Earth Ancients
Exploring ancient mysteries, lost civilizations, and forgotten history across the ages
Cliff Dunning has been fascinated by ancient civilizations and Indigenous cultures since childhood, drawn to the enduring mystery of how early peoples understood the Earth, the heavens, and humanity's place within the natural world. That curiosity developed into a lifelong exploration of archaeology, mythology, sacred traditions, and the knowledge preserved by Indigenous communities. Over the decades, Cliff has traveled extensively to ancient sites throughout Egypt, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and other parts of the world, seeking to understand these cultures not simply through their monuments, but through the traditions and perspectives of the people whose ancestors created them.
As the creator and host of the popular podcast Earth Ancients, Cliff has spent more than a decade interviewing archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, Indigenous elders, and independent researchers investigating humanity's distant past. His work is particularly interested in unresolved questions: the origins and migrations of ancient peoples, sophisticated engineering and astronomical knowledge, monumental architecture, lost or overlooked technologies, and the possibility that conventional chronologies do not always tell the complete story. His approach brings established archaeological research into conversation with Indigenous oral traditions, emerging scientific discoveries, and alternative interpretations of the ancient world.
Cliff is a writer, lecturer, international tour leader, and longtime contributor to online magazines and personal blogs covering archaeology, ancient civilizations, Indigenous traditions, and unexplained chapters of human history. He is the author of the forthcoming book The Maya Controversy, an exploration of the origins and extraordinary achievements of Maya civilization, examining migration, monumental architecture, engineering, astronomy, cosmology, ancient road systems, and the knowledge preserved within Maya traditions.
Drawing upon decades of research, extensive travel throughout the Maya world, conversations with Indigenous elders and researchers, and his own observations in the field, Cliff asks whether the conventional story of Maya civilization adequately explains the remarkable culture revealed by archaeology—or whether important chapters of its history have yet to be understood. Trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, Cliff holds a Bachelor of Science in business marketing.
Professional Journey
Career Highlights
Founder & Host, Earth Ancients
2014–Present
Founder & Host, Destiny
2021–Present
1,000+ Interviews
More than 1,000 long-form interviews with leading archaeologists, historians, scientists, explorers, physicians, and consciousness researchers.
35+ Years in Media
More than 35 years producing educational media, conferences, and public events.
Program Director
Former Program Director for the Learning Annex and Whole Life Expo.
International Tour Host
Leading educational journeys throughout Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, and other destinations rich in archaeological and historical significance.
Published Author
Author of Cannabis and Sexual Ecstasy for Men, and the forthcoming The Maya Controversy.
Public Speaker
Public speaker, moderator, interviewer, and conference producer.
Accessible Storytelling
Recognized for making complex historical and scientific topics accessible to audiences around the world through podcasts, live events, writing, and educational travel.