It’s our final episode of 2025! Colton and Dr. Erich dive into the historical Welsh and Scottish roots of the legendary magician Merlin long before he became the all-powerful wizard known in movies and stories today. Plus, we also look at some archaeological discoveries about witches and vampires. Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

In this extra special bonus episode, Colton and Dr. Erich let loose and spin the legendary tale of Stone Age Santa...When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh—and eight enormous, hairy mastodons!?! Buckle up, folks, this is one super silly story, though Dr. Erich will still do his best to sneak in a little learning along the way. Now Fluffy! Now Tusk Nugget! Now Chonkus and Stunk! On Snorticus! On Fuzzykinds! On Flomp and Chunk! To the top of the hill—watch ou...

In this episode, we rummage through King Tutankhamun’s underwear drawer and tackle the eternal question: did he pack enough undies for the afterlife? Special thanks to Islam Shaheen, one of the amazing conservators of the King Tutankhamun collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, as well as Nagmeldeen Hamza. Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

In this episode, 8-year old Emelina asks if men were more important than women in the past, leading to an absolutely awesome discussion about how our own ideas, our own biases, and even the words that we use influence our understanding about the past. It's a discussion that touches on sexism and stereotypes and why empowering more women in science is essential for understanding a fuller, more accurate human story. Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

This week, we’re sharing Volume 2 of our super-awesome stories featured in our super-awesome episodes. Just like last time, we’ve included more interesting facts about the real-life scientific discoveries that inspired them. Stay tuned because brand-new episodes return next week! Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

By popular demand, here is volume 1 showcasing only the super-awesome stories featured in our super-awesome episodes. Plus, we also provide interesting facts about the real-life scientific discoveries that inspired the stories. Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

Join Dr. Erich, Colton, and Diana as they explore Gravettian hunter-gatherers who lived in the Czech Republic 30,000 years ago, plus learn how archaeologists uncover the invisible parts of the archaeological record—such as traces of bags, nets, and other perishable items that have long since decayed. Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

Who doesn't love a good ball game? Not the ancient Mayans, that's for sure! In this episode, Tyson, Colton, and Dr. Erich head 2,000 years into the past to explore the ancient Mayan ballgame called Pitz where players used their forearms, legs, and hips to hit a gigantic, solid rubber ball around a stone court. Seriously! These hips don't lie. Plus, we recount the amazing origin story of the K'iche' Maya, called Popul Vuh, and the ballgame that the Hero Twins played against the Lords of Xibalb...

Why does Earth experience ice ages? In this episode, Mikey, Colton, and Dr. Erich explore what causes seasons, how the changes in seasons are related to the way earth is hurtling through space around the sun, and how all of this influences paleoclimates, like the shifts between glacial and interglacial periods, and even human evolution. Phew! Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

Get ready for another amazing adventure as Xander, Colton, and Dr. Erich explore the lives of ancient Roman gladiators. Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind the stories and other exclusive content such as the 10-part series A Totally Ridiculous, Mostly Serious, Always Awesome Guide to Surviving the Ice Age (but also Zombies and the Weirdness of Life in General). There’...

In this episode, Dr. Erich and Colton explore why so many kids think history is boring with a capital B. Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind the stories and other exclusive content such as the 10-part series A Totally Ridiculous, Mostly Serious, Always Awesome Guide to Surviving the Ice Age (but also Zombies and the Weirdness of Life in General). There’s even a place whe...

In this episode, Dr. Erich and Colton travel to ancient Rome to talk about about their highly toxic cosmetics that everyone was just dying to use. Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind the stories and other exclusive content such as the 10-part series A Totally Ridiculous, Mostly Serious, Always Awesome Guide to Surviving the Ice Age (but also Zombies and the Weirdness of...

This is a special preview of the Episode 1 from the new 10-part series "A Totally Ridiculous, Mostly Serious, Always Awesome Guide to Surviving the Ice Age (but also Zombies and the Weirdness of Life in General)" that is available exclusively to members of the Before Us Kids Patreon (www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids). What are you waiting for? Check it out! There's tons of other really cool stuff too! Have a question or comment? Send us a message! Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Erich and Colton dive into a wild idea—bringing back the woolly mammoth! How are scientists doing it? Believe it or not…some scientists think it starts with woolly mice! Yep, you heard that right. WOOLLY MICE! Join us for a super fun and funny chat about some very fluffy science. You won’t want to miss this one! Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the ...

In this hair-larious episode, Dr. Erich chats with Jake and Colton all about red hair, genetics, and some super cool things we might’ve gotten from our ancient cousins—the Neanderthals! Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind the stories and other exclusive content such as the 10-part series A Totally Ridiculous, Mostly Serious, Always Awesome Guide to Surviving the I...

One thing that kids and archaeologists have in common is an interest in poop! In this episode, Dr. Erich talks to Caio, Florian, and Miles about why scientists are so interested in prehistoric poop and what it tells us about the lives of people who lived long ago. Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind the stories and other exclusive content such as the 10-part serie...

Imagine taking a walk...with Columbian mammoths, giant sloths, lions, sabre-tooth tigers, camels and loads of other animals? Sounds crazy, right! Yet it actually happened 20,000 years ago and in this episode Dr. Erich talk to Noah and Colton about some seriously cool discoveries at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. Want to learn more? Check out the Before Us Kids Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/BeforeUsKids) where we have bonus episodes that discuss the science behind th...