HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast

The Freedom Plane National Tour is making its way across the United States and has landed in Houston, Texas. These 9 historic documents that helped forge our nation as we know it will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science until May 25, 2026. We had the opportunity to have a delightful conversation about these documents with Freedom Plane National Tour curator, Maureen MacDonald. E...

My wonderful guest today is the spellbinding actor of stage and screen, Nathaniel Hackmann. Nathaniel plays the iconic character "Biff" in the award-winning Broadway smash-hit "Back to the Future: The Musical", now showing from March 31st through April 5th, 2026 by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) at the Hobby Center! In this episode, Nathaniel and I talk about what it's like "becoming" Biff and the...

My sweet mother is a funeral director and world-renowned restorative artist. In this episode, I walk her around our "Death by Natural Causes" exhibit to discuss how she might prepare a few of the victims for an open-casket...or if it is even possible...audience discretion is advised if you're a little squeamish about this subject matter. https://www.hmns.org/ For more information about the Houston...

Is their any truth to the idea that fossils can be radioactive? Colin Diggins is a paleontologist and our paleontology laboratory manager here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy the fascinating conversation! Show Notes: Manganese in the spring water was correct. https://www.hmns.org/ #paleontology #science #podcast #museum #houston #fossils #dinosaur #dinosaurs #radioactive For more i...

Scientists can be found everywhere in the museum. Alex Ruff may seem like a mild-mannered Building Manger here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, but he is actually an expert in minerals and geology...with the credentials to boot. Enjoy this deeply fascinating conversation about our exquisite minerals, geology in general, and even a bit more about our illustrious Alma Queen! I guess you cou...

They march once more, this time to Houston 📍 Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14. See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administrat...

Even if you do not drink it, the science and history behind bourbon is infused with notes of wonder, curiosity, and fascination. Bourbon expert Randy Bruner helps us to get acquainted with its enchanting history, as well as tips for those interested in developing their own taste for this historical spirit. More info and upcoming tasting events: https://sugarland.hmns.org/ For more information abou...

Have you ever noticed asteroid names and wondered how they came to be? Let's go to the HMNS George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and talk to astronomer Tracy Knauss to learn all about it...and much more! George Observatory https://george.hmns.org/ More about our 36 inch scope https://youtu.be/hz2-GgX9omg?si=Y5-Xbp6qORNLA8Tk George VLOG https://youtu.be/e9pXhaA0q8A?si=elZTB-o9GgLIQBM1 Tracy...

Kat Havens joins the podcast in our beautiful Hall of Ancient Egypt to discuss the, well, gutwrenching process of mummification! Website: https://www.hmns.org/ eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.org The smell of a mummy: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mummies-from-ancient-egypt-smell-surprisingly-nice-scientists-say/ For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www...

(00:00:00) Fennec Foxes & How We Care for Our Animals (00:22:08) In with the Foxes Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in our museum. Website: https://www.hmns.org/ Email: Podcasts@hmns.org...

Giant Ground Sloths and Giant Armadillos (Eremotherium and Glyptodon) were seemingly too big to fail...yet time comes for us all. So, how did these Ice Age (Pleistocene) get SO big, and why did they go extinct? Previous episode mentioned: Fossil Preperation https://open.spotify.com/episode/5762aSEEWuQeUVqJGIo6NK?si=2f6420a3c6ab4d19 Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org For more information about the Houston Mu...

While Ai is the current hype, even thinking about Quantum Computing can seem daunting, if not ominous...honestly. So here is a crash course in qubits to hopefully help ease us into an initial pursuit of understanding. Deeper dive into Quantum Computers: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing Email us! Podcasts@HMNS.org Ai Episode: https://youtu.be/uWWFlbDl6BE?si=mfnSB580vY7HzDZu For mo...

Who is allowed to dig for fossils? What do you do with fossils that are found? Why don't I find fossils in my yard? Are fossils a hoax? Are fossils radioactive? James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur conspiracies and clear up some common misconceptions about fossils, dinosaurs, and more in this latest episode of the "HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast." Pod...

HMNS Curator of Astronomy, Dr. Carolyn Sumners joins "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger to discuss the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, the upcoming lunar eclipse, the "planetary parade", our MA2 Mercury Capsule, and much more! Show Notes: 1) Brumation definition: "a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) d...

Rhodochrosite is one of the most breathtaking minerals on Earth, and among connoisseurs, the "Alma Queen" is the most heart-stopping example of ANY mineral specimen yet known to human kind. Let's learn more about rhodochrosite, and the history of the "Alma Queen" proudly displayed in our collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zY Email: Podcast...

In this episode of the HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast, we discuss and show you how a fossil comes out of the actual dirt to be prepared and displayed in such a breathtaking manor. Video version https://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs 0:00 Intro 0:32 Fossil Gar Prep 7:12 Skin & Feathers, Frigate Bird 14:10 Fossil prep in the field 19:28 Race against time 25:36 Fossilization is rare For more information about t...

Unfortunately, a lot of us have suffered through the agony of disease either in ourlselves, in those we care about, or in our beloved pets. Yet, in a meaningul way, it is this suffering that can make extinct creatures, like dinosaurs, become as real to us today as the air we breathe. Take our Gorgosaurus for example... Cancer in Centrosaurus https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS14...

Is it scientifically feasible to hypothesize about the behaviors and habits of extinct animals based on the behaviors of modern animals? I sit down with our Paleontology Lab Manager, Collin Diggins (and special guest) to discuss just that! Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org https://www.hmns.org/podcast/ Interesting article on Triceratops' feet https://www.heathercaprette.info/ac753_SP03/week_two_p1.html...

Thousands, millions, or even billions of years...scientists throw out some mind-boggling numbers when it comes to the ages of, well, everything. So, how exactly do they arrive at such seemingly difficult...dare I say "unbelievable"...estimates? Email: Podcasts@hmns.org https://www.hmns.org/podcast/ For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/

Plasma Balls! We've all played with them. A lot of us have them somewhere in our home. But who invented them? When were they invented? And how do they work? Email: Podcasts@hmns.org HMNS Sugar Land https://sugarland.hmns.org/ HMNS Hermann Park https://www.hmns.org/ For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/

Dinosaur fossil hunting in the wild west Badlands of Wyoming, USA. Come along as we bask in the enormity of an infinitely breathtaking landscape...and bring our nose down to the very dirt in the nursery of eons. From the triumph of discovery, to the poignance of humanity... come experience what is truly in our bones. https://www.hmns.org/ Enjoy the video version here https://youtu.be/IIsF0CCpVE8?s...

Conus bandanus is the exact species of cone snail that nearly killed Tina. Commonly referred to as the Banded Marble Cone. Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo! https://www.hmns.org/ Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/

Yes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :D https://www.hmns.org/ podcasts@hmns.org Also subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Triceratops feather/quill video mentioned https://youtu.be/kEmnVd0KHx0 For more information about the...

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation sure to shatter your expectations on glass collecting. Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding conversation about glass collecting and the American Antique Glass Masterpieces. On radiant display during FOHBC 2024, the Houston National Antique Bottle and...

T. Rex is arguably the most iconic dinosaur ambassador in pop culture, but there are some things that most people might not know! Let's sniff out the truth.... Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/ For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/