered more about our evolutionary roots than in the previous two millennia. This series explores defining traits—like standing upright, language, and fire—that helped Homo sapiens rise to global dominance,” Welchman explained.
Professor Kris Helgen, Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, emphasized the podcast's timely nature.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of ‘Lucy,’ the 3.2-million-year-old skeleton that bridged a crucial gap in our evolutionary tree.
“By revisiting groundbreaking finds like Lucy, Blazing the Trail provides a profound look at the history of Homo sapiens. Our ability to adapt to and transform our environment has been central to our survival—and it will remain crucial as we face future challenges.”
The scripts for the five episodes were co-written by Dr Way and Madeline Robinson, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with leading and emerging experts in human evolution. Contributors include Professor Christopher Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London; Professor Emma Mbua of the National Museum of Kenya; Assistant Professor Kathryn Ranhorn of Arizona State University; Dr Keneiloe Molopyane of the University of Witwatersrand and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer; and others.
Blazing the Trail is out now on streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube, and Audible. Listen here.
Episode 1: Who are we? What it means to be human
Join host Dr Amy Way and special guests Dr Emma Mbua, Professor 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.
Episode 2: We Weren't Alone!
Dr Amy Way explores the lives of our extinct human cousins, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, with special guests Dr Rebecca Wragg-Sykes, Dr Vivian Slon, and Professor Andrzej Wiśniewski.
Episode 3: Playing with Fire
Dr Amy Way is joined by Professor John Gowlett, Professor Polly Wiessner, and First Nations Gamilaraay man Wayne Brennan to explore the profound impact of fire on human evolution.
Episode 4: Finding our Voice
Join host Dr Amy Way and special guests Associate Professor Mark Harvey, Professor Maggie Tallerman, and Professor Rob Mailhammer as they deliberate the origins and evolution of human language, a defining feature that separates us from other animals.
Episode 5: Out of Africa and Into the Unknown
Dr Amy Way explores the early migrations of Homo sapiens out of Africa with special guests Associate Professor Patrick Faulkner, Dr Oshan Wedage, and Dr Shimona Kealy.