Evolution Talk

Latest Episodes:

What's So Random About Mutations? Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Evolution by natural selection relies upon random mutations. But what does "random" even mean?

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

"Whimsical" by Paul Tyan
"Time Squid" by Steven O'Brien
"Dog Day Afternoon" by Steven O'Brien
"Higher Consciousness" by State of Flux

Beauty is Everywhere Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

I took a day off and just sat on the porch, watching finches, a hawk and the ordinary morning business of the woods.

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

"Frogs" by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
"Stars are Out" by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Mutation Celebration Day Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Charles Darwin's revolutionary observations of Galapagos tortoises and finches, explored how natural selection allows species to adapt over time. From the discovery of the hawk moth in Madagascar, predicted by Darwin, to the groundbreaking discovery of DNA by Rosalind Franklin, Francis Crick, and James Watson, we look at how genetic changes drive evolution.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

Bright White by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Stars are Out by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Deception Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

Challenging Mark Twain's assertion that "man is the only one that lies.", we discover that deception is a widespread evolutionary strategy employed by various species for survival and reproduction.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

Floating by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Pretty Melody by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Denouement by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Mutinee by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Animal Communication Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Let's enter the fascinating world of animal communication used by different species. We'll also touch on the evolutionary aspects of these communication systems

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

Frogs by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Odd Wand by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Klink Tale by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

New Season - New Shows! Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

The new season is about to kick and I'm really excited about it. I'm always looking for ways to expand the show's reach and science education, and to do so, I'll need your help. I'd love to go back to a weekly show, be able to fully kick off a supplemental video channel, and provide materials for schools. I've also always wanted to bring the newsletter back. The show will always be free for all to enjoy. To find out how you can help the show achieve it's goals financially, please visit evolutiontalk.com/support.

Island Laboratories Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

The wonderful thing about islands is they continue to provide insights into the processes that shape life on Earth, reminding us of the incredible adaptability of life and the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems. They demonstrate how isolation, limited resources, and unique environmental pressures can drive the evolution of extraordinary adaptations.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

Ghost by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Firefly by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Kitten by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Symbiosis Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Imagine a world where different species live in close partnerships, essential for their survival. Tune in for a journey through millions of years of evolutionary cooperation, proving that in nature, no species is an island.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

Bright White by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Pink Gradient Hey by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Tra-la-la by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Wook by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

What Can Educators Do? Only A Theory Pt. 2 Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Special guest Blake Touchet from the National Center for Science Education joins the show to discuss what teachers and educators can do both in and out of the classroom.

Support the NCSE

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

You can also check out the new YouTube channel!

Music in this Episode

Frogs by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Chipper Dan by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Program Reverie by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Easygoing by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Only A Theory Revisited - Part 1 Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Blake Touchet from the National Center for Science Education joins me to discuss the age-old phrase that evolution is "Only a Theory".

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

You can also check out the new YouTube channel!

Music in this Episode

Twinkie by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
Jack by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
On a Wing by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

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