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Laura Spinney

Science writer and journalist. Author of 'Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global'.

Top 10 podcasts with Laura Spinney

Ranked by the Snipd community
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411 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 24min

224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry

Laura Spinney, an acclaimed author and journalist known for her work in major publications like the Atlantic and National Geographic, dives deep into the power of language. She explains how our ancient words and stories shape human connection and understanding. Spinney reveals that the narratives we tell have endured for millennia, highlighting their role in building community. Discussing storytelling’s fundamental impact on engagement, she emphasizes how effective communication continues to evolve alongside language itself.
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66 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 43min

The Birth of Indo-European

Laura Spinney, a science journalist and author of 'Proto,' dives into the fascinating world of Indo-European languages and their origins. She explores the evolution from Proto-Indo-European roots to modern languages like Latin and Sanskrit. Spinney discusses the complexities of linguistic history, emphasizing diverse origins rather than a single starting point. Also highlighted are the techniques used by linguists and archaeologists to unravel ancient languages and the impact of the Yamnaya culture on language evolution and trade.
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38 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 48min

Origins of Mythology

Laura Spinney, an author and journalist specializing in historical linguistics, dives into the fascinating origins of mythology. She explores why storytelling is essential for humanity, discussing universal archetypes like the hero's journey and tales of dragons and creation. Spinney reveals how myths can arise independently yet share common threads, and links the works of the Brothers Grimm to linguistic reconstructions of ancient narratives. She also highlights how myths evolve over time and elucidates the bond between language and cultural beliefs.
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19 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 42min

Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, with Laura Spinney

Laura Spinney, a renowned science writer and journalist, is joined by global historian Caroline Dodds Pennock to explore the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, the ancient tongue that influenced countless modern languages. They discuss how this prehistoric language spread across continents due to trade and migration. The duo also unravels the intricate relationship between language evolution and human movement, revealing how wheeled vehicles played a pivotal role in cultural exchange. Their insights shed light on the connections between language, identity, and history.
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15 snips
May 17, 2025 • 1h 1min

Laura Spinney: rise of the proto-Indo-Europeans

Laura Spinney, a Paris-based British author and science journalist, dives into the fascinating origins of the Indo-European languages. She discusses the revolutionary role of paleogenetics in understanding these ancient people's migrations. Spinney explores the ongoing debates about the proto-Indo-European homeland, weighing archaeological versus linguistic perspectives. The conversation also touches on the unique journey of the Albanian language and the significance of storytelling in connecting cultures throughout history.
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13 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 32min

Laura Spinney on the Language That Conquered the World

Laura Spinney, a journalist and author known for her work on historical narratives, explores the intriguing rise of Proto-Indo-European in her latest book. She delves into how ancient languages intertwine, the impact of genetics on understanding these languages, and the sociopolitical barriers that have shaped linguistic history. The discussion highlights the migration of people as a key factor in language spread, alongside a playful tease of modern communication trends like emojis. Expect insights that connect the past with contemporary language dynamics!
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8 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 54min

Laura Spinney, "Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

In this enlightening conversation, Laura Spinney, a British science journalist based in France, unravels the astonishing journey of the Proto-Indo-European language. She reveals how this ancient tongue influenced half of humanity’s languages today. Spinney discusses the Yamnaya culture’s pivotal role in language evolution and highlights the interplay of migration, culture, and identity. Additionally, she explores the intriguing concept of 'ghost' languages and the critical need to document fading tongues, making it clear that language shapes our very existence.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 58min

Laura Spinney - How One Ancient Language Went Global

Laura Spinney, a science journalist and author of 'Proto', dives into the captivating story of Proto-Indo-European, the ancient language that shaped much of the world today. She discusses the linguistic journey from the Black Sea to regions like Scotland and China, emphasizing how migrations and cultural exchanges influenced language evolution. Spinney also unpacks the vital role of the Yamnaya people in this spread, challenging notions of violent conquest, and highlights how language intertwines with identity and historical narratives across diverse civilizations.
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Jun 4, 2025 • 27min

PIE: the world's most important language

Laura Spinney, a Paris-based writer and science journalist, delves into the origins of language, particularly the ancient Proto-Indo-European (PIE). She discusses how diverse languages, from English to Sanskrit, share roots in PIE. The conversation highlights language’s vital role in human survival, its connection to storytelling, and how climate change and migration continue to shape linguistic evolution. Spinney also touches on the impact of modern technology on language and the intertwining of language disputes with identity amid conflict.
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May 4, 2025 • 1h 37min

Canadian Election Panel, Ancient language, Andrew Coyne, That's Puzzling!

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Andrew Coyne addresses the 'crisis' in Canadian democracy while experts Sean Speer, Emilie Nicolas, and Rob Russo unpack the implications of the recent federal election results. Science journalist Laura Spinney unveils the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, revealing how an ancient dialect shaped modern languages. The lighthearted segment featuring word puzzles adds a touch of fun, showcasing the importance of language and communication in both history and contemporary politics.

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