Ella Al-Shamahi

Ella Al-Shamahi, a paleoanthropologist and evolutionary biologist known for her daring fossil hunts in challenging locales, shares her remarkable journey from a devout Muslim upbringing to embracing evolution. She discusses the emotional upheaval that acceptance brought, including strains in her marriage and community ties. Ella also delves into fascinating topics like retrotransposons and how interbreeding with ancient humans contributed to modern traits. Her story highlights the intersection of science and personal belief, emphasizing the empathy gained through her experience.

Join paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi as she dives into the fascinating world of human evolution. She unpacks the discovery of the 'hobbits'—Homo floresiensis—and what island dwarfism means for our understanding of extinction. The conversation takes a turn toward the influence of mundane sci-fi on innovation and language, alongside quirky tales of mummification disasters. Learn why wasps shift their diets and discover surprising ecological roles they play. It's a blend of science and fun that you won't want to miss!

Join Leon Castellanos-Yankiewicz, a senior researcher at the Asser Institute, as he discusses a new U.S.-Mexico initiative aimed at curbing arms trafficking. Orla Barry dives into the implications of Moldova's pro-European party victory amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Ella Al-Shamahi shares insights on early human species and their cultural evolution. Lastly, Dan Efron recounts the story of Alan Gross and its impact on U.S.-Cuba relations, shedding light on the complex world of international diplomacy.

Ella Al-Shamahi, a paleoanthropologist and host of the BBC/PBS series 'Human', dives into the emotional landscape of our ancient ancestors. She advocates for storytelling that evokes feelings rather than mere facts. Explore what it meant to be a hybrid human-Neanderthal, the dynamics of interbreeding, and the surprising characteristics of Neanderthals. Al-Shamahi also discusses the key factors behind Homo sapiens' survival, including cumulative culture and neuroplasticity, reshaping our understanding of early human life.

Ella Al-Shamahi, a paleoanthropologist with a captivating journey from Muslim creationist to evolutionary biologist, dives deep into human evolution and resilience. She discusses how ancient DNA reshapes our understanding of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, emphasizing cooperation over brain size in evolutionary success. Ella highlights the disconnect between our evolved traits and the modern world, showcasing humanity’s struggle with tribalism and adaptability. With a message of optimism, she advocates for open dialogue between faith and science in today’s polarized society.