Can they spell it? No, they can't! This episode features renowned palaeoartist Mark Witton talking about his new book King Tyrant and other topics in palaeoart. Plus, news on the world's first sauropod gut contents. Then, Travis and Alyssa challenge each other to a prehistoric spelling bee. More info: Mark Witton's website https://www.markwitton.co.uk/ Poropat, S. F., Tosolini, A.-M. P., Beeston, S. L., Enchelmaier, M. J., Pentland, A. H., Mannion, P. D., Upchurch, P., Chin, K., Korasidis, V. A....
Jun 12, 2025•52 min
Palaeo artist James Pascoe shares his lifelong fascination with dinosaurs and how it has shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of community in the paleo art world and the role of engagement in science communication. We discuss new research showing the origin of tyrannosaurs may have been in Asia and also how megaraptors arose and spread throughout Gondwana. And another new paper pushes back the origin of tetrapods and (maybe) places it in the southern continents. __ Long, J. A., Niedźw...
May 21, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Visit the 'La Brea of the East' with us. Shay Maden from Gray Fossil Site and Museum tells us about the history and importance of this amazing Tennessean lagerstatten. And, we can't help but chat about the controversial claims by Colossal Biosciences that they have resurrected the dire wolf. ___ Check out: Gray Fossil Site https://gfs.visithandson.org/ Dinosauria Season 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRXB67fcXZA Paleo Pines https://paleopines.com/ Pint of Science https://pintofscience.com.au/...
Apr 22, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This conversation explores the fascinating and often humorous world of paleontology hoaxes, from the infamous Piltdown Man to the Cardiff Giant. Alyssa and Travis discuss various historical and modern examples of scientific fraud, the implications of these hoaxes on the scientific community, and the lessons learned about integrity in research. They also touch on the cultural significance of these hoaxes and how they reflect societal beliefs and values. __ Palaeo Pulse: McCurry, M. R., Gill, A. C...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 6
It's time for a nostalgia kick. Travis and Alyssa discuss James Gurney's Dinotopia: an idealised vision of a world where humans and dinosaurs peacefully co-exist and everyone has their place. We explore the storytelling approaches, links to other media and what Dinotopia could look life if it were written today.
Mar 18, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Alyssa interviews Dr. Phoebe McInerney about her research on Genyornis, a giant flightless bird from Australia. The conversation explores Phoebe's journey into palaeontology, her research, and the significance of outreach and education in the field. We also touch on the brilliant new research on Australian theropods published by Jake Kotevski and friends and play a little game of 'Who Am I? Extinct Edition'. More: McInerney, P., Blokland, J., & Worthy, T. (2024, June 3). New fossils show wha...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Geo.Sassie joins Travis to talk about the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, Alyssa designs a prehistoric four course feast, prepares for a dig, and shows off some palaeoart. Also, we finally name our mascots. __ More: Virtual paleoart exhibition https://extinctfineart.com/virtual-paleoart-gallery/ Ammonite movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7983894/ Lovelace, D. M., Kufner, A. M., Fitch, A. J., Curry Rogers, K., Schmitz, M., Schwartz, D. M., LeClair-Diaz, A., St.Clair, L., Ma...
Feb 11, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Join hosts Alyssa and Travis as they welcome palaeontologist Colin Boisvert for a chat about Allosaur diversity, sauropod niche partitioning and more. Colin offers an insider's look at the challenges and excitement of studying dinosaurs, from complex taxonomies to ecological mysteries. The episode takes a fun turn with a special segment where listeners help name the show's mascots, and the hosts figure out how to (hypothetically) fight prehistoric animals. ___ Colin Boisvert X/Twitter: https://x...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Hosts Alyssa and Travis discuss the mummified homotherium, play a game of 'fossil fact or fiction', and learn all about the Emu Bay Shale with special guest Steph Richter-Stretton. ___ Follow Steph-Richter-Stretton on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/biostephigraphy/ Lopatin, A. V., Sotnikova, M. V., Klimovsky, A. I., Lavrov, A. V., Protopopov, A. V., Gimranov, D. O., & Parkhomchuk, E. V. (2024). Mummy of a juvenile sabre-toothed cat Homotherium latidens from the Upper Pleistocene of Sibe...
Dec 03, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Some exciting news about the future of Fossils and Fiction followed by an episode of the Common Descent Podcast 'spotlighting' our show. _____________ Links: Holland, T. A. (2024). Palaeo podcasting: A practice-led extended-mixed methods case study. Media International Australia , 0 (0). https://doi.org/10.1177/1329878X241265824 Fossils and Fiction Episode 26, Alyssa Fjeld's Ancient Bugs https://www.fossilsfiction.co/2023/12/18/episode-26/ Common Descent Podcast https://commondescentpodcast.com/...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Pterosaur expert and PhD student Adele Pentland discusses the discovery and description of the newest and most complete Australian pterosaur, Haliskia peterseni . The fossil was found in Australia and is 100 million years old. Adele explains the unique features of Haliskia , including its large wingspan, interlocking teeth, and long throat bones. The conversation places Haliskia in context with other Aussie pterosaurs and pterosaur families from around the world. She also discusses the importanc...
Jul 03, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Children's author Sandra Bennett discusses the importance of literacy and her journey as an author, including the Adamson Adventure series, a number of which feature prehistoric animals. Sandra shares how she started writing stories for her students, which sparked their interest in reading. She also talks about her book series, which combines adventure, history, and extinct Australian wildlife. In Fossil Frenzy , the Adamson children discover prehistoric Queensland while Tracks in the Mist , rel...
Jun 18, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Friend of the podcast Tom Jurassic previews season 2 of his audio fan production 'Tales from a Jurassic World'. Check out the full series on YouTube or via the Jurassic Park Podcast .
Jun 06, 2024•6 min
Amanda Perry, science communicator and palaeoartist, discusses her love for bugs and extinct animals. Amanda believes it is important to show vibrancy in representing animals, including extinct ones, through her artwork. She shares her journey into becoming a palaeoartist and science communicator, which involved working at science center cafeteria. Amanda's career now involves science communication through social media and creating art commissions. Amanda also expresses her passion for dinosaurs...
Jun 04, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Ari Dharminalan Rudenko, the artistic director of Prehistoric Body Theater, discusses his background and how his childhood fascination with dinosaurs led him to combine dance and science communication. He explains the formation of Prehistoric Body Theater in Surakarta, Indonesia, and its focus on accuracy in science communication. Ari also shares his collaboration with palaeontologists and the challenges of incorporating scientific knowledge into dance performances and the process of choosing sp...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Astrid O’Connor is a PhD researcher in the Evans EvoLab at Monash University. Astrid undertakes a fascinating mix of research and creative work including immensely detailed 3D reconstructions of extinct animals. This conversation charts Astrid's journey into and through palaeo. Check out @PalaeoAstrid on Instagram for more.
May 07, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Zach Vanasse, founder and director of Dinosaur Trips, discusses his journey in creating a unique travel company that offers dinosaur-themed trips. He shares his childhood fascination with dinosaurs and how it led him to combine his passion for palaeontology with his experience in the travel industry. Zach explains the offerings of Dinosaur Trips, which include visits to museums, dinosaur digs, and other attractions in various destinations. He emphasises that the trips cater to both dinosaur enth...
Apr 23, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this conversation, Dr. Catherine Pugh and Dr. Ross Garner discuss their chapters in 'The Jurassic Park Book' and provide new perspectives on the classic 1990s blockbuster. Dr. Pugh analyses a play called 'The Jurassic Parks' that riffs on the film and explores themes of family and grief. Dr. Garner focuses on the role of merchandise and franchising in the Jurassic Park franchise and the lack of academic attention towards it. They also discuss the impact of Jurassic Park on dinosaur fandom and...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Bronwyn Saunders, a children's author and citizen scientist, discusses her book 'Diprotodon: A Megafauna Journey' and the importance of Australian megafauna. She shares her journey as a writer and the research process she went through to write the book. Bronwyn also mentions her author inspirations and hints at future projects. More: Follow Bronwyn's Facebook page Buy Diprotodon: A Megafauna Journey We have a copy of Diprotodon to give away - drawn April 10, 2024. See the Fossils and Fiction Ins...
Mar 26, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Jake Kotevski is a PhD candidate at Monash University studying Australian theropods, specifically megaraptorids. Are they just big raptors? Find out in our wide-ranging discussion about the known knowns, the known unknowns, and some speculation on the unknown unknowns. Jake also describes his journey into palaeontology and how the pieces fit together between Australia, South America, Antarctica and Asia. Follow Jake's work on Instagram @theropods_down_under...
Mar 12, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Dr Matthew Melia introduces and discusses The Jurassic Park Book, published by Bloomsbury. The Jurassic Park Book is the second in a three-part series by Matt on Steven Spielberg's biggest creature features: Jaws, Jurassic Park, and ET. Following Matt, global film specialist Peter Kramer discusses his contribution to the book. This is part one of a two-part discussion with contributors to this book. __ More info: The Jurassic Park Book https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/jurassic-park-book-97815013848...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Alyssa Fjeld discusses her research on early arthropods, especially tomotiids, a group that appeared over 520 million years ago. Alyssa's research focuses on the growth patterns of early arthropods. She explores the concept of the inhibitory cascade model and its implications for understanding the life cycle and evolution of these animals. Alyssa also shares her experiences in science education and outreach, emphasising the importance of making science accessible and engaging for diverse audienc...
Dec 17, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Do you know what to do if you find a fossil or First Nations artifact? Sally Hurst made it her business to find out as part of her Masters study at Macquarie University. We talk about the Found a Fossil project, Sally's journey to palaeontology, and her outreach work with school children. More info: Found a Fossil website https://www.foundafossil.com/ Hurst, S. (2023). Found a Fossil: Assessing Australian perceptions of heritage discoveries and conservation [Thesis, Macquarie University]. https:...
Dec 09, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Each summer in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, a prehistoric landscape comes alive with the sound and sights of dinosaurs. This is Scenic World's Dinosaur Valley. For more information on Scenic World and Dinosaur Valley visit https://scenicworld.com.au/
Nov 07, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 12
From a dino-themed wedding to running the world’s biggest dinosaur podcast, it’s Garret from I Know Dino! Garret joins Fossils and Fiction to chat about the lessons he and Sabrina have learned while covering new dinosaur discoveries every week for the past decade. Check out I Know Dino on their website or your favourite podcasting app: https://iknowdino.com/ ___ Stuff mentioned: Clements, T., Atterby, J., Cleary, T., Richard P. Dearden, & Rossi, V. (2022). The perception of palaeontology in ...
Sep 20, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Jimmy Waldron once told Conan O’Brien he looked like a therizinosaurus. He also founded a non-profit called Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome that takes dinosaur experiences out to those who might not otherwise access them. After you’ve listened to the episode, check out more info on DWABA: https://dwaba.org/ Check out Jimmy's research on teaching evolution to school students: Nadelson, L., Culp, R., Bunn, S., Burkhart, R., Shetlar, R., Nixon, K., & Waldron, J. (2009). Teaching Evolution Conc...
Sep 01, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Dinotherium, diprotodon, mastodon and more! Dr Chris Manias discusses his book The Age of Mammals: Nature, Development and Paleontology in the Long Nineteenth Century . Chris is Senior Lecturer in the History of Science & Technology at Kings College London. Books mentioned: Manias, C. (2023). The Age of Mammals: Nature, Development and Paleontology in the Long Nineteenth Century . University of Pittsburgh Press. https://upittpress.org/books/9780822947806/ Ashby, J. (2022). Platypus Matters: ...
Aug 27, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Palaeontologist Adele Pentland makes her second appearance on Fossils and Fiction to talk about... The Simpsons? Oh, and also her podcast Pals in Palaeo and her tips for science communication. ___ Find out more about Adele's work and Pals and Palaeo here: Adele's website https://www.adelepentland.com/ Pals in Palaeo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/palsinpalaeo/ Pals in Palaeo links https://linktr.ee/palsinpalaeo
Aug 08, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 8
I've been writing, thinking, and talking about Jurassic Park *a lot* lately. It's time to wrap all that work up into something listenable for Fossils and Fiction. ___ Articles/interviews mentioned: Shaye Ganam, 770 CHQR/630 CHED Edmonton and Toronto, Thirty years after Jurassic Park hit movie screens, its impact on science and culture remains as strong as ever, https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DXM7ooNyFpIQmBAIBktuK?si=v6dMHMZXQquZG7VZrQpTIQ Nahal el-Hadi, The Conversation Weekly, Thirty years a...
Jul 31, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 7
If there's one thing that will spark an interest in palaeontology, it might just be finding 450 million-year-old fossil as a child. That's exactly what happened to Dr Nic Campione. Nic is originally from Canada but is now a Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences (Palaeontology) at the University of New England in Australia. Nic tells the story of his childhood fossil find and talks about his approach to teaching troublesome palaeontology students like your host, Dr Travis Holland. __ Dr Nic Campione'...
Jul 04, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 6
