Shows
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 279 - Frogcast The gang discusses two papers that look at the fossil frog record. The first paper identifies fossil frogs from Antarctica, and the second paper looks at some exceptional soft-tissue preservation. Meanwhile, James has ideas for expanding the brand, Amanda asks for clarification on an important topic, and Curt makes some executive decisions. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that are interested in animals that are wrong and good at jumping and live in the water but some can walk on land and climb trees. The first paper is looking a...2024-03-101h 27
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 262 - Take It To The Mat The gang discusses two papers that study the paleoecology of the Ediacaran fauna. The first paper looks at environmental information that can be gleaned from the microbial mats these organisms lived on, and the second paper studies how different Ediacaran fossils are distributed on this microbial mat. Meanwhile, James is having a week, Curt is unsure about chips, and Amanda is comfortable being very on brand. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): The friends look at two papers that study some very old animals that lived a long long time ago and lived on these b...2023-06-181h 19
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 234 - Cool Trackway Bro The gang discusses two papers which discuss the fascinating information which can be gleaned from studying fossil trackways, particularly the taphonomy of fossil trackways. The first paper looks at how enigmatic elongate tracks may have formed, and the second paper uses tracks to infer paleo topology. Meanwhile, James is a latchkey kid, Amanda opens up the wrong folder, and Curt would like you to know that the joke is over now. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends look at two papers that talk about foot marks. The first paper is looking at h...2022-04-241h 28
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 226 - Insert Fleetwood Mac Tusk Joke Here The gang discusses two papers that look at the evolutionary history of unique teeth. The first paper looks at the history of tusks and tusk-like structures in synapsids, and the second paper looks at the shape of ancient bird teeth. Meanwhile, James gets to the point, Curt is inspired, and Amanda has a drink. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that talk about teeth in different groups of animals. The first paper is interested in big teeth that keep growing and don't have a hard cover around them. While t...2021-12-051h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 205 - Horse Couture The gang discusses two papers that look at how competition, environment, and biogeography affect macroevolutionary patterns. The first paper looks at the evolution of bird beaks, and the second paper looks at patterns in horse evolution. Meanwhile, James has “some” gin, Amanda practices her “reviewer” skills, and Curt enjoys some last minute “honesty”. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): Today the group look at two papers that are interested in what causes animals to change their form over time. The first paper looks at animals with hard noses that fly to see what causes the nose to chang...2021-02-141h 44
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 200 - Going Full Circle of Teeth The gang celebrates hitting the milestone of 200 podcast episodes by returning to a topic related to their first episode, sharks. The first paper looks at how shark size has changed through time, and the second paper looks at the different ways whirl-toothed sharks were able to eat their food. Meanwhile, James has ideas about the success of Disney movies, Amanda comes back at the wrong time, Curt quotes the good batman movies, and everyone has real troubles just starting the damn podcast (Podcast officially starts getting on topic at 18:15). Up-Goer Five (James Edition): T...2020-11-081h 54
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 197 - Pie Heresy The gang discusses two papers that investigate niche partitioning and the ecological impacts on bird beak evolution. Honestly, this podcast is just a grab bag of different topics loosely connected together as an excuse for James to continue to espouse his beliefs on pies. The gang discusses one paper about a long necked reptile and another paper about beak morphological evolution in Aves. Meanwhile, Amanda is a Samurai Jack fan apparently, James likes his papers short, and Curt kills an old joke. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends look at two papers that l...2020-09-271h 12
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 196 - High Quality Discount Corpses The gang discusses two papers that look at the wealth of information left behind on fossil bones which can let us know about the many organisms which worked to break down and decay dead animals. These feeding traces give clues to the presence of animals that might not easily fossilize. Plus, this topic is an excuse for James to suggest two papers that involve dead dinosaurs. Meanwhile, Curt starts a business, Amanda goes prepper, and James wonders about the taphonomy of Shrek. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about things that eat t...2020-09-131h 19
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 194 - Pedals the CrocodileThe gang discusses two papers about the ecological data that we can learn from looking at trace fossils. The first paper looks at a unique ancient crocodilian behavior, and the second paper shows similar shore bird behaviors over the course of tens of millions of years. Meanwhile, James is full of bones, Amanda is honored, and Curt loves Hanna Barbera. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about foot marks. They talk about the foot marks of two-legged animals with no hair and no teeth that can usually fly, and also the fo...2020-08-161h 44
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 193 - Making MonstersThe gang discuss two papers that describe unique animal fossils which have been known but haven’t (until now) been formally described. The first is “Collins Monster”, a lobopod from the Cambrian, and the second is a fossil dolphin which is similar to an orca. Meanwhile, James rehabilitates some dolphins, Amanda saw a thing, and Curt witnesses true beauty. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Version): Today our friends talk about a strange animal with cute legs and big parts that go to a point, and a really big animal that used to have hair that looks li...2020-08-021h 46
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 192 - EggHey now, you’re an all-star, get the game on, go play. Hey now, you’re a rock star, get the show on, get paid! All that glitters is a long discussion about Mesozoic eggs. One of the papers we discuss suggests that the evolution of hard calcification in dinosaur eggs might have evolved independently multiple times. The second paper tries to determine the origins of a cryptic large soft-shelled egg. Meanwhile, James vents on his victims, Curt ruins the fun of Shrek, and Amanda has an egg guy. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our f...2020-07-191h 09
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 191 - Turning Points in Plant HistoryThe gang discusses two papers that look at important points in the evolutionary history of land plants. The first paper is a review of the available data for the first time plants moved onto land in the Ordovician, and the second paper looks at the impact that the evolution of herbivory had on plant diversity. Meanwhile, James invents a new insect, Amanda reaches out and touches someone, and Curt is impressed by a brief moment of professionalism. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition) Our friends talk about very old green things that grow in the g...2020-07-051h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 190 - Arthropod Evo DevoThe gang discusses two papers about arthropod evolution and development. One paper focuses on the evolution of arthropod segmentation, and the other summarizes research on the development of the insect wing. Meanwhile, Amanda has a beer with no unintended consequences, Curt makes a shocking discovery about marketing, and James goes from 0 to professional in milliseconds. As we did last time, here are some organizations you can donate to: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ https://bailproject.org/ https://www.aclu.org/ Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends lo...2020-06-211h 24
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 189 - Big Bois(Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded a month ago. Everyone at Palaeo After Dark stands with the protesters fighting for justice. Black Lives Matter!) The gang discuss two papers about large mammal-like animals. The first is a Triassic synapsid the size of an elephant, and the second is a mammaliaform from the late Cretaceous of Madagascar. Meanwhile, James has a new technology to discuss, Amanda’s cats get involved in some unique business ventures, and Curt appreciates some choice scale-bar decisions. https://blacklivesmatter.com/ https://action.aclu.org/give/now 2020-06-071h 27
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 188 - Bird Brains and Propeller TailsThe gang discusses two papers about archosaurs. The first paper looks at the trends in brain size relative to body size in birds over their entire evolutionary history. The second paper revisits the dinosaur Spinosaurus and adds more information to the debate over whether this animal had a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Meanwhile, James has some villagers he needs to “un-person”, Curt gives alternative definitions to slang, and Amanda just disappears (I’m sure she’ll be fine). Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about thinks they fly and something that moved through the water. Th...2020-05-241h 18
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 187 - Taphonomy Train WreckThe gang discusses two papers about unique taphonomic conditions. One paper describes how these strange “train wrecks” of crinoid columnals might have formed, and the other paper models how bone jams in Dinosaur National Park could have formed. Meanwhile, James’s computer has a flux capacitor, Amanda mishears the best new BBC crime drama, and Curt enjoys the chance to talk about Nathan Fillion vehicles. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about animals with hard parts on their insides. Some of these animals have long arms with lots of parts and look lik...2020-05-101h 00
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 186 - Fish Fingers and Mammal FinsThe gang discusses two papers that look at modifications of the vertebrate hand. The first looks at how the lobe fin evolved into the vertebrate hand, and the second paper looks at the early limb transformations of early whales as hands became fins. Meanwhile, James’s computer is a time traveler, Amanda is upset that everyone is upset about Bunny Day, and Curt wonders about numbers higher than 10. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about how hands got started, and also how hands can become things that let animals move through the wat...2020-04-2655 min
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 185 - As the Worm TurnsThat gang discusses two papers about fossil soft-bodied Cambrian organisms; one of which is a unique lobopod and the other is a fossil worm. Meanwhile, Amanda could go for some fish, Curt can’t stop the puns, James is going to be a cowboy. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This week the group looks at two papers that are looking at two very old animals that have long bodies with no legs. One of these is a true animal with a long body and no legs, but the other is actually an animal that wou...2020-04-121h 02
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 184 - Lockdown BabyThe gang talks about two papers which look at the ecology of the Ediacaran. One paper uses trace fossils to infer how ecological systems change as we move from the Ediacaran to the Cambrian, and the second paper identifies some interesting features previously undocumented in Ediacaran fossils. Meanwhile, Curt has ideas about sponges, the internet destroys James’s comedic timing, and Amanda is happy to finally put those years of teaching physiology to good use. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about the time just before we have a lot of dead thi...2020-03-291h 10
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 183 - Nobody Wins; The Human Impact on Our Future Fossil RecordThe gang discusses two papers that look at the human impact on the fossil record. The first paper runs multiple model studies to try and determine when hominines (the group that includes all of our ancestors) first began significantly impacting the biosphere. The second paper estimates what our future fossil record may look like by using the state of Michigan as a model system (much to Amanda’s delight). Meanwhile, Amanda attempts to train a cat, Curt and James invent the best machine, James has his mind blown, and everyone wonders what the “prepper layer” of the Anthropocene will look l...2020-03-151h 46
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 182 - The Pain; Happy BirthdayThe gang celebrates their 7th anniversary by inflicting pain on themselves for your amusement by discussing a classic paper, Gould's "Paradox of the First Tier". They discuss the paper in its historical context, and also how our knowledge of mass extinctions has changed and evolved from this paper. Meanwhile, James comes up with unconventional ways to communicate, Amanda may need some more whiskey to get through this, and Curt is all smiles. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends have fun on the day that comes around every year which is when they first s...2020-03-011h 32
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 181 - Before the Pain; The Root of the ProblemThe gang discusses two papers about unique fossil preservation. One paper looks at how fossil root systems can inform our understanding of early Devonian forests, and the other paper shows how slime molds can be preserved in the fossil record. Meanwhile, Amanda is excited for questionable reasons, James prepares for the pain, and Curt learns his role in the friendship. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about weird cool things that have only one piece but can get very big, and the tall green things with many pieces above and under g...2020-02-161h 21
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 180 - Worms and SnailsThe gang returns back from their winter break to discuss two papers that look at the important information we can glean from soft-bodied organisms in the fossil record. First, we take a look at a paper that shows some incredible preservation of Cretaceous snails in amber and how we can use that exceptionally preserved material to infer important information about the evolutionary history of these groups. Second, we talk about a cool example where hypotheses pulled from trace fossils can inform the distribution of modern worm species. Meanwhile, Amanda was not content with being driven mad by just TWO...2020-02-021h 14
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 179 - Pollinators and Begging Grubs; Studies of Insect BehaviorThe gang discusses two papers on insect behavior, one fossil study and one modern study. The fossil study illustrates a cool example of how amber can help us to understand the evolution of pollination throughout Earth history. The modern paper investigates how bury beetles care for and communicate with their young. Meanwhile, James’s computer lives in the past, Amanda has to deal with cat-nap related choices, Curt has his honor besmirched, and everyone is a little overwhelmed by how little people care about invertebrates. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk abou...2020-01-191h 03
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 177 - Grow a SpineThe gang discusses two papers that look at how the morphology of tetrapods (animals with four limbs and a backbone) has changed over time. One paper looks at how dinosaur jaws are related to diet preferences, and the other paper looks at how spines have changed as tetrapods diversified through time. Meanwhile, James talks Star Trek, Curt gives some consumer advice, and Amanda would rather not talk about cowboys. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This week the group look at two papers that are looking at different ways that animals get more different. The f...2019-12-081h 34
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 176 - Much Ado About TeethThe gang discusses two papers that look at changes in teeth through time. The first paper looks at the earliest example of heterodont teeth in tetrapods, and the second paper looks at how different mammal groups build sabre tooth morphologies. Meanwhile, James has unique ideas for building worker morale, Amanda accidentally makes a pie faux pas, and Curt is friend to gelfling. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about teeth. Wow, teeth is one of the ten hundred most used words. Cool. So some things have teeth that are all the s...2019-11-241h 21
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 175 - Big Data StudiesThe gang discusses two papers that use large data sets to look at big picture patterns in evolution and ecology. Specifically, they look at one paper that explores brachiopod shell thickness in relationship to environmental preferences during the Late Ordovician mass extinction, and another paper that looks at the evolution of using the tail as a weapon in vertebrates. Meanwhile, James is eternally “young”, Curt invents unique ecological roles for Stegosaurus, and Amanda enables the worst type of ASMR (for those who cannot handle food sounds in microphones, skip 47:57-48:54). Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Ou...2019-11-101h 21
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 174 - Feeling Drained; Parasites in the Fossil RecordThe gang talks about two papers that look at potential examples of parasitism in the fossil record. One paper finds possible parasites attaching to ancient ostracods, and another paper details potential parasitic isopods on electric ray fossils. Meanwhile, James practices his spidey sense, Curt is suspicious that things are going too well, and Amanda’s internet has amazing timing. Up-Goer Five (Amanda and James Edition): Today our friends talk about animals that eat other animals without killing them. First our friends talk about a paper that talks about an animal that has big teet...2019-10-271h 06
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 173 - Early PlantsThe gang discusses two papers that look into early plant evolution and ecology. The first paper looks at some evidence from fossil spores to determine where the earliest vascular plants on land may have evolved. The second paper looks at a unique Devonian forest ecology from China. Meanwhile, James accidentally hoists himself, Amanda is more heard than she thinks, Curt fails as acting like everything’s ok, and everyone has a good old time working around Amanda’s computer deciding to die. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about old things that can m...2019-10-131h 20
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 172 - GSA 2019James, Brendan, Aly, Carlie, Anna, and Curt gather together at the 2019 Geological Society of America Meeting in Phoenix and discuss the various paleontology talks they saw at the event. Day 1 (Anna, James, Curt, Brendan): 0:00 - 1:05 Day 2 (James, Aly, Carlie, Brendan, Curt): 1:05 - 2:37 Day 3 (James, Anna, Curt): 2:37 - 3:54 Day 4 (James, Carlie, Brendan): 3:54 - 5:172019-09-305h 17
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 171 - Birds Get Swole in New ZealandThe gang discusses some very interesting papers about bird fossils in New Zealand. These papers describe how many different types of birds ended up on New Zealand throughout the Cenozoic, and each time they experienced significant increases in their size. Sadly, since this was a very straightforward topic, no one could quite manage to focus on anything. So meanwhile, Curt remembers childhood animations that no one cares about, James makes it “fun” for himself and no one else, Amanda drinks the unholy combination of bourbon and rye (brye?), and everything just kind of gets way too 2019 near the end (EDIT...2019-09-151h 39
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 170 - The Impact of Taphonomy; On Conodonts and Dinosaur Nesting SitesThe gang discusses two very different papers that are sort of united together based upon the importance of taphonomy. First, they look at a paper about how the ways in which conodont elements are preserved can affect our understanding of their evolution. Second, they talk about the recent finding of exceptionally preserved therizinosaur dinosaur nesting sites. Meanwhile, Amanda finds herself dealing with a failing webcam, Curt enjoys burying the lede, and James is never wrong unless he wants to be. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about how the ways that things w...2019-09-011h 16
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 169 - Learning about AgnostidsThe gang takes some time to discuss two papers about agnostids, a strange group of trilobite-like arthropods whose evolutionary history has been the subject of considerable debate. First, we discuss a short paper summarizing the history of the agnostid debate, and then we discuss a brand new paper using new material and Bayesian phylogenetics to offer a fresh new hypothesis. Also, James channels frustration into fun, Amanda nearly has her house destroyed by cats, and Curt asks the Star Wars questions no one wanted answered. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk a...2019-08-181h 26
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 168 - Alligator Teeth and Too Small CatsThe gang discusses two papers that look at the diets of past and present crocodylomorphs using patterns in teeth shape and enamel. It turns out, past relatives of crocodiles were likely a lot more experimental in the types of feeding strategies they implemented than we might expect. Meanwhile, Curt comes up with a great name for a Lamsdell lab bowling league, Amanda loves possums, and James has some very strong opinions about the “Cats” trailer. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): The friends talk about two papers that look at the teeth of these big angry...2019-08-041h 01
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 166 - NAPC 2019We all just got back from the 2019 North American Paleontological Conference at UC Riverside with an extra long (over 5 hours) episode. Join James, Carlie, Curt, and Brendan as they discuss the talks they saw each day of the conference. Time stamps for each day: Day 2 talks ~ 54 min.; Day 4 talks ~2 hr, 36 min; Day 5 talks ~3 hr, 49 min.2019-07-075h 10
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 165 - Sharks for St. Crispin's DayThe gang have a “Shark Week” and discuss two papers about the ecology of modern tiger sharks. The first paper talks about a unique feeding strategy for some tiger sharks in which they can consume a fairly large amount of song birds. The second paper discusses how tiger shark populations are distributed around the islands of Hawaii, a place known for fairly high concentrations of tiger sharks. Meanwhile, James informs us of an important holiday, Curt imagines the ultimate battle of goose and shark, and Amanda decides to take charge of the podcast. Up-Goer Five (Curt...2019-06-231h 12
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 164 - Rails and SnailsThe gang talks about two papers that are interested in iterative evolution, the repeated evolution of the same or similar morphological characteristics within or among species. Specifically, they are focused on iterative evolution in species on islands. The first paper they discuss looks at how being flightless might have evolved multiple times on the same island within the same species of rails. The second paper looks at repeated changes in developmental timing associated with climatic changes on an island. Also, James is an expert, Curt comes up with the best new Blue Sky series for the USA network “Rails an...2019-06-091h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 163 - Triassic Fish QuestionsThe gang discusses two papers that look at the extinction and survivorship patterns of clades across the Triassic mass extinction event. Specifically, they look at changes in morphospace in ray-finned fishes as well as phylogenetic patterns of extinction in early archosaurs. Interestingly enough, both studies suggest very low ecological selection (at least in the characteristics we can study in the fossil record), but the archosaur study shows clear phylogenetic clustering of extinction. Meanwhile, James works on his social media engagement, Amanda perfects the concept of a joke, and Curt discovers this podcast’s theme far too late. ...2019-05-261h 27
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 162 - Turtle PowerThe gang discusses a few papers that look at the evolutionary history, biogeography, and life habit of Mesozoic turtles. Specifically, they look at a paper about a stem turtle with interesting information about the evolutionary history of turtle morphology, a paper on a special fossil of a marine turtle with exceptionally preserved eggs, and a paper that investigates the biogeographic history of turtles. Basically, its a whole lotta turtles! Meanwhile, James resurrects some old arguments, Curt revisits cherished film scenes, and Amanda has a new obsession. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group look a...2019-05-121h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 161 - Whales Not WhalesThe gang discusses two papers that look at how various animals associated with whales have reacted to environmental shifts over the last several hundred thousand years. The first paper looks at polar bears and reviews data on the potential utility of whale carcasses on polar bear survival during warmer periods in recent Earth history. The second paper investigates how changes in the shell chemistry of barnacles attached to whales may preserve important information on whale migratory patterns. Meanwhile, James has ideas about Final Fantasy and all Square Enix protagonists, Curt thinks James is the Kuja of the podcast, and...2019-04-281h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 160 - Weasel TimeThe gang finds two papers that discuss the ecology of fossil mustelids, the objectively best group of mammals. Both of these papers look at creative solutions to try and interpret past life habits for some very complex and debated fossil organisms. Meanwhile, James becomes passionate about food, Amanda wonders what sitcom the podcast must be, Curt discusses the true American Dream, and everyone is very sorry about how off track we get in this podcast. (Editor’s Note: We sort of get to talking about the papers around 7:45) Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our fri...2019-04-141h 20
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 159 - Rocks Fall Everyone Dies; The Cretaceous Mass ExtinctionThe gang discusses two papers about the Cretaceous mass extinction event (i.e. the time that the non-avian dinosaurs died). Specifically, they talk about the Deccan Traps, a widespread volcanic province that was active during the extinction event. The first paper studies the timing of the volcanic activity to determine if the onset of volcanism can be explained by the large bollide impact (Editors Note: Apologies to all igneous petrologists who will likely be yelling at our ignorance of hard rock geology). The second paper uses ecological niche modeling to see if dinosaurs were experiencing significant reduction in their...2019-03-311h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 158 - Is Eevee a Mammal?The gang celebrates their 6th anniversary by taking some time to talk about two papers about early mammal ecology. The first paper looks at some unique traces left by Mesozoic mammals, while the second paper attempts to determine how early mammals might have chewed their food. Meanwhile, James has made friends with his new Eevee named DMX, Amanda finds the fuel to sustain herself, and Curt imagines some tactical mammal stealth action. (EDITOR’S NOTE: If you’re wondering if Curt went all the way into making a complete edit on that song near the end….. of course...2019-03-171h 10
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 157 - A Sticky Situation; More Talk of Vertebrates in Amber The gang discusses two papers about the interesting vertebrate remains in Myanmar amber, including a neonate snake and an Enantiornithean bird, and discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of these fossils. Meanwhile, Curt starts a terrible “theory”, James measures his hands, and Amanda might be responsible for some collusion. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk about very thick stuff that sticks together and comes off of trees and often living things end up inside of it and dying. Most of the time, old tree stuff just has small animals who have...2019-03-031h 04
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 156 - Never Underestimate the Little SnakeThe gang discuss two papers that look at the links between morphology and ecology. Specifically, they discuss a fossil marine reptile with a very unique looking skull that gives clues to a possible “platypus” like life-habit. However, they also discuss a modern ecological study of crustacean-eating snakes which shows that sometimes unique behaviors can greatly expand the potential prey species available to a predator. Meanwhile, James regales us with tales of an epic battle, Amanda is good at social interactions, and Curt ponders anime betrayals. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): Our friends talk...2019-02-171h 25
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 155 - But What Would It Taste LikeThe gang discusses two papers that use fossil evidence to interpret physiology and functional morphology of extinct animals. First, we discuss a new study that suggests ichthyosaurs may have evolved blubber to help them regulate their temperatures. Second, we talk about a new study that uses robotic models to test how early tetrapods may have moved. Meanwhile, Amanda mixes caffeine and alcohol, Curt forgets Shane Black movies, and James tries to pull the ultimate mid episode twist. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about animals that are very big but not l...2019-02-031h 32
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 154 - Heyo HyolithsThe gang gets together to record their first episode back from the holidays. And what better topic to discuss than hyoliths, those strange shelly Cambrian fossils. Specifically, the gang discusses two papers that look at new discoveries of the soft tissue and the hard shells of these hylothis to try and determine the evolutionary placement of hyoliths. Are hyoliths molluscs? Are hyoliths brachiopods? Are they somewhere in between? Meanwhile, Amanda hears some good news, Curt does his best hyolith impression, and James hits some unexpected snags when he discusses the ramifications of his ideal super powers. 2019-01-201h 15
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 152 - Community RebootThe gang looks over two older review papers that are interested in communities and trophic disruption. What is important in keeping communities together and how can stable systems become destabilized? They use these two review papers as a general jumping off point to talk about the difference between a species that is just non-native vs invasive, trophic collapse or cascades, and the importance of systems interactions in keeping communities at a stable equilibrium. Meanwhile, Amanda is always meeting new people, James wants a reboot, and Curt messes up the simplest part of his job. Up-Goer F...2018-12-231h 09
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 151 - New Discoveries, Dickinsonia and SauropodomorphsThe gang discusses two papers that use new findings to upend some of our previous interpretations of fossil taxa. First, they talk about the new biogeochemical studies that suggest the odd disc-shaped Ediacaran organism, Dickinsonia, might be the first animal in our fossil record. Second, they talk about some new fossil interpretations that challenge our understanding about the evolution of sauropods (the big, long necked dinosaurs). Also, James discusses posture, Curt buries the dinosaur lede, and Amanda finds out she has things to say… later. Up-Goer Five (Curt Edition): The friends get together to...2018-12-0957 min
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 150 - Podcasting About the Big BoysThe gang gets together to discuss two papers that are sort of… kind of… very loosely held together by… size? First, they discuss a paper looking at size biases in our current biodiversity crisis and comparing it to our past extinction events. Is the present the same as the past? Second, they discuss a paper that looks at the evolution of whales and asks whether there were long term evolutionary trade-offs associated with growing massive in size. Meanwhile, James slowly freezes to death, Amanda becomes “Memento”, and Curt basically messes everything up. So, a typical podcast I suppose. HAPPY SESQUICENT...2018-11-251h 16
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 148 - Pterosaur PelvisesThe gang discusses two papers that use the pelvis and spine material from pterosaur fossils to infer locomotion of these extinct flying archosaurs, Specifically, we talk about how muscle attachment structures as well as channels within the bones can be used to infer the mobility of ancient animals. Also, Amanda tries to resist talking about food, James makes boner jokes, and Curt ends up writing odd crossover fan-fiction. Up-Goer Five (James “Oh God I Need an Adult” Edition): The group look at two papers that are studying the dead animals that can fly but d...2018-10-281h 11
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 147 - Otters and Sharks and Wolves Oh MyThe gang returns to one of their favorite pet topics, food! This week, we discuss two papers that investigate what different animals are eating. Specifically, we focus on a paper that uses fossil data to infer the feeding strategies of extinct giant otters, and another paper that seeks to answer the question of whether or not modern bonnethead sharks are omnivorous. Also, Amanda finds her spirit anime character, James workshops new ideas for the podcast at the worst possible time, Curt leads us on a strange aside about bears and wolves, and we all work together to invent the...2018-10-141h 19
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss Night in the WoodsThe Junk Drawer returns after a long hiatus. For this October, James and Curt have a long (slightly drunken and rambling) discussion about the game Night in the Woods. Night in the Woods is an amazing story based game with light platforming and puzzle elements. It’s simultaneously a slice of life simulator of small town Appalachia, a satire of American socio-economic policies, and a good old fashioned horror story! This was initially recorded close to the release of Night in the Woods, so we hope you enjoy some immediate first reactions to a game with some su...2018-10-111h 49
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 146 - Not All Insects Are in AmberThe gang discusses two papers that look at our amazing fossil insect record. One of these studies looks at preserved fly pupae and shows some unexpected evidence of parasitism. The other study tries to understand the properties of tree sap that allows amber to preserve such amazingly detailed fossil insects. Meanwhile, Amanda has a weather catastrophe, Curt can do better, and James is a dream warrior. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about very small things with six legs that are often hard to find after they die. These very small th...2018-09-301h 20
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 145 - Bones and Hard PartsThe gang discusses two papers that deal with the origins of biomineralization (how living things make hard minerals to serve as skeletal structures). Specifically, we look at one paper focused on the origins of bone and a second paper focusing on some of the first instances of biomineralization in the fossil record. Also, Curt keeps a promise, James knows how to make a good impression on the neighborhood, and Amanda gets blamed for the actions of her cats. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about things that have hard parts before th...2018-09-161h 15
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 144 - Return to the SeaThe gang discusses two papers that investigate the ways that tetrapods return to the sea. It's another opportunity for Amanda talk at length about her favorite topic, CONVERGENCE. Meanwhile, James has ideas about "moral fortitude", Curt makes slightly off references to 80s films, Amanda exercises her desire to be deadly, and Mr. Jowls has some opinions that need to be heard. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about animals with four feet that go back to the water. This is just a reason for our friends to talk about why some an...2018-09-021h 16
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 143 - Squamate TalkWell, it has finally come to this. After almost 150 episodes under our belts, we've finally produced a podcast where almost no one read any of the papers. This episode was supposed to be about squamate (lizards and snakes) evolution. In particular, we were supposed to look at two papers that tried to determine when squamates must have first diversified. And... we kind of accomplish that. Meanwhile, James shares his weak points, Amanda demonstrates a super power, and Curt laments falling asleep on the couch being the only person to read these papers. We swear the next one will be b...2018-08-1953 min
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 142 - The LDGThe gang discusses two papers that look at the origins of the latitudinal diversity gradient, the tendency for higher species diversity in the tropics and lower diversity closer to the poles. Specifically, these studies use comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of modern taxa to try and determine if the current diversity gradient is caused by increased speciation or decreased extinction at the equator. Meanwhile, Amanda shares diseases with her cat, James decides to "treat" himself to a Lime-A-Rita, and Curt just re-enacts scenes from other media. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two p...2018-08-051h 18
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 141 - Save the WeaselsThe gang discusses two papers that look at the effects of climate change on cold adapted species, as well as the possibility of evolutionary rescue as a means of preserving this biodiversity. Also, it gives them all a great excuse to just talk about weasels (and somehow badgers as well). Meanwhile, Curt invents alternative Nintendo canon, James wants a giant robot spider body, and Amanda invents personalities for pictures of weasels. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about how when things get warm it is bad for lots of things that liv...2018-07-221h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 139 - Whales and Birds SuckThe gang discusses two papers on suction feeding among tetrapods, the process by which animals take in water to pull food into their mouths. Specifically they look at two papers showing suction feeding strategies in fossil whales and in modern auks. Meanwhile, Amanda finds new ways to become ill, James finds new things to get angry about, and Curt makes new, very unfortunate deviant art searches. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group look at two papers that deal with animals that suck. The first paper is looking at how animals with hair that li...2018-06-241h 02
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 137 - Sloth vs SlothThe gang discuss several papers that detail the changes necessary for a terrestrial tetrapod to transition into aquatic marine lifestyle. They focus on two examples, fossil sloths and fossil crocodyliforms. Also, James discusses some unconventional forms of hydraulic fracking, Curt imagines the sloth action film, Amanda details her plans to get "swole", and everyone has a lively "debate" on the correct pronunciation of the word sloth. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This week the group look at two studies of groups of animals that have moved into the big water that is full of lit...2018-05-271h 49
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 134 - Training Fish in the Hyperbolic Time ChamberThe gang discusses two papers that look how the environmental stresses caused from warming temperatures can affect fish. Specifically, we look at a paleontological study focusing on the Permian and Late-Triassic extinctions (often considered to be runaway greenhouse scenarios) as well as a modern study looking at the impact modern global climate change might have on goby fishes. Also, James offers to train Amanda, Curt starts a brand new business venture, and Amanda decides to pump pure sugar into her veins. Also, apologies for the fact that James has finally finished Dragon Ball Z and naturally keeps finding patterns.2018-04-151h 23
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 131 - Would Sauropod Ribs Be Tasty?The gang discusses two papers that look at the complex evolutionary history of sauropod dinosaurs. In particular, these papers try to determine how sauropods geography might have affected their evolutionary history. Also, James learns some valuable lessons about hot tub safety, Curt mindlessly quotes Futurama, Amanda discusses the surprising skills of her cats, and everyone has a deeply disturbing realization about the Flintstones. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This week the group looks at two papers that focus on big stupid angry animals with no hair. Both papers are looking at the type of big...2018-03-041h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 123 - Periodicity of ExtinctionThe gang discusses two papers with differing opinions about whether or not extinction events in the fossil record follow a periodic pattern. Also, James is dealing with very reputable people, Curt forces people to talk about things they don't care about, and Amanda becomes VERY interested in energy conservation. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This week the group looks at two papers seeing if really bad times when lots of things died happen on a time table or if really bad times when lots of things died do not run on time and came com...2017-11-121h 49
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 121 - Reconstructing the NicheThe gang discusses two papers that use fossil evidence to determine the past ecology and niche-space of past organisms, specifically dodos and hyenas. How can we use information from bones to interpret diet, life cycle, and behaviors of long dead animals? Also, James decides to start Skynet on the grounds that they will let him become a weather controlling tiger-bot, while Amanda and Curt draw hard lines in the sand about Don Bluth cartoons. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that are interested in seeing how things lived. The fir...2017-10-151h 28
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 119 - Dimorphic DinosaursThe gang discusses two papers that look at the complex issues surrounding the identification of sexual dimorphism in archosaurs (e.g. birds, dinosaurs, and alligators/crocodiles). Meanwhile, James has very strong opinions about Fat Tire beer, Amanda becomes lost in independent research, and Curt accidentally tears the podcast apart. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that want to see whether animals that lived a long time ago are boys or girls. The first paper is looking at lots of small animals that could fly and had hard mouths. We f...2017-09-171h 10
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 118 - Dealing with ProblematicaThe gang discuss two papers that attempt to resolve the taxonomic placement of animals with complex or confusing morphologies. Also, they somehow go off on a tangent about careers in academia, publish or perish, and the various lengths people can go to try and maximize their research output. Meanwhile, Amanda has some issues with her light sockets, James tries to pass off "facts"about rats, Curt makes references to 90's cartoons, and everyone greets our new guest, the "Pony". Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two studies where animals that were thou...2017-09-031h 24
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 117 - Hero Terrapins and Fighting FrogsThe gang discuss two papers that study how the geographic ranges of turtles and frogs changed through time, and how these changes affected their ecology and evolution. Also, James drinks what he presumes is ground horse, Curt goes full Ian Malcolm, Amanda shares life lessons about furniture, and everyone imagines what turtle they are. [Editor's note: The actual science starts about 13 minutes in, I just didn't have the heart to cut it down.] Up-Goer Five (Amanda and James Edition): Today our friends talk about animals with hard backs and no hair, and also anim...2017-08-201h 50
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 116 - Changing Relationships; Dinosaurs and MarsupialsThe gang discuss two papers that offer new evidence which re-contextualizes our understanding of the evolutionary history of two important Mesozoic groups, dinosaurs and marsupials. Meanwhile, Amanda comes up with a terrible/great new idea for liquor consumption, Curt consistently offers bad advice to his friends, and James cracks open a bottle of sangria and then everything gets a bit fuzzy. Can you guess that this was the fourth podcast recorded in a single week? Can you hear the life drain from James? (Editor's Note: The "science" starts 13 minutes in. Apologies, we will be better in the future. [Editor's E...2017-08-061h 26
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 115 - Amanda Now Wants Tiny Whales to be a ThingThe gang discuss two papers that discuss the methods we use to determine how different things are from each (i.e. disparity). In particular, do variations in parts of an animal give us a good sample of the morphological variability of the total animal? Meanwhile, Amanda wants a whale, James has strong opinions about vertebrae, and Curt tries to narrow in on what Amanda views as "cute". Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two studies that want to see if we can say how different animals are. There are many ways t...2017-07-231h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 114 - Trilobites; Mice of the PaleozoicThe gang discuss two papers that describe the life strategies of trilobites, a diverse and charismatic group of extinct arthropods. Specifically, they look at two papers that look at enrollment and movement of trilobites. Meanwhile, Amanda educates James on the nature of pain, James envisions Curt's inevitable end, and Curt invents a hockey/extinct arthropod family film. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that look at old animals with many legs that live in the bad drink water place and are made out of rock. These animals are all ov...2017-07-091h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 112 - How Specialized Are Specialists?The gang discuss two papers that use biogeochemical evidence to determine the diets of two specialist species. Just how restricted are the diets of these species? Meanwhile, Amanda finds a new pet she desperately needs, James copes with a changing environment, and Curt gives James some advice on social situations. If you want to support the podcast, you can go to www.patreon.com/palaeoafterdark to find out more. Up-Goer Five (Amanda Edition): Today our friends talk about animals that can only do one thing or animals that can do many thi...2017-06-111h 19
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 109 - Dead Squids and GraptolitesIn this episode, the gang discusses two papers that use modern decay experiments to determine how decay can affect our understanding of the evolution of two groups, Coleoidea and Graptolithina. Are there certain structures or behaviors that make these animals more or less likely to be preserved in the fossil record? Also, the gang faces the existential void, James offers a gift, and Amanda learns something interesting about the greatest animals on the planet. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): This time, the group talks about what happens to things after they die. They look at studies t...2017-04-301h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 107 - A Very Fishy PodcastThe gang talks about two papers that detail the ecology and evolution of some early fishy vertebrates. Can we tell what early coelacanth fish might have eaten? What evolutionary changes occurred when early tetrapods started making their way onto land? Is there an evolutionary trend towards kawaii? All this and less will be discussed. Oh, and James has made some interesting discoveries about The Legend of Zelda. Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group looks at two papers that are to do with animals with no legs that live in water although in...2017-04-021h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 105 - We'll Meet AgainThe gang discusses extinction rates to determine if we are in a sixth mass extinction (spoilers we very much are). Also, Curt decides to refocus the podcast, Amanda describes a disturbing tale of assault with deadly pastry, and James has some quasi-legal ideas of branding. Up-Goer Five Summary (James and Amanda Edition): Today our three friends talk about how fast things die. Sometimes things die fast, and sometimes things die slowly. Most of the time things die slowly, but when things die fast, it is very bad. Bad things happen when everything dies fast. Right n...2017-03-051h 24
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 94 - GSA 2016; We Don't Actually Have a FridgeIt's that time of year again as James and Curt travel to Denver and see the cool, new, interesting paleo research that's going on at the Geological Society of America Meeting 2016. This year they're joined by friend of the podcast Brendan Anderson, as well as ammonoid worker Carine Kline, evolutionary biology April Wright, and a very exuberant and somewhat inebriated David Bapst. Day 1 with James and Curt: 0:00:00 - 1:17:30. Day 2 with James, Curt, Brendan, and Carine: 1:17:30- 2:47:55 Day 3 with James, Curt, and Brendan: 2:47:55-3:31:17 Day 4 with James, Curt, Brendan, April, and David: 3:31:17-5...2016-10-025h 21
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 87 - Leaving a Mark; Trace Fossil Changes Through TimeEverybody is back in the same zip code for an extra special episode focusing on fish faces and evolving trace fossils through time. Also, James enjoys the perks of podcasting in person, Amanda decides to be as general as possible, and Curt decides to aggressively Godwin's Law the podcast. Also, the gang invents a mixed drink on air and then things get.... weird. This episode is pretty much all over the place. "The Ichnofacies": 1 part Dark Spiced Rum, 1 part agave syrup, served over ice "Hyperfun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Att...2016-06-261h 24
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 83 - Dead End Conversations; The Evolutionary Impact of Ecological SpecializationIn this episode, the gang
discusses two papers about the long term macroevolutionary effects
of ecological specialization. Is specialization on a specific
ecology an evolutionary dead end? The gang attempts to answer that
question, but they keep getting distracted. Also, James shares life
experiences, Amanda imagines a nightmarish future for James, and
Curt workshops the plot of a new epic animated experience.
References:
Day, Emma H., Xia Hua, and Lindell Bromham. "Is specialization
an evolutionary dead end? Testing for differences in speciation,
extinction and trait transition rates across diverse phylogenies of
specialists and generalists." Journal o...2016-05-011h 38
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 76 - In Which James and Amanda are Slightly too Inebriated to Discuss Mesozoic FossilsIn this episode we discuss a grab bag of Mesozoic papers, ranging from potential dinosaur mating dances to large-eyed mosasaurs. And after a fairly sober month, Amanda and James dive headfirst into the highest alcohol content beer they have with expected disastrous results. Come and join us as Amanda tries her hand at ASMR, James uncovers a plot to destroy him, and Curt enjoys being the most sober person in the room. Also we keep talking about The Thing for some reason...
References
Lockley, Martin G., et al. "Theropod courtship: large scale physical evidence of d...2016-01-241h 18
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 74 - Early Tetrapods AwakenIn this episode, we discuss two papers about early tetrapods/tetrapodomorph taxa, Tiktaalik and Ichthyostega, and what new findings suggest about their locomotion. Also, Curt makes a suspicious delivery, and James desperately tries to feed Amanda "spoilers" for the new Star Wars. EDITOR'S NOTE: While I cannot confirm that any of James's spoilers are indeed accurate, they seem highly unlikely to be true (although if they are true, then the film they suggest is AMAZING).
Up goer five simple text summary:
The group takes time out from a time when not much is meant to happ...2015-12-2753 min
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 73 - Sincere Apologies to All Ammonite WorkersIn this episode, we discuss two papers that describe ammonite feeding habits. Meanwhile, Amanda gets into a boxing match, Curt is introduced to Moon Moon, and James is completely derailed by an animal.... again. Also, James invents a completely ridiculous life strategy for ammonites (34 :30) that Curt is just drunk enough to truly appreciate.
Simple text summary
The groups looks at two papers to find out what old animals with many arms and a hard house that they moved about the water in ate. The first paper studies old animals that have been looked at with a co...2015-12-131h 18
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 72 - Converging on a TopicFresh off of GSA, the gang gets together to discuss a quick paper about the extent to which adaptation can overprint historical signal in evolution. Afterwards, James and Curt update Amanda with the highlights of GSA. Meanwhile, Curt explains quarter based economics, James hosts a quiz show, and Amanda is delighted by a paper.
"Your Call" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
References:
Ord, Terry J., and Thomas C. Summers. "Repeated evolution and the impact of evolutionary history on adaptation." BMC evolutionary biolo...2015-11-291h 13
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerPalaeo Film Club presents "Carnosaur 2"James Lamsdell, Amanda Falk, and Curtis Congreve discuss the 1995 Roger Corman horror film "Carnosaur 2". Dinosaurs have been let loose in a government nuclear facility and only a rag tag PMC can stop them.... for reasons. And the plot has nothing at all in common with a certain James Cameron movie.... nothing at all.
Audio Sync: Start playing the commentary track as soon the text "Roger Corman Presents" appears on the screen.
Music: "Tuning Up" by The Phreezound Orchestra. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.2015-11-181h 22
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 71 - GSA 2015It's that time of year again, so James and Curt bring you day by day coverage of the 2015 Geological Society of America meeting, joined by friends Brendan Anderson and Tory McCoy. So join us for an ethically compromised good time as they discuss the fascinating work of strangers, friends, and themselves.
Day 1: James and Curtis
Day 2: James, Curtis, and Brendan starts at 0:50.40
Day 3: James, Curtis, Brendan, and Tory starts at 2:03.22.2015-11-153h 08
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerPalaeo Film Club presents "Evolution"James Lamsdell, Amanda Falk, and Curtis Congreve discuss the 2001 Ivan Reitman film "Evolution". A mysterious asteroid collides with the Earth bringing with it a bizarre new alien species that soon begins to diversify and reproduce, and apparently only a rag-tag team led by Not-Fox-Mulder can save the planet.
Audio Sync: Start playing the commentary track as soon as the yellow sun on the Montecito Pictures logo appears.
Music: "Tuning Up" by The Phreezound Orchestra. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.2015-10-211h 41
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 61 - Frills and Horns; Ceratopsian ConvergenceThat gang discusses convergent evolution and potential sexual selection in the horns and frills of ceratopsian dinosaurs, which Amanda refers to as the "most American dinosaur". Also, Amanda defends a cause, James practices being a "tiger mom", and Curt drinks for two with disastrous but expected consequences.
Up-Goer Five podcast summary (using only the ten hundred most commonly used English words):
The group talks about big angry animals with no hair that have things coming out of their faces. There are two groups of big angry animals with no hair that have things coming out...2015-06-281h 25
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerPalaeo Film Club presents "DeepStar Six"James Lamsdell, Amanda Falk, and Curtis Congreve discuss the 1989 Sean S. Cunningham film, "DeepStar Six". An underwater Navy expedition awakens an ancient prehistoric arthropod immediately thirsts for blood. "DeepStar Six" is suspiciously similar to the five other films about dangerous underwater installations which all came out in 1989, except this one has a giant puppet monster "eurypterid".
Audio Sync: Start playing the commentary track as soon as the TriStar logo appears.
Music: "Tuning Up" by The Phreezound Orchestra. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.2015-06-171h 39
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerPalaeo Film Club presents "Amphibious"Our pilot commentary for Palaeo Film Club. Join Dave Marshall, James Lamsdell, and Angeline Catena as they discuss the creature feature "Amphibious". A marine biologist investigating primitive aquatic life finds more than she bargained for in a remote Sumatran lake, a giant CGI "eurypterid". Apologies for the audio quality, this was made in an impromptu meetup in Argentina.
Audio sync: Start playing the commentary and then wait for Dave to say press play on your DVD menu to sync audio to video.
Music: "Tuning Up" by The Phreezound Orchestra. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution Licen...2015-06-171h 24
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss "Furious 7"James and Curt conclude their discussion of the Fast and the Furious franchise with a look at the latest film. They also tie everything together by discussing the series as a whole and rank the films. 2015-06-031h 57
The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss "Fast and Furious 6"James and Curt struggle to follow the twists and turns in the next Fast and Furious caper, but not because the plot is complicated. Friendships are challenged, loyalties are tested, and some of these characters will not make it out alive.2015-05-271h 19The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss "Fast and Furious"Without warning, James and Curt find themselves unironically enjoying the Fast and the Furious franchise with the fourth film. The resulting whiplash destroys their fragile psyches.2015-05-131h 32The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss "The Fast and the Furious 3; Tokyo Drift"James and Curt continue their pilgrimage of watching 7 Fast and the Furious movies in 7 days with a screening of the third film “Tokyo Drift”, and find themselves wondering how the least entertaining film in the franchise can somehow be the most important.2015-05-061h 08
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 57 - Imperfect Wings, Conifers and Bat DinosIn this episode, the gang tries desperately to talk about a really interesting plant paper and fails miserably. Meanwhile, James stops caring, Amanda relishes in being right, and Curt really tries to keep this one together (he fails). Also, despite the podcast not being about it at all, James has to talk about the new gliding dinosaur.
References:
Stevenson, Robert A., Dennis Evangelista, and Cindy V. Looy. "When conifers took flight: a biomechanical evaluation of an imperfect evolutionary takeoff."Paleobiology 41.02 (2015): 205-225.
Hughes, Martin, Sylvain Gerber, and Matthew Albion Wills. "Clades reach hi...2015-05-031h 58The Palaeo After Dark Junk DrawerJames and Curt Discuss "The Fast and the Furious" 1 and 2James and Curt embark on a long journey of self-discovery in an attempt to understand why people love the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. In this episode they discuss their thoughts immediately after viewing the first two films of the series for the first time.2015-05-011h 29
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 56 - So the End Triassic Mass Extinction Event The gang attempts to discuss the Ringo Starr of mass extinctions, the End Triassic. And much like the actual extinction event, the discussion is long, broad, and not focused on any one thing in particular. Meanwhile, Amanda learns the joys of screen sharing, Curt makes some dubious shopping decisions, and James “wins” (play along at home and count how many times James “wins” the podcast).
References
Benton, Michael J. "More than one event in the late Triassic mass extinction."Nature 321.6073 (1986): 857-861.
Tanner, L. H., S. G. Lucas, and M. G. Chapman. "Assessing t...2015-04-191h 49
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 31 - Filling the BucketIn this episode, the gang has a conversation about the various factors affecting total global diversity and how these factors might affect patterns of radiations. Also, Amanda finds a new twitter handle, James drinks a few 11% alcohol beers, Curt details Winnie the Poo's crack addiction, and the whole podcast is routinely interrupted by random people showing up during the recording. Also, congrats to Dr. James Lamsdell for successfully defending his thesis.
References:
Rabosky, Daniel L. "Ecological limits and diversification rate: alternative paradigms to explain the variation in species richness among clades and regions." Eco...2014-05-041h 28
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 29 - Everything's Screwed; OR How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Mass ExtinctionsWith thesis defenses on the horizon, the group looks to a comforting and familiar topic to escape their morose nerves; mass extinctions. Specifically, they discuss two papers about patterns of survivorship across mass extinction events and use this as a springboard to talking about general macroevolutionary patterns. Also, James fires Curt, Amanda fires James, and Curt decides to host his own private podcast in the middle of the real podcast with special guest Amanda. SPOILERS for House of Cards in the first 30 seconds of the podcast.
References:
Jablonski, David. "Survival without recovery after m...2014-04-061h 35
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 27 - Ichthyosaur Birthday PartyIn celebration of the podcast’s one year anniversary, the gang decides to discuss two papers about live birth in the fossil record. At least.... that was the plan.... however the second paper proves to be far more problematic than the gang had bargained for. What started off as a simple, breezy pun takes a... darker turn. Isn’t that how all birthdays go, though?
Meanwhile, James discusses the importance of proper breeding in selecting your animal metaphors, Curt tells the apocryphal story of the podcast’s “history”, and the whole gang talks at length about the secret xen...2014-03-091h 47
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 23 - Pirates and VikingsIn this episode, it becomes painfully obvious that James has been escaping the terrible winter rain by playing a bunch of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag since he somehow manages to take a discussion on macroecological patterns of the tropics and turns it into a discussion on pirates. Also, Amanda forgets Billy Mays's name, Curt tortures James by describing scenes from Final Destination and the podcast stops dead when a bunch of cats decide to throw down. All in all, a pretty normal start to a new year.2014-01-121h 06
Palaeo After DarkPodcast 20 - Chasing the Red QueenIn this episode of Palaeo After Dark we discuss Van Valen's Red Queen Hypothesis, as well as recent reviews of the concept. Meanwhile, James freely partakes in historical revisionism to tell us his fictional accounts of the life of Lewis Carroll, Amanda briefly considers leaving the planet, and Curt finds a joke that is so played out he can't bring himself to say it... so James does!2013-12-011h 46