Neanderthals and modern humans lived in the same caves, hunted the same animals, and made nearly identical tools, so why did only one species survive? April Nowell explains what new excavations in Turkey and Israel reveal about two species who overlapped for tens of thousands of years.

That 23andMe readout showing a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA traces back to two distinct periods of interbreeding, one around 100,000 years ago and another closer to 50,000 years ago. April Nowell breaks down how those genes ended up in nearly everyone with European or Asian ancestry today.

The leading theory for why Neanderthals disappeared isn't climate or intelligence. It comes down to demography: smaller, less connected groups meant even a small rise in infant mortality could wipe out a population within a couple thousand years, a pattern April Nowell connects to how isolated modern life has become.

Topics: Neanderthals, human evolution, Paleolithic archaeology, Neanderthal DNA, prehistoric discoveries

GUEST: April Nowell | uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/faculty-staff/faulty-profiles/nowell-april.php

Originally aired on 2026-07-22

Neanderthals and modern humans lived in the same caves, hunted the same animals, and made nearly identical tools, so why did only one species survive? April Nowell explains what new excavations in Turkey and Israel reveal about two species who overlapped for tens of thousands of years.
That 23andMe readout showing a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA traces back to two distinct periods of interbreeding, one around 100,000 years ago and another closer to 50,000 years ago. April Nowell breaks down how those genes ended up in nearly everyone with European or Asian ancestry today.
The leading theory for why Neanderthals disappeared isn't climate or intelligence. It comes down to demography: smaller, less connected groups meant even a small rise in infant mortality could wipe out a population within a couple thousand years, a pattern April Nowell connects to how isolated modern life has become.
Topics: Neanderthals, human evolution, Paleolithic archaeology, Neanderthal DNA, prehistoric discoveries
GUEST: April Nowell |<a href="http://uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/faculty-staff/faulty-profiles/nowell-april.php"> uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/faculty-staff/faulty-profiles/nowell-april.php</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-22

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.