The Fossil Files

Publicly listed emails

robert.sansom@manchester.ac.uk

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Cute fossil babies reveal how mammals evolved live birth

October 06, 2026

How and when did mammals transition from laying eggs to live birth? The fossil record doesn't typically preserve soft tissues like embryos and placentas making this a tough problem. This week we take a look at two new fossil discoveries that begin to answer the question of mammal evolution, and challenge orthodoxy. A cute baby dicynodont fossil from the Triassic of South Africa is the first mammal to be captured 'in ovo' i.e. inside its egg. Secondly, we discuss a new fossil cynodont from the...

Are we failing the next generation of palaeontologists? The future of fieldwork [Bonus Preview]

September 29, 2026

New finds in palaeontology are dependent on people getting out in the field and digging up fossils, but are the next generation of palaeontologists getting to do that? Opportunities for fieldwork and fieldwork training have become more expensive, which means students might not be getting the training they need. What happens next? In this week's bonus episode, Susie and Rob discuss the importance of fieldwork and whether the next generation of palaeontologists are facing 'an extinction of expe...

The sound of a Jurassic forest, recreated using fossils and AI

September 22, 2026

Sounds play such an important ecological role, but palaeontologists have always had to use their imagination when reconstructing the sound of extinct landscapes: Until now! For the first time a team of scientists have reconstructed the sound of a whole palaeo-community. Using fossil insect wings and some technological approaches to modern animals, the team were able to use physics and AI models to reconstruct the acoustic landscape of a Jurassic forest peppered with the calls of insects. Were...

I Know Dino: The Big Dinosaur Podcast · Medium booking difficulty · 10,000 - 100,000 listeners

How do I get in touch with The Fossil Files?

The Fossil Files is hosted by Robert Sansom and Susannah Maidment. Its publicly listed email is robert.sansom@manchester.ac.uk. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for The Fossil Files?

The publicly listed email for The Fossil Files: robert.sansom@manchester.ac.uk.

How many listeners does The Fossil Files have?

Podseeker estimates The Fossil Files reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for The Fossil Files?

The Fossil Files typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Academic palaeontologists, evolutionary biologists, and fossil researchers with peer-reviewed research or recognized expertise in ancient life. Common among recent guests: Peer-reviewed research; University or museum research appointments; Discoveries or publications concerning fossils, evolution, or ancient ecosystems. Recent guests include Emily Mitchell.

How hard is it to get booked on The Fossil Files?

Low. A guest with relevant expertise and a clear angle for its audience has a realistic chance.

What topics does The Fossil Files cover?

Recent episodes cover Palaeontology, Fossils, Dinosaurs, Evolution, and Extinction. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.