Skeptoid #1004: Dating the White Sands Footprints

Skeptoid

Brian Dunning

Skeptic, Social Sciences, Skepticism, Paranormal, Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, Science, History

4.6 • 3K Ratings

🗓️ 2 September 2025

⏱️ 20 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Ancient footprints in New Mexico are forcing scientists to rewrite the story of when humans first set foot in the Americas, and the debate is shaking paleoanthropology to its core.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Fossilized human footprints, uncovered in White Sands, New Mexico, have shaken the foundations
0:10.0	of paleoanthropology by suggesting humans were present in the Americas much earlier than all
0:17.0	the other lines of evidence indicate. It's time to challenge long-held migration timelines and see how new evidence can force a
0:25.7	dramatic revision of the peopling of the Americas.
0:30.2	That's coming up right now on Skeptoid.
0:35.9	Join us for an exclusive three-day exploration of historic Death Valley.
0:44.3	From October 21 to 24th, we'll take you from Las Vegas deep into the heart of this rugged, otherworldly landscape.
0:51.3	All transportation, lodging, and meals are included. Your guides will be
0:56.7	skeptoids Brian Dunning. Hey, I know that guy. He's me. And Death Valley expert, geologist Andrew Dunning.
1:03.5	Together, they'll lead you to world famous sites like Badwater Basin and the artist's palette,
1:08.1	plus hidden gems that you won't find in any guidebook.
1:12.4	This year's trip features all new destinations with minimal overlap from last year.
1:16.8	And here's a bonus, SkeptiCamp Las Vegas begins the same evening we return to Las Vegas.
1:22.2	Make it a two-for-one trip and stick around to hear me talk about my visit to Area 51.
1:27.4	Details at Skeptoid.com slash events.
1:30.9	Spots are very limited.
1:32.7	Secure yours today.
1:34.2	Email help at Skeptoid.com with questions
1:36.3	and join the conversation with fellow adventurers
1:38.7	at Skeptoid.com slash Discord.
1:42.2	Death Valley is calling.
1:44.1	Are you ready to answer? slash discord. Death Valley is calling.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Brian Dunning, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Brian Dunning and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.