"A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson is really fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/07...

Great reading!

I would like to add that the development of a brain is another huge milestone. Somehow Hawking forgets to mention that.

And the development of the computer and Internet is a big milestone in the external transmission period in my opinion.

If you like this kind of reading, I recommend the book: http://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/076...

Not a podcast, but something you should absolutely listen to if you haven't already:

Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything http://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/076...

It's by far the most entertaining, enjoyable, and well written science text I've ever read/listened to. You can download it on iTunes -- go with the unabridged. I listened to the abridged one first and liked it so much I downloaded and listened to the unabridged one... twice. And then proceeded to listen to four of his other non-science books.

Get on the Bill Bryson train. You won't be disappointed.