John Maytham speaks to British novelist and journalist, Laura Spinney, whose book, Proto: How one language went global, draws on cutting-edge research in linguistics, archaeology and genetics to piece together the story of how PIE began with a handful of copper-age traders near the Black Sea and, through millennia of movement, became the root of over 400 languages. With insights that connect ancient metallurgy, nomadic migration and the role of multilingual children, Proto isn’t just a story about language — it’s a story about us.

Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists.

A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”.

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