Rephonic
Artwork for On Humans
Consciousness
Hunter-Gatherers
Neanderthals
Human Evolution
Homo Sapiens
Evolution
Natural History
Symbolic Thought
Social Support
Parenting
Language
Australopithecus
Homo Ergaster
Marmosets
Chimpanzees
Perception
Anthropology
Childhood Development
Philosophy
Dietary Shifts

Where do we come from? How did we get here? And what kinds of creatures are we? On Humans features conversations with leading scholars about human nature, human condition, and the human journey. From the origins of war to the biology of love, each episode brings fresh insights into perennial questions about our self-understanding. The show now unfolds in series of episodes built around a chosen th... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for On Humans

Latest Episodes

The world is full of religions, but none as timeless as shamanism. And whilst many modern religions have shed their shamanic skins, the shaman is rarely as far away as we have been told.

Or so argues anthropologist Manvir Singh in his book, Shamanis... more

Happy 2026! On Humans has typically marked the coming of January by revisiting the previous year’s most popular episode. This time, the New Year special packs the five-hour-long "Origins of Humankind" series into one fast-paced dive through deep time... more

“The podcast is great, but one thing hasn’t been covered yet: humour. It’s an essential part of our human condition, and would certainly be worth an episode.”

This listener feedback was easy to agree with.

From standup comedy to nervous laughter, ... more

We are a movable species. In less than 50 thousand years, Homo sapiens has penetrated practically all corners of the earth.

This is an episode about those epic migrations, with a focus on the two furthest edges of the human migratory map: the Ameri... more

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Recent Guests

Manvir Singh
Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of California Davis and author of Shamanism, The Timeless Religion.
University of California Davis
Episode: What Can Shamans Teach Us About Religion? | Many Minds with Manvir Singh
Chris Stringer
Researcher at London's Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Episode: The Origins of Humankind: Where Do We Really Come From?
Andrés Moreno-Estrada
Mexican geneticist and expert in Latin American genetics
Episode: Restless Humanity: The Epic Migrations Into the Americas, Polynesia, and... Beyond? ~ Andrés Moreno-Estrada
Diyendo Massilani
Professor at Yale Medical School specializing in genetics and human evolution.
Yale Medical School
Episode: Beyond Race: A New Outlook on the Shape of Humanity ~ Diyendo Massilani
David Gokhman
Professor at Weizmann Institute of Science
Weizmann Institute of Science
Episode: The Neanderthal Mirror: Latest Findings About the Lines Between Us ~ David Gokhman
Matthew Cobb
Neuroscientist and author of The Idea of the Brain.
Episode: Can the Brain Understand Itself? The Glories and the Limits of Neuroscience ~ Matthew Cobb
Judy Grisel
Neuroscientist and author
Author of Never Enough
Episode: From Alcohol to Antidepressants: What Drugs Teach Us About Brain Chemistry ~ Judy Grisel
Pria Anand
An American neurologist and author of the book "Mind Electric."
Episode: Inside the Brain: A Journey Through the Halls and the Songs of Consciousness ~ Pria Anand
Dean Falk
Neuroscientist and neuroanatomist known for her work in human evolution
Episode: Not So Simple After All? Apes, Einstein, and the Many Mysteries of the Human Brain ~ Dean Falk

Host

Ilari Mäkele
Host of the podcast, a science communicator and podcaster deeply engaged in discussions exploring human nature and evolution.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 223 ratings
  • Consistently fascinating interviews and analysis on what makes us human

    A chance to listen to some of the world’s leading thinkers and researchers in the studies of the human condition from biology, anthropology, deep history, psychology and more. Ilari is erudite, and inexhaustibly curious and polite as a host. I’ve learned something from every episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jim B Canada
    Canada3 months ago
  • Great podcast

    Really well researched and thoughtful interviews. Also enjoy his voice and accent, which are quite soothing. Definitely recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bilays
    United States3 months ago
  • Excellent!!

    Unique stuff. So many angles covered, and not just Q&A, more like a convo. Learned tons listening to this!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Iaem2593
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Good topics

    I really enjoy the information, but my brain has a hard time understanding his accent. That’s on me, not him. I wish I could keep listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Helpersonety
    United States6 months ago
  • Moderator interrupts too much

    Very interesting topics. It’s unfortunate that the moderator frequently interrupts his guests instead of letting them develop their thoughts. Some episodes, like the one on why agriculture, are particularly bad with Ilari talking more than his guest. I am coming here for the excellent guests, not the moderator’s layman knowledge and stories.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    hahdeaaaa
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the thoughtful and well-researched nature of the interviews, highlighting the soothing voice of the host as an added benefit.
Many appreciate the diverse perspectives and in-depth discussions that go beyond simple Q&A, often describing the conversations as engaging and enlightening.
Some critiques note occasional interruptions by the host, suggesting a desire for guests to elaborate more freely on their ideas.
Overall, the podcast is recommended for those seeking to broaden their understanding of human behavior and history through stimulating dialogue.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#38
United Arab Emirates/Science
Apple Podcasts
#198
Philippines/Science
Apple Podcasts
#207
Finland/Science
Apple Podcasts
#208
South Korea/Science
Apple Podcasts
#208
Singapore/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What Can Shamans Teach Us About Religion? | Many Minds with Manvir Singh
Q: Is shamanism strictly speaking universal in your view?
Strictly speaking, it is not universal; there are societies that did not have shamanism, particularly very small hunter-gatherer populations that have experienced cultural trauma.
What Can Shamans Teach Us About Religion? | Many Minds with Manvir Singh
Q: What distinguishes shamanism from other practices or beliefs?
Shamanism is characterized by the cultivation of altered states, interaction with unseen realms, and providing services like healing or divination, making it unique compared to traditional religious practices.
What Can Shamans Teach Us About Religion? | Many Minds with Manvir Singh
Q: As part of your work in Indonesia, you observed a number of shamanic rituals. Could you just describe one that for whatever reason sticks out to you?
There was a fascinating initiation ceremony where shamans danced Lajot Si Magre, adorned beautifully for spirits, which included drumming and inviting souls, creating a spirited atmosphere.
The Origins of Humankind: Where Do We Really Come From?
Q: How has all your work shaped your outlook on humanity?
We are special among all the humans and have shown remarkable adaptability to diverse environments, but this also poses challenges for sustainable living.
Why Do We Laugh? Philosophers on Jokes, Humor, and the Human Condition ~ Mira Magdalena Sickinger
Q: How has all your work shaped your outlook on humanity?
Humans enjoy entertaining one another, and humor is a shared performative practice that makes us feel understood. It challenges taboos and offers a reflective tool on our social circumstances.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About On Humans

What is On Humans about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series features in-depth discussions with experts on various aspects of human nature, history, and philosophy. Topics range from the origins of human migration, the complexities of race and genetics, to the evolution of the human brain and societal structures. Episodes often draw from the latest scientific research and historical perspectives, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be human. Uniquely, the format leverages themed series that deepen the exploration of critical questions, fostering a multifaceted dialogue about humanity's past and present.

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Which podcasts are similar to On Humans?

These podcasts share a similar audience with On Humans:

1. Throughline
2. 99% Invisible
3. Unexplainable
4. Radiolab
5. Freakonomics Radio

How many episodes of On Humans are there?

On Humans launched 3 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact On Humans?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on On Humans?

Recent guests on On Humans include:

1. Manvir Singh
2. Chris Stringer
3. Andrés Moreno-Estrada
4. Diyendo Massilani
5. David Gokhman
6. Matthew Cobb
7. Judy Grisel
8. Pria Anand

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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