Species

Latest Episodes:

Camel May 11, 2020

Show notes

Why do camels have humps, and is there actually water in them? How do camels survive in the desert with that hairy coat? What's special about camel blood, and camel urine? Learn all about the dromedary on this episode of Species. Bibliography

Flying Squid May 04, 2020

Show notes

Yes, this is a real thing. No, we don't mean "gliding," or "jumping," we mean flying.

Come learn about a biological rocket and the history of jet propulsion on this insane episode of Species.

Bibliography

Pandemics, Politics, Sex, and Sentience with Geoffrey Miller Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

Geoffrey Miller is among the most prominent scientists on earth. As an evolutionary psychologist, he has published over one hundred academic articles with over 14,000 citations, and he is the author of several popular books. His work has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to The Joe Rogan Experience, and he has worked as a consultant for governments, NGOs, and Fortune 500 companies alike.

In this conversation, he uses evolutionary psychology as a lens with which to view a wide variety of topics, including: COVID-19, politics, free speech, polyamory, consciousness and the self.

Relevant links: - Geoffrey's website - Virtue Signaling book - Consciousness essay - Geoffrey's YouTube channel - Twitter - Geoffrey's recommended books for reading during the pandemic

Toucan Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

Why do toucans have big beaks? Surprisingly, not because of sexual selection! Come learn about the many uses of the toucan's beak, hear about the bird that pays rent to toucans in blood, and discover how to make lighter crash-resistant cars on this episode of Species. Bibliography

Parrotfish Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

Learn about the defensive benefits of mucus, the origins of disgust, the disturbing source of tropical beaches, and the benefits of changing sex, all on this episode of Species.

Bibliography

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COVID-19 & Animal Activism with John Oberg Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Macken sits down for a livestream with social media expert John Oberg. John gives us a tutorial on activism in the era of social distancing, before discussing a wide variety of topics relating animals and COVID-19. John and Macken discuss the humanist reasons to go vegan, wet markets, factory farms, and the ban on eating dogs in China.

John Oberg is one of the most prominent characters in the modern animal rights movement. He is an animal advocate hoping to make the world a kinder place by utilizing the power of social media. He recently launched his own independent project for animals through Patreon. Prior to that, he served as Director of New Media for the international animal protection organization, The Humane League. And prior to that, John served as Director of Communications for Vegan Outreach. In both of these roles, John oversaw social media for the organizations which led to a tenfold increase in following for both, as well as over 1 billion views of content posted to these pages.

You can find John on his website, Patreon, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Oryx Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

The Arabian oryx is a legendary animal that rose from the dead and (possibly) started the myth of the unicorn. Come learn everything about them and their remarkable meteorological capabilities on this episode of Species. Bibliography

Fruit Fly Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

This is one of the most important species in human history, and one of the most well-understood beings in the universe. Why do we use them in labs? Are they sentient? Will they get me sick? Come hear all about fruit flies getting drunk to deal with their personal problems on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate