Palaeo Jam is a podcast exploring a range of issues in science and the community, using the multidisciplinary aspects of, and public fascination with, palaeontology. This Australian-produced palaeo podcast was launched at a publicly accessible live event at Flinders University, where the first two episodes were recorded in front of a live audience. Palaeo Jam uses fossils and other objects from palaeontology to explore a range of scientific and social issues, and incorporate key research and discoveries into its content. Each episode has a theme and it’s covered within a strict, 30-minute timeframe. Adding to the theatre of the recording, a timer is visible to the audience in live records. Each episode has a panel of up to three guests, and is hosted by Michael Mills, award-winning science communicator.
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Palaeo Jam is a podcast exploring a range of issues in science and the community, using the multidisciplinary aspects of, and public fascination with, palaeontology. This Australian-produced palaeo podcast was launched at a publicly accessible live event at Flinders University, where the first two episodes were recorded in front of a live audience. Palaeo Jam uses fossils and other objects from palaeontology to explore a range of scientific and social issues, and incorporate key research and discoveries into its content. Each episode has a theme and it’s covered within a strict, 30-minute timeframe. Adding to the theatre of the recording, a timer is visible to the audience in live records. Each episode has a panel of up to three guests, and is hosted by Michael Mills, award-winning science communicator.
Australia is land of reptiles, and in particular, a land of lizards. How and when did it become this? And why are there so many venomous snakes? In this episode of Palaeo Jam, host Michael Mills chats with Dr Mark Hutchinson about the evolutionary history of the lizards of Australia, why they become a life long passion, if he has a favourite lizard, (he does, and explains why), and the rewards of being a research supervisor.
Dr Mark Hutchinson is an Australian herpetologist and palaeontologist, long associated with the South Australian Museum, where he served as Curator of Herpetology before becoming an Honorary Researcher. His work has focused on the taxonomy, evolution, and fossil history of reptiles—especially lizards and snakes—across Australia’s arid and southern regions. He has described numerous new species, reconstructed ancient ecosystems from fossil remains, and explored how climate shifts shaped reptile diversity. In addition to his museum role, Dr Hutchinson has held academic posts with the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, and is recognised internationally for his contributions to understanding the deep history and conservation of Australia’s reptiles.
Dr Mark suggests that if you want to learn about Australian lizards, a great intro is “Australian Lizards- A Natural History” by Steve Wilson. And if it’s more on Aussie snakes you’re after, “Australian Snakes: A Natural History” by Dr Richard Shine. Check your local book and ebook retailer for availability.
Host Michael Mills can be found on Insta as The HeapsGood Guy at https://www.instagram.com/heapsgood/
On Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/heapsgood.bsky.social
For all things HeapsGood, including links to Michael alter ego, Professor Flint, head to…
https://linktr.ee/heapsgoodproductions
Palaeo Jam
Palaeo Jam is a podcast exploring a range of issues in science and the community, using the multidisciplinary aspects of, and public fascination with, palaeontology. This Australian-produced palaeo podcast was launched at a publicly accessible live event at Flinders University, where the first two episodes were recorded in front of a live audience. Palaeo Jam uses fossils and other objects from palaeontology to explore a range of scientific and social issues, and incorporate key research and discoveries into its content. Each episode has a theme and it’s covered within a strict, 30-minute timeframe. Adding to the theatre of the recording, a timer is visible to the audience in live records. Each episode has a panel of up to three guests, and is hosted by Michael Mills, award-winning science communicator.
