Episode 7: Origins of Complex Societies

Episode 8: The Future of Technology

What will the world look like in 100 years? What about 1,000 or 1,000,000 years from now? While we can’t know the future, we can say with some certainty that technology will play a huge part in it. In this episode, historian David Christian and Kevin Kelly, futurist and Senior Maverick for Wired magazine, discuss why we need a healthy dose of optimism and imagination to envision the future of technology. Click here to learn more about Big History [https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD].

Episode 7: Origins of Complex Societies

We know a lot about early human societies, especially as they grew more complex and morphed into states, empires, and nations. But there’s a lot that we don’t know, such as why early humans began farming in different parts of the world around the same time, or why most early complex societies shared common characteristics. In this episode, historian David Christian and archaeologist Peter Bellwood discuss why humans migrated, farmed, and built more and more complex societies. Click here to learn more about Big History [https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD].

Episode 6: Over a Decade of Big History

Big History has been asking big questions for more than 10 years, what have we learned along the way? In this episode, Big History teacher Kim Lochner chats with David Christian about the past, present, and future of Big History. Big questions. No easy answers. Dive into the mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns. From the secrets of the Big Bang to the future of humanity, discover what we still don't know. Tune in for big questions, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives. Click here to learn more about Big History [https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD].

Episode 5: The Future of Space Exploration

While we can’t predict the future, we can make some educated guesses about life beyond our planet. In this episode, historian David Christian and astrobiologist—an expert in ancient ecosystems and Mars exploration—David Flannery explore how new innovations like NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover are helping to unlock this mystery. Curious minds wanted. Explore the origins of life and mysteries of the Universe with Unknowns. Tune in and explore the unknown. Click here to learn more about Big History [https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD].

Episode 4: Origin Stories

What can we learn from ancient stories? Turns out, a lot. In this episode, historian David Christian and research fellow Lynne Kelly explore global origin stories and what they reveal about where we come from and where we are headed. Discover how ancient narratives connect us, shape our understanding, and influence how we see the Universe. Curious about humanity’s biggest questions, tune in to Unknowns. Click here to learn more about Big History [https://www.oerproject.com/blog/announcing-the-unknowns-podcast-christian?WT.mc_id=07_00_2025__BHTopic_OER-POD_&WT.tsrc=OERPOD].