Palaeobiologist Thomas Halliday, author of 'Otherlands', takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through Earth's evolution over 500 million years. He discusses the unique ecosystems of ancient landscapes, like the Pangaea era, revealing paleontological discoveries, including early evidence of cancer. Halliday also delves into the origins of sexual reproduction, the evolution of animal eyes, and how ancient flora shaped our atmosphere. With lighthearted moments like 'monkey boats', he ties past ecological shifts to current climate challenges.