Shows
Paleo BitesShantungosaurus, the Lizard of the Shandong Province(image source: https://makerworld.com/en/models/767570-shantungosaurus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Shantungosaurus, a big big BIG duckbilled dinosaur, and in fact the biggest non-sauropod dinosaur ever! Then again, I’m the biggest guy named Matthew who’s written a book called Megazoic. Probably, anyways. From the Late Cretaceous, this 56-foot saurolophine hadrosaurid dealt with its own Chinese version of T. rex called Zhuchengtyrannus, making it a prequel of sorts to the T. rex and Edmontosaurus dynamic of North America. That’s what the best follow-up installments of classics do; take the or...
2025-07-0820 min
Paleo BitesUintatherium, the Beast of the Uinta Mountains(image source: https://www.thoughtco.com/uintatherium-profile-1093289) Merry Christmas! Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host and one of Santa’s elves Snowdrop Jimjam Jollypie discuss Uintatherium, a big hoofed mammal kind of like a rhino but with these weird antler-things on its head like a reindeer on crack. That’s the Christmas connection I’m making, anyway. From the Eocene epoch, this 14-foot dinoceratan stomped about merrily and crushed the skulls of predators much like a toddler crushing fallen Christmas tree ornaments… okay, that was a stretch. At least this once-more 100% improvised episode should go better for Matthew than the Hall...
2024-12-2424 min
Paleo BitesDiabloceratops, the Devil Horned Face(image source: https://www.deviantart.com/nagrandia/art/Diabloceratops-574079826)Happy Halloween! Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host/demon lord Morazmolochgallothagon discuss Diabloceratops, a dinosaur with literal devil horns and a ferocious attitude, making it a perfect new monster to enact further suffering upon Matthew’s soul. Mwuahaha. Wait, what? Who’s writing this?! From the Late Cretaceous, this 18-foot centrosaurine ceratopsian is another great addition to the spooky season themed episodes, especially ones that are once more 100% improvised such as this. For some reason these get a lot of downloads. Maybe it’s so people can laugh...
2024-10-2920 min
Paleo BitesAlpkarakush, of the Kyrgyz Mythical Bird(image source: Art by Joschua Knüppe) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Allen Brooks discuss Alpkarakush, a medium-sized predatory dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic at the geographic midpoint of its family. A lot of mid, this guy. Maybe he isn’t that great. He’s mid, this one. From the Mid Jurassic, this 23-foot metriacanthosaurid was very closely related to my boy Sinraptor, the star of Matthew’s Megazoic books, so it was actually quite awesome and we will accept no slander of it. Anything that brings my baby more in the public eye is a win i...
2024-10-2231 min
Paleo BitesFasolasuchus, the Crocodile of Tomas Fasola(image source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/triassic-bites-and-a-carnivore-conundrum) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O’Regan discuss Fasolasuchus, the biggest terrestrial non-dinosaur predator of all time. What a hyper-specific superlative. I bet I’m the biggest human named Matthew that wrote a dinosaur sci-fi series called Megazoic. Except probably not, there’s a lot of Matthews out there. From the Mid Triassic, this 35-foot rauisuchian got a big bit of cinema exposure as the climactic boss fight in the recent Adam Driver movie where he’s an alien who fights dinosaurs, which sounds like the most...
2024-04-1623 min
Paleo BitesConcavenator, the Humpbacked Hunter of Cuenca (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/concavenatorRM_2211.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Concavenator, a dinosaur with a raging stiffy on the wrong end, or a less obvious joke. From the Early Cretaceous, this 20 foot carcharodontosaurid had one of the most truly preposterous features of any dinosaur. Seriously, why did that pointy thing exist? And why is it at that part of the back? Is science playing a joke? Well, it's not funny! Unless it's literally a genital, in which case it's hilarious. Want to further support the show? Si...
2021-08-1727 min
Paleo BitesRapetosaurus, the Malagasy Giant Lizard (image source: https://www.deviantart.com/atrox1/art/Rapetosaurus-211286542) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Rapetosaurus, a longneck big enough to technically be impressive but not so large as to blow your mind into chunks or anything. From the Late Cretaceous, this 50-foot titanosaur was the largest dinosaur currently known from Madagascar, which is pretty neat I'd say. There should be bigger ones, though. I mean, I know it's a small island continent, but c'mon, evolution! Try harder! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for e...
2021-08-1024 min
Paleo BitesAndrewsarchus, the Leader of Andrews (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrewsarchus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Andrewsarchus, an enormous mammal that's gone through a lot of taxonomical shenanigans lately. From the Late Eocene, this 12-foot artiodactyl was once thought to be a giant dog-like predator with hooves, which is weird, but it turned out to be more a giant pig-like scavenger with hooves, which is less weird. Sometimes nature makes sense. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you ca...
2021-08-0319 min
Paleo BitesPyroraptor, the Fire Thief (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/830280881294883148/ by Jonathan Kuo) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host (and Matthew's nephew!) Jacob Poloskey discuss Pyroraptor, one of the first raptors known from Europe who also aided the titan Prometheus if its name is any indication. From the Late Cretaceous, this 5-foot dromaeosaurid shares its etymology with pyromaniac, which is cool I guess. Where's the Nymphoraptor or Kleptoraptor then? Wait, kleptomaniacs steal stuff, and raptor means "thief," so would Kleptoraptor mean "thief thief?" Huh, I forgot what I was talking about. Want to further support the show...
2021-07-2721 min
Paleo BitesColepiocephale, the Knuckle Head (image source: https://prehistopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Colepiocephale) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Colepiocephale, a dinosaur with an adorably G-rated insult in its genus because paleontologists are wholesome that way. From the Late Cretaceous, this 3-foot pachycephalosaur is probably just a few years away from Jack Horner declaring it a baby Pachycephalosaurus, therefore invalidating the Knuckle Head, the Dragon King of Hogwarts, and the Demon of River Styx all in one swoop. What a legacy, Horner. Nah, you've done good work. Want to further support the show? Sign up t...
2021-07-2025 min
Paleo BitesPliosaurus, Predator X (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Pliosaurus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Pliosaurus, a creature that garnered the nickname "Predator X" at one point because "Megabadassaurus" wasn't tryhard enough. From the Late Jurassic, this 40-foot short-necked plesiosaur actually literally means "More Lizard," perhaps due to it looking more like a lizard than Plesiosaurus, but I'm titling this episode after its cooler nickname because it will attract more listeners that way. We're nothing if not transparent here at Paleo Bites. Want to further support the show? Sign up to ou...
2021-07-1324 min
Paleo BitesMedusaceratops, the Gorgon Horned Face (image source: https://dinosaurpictures.org/Medusaceratops-pictures) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Medusaceratops, the dinosaur without snake hair or a petrifying gaze but with slightly droopy frill horns and that justifies its name I guess. From the Late Cretaceous, this 20-foot centrosaurine ceratopsid also has the species name lokii, because why have one mythological reference in your scientific name when you can have two? Take that, Sauroposeidon proteles! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can pur...
2021-07-0630 min
Paleo BitesAllosaurus, the Different Lizard (image source: https://www.scified.com/topic/49417) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Allosaurus, the most common predator of its day and a real piece of work too. From the Late Jurassic, this 35-foot theropod is quite cool but always seems to get overshadowed by T. rex. At least it's on top in Jurassic times! Unless you think Saurophaganax was a separate genus. Which I do. So sorry, Allosaurus. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can...
2021-06-2923 min
Paleo BitesBambiraptor, the Baby Thief (image source: https://dinosaurpictures.org/Bambiraptor-pictures) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Bambiraptor, the most adorable member of a family of ruthless cold-blooded monsters. From the Late Cretaceous, this 3-foot dromaeosaur theropod was small enough and had developed enough wing feathers that it might have been capable of flight. Because flying raptors are exactly what we needed. Imagine how much scarier Jurassic Park would be if those raptors flew! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you c...
2021-06-2226 min
Paleo BitesMasiakasaurus, the Vicious Lizard (image source: https://dinosaurpictures.org/Masiakasaurus-pictures) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Masiakasaurus, a serious contender for the dinosaur with the worst teeth. From the Late Cretaceous, this 14-foot noasaurid might have used its teeth for catching fish, small reptiles, and some have even suggested fruit. Because that kind of mouth is what I think of when I think frugivore. Maybe I'll take this guy to the smoothie shop with me on my next trip. Just kidding; I don't go to smoothie shops. Want to further support the show? Sign u...
2021-06-1520 min
Paleo BitesMuttaburrasaurus, the Muttaburra Lizard (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muttaburrasaurus by NobuTamura) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Muttaburrasaurus, a relative of Iguanodon from Australia before everything there was trying to kill you. From the Early Cretaceous, this 25-foot rhabdodontid may have migrated to Antarctica in the summer, because the two continents were linked back in Mesozoic times. The calm coldness of Antarctica balanced out the dangerous heat of the Outback. How romantic. They really should still be together; I wonder why it didn't work out? Want to further support the show? S...
2021-06-0820 min
Paleo BitesShastasaurus, the Mount Shasta Lizard (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/706009679067998263/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Shastasaurus, the biggest marine reptile and biggest non-whale animal of all time; jeez, who are you trying to impress? From the Late Triassic, this 70-foot ichthyosaur goes back and forth in being classified as either its own genus or a subspecies of Shonisaurus, but for now it's its own genus, until paleontologists get drunk and write a paper changing it again. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at P...
2021-06-0119 min
Paleo BitesOrkoraptor, the Toothed River Thief (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Orkoraptor_a0ab.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Orkoraptor, a dinosaur that has a fantasy race in its genus name and so Matthew managed to get a fantasy nerd to talk about it with him. From the Late Cretaceous, this 24-foot megaraptoran theropod has a confusing taxonomical mess of a history, having been classified before as a dromaeosaur, a tyrannosaur, and even a large compsognathid. Sheesh, scientists, form a conclusion already! Then again, I guess that's what science is. Want to further s...
2021-05-2521 min
Paleo BitesBullockornis, the Demon Duck of Doom (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Bullockornis) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Bullockornis, named after Australia's Bullock Creek but colloquially known as the Demon Duck of Doom. For real. I'm not making this up, even though it's totally on brand. From the Miocene epoch, this 8-foot-tall dromornithid was also known as the Thunder Duck, because one ostentatious nickname wasn't good enough for it I suppose. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can purchase M...
2021-05-1823 min
Paleo BitesSauropelta, the Lizard Shield (image source: https://dinosaurpictures.org/Sauropelta-pictures) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Sauropelta, the spiky armored one with spikes slightly spikier than the other spiky armored ones. From the Early Cretaceous, this 20-foot long nodosaurid would make a very unappetizing meal for any wandering T. rex... since by the time the rex evolved, Sauropelta had been extinct for forty million years, and no one wants to eat anything that old. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthe...
2021-05-1122 min
Paleo BitesDilophosaurus, the Two-Crested Lizard (image source: https://www.scified.com/topic/32736) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Dilophosaurus, the first dinosaur super-predator that got done real dirty by its single big movie appearance. From the Early Jurassic, this 19-foot theropod was so awesome that it didn't need any frills or poison spit; it could maim and brutalize with just grit alone! We salute you, Dilophosaurus, as one of the few dinosaurs who's real counterpart is cooler than the Hollywood version. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus co...
2021-05-0421 min
Paleo BitesVelociraptor, the Fast Thief (image source: https://myths-made-real.blogspot.com/2011/11/creature-feature-velociraptors.html) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Velociraptor, the scaly man-sized door-opening movie monster, except it was feathered, it was dog-sized, and there were no doors back then for it to open. From the Late Cretaceous, this 6-foot dromaeosaurid was actually relatively obscure in popular media until its big blockbuster appearance, and now people won't shut up about it. Seriously, it's not very scary! More like a six-foot turkey! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus c...
2021-04-2724 min
Paleo BitesMajungasaurus, the Mahajanga Lizard (image source: https://artbyphil.blogspot.com/2011/09/ifferocious.html) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Majungasaurus, a meat-eating dinosaur from Madagascar that's seriously unpleasant. From the Late Cretaceous, this 25-foot abelisaurid is one of the few dinosaurs with direct evidence of cannibalism, which means this thing is just as ugly on the inside as it is on the outside. Eeesh. This might be a hot take, but I'm glad this thing's dead. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purc...
2021-04-2020 min
Paleo BitesLeedsichthys, the Fish of Leeds (image source: https://prehistoricearthblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/leedsichthys/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Leedsichthys, a really, really big fish, and that pretty much sums it up. From the Late Jurassic, this 59-foot fish is like, a really big fish. Seriously, imagine a big fish; Leedsichthys is even bigger than that. Whoa! Hey, didn't Tim Burton make a movie about this creature? Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here...
2021-04-1321 min
Paleo BitesStruthiomimus, the Ostrich Mimic (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struthiomimus#/media/File:Struthiomimus_BW.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Struthiomimus, the dinosaur with a lot of skulls found due to them sticking their heads in the sand and dying... okay, that's not true, but whatever. From the Late Cretaceous, this 15-foot ornithomimid isn't as famous as it's cousin Gallimimus due to the latter having a big movie appearance in Jurassic Park, but eh, the acting life's not for everyone. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon fo...
2021-04-0620 min
Paleo BitesDenversaurus, the Denver Lizard (image source: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/vP31a) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Denversaurus, the official sponsor dino of the mile-high city when the Rockies baseball team isn't shoving their stupid Triceratops down our throats. From the Late Cretaceous, this 20-foot nodosaurid peacefully browsed the low-lying trees while trying not to get eaten by Tyrannosaurus and the like. We've all been there, haven't we? Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazo...
2021-03-3023 min
Paleo BitesArgentavis, the Argentine Bird (image source: http://aikavaellus.fi/en/timeline/6ma/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Argentavis, the biggest flying bird of all time, unless you think pterosaurs are birds, which if you do, you dumb. From the Late Miocene, this 23-foot-wingspan condor soared across prehistoric Patagonia and terrorized baby ground sloths and hoofed mammals. What a bully. Someone should really do something about this thing! Oh wait, it's extinct. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's di...
2021-03-2329 min
Paleo BitesRegaliceratops, the Royal Horned Face (image source: http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/science-regaliceratops-peterhewsi-02879.html) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Regaliceratops, a horned dinosaur with a very regal-looking frill, almost like it's in the name or something. From the Late Cretaceous, this 17-foot dinosaur hosted elegant garden parties and supported the troops while also being hunted by dinosaurs like Albertosaurus. How dare they disrespect royalty like that?! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by cli...
2021-03-1620 min
Paleo BitesIchthyosaurus, the Fish Lizard (image source: https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/dinosaurs-and-prehistoric-life/prehistoric-reptiles/ichthyosaurus/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Ichthyosaurus, the reptile trying to be a dolphin trying to be a fish; sheesh, pick a career path already. From the Early Jurassic, this 10-foot marine reptile dominated the early Mesozoic seas only to be replaced by more efficient creatures later on like the mosasaurs. You had your fifteen minutes of fame, Ichthyosaurus, but the real world comes knocking for us all. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for e...
2021-03-0922 min
Paleo BitesBeelzebufo, the Devil Frog (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebufo by Nobu Tamura) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Beelzebufo, a giant frog that preyed on baby dinosaurs, which is pretty messed up if you ask me. From the Late Cretaceous, this 1-foot amphibian terrorized the swamps of Madagascar more than any fossa ever did, or any lemur with a semi-automatic rifle. What documentaries am I watching again? Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Meg...
2021-03-0225 min
Paleo BitesDinornis, the Giant Moa (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Island_giant_moa) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Dinornis, a giant bird from New Zealand that could probably kick your stomach right out of your mouth like a rugby ball. From the Early Holocene, this 12-foot-tall ratite has the honor of being the most recent creature on this show, having been hunted to extinction only six hundred years ago. Yay, humans? God, we suck. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you...
2021-02-2322 min
Paleo BitesLivyatan, the Leviathan (image source: https://i.imgur.com/04g1MHn.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Livyatan, the monster whale eighteenth-century sailors all feared despite it living millions of years ago and only being described in the 2010s. From the Late Miocene, this 60-foot cetacean ate other large whales for breakfast and was a direct rival of the monster shark C. megalodon. What a terrifying ocean. Let's never time-travel there. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Dona...
2021-02-1621 min
Paleo BitesPachyrhinosaurus, the Thick-Nosed Lizard (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/295337688043705239/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Pachyrhinosaurus, a horned dinosaur without a horn that lived up in the cold north. From the Late Cretaceous, this 25-foot ceratopsian had a nose not unlike your Uncle Earl and possibly a feathery coat not unlike your Aunt Edna. Possibly. The feather thing, not the aunt thing. You definitely have an aunt that wears feathery coats. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Dona...
2021-02-0927 min
Paleo BitesGasosaurus, the Gasoline Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/gasosaurus_b605.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Gasosaurus, a poor schmuck of a dinosaur stuck with a name that'll make third-graders snicker the world over. From the Mid Jurassic, this 12-foot theropod has an unclear placement in the meat-eating dinosaur tree; it could be a carnosaur, a coelurasaur, a metriacanthosaur, or maybe an ancestor of all of them. Sounds lot a load of hot air. (snicker) Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also...
2021-02-0219 min
Paleo BitesLUCA, the Last Universal Common Ancestor (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/793970609285301591/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Jennifer Grossman discuss LUCA, the most recent organism from which all others on Earth have a common descent, which is pretty out-there. From the Precambrian era, this single-celled organism had nothing noteworthy about it whatsoever other than all its descendants, so have hope, all you losers! You might not be special, but your great-grandkids could be! Emphasis on "could." Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Do...
2021-01-2625 min
Paleo BitesMesohippus, the Middle Horse (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesohippus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Mesohippus, an early form of horse that's just a pink recolor and tramp-stamp away from being on a little girls' merchandise-based cartoon show. From the Eocene epoch, this 2-foot-tall horse wasn't quite Eohippus the early horse, nor like modern late horses, but just in the middle. A middle horse, if you will. Hey, I get it now! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purc...
2021-01-1920 min
Paleo BitesLiopleurodon, the Smooth-Sided Tooth (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liopleurodon by DiGbd) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Liopleurodon, an infamous sea monster whose size was heavily exaggerated by a certain British documentary, to the disappointment of kaiju fans everywhere. From the Late Jurassic, this 28-foot pliosaurid was still the top predator in its oceanic environment, but that can only offset so much of an overall letdown. Sure, it was big, but I want bigger! BIGGER!!! Eh, whatever. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus co...
2021-01-1223 min
Paleo BitesIrritator, the Irritating One (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Irritator-Andrey-Atuchin_efcd.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Irritator, a dinosaur with a hilarious name and a not-so-hilarious backstory on how it got it. From the Early Cretaceous, this 25-foot spinosaurid shares a kindred spirit with little brothers everywhere, or at least this particular little brother. I have three older sisters, okay? They can all verify just how irritating I was. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's din...
2021-01-0520 min
Paleo BitesAquilops, the Eagle Face (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilops by Nobu Tamura) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Eilert discuss Aquilops, an absolutely adorable little critter and one of the best candidates for a dinosaur that would make a great pet. From the Mid Cretaceous, this 2-foot ceratopsian was a transitionary fossil between the more basal members of its family like Psittacosaurus and the slightly more derived members like Protoceratops. But I guess that's just how evolution works, I suppose. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonu...
2020-12-2925 min
Paleo BitesStyracosaurus, the Spiked Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Styracosaurus0001_0e99.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Styracosaurus, a dinosaur who spikes unsuspecting predators just as people at New Year's Eve parties spike unsuspecting drinks. From the Late Cretaceous, this 18-foot centrosaurine ceratopsian was the most famous horned dinosaur other than Triceratops, which is a good place to be. It's always good to have that one friend to count on when the more popular one isn't available. I would know. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for ex...
2020-12-2225 min
Paleo BitesAmphicoelias, the One Hollow on Both Sides (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Amphicoelias_3a81.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Amphicoelias, a dinosaur once thought to have reached absolutely godly sizes but then science had to be all lame and progress. From the Late Jurassic, this 90-foot diplodocid sauropod is the biggest anticlimax in paleontological history, having been downgraded from a nigh-mythical titan to a large-ish commonfolk. Wah-waaah. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by...
2020-12-1519 min
Paleo BitesGigantopithecus, the Giant Ape (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigantopithecus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Gigantopithecus, the closest nature has come to King Kong. From the Late Pleistocene, this 12-foot-tall ape lived in the few jungles that weathered the dry Ice Age climate and tore people's arms off if they beat them at space chess. Oh wait, that's Chewbacca. My mistake. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its...
2020-12-0818 min
Paleo BitesZby, of Georges Zbyszewski (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/744642119611063504/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Zby, a longneck dinosaur with a name so unfathomably silly there's no way in hell it should be real. From the Late Jurassic, this 59-foot turiasaurian sauropod roamed in great herds across the Portuguese coastline... sorry, I can't help but snicker. "A herd of Zby roams across the coastline." Try hearing Kenneth Branagh say that in a documentary! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purcha...
2020-12-0120 min
Paleo BitesNuralagus rex, the Rabbit King (image source: https://www.deviantart.com/sanciusart/art/Nuralagus-rex-recon-808748972) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Eilert discuss Nuralagus rex, a large relative of rabbits that's maybe overcompensating a bit by having rex as a species name. From the Pliocene epoch, this 3-foot lagomorph lived on a remote island in the Mediterranean where it promptly became an evolutionary dead-end and went extinct as soon as there were any changes to its ecosystem. Lame. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matth...
2020-11-2419 min
Paleo BitesAtrociraptor, the Savage Thief (image source: https://www.deviantart.com/hamish1512201/art/Atrociraptor-Marshalli-842072048) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Atrociraptor, a genus name so edgy that Shadow the Hedgehog would think it's too much. From the Late Cretaceous period, this 7-foot dromaeosaurid lasted until 67 million years ago, just before the big Cretaceous extinction event. It was so cool, it knew exactly when to leave. We should all aspire to be like Atrociraptor. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinos...
2020-11-1720 min
Paleo BitesPalaeoloxodon, the Ancient Cross Tooth (image source: https://ideas.fandom.com/wiki/Palaeoloxodon_recki_(SciiFii)) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Palaeoloxodon, a genus of elephant that had species ranging from the biggest land mammals of all time to miniature ones the size of large dogs. From the Late Pleistocene, this 3 to 18-foot-tall pachyderm was the closest real-life version of the mumakil from Lord of the Rings. In fact, Tolkien said in the original text that they were specifically the size of prehistoric elephants. He meant these. The big species, though, not the dwarf variants. W...
2020-11-1027 min
Paleo BitesHallucigenia, the Dreamlike One (image source: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/934675/view/hallucigenia-sparsa-invertebrate-illustration) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Hallucigenia, the most WTF species ever featured on this podcast, and that's saying something. From the Mid Cambrian, this 1-inch invertebrate may have been a velvet worm, an early arthropod, or a more bygone creature, but one thing it certainly was is... actually, I have no idea. Seriously, what the hell is this thing?! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Don...
2020-11-0322 min
Paleo BitesLystrosaurus, the Shovel Lizard (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lystrosaurus_Assemblage_Zone) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Lystrosaurus, a derpy-looking thing that survived the biggest extinction of all time and at one point made up over half (!) of all life on Earth. From the Late Permian to the Early Triassic, this 4-foot synapsid was without doubt one of the most underrated badasses of all paleontology, which is really saying something, because look at this thing. It's so ugly. What is the secret to your power, Lystrosaurus?! Want to further support the sho...
2020-10-2721 min
Paleo BitesPlesiosaurus, the Near Lizard (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plesiosaurus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Eilert discuss Plesiosaurus, the famous four-flippered fellow that may or may not have surviving populations in a certain Scottish lake. From the Early Jurassic, this 12-foot sauropterygid had a unique method of swimming unseen in any modern creature. Unless, of course, the Scotland thing is true. Which it isn't. Or is it?! Nah, it isn't. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur boo...
2020-10-2020 min
Paleo BitesXunmenglong, the Swift Dragon (image source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/28/c_138590619.htm) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Xunmenglong, a tiny dinosaur from China and the last of our Paleo Bites X-Series. From the Early Cretaceous, this 1.5-foot compsognathid is not to be confused with the similarly-named Yunmenglong, a big longneck dinosaur from a similar time and place. That's just one letter away! Like, the next letter down alphabetically. Eh, whatever. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Don...
2020-10-1317 min
Paleo BitesXenoposeidon, the Strange Earthquake God (image source: https://cooldinofacts.fandom.com/wiki/Xenoposeidon) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Xenoposeidon for our Paleo Bites X-Series, a longneck that has bar none the coolest name of any dinosaur. From the Early Cretaceous, this 50-foot rebbachisaurid had its fossils first discovered in the late nineteenth century but it wasn't officially described until 2007! And I thought my procrastinating was bad. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clic...
2020-10-0625 min
Paleo BitesXibalbaonyx, the Claw of the Mayan Underworld (image source: https://www.careerride.com/mchoice/fossil-remains-of-xibalbaonyx-oviceps-a-prehistoric-giant-sloth-found-30773.aspx) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Xibalbaonyx for our Paleo Bites X-Series, a ground sloth first uncovered from an underwater cave in Mexico, which is pretty neat. From the Late Pleistocene, this 11-foot megalonychid was part of a group of sloths that island hopped all the way to North America even before it collided with its ancestral South America. Makes sense, as since they're sloths, the only way they could beat other animals anywhere is by cheating. Want to further support the...
2020-09-2923 min
Paleo BitesXuanhanosaurus, the Xuanhan Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/xuanhanosaurus_01_698f.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Eilert discuss Xuanhanosaurus for our Paleo Bites X-Series, a fierce predator from China that looks really cool when written out. From the Mid Jurassic period, this 16-foot metriacanthosaurid was briefly thought to be the only four-legged theropod in the fossil record, but that theory didn't last long because two-legged is way cooler and nature is all about being cool. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can...
2020-09-2230 min
Paleo BitesXiphactinus, the Sword Ray (image source: https://www.fossilera.com/pages/xiphactinus-terror-of-the-inland-seaway) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Xiphactinus for our Paleo Bites X-Series, a big and ugly fish that lived alongside mosasaurs. From the Late Cretaceous, this 21-foot predator is probably most famous for its "fish-within-a-fish" fossil, with a fish nearly half its size in its stomach. Not something I'd want to be known for, personally. I'm self-conscious enough about my diet as it is. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can...
2020-09-1521 min
Paleo BitesXenosmilus, the Alien Knife (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Xenosmilus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Franklin discuss Xenosmilus, the first in our X-Series on Paleo Bites where we rate creatures whose genus names begin with X. From the Late Pleistocene, this 6-foot saber-toothed cat prowled the jungles of southern USA with a pack of flying saucers at its back. Hey, it's called "alien knife," right? Give me this one. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Meg...
2020-09-0822 min
Paleo BitesAmphicyon, the Ambiguous Dog (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphicyon) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Laura Owsley discuss Amphicyon, an ancestor of both bears and dogs but more dog than bear, hence the nickname "bear-dog." From the Miocene epoch, this 8-foot carnivore was probably a really good boy and would make an excellent pet. Just think of how big his doghouse would be! Who's a good boy? Yes, you are, Amphicyon! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur boo...
2020-09-0125 min
Paleo BitesPrototaxites, the Early Yew (image source: https://www.allisleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Untitled-8.png) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Prototaxites, a funny-looking organism that formed forests before there were trees. From the Silurian period, this 26-foot-tall fungus was the subject of a great debate between two paleontologists trying to one-up each other about classifying it. You could almost say they were trying to see whose... Prototaxites was bigger? Yeah, that works. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinos...
2020-08-2517 min
Paleo BitesBrachiosaurus, the Arm Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/papo_brachiosaurus_2012_cf3f.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Brachiosaurus, a really big longneck that wowed audiences in 1993 as much as that really big spaceship wowed audiences in 1977. From the Late Jurassic, this 70-foot sauropod browsed from the tall trees and may or may not have had a little trunk. Just a random hypothesis. Makes more sense than the crest of Parasaurolophus being a snorkel. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you c...
2020-08-1826 min
Paleo BitesAnthropornis, the Man Bird (image source: http://animaladay.blogspot.com/2011/10/anthropornis.html) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Franklin discuss Anthropornis, the biggest penguin of all time with a snicker-inducing name. From the Mid Eocene, this 6-foot-tall bird patrolled the Antarctic waters of old and probably did a lot of cool stuff back in its time. Geddit, "cool," because it lived in Antarctica? I'm sure I'm the first person to ever make that joke. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dino...
2020-08-1117 min
Paleo BitesQuetzalcoatlus, of the Aztec Serpent God (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Quetzalcoatlus) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Quetzalcoatlus, the pterosaur that stood as tall as a giraffe when on the ground, which is freaking insane. From the Late Cretaceous, this 44-foot-wingspan azhdarchid could have flown for tens of thousands of miles and picked up small dinosaurs with its beak. Seriously, everything about this thing seems too big to be real. It shouldn't exist. I'm putting my foot down, prehistory! You've gone too far. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our P...
2020-08-0421 min
Paleo BitesStygimoloch, the River Demon of Styx (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/stygimolochspinifer_bd81.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Stygimoloch, the totally valid genus that paleontology will not take away from us no matter what all those pesky facts say. From the Late Cretaceous, this 13-foot pachycephalosaurid had big spikes on its head that apparently shrunk as it grew up, which makes no sense; you got that, Jack Horner?! Hoo boy, I really need to let this go. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Als...
2020-07-2820 min
Paleo BitesCastoroides, the Giant Beaver (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Castoroides) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Castoroides, the largest beaver of all time and thus the biggest source of "dam" jokes. From the Pleistocene Epoch, this 6-foot beaver had bigger hind feet and a smaller paddle-tail than modern beavers and also might not have built dams, but if they did, they would've been the biggest damn dams you've ever seen! If you thought that was a bad joke, wait 'til you hear the actual episode... Want to further support the show? Sign u...
2020-07-2124 min
Paleo BitesNinjadelphis, the Ninja Dolphin (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arktocara)* Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Franklin discuss Ninjadelphis, a river dolphin that's high in the rankings of coolest genus names ever. From the Miocene epoch, this 7-foot cetacean is such an elusive master of stealth there's hardly any information available on it. This picture isn't even a Ninjadelphis, but it's close relative Arktocara! Our mission is clear, people: we're gonna put this creature on the map. Unless it tries to assassinate us like its namesake. Want to further support the show? Sign up to...
2020-07-1418 min
Paleo BitesMosasaurus, the Meuse River Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Mosasaurus_b262.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Mosasaurus, the sea monster of yore that lurked at the edge of the map, so watch out, dinosaur sailors! From the Late Cretaceous, this 56-foot squamate was in the same order of reptiles as lizards and snakes, making it the closest real life version of a giant sea serpent. I wonder how Vikings would have fared against it? Poorly, very poorly I reckon. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for e...
2020-07-0729 min
Paleo BitesTitanoboa, the Titanic Boa (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Titanoboa) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Titanoboa, the snake with a really uncreative name that weighed as much as a car. From the Paleocene epoch, this 42-foot constrictor just missed out on dinosaurs, so all that fan art you've seen of it crushing a T. rex or whatever was total nonsense. It's a cool image though, so who cares really? Oh yeah, paleontologists. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can p...
2020-06-3021 min
Paleo BitesEdmontosaurus, the Edmonton Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Edmontosaurus_BW_0c44.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Edmontosaurus, the prime cannon fodder for T. rex attacks everywhere. From the Late Cretaceous, this 40-foot hadrosaur roamed in great herds across North America and had a hell of a complicated naming history. Ever heard of Anatotitan, or Anatosaurus, or Trachodon? All this guy. Get it together, paleontologists. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Am...
2020-06-2327 min
Paleo BitesSilvacola, the Tiny Forest Dweller (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Silvacola) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Franklin discuss Silvacola, the tiniest subject of the show so far, at least until we get around to discussing the first eukaryotic bacteria. From the Early Eocene, this 2-inch hedgehog lived in a great global rainforest and probably did absolutely nothing of note other than be cute. But that's all it needs! Just look at it, d'awww. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew...
2020-06-1621 min
Paleo BitesSmilodon, the Saber Tooth (image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/783556035155570299/) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Smilodon, the famous saber-toothed tiger, except it wasn't a tiger, but then again a starfish isn't a fish either, so it's all just semantics. From the Pleistocene epoch, this 7-foot cat prowled the prairies of both North and South America as a participant of the Great American Interchange, which sounds either like some boring financial conglomerate or something far dirtier. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, y...
2020-06-0924 min
Paleo BitesGigantspinosaurus, the Giant Spined Lizard (image source: https://image.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/gigantspinosaurus-3d-illustration-260nw-434607592.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Gigantspinosaurus, a dinosaur that unfortunately isn't an even bigger Spinosaurus like its name might suggest. From the Late Jurassic, this 14-foot stegosaurid browsed peacefully in the forests of prehistoric China while trying very hard not to get themselves stuck between two trees. Seriously, how big do those shoulder spikes really have to be? Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Mat...
2020-06-0221 min
Paleo BitesAlbertosaurus, the Alberta Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/300_lio_albertosaurus_df68.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Albertosaurus, the Canadian tyrannosaur with evidence of pack-hunting, which is pretty terrifying if you ask me. From the Late Cretaceous, this 32-foot theropod utterly demolishes the image of polite Canadian culture, unless those large, sharp teeth were meant for helping other dinosaurs open beer bottles. You can't rule it out! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "M...
2020-05-2627 min
Paleo BitesDunkleosteus, the Bone of Dunkle (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkleosteus#/media/File:Dunkleosteus_terrelli_-_MUSE.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Dunkleosteus, the literally boneheaded fish that haunted the nightmares of early sharks. From the Late Devonian, this 26-foot placoderm not only preyed on anything it could get its plated teeth on, but also might have been an early example of giving live birth. So that's weird. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content here. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur b...
2020-05-1921 min
Paleo BitesSauroniops, the Eye of Sauron (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/sauroniops_pachytholus_by_malvit-d5knpiu_778a.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Sauroniops, servant of Morgoth and conqueror of Middle-Earth, or at least the Middle Cretaceous. From the, well, Mid Cretaceous, this 42-foot carcharodontosaurid was the one lord of the rings, and he does not share power! Well actually, he did; he lived alongside other predators like Suchomimus and Spinosaurus, so there was plenty of predator power to go around. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bo...
2020-05-1224 min
Paleo BitesCanis dirus, the Dire Wolf (image source: https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dire_Wolf?file=Direwolf1.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Canis dirus, the giant wolf ridden by orcs if dorky fantasy stories are to be believed. From the Late Pleistocene, this 5-foot dog hunted mastodons and ground sloths while competing with saber-toothed cats for the rank of dominant predator. Because even in prehistoric times, cats and dogs are never friends. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here...
2020-05-0524 min
Paleo BitesVulcanodon, the Volcano Tooth (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/vulcanodonNT_249c.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Vulcanodon, the dinosaur representative of the United Federation of Planets if the name is any indication. From the Early Jurassic, this 21-foot sauropod was one of the earliest true sauropods and primarily worked in the science division of the U.S.S. Enterprise... sorry, I can't help the Star Trek jokes! Live long and prosper! Or be like dinosaurs and go extinct... and prosper. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon b...
2020-04-2818 min
Paleo BitesPurussaurus, the Purus River Lizard (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purussaurus#/media/File:Purussaurus_BW.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Allen Brooks discuss Purussaurus, a dino-sized croc living smack-dab in the middle of the Age of Mammals. From the Miocene epoch, this 40-foot caiman lurked in the rivers of South America, which makes it really tempting to jump in the ocean instead. Oh, whoops, this is also when C. megalodon lived. I guess it was just a bad time all around. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking he...
2020-04-2119 min
Paleo BitesDracorex, the Dragon King (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dracorex_BW.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lexi Ryan discuss Dracorex, the Dragon King of Hogwarts according to its full scientific name Dracorex hogwartsia, which is pretty damn nerdy. From the Late Cretaceous, this 12-foot herbivore was totally valid and not a young Pachycephalosaurus; you hear that, Jack Horner?! Huh? You're not taking away the Dragon King of Hogwarts, you hear?! Who needs science and evidence when you have a cool name like this? Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on...
2020-04-1426 min
Paleo BitesAnomalocaris, the Abnormal Shrimp(image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomalocaris#/media/File:Anomalocaris2019.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Anomalocaris, the first super-predator in Earth's history, albeit "super" only compared to everything else at the time. From the Early Cambrian, this 3-foot radiodont ate plenty of delicious things while simultaneously looking delicious itself. Seriously, imagine this thing fried and breaded and served with cocktail sauce! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" b...
2020-04-0717 min
Paleo BitesPachycephalosaurus, the Thick-Headed Lizard (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/pachycephalosaurus_l_c101.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Pachycephalosaurus, the cueball-headed lizard that had a thick skull and a bad attitude; cue the stock joke of comparing it to some people you know. From the Late Cretaceous, this 15-foot herbivore apparently grew up with big spikes around its head that it somehow lost as it matured, according to Jack Horner. But what does he know? More than us, probably. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking he...
2020-03-3121 min
Paleo BitesHelicoprion, the Spiral Saw (image source: https://www.newdinosaurs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/820_helicoprion_kezrek.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Allen Brooks discuss Helicoprion, the buzzsaw shark-like fish that's seriously metal. From the Early Permian, this 35-foot eugeneodontid sliced through fish and squids with the most hardcore set of pearly whites this side of... well, actual sharks. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era...
2020-03-2423 min
Paleo BitesSinraptor, the Chinese Thief(image source: https://pixels.com/featured/sinraptor...) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Ben O'Regan discuss Sinraptor, Matthew's favorite dinosaur for some reason and the star of his Megazoic books. From the Late Jurassic period, this 22-foot metriacanthosaurid was the most awesome dinosaur ever based on our completely objective and totally non-biased analysis. Sorry, but facts are facts. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "...
2020-03-1723 min
Paleo BitesPrionosuchus, the Sierra Crocodile (image source: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prionosuchus#/media/File:Prionosuchus_BW.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Prionosuchus, a big-ass amphibian that ate sharks. From the Early Permian, this 30-foot temnospondyl was an awesome mix of one of those giant super-crocs and a newt. Seriously, if a witch turned you into a newt like this, you'd never want to get better. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: Th...
2020-03-1022 min
Paleo BitesO. megalodon, the Giant Tooth(image source: https://cdnph.upi.com/svc/sv/i/361155...) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss C. megalodon, the super-shark star of B-movies everywhere. From the Early Miocene to the Late Pliocene, this 59-foot shark ate whales and terrorized beaches of old, except it was so big there's no way in hell it could get to the shallow waters of a beach. It's totally still alive today, though; I saw it in a YouTube video, so it has to be true! Want to further support the show? Sign up to our...
2020-03-0322 min
Paleo BitesUtahraptor, the Utah Thief(image source: https://www.deviantart.com/ewilloughb...) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Utahraptor, the feathered fiend from Wyoming we all love, or was that South Dakota? From the Early Cretaceous, this 22-foot dromaeosaurid prowled the Colorado swamps and forests, or was it Montana? Seriously, I have no idea where this thing comes from. Little help? Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its...
2020-02-2512 min
Paleo BitesJaekelopterus, the Wing of Jaekel (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaekelopterus#/media/File:Jaekelopterus_rhenaniae_reconstruction.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Allen Brooks discuss Jaekelopterus, the giant sea scorpion that might have been the largest arthropod ever, because that's exactly what the world needed. From the Early Devonian, this 10-foot eurypterid snipped at fish and other invertebrates while remaining safely confined in the realm of storybooks and horror movies and not real life. This didn't exist. It didn't. That's what my therapist told me! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on A...
2020-02-1818 min
Paleo BitesCryodrakon, the Cold Dragon (image source: http://cdn.sci-news.com/images/2019/09/image_7582_1-Cryodrakon-boreas.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Cryodrakon, the most Canadian pterosaur ever to Canada. From the Late Cretaceous, this 35-foot-wingspan azhdarchid pterosaur soared high above the woods while showing off the maple leaf pattern on its back like a true Canuck patriot. Or at least, that's what this paleoart would suggest. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones...
2020-02-1118 min
Paleo BitesParasaurolophus, the Near Lizard Crest (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Parasaurolophus014_4de9.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Parasaurolophus, probably the most famous dinosaur with a genus name six syllables or more. From the Late Cretaceous, this 30-foot hadrosaur made a lot of ruckus with its crest, riling up dinosaurs with loud noises and music beats. Such a party animal. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or i...
2020-02-0419 min
Paleo BitesEoraptor, the Dawn Thief (image source: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/dinosaurs/images/23911591/title/eoraptor-photo) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Eoraptor, the first dinosaur ever maybe, that was part theropod, part sauropod, part basal archosaur; you name it! From the Late Triassic, this 5-foot dinosaur was a tiny beast but an evolutionary giant. Also it ate bugs and plants. Not a specialist, but both. Seriously, just pick a diet. You can't have it both ways, Eo. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: Th...
2020-01-2817 min
Paleo BitesBrachytrachelopan, the Short-Necked Pan (image source: https://www.deviantart.com/unlobogris/art/Brachytrachelopan-mesai-23241795) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Brachytrachelopan, the "long"-neck dinosaur with severe anatomical inadequacy issues. From the Late Jurassic period, this 30-foot sauropod has such a short neck that the innuendos write themselves. Make sure this guy doesn't meet Mamenchisaurus, or he'll feel real insecure! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final...
2020-01-2119 min
Paleo BitesMammuthus, the Mammoth (image source: https://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/historyculture/images/WoollyMammoth_1.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Christina Eilert discuss Mammuthus, the proper genus name of the woolly mammoth. From the Late Pleistocene, this 12-foot-tall fuzzy elephant was the unofficial mascot of the Ice Age and survived beyond the construction of the Pyramids of Giza. For real. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its fina...
2020-01-1426 min
Paleo BitesDreadnoughtus, the One Who Fears Nothing(image source: http://images.dinosaurpictures.org/_a922.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Dreadnoughtus, the titanic lumberer that might have been the biggest dinosaur ever, but who knows really? From the Late Cretaceous, this 100-foot sauropod fear very little. In fact, getting it to dread would be for naught. Ohhhhh, Dreadnoughtus, I get it! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Meg...
2020-01-0717 min
Paleo BitesAmargasaurus, the La Amarga Lizard (image source: http://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Amargasaurus_PC_0445.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Allen Brooks discuss Amargasaurus, the spiky longneck that would be real fun at New Year's Eve parties. From the Early Cretaceous, this 35-foot sauropod was a real pain in the neck to predators...literally! That is, Amargasaurus's neck was literally a pain to predators. It makes sense. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clic...
2019-12-3119 min
Paleo BitesSantanaraptor, the Santana Thief (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/pcab011_santanaraptor_70b8.jpg) Merry Christmas! Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Santanaraptor, the primitive tyrannosaurid that's named after the Santana region in Brazil but has "Santa" at the beginning so we're doing it for the holidays. From the Early Cretaceous, this 4-foot theropod is sure to be a big help for the jolly ol' elf this season! Somehow. Who knows how. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking her...
2019-12-2423 min
Paleo BitesMegaloceros, the Giant Horn(image source: https://www.newdinosaurs.com/wp-conte...) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Megaloceros, the Ice Age reindeer on steroids. From the Late Pleistocene, this 12-foot deer was one of the most majestic creatures of its day, if you don't count the woolly mammoth, or the woolly rhino, or the cave bear, or the cave lion, or the cavemen. You know, the first modern humans. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's...
2019-12-1721 min
Paleo BitesNasutoceratops, the Big-Nose Horned Face (image source: https://images.dinosaurpictures.org/Nasutoceratops-titusi-splash-990x613_edab.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Nasutoceratops, the Triceratops relative with the horns of a bull, and that's no bull. Or another, better joke. From the Late Cretaceous period, this 15-foot ceratopsian rammed its way through the competition of its time, and that wuddn't no rodeo. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its fi...
2019-12-1020 min
Paleo BitesStegosaurus, the Roofed Lizard (image source: By Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com) - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19459399) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Stegosaurus, the famous spiked herbivore with giant things growing on its back, except not in the gross way. From the Late Jurassic, this 30-foot-long dinosaur sashayed its spikes and plates as it strutted across the fern prairies, while skewering the snot out of Allosaurus legs. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The P...
2019-12-0321 min
Paleo BitesArthropleura, the Jointed Ribs(image source: https://i.imgur.com/2ERyciu.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-hosts Christina Eilert and Jake Chapman discuss Arthropleura, the car-sized millipede that's all kinds of nope. From the Late Carboniferous, this 13-foot arthropod terrorized the coal swamps of old and the nightmares of new. Except it was an herbivore, so it didn't really terrorize the swamps, but definitely still the nightmares. Want to further support the show? Sign up to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/MatthewDonald. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on...
2019-11-2621 min
Paleo BitesGiganotosaurus, the Giant Southern Lizard(image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Giganotosaurus_BW.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Natasha Krech discuss Giganotosaurus, the meat-eater bigger than T. rex except maybe they were the same size except maybe Giganotosaurus was a little longer. From the Late Cretaceous, this 42-foot theropod terrorized the Argentinian wilds back in the day, possibly even eating the Argentinian dinosaur Argentinosaurus! Whoa, Argentina! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by c...
2019-11-1916 min
Paleo BitesApatosaurus, the Deceptive Lizard (image source: http://www.nenature.com/Dinosaurs/Apatosaurus.htm) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Lawrence Mack discuss Apatosaurus, the famous longneck martyr that tragically fought off the Sharptooth that one time. From the Late Jurassic, this 70-foot sauropod ate a lot of trees and caused a lot of drama during the great Bone Wars. Exciting stuff! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final inst...
2019-11-1120 min
Paleo BitesDimetrodon, the Two-Measured Tooth (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimetrodon#/media/File:Dimetrodon_milleri.jpg) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Dimetrodon, the non-dinosaur that's every kid's favorite dinosaur, but it's not a dinosaur. From the Early Permian, this 15-foot long synapsid is the coolest dinosaur ever! Except it's not a dinosaur. Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End"...
2019-11-1122 min
Paleo BitesAnkylosaurus, the Fused Lizard (image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ankylosaurus_dinosaur.png) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-hosts Christina Eilert and Jake Chapman discuss Ankylosaurus, the tank of the dinosaurs, except not, because it doesn't have a cannon. From the Late Cretaceous, this 26-foot long armored herbivore is sure to wallop you in the knees with entertainment and a big lump of bone and osteoderms at the end of its tail! Also, you can purchase Matthew Donald's dinosaur book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its...
2019-11-1126 min