Species

Latest Episodes:

Your Brain Isn't as Big as It Thinks Nov 28, 2021

Show notes

What's so special about the human brain?

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10525CfbVLmhaWARU6YaXz8ZGG-byTemSKE8C4dPst2w/edit?usp=sharing

If you would like to learn about human evolution, listen to Macken's audio course here: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

This is my affiliate link, I get 30% of your subscription if you sign up here. If you use the promo code "mackenmurphy," you get 30% off yours.

Honeyguide Nov 14, 2021

Show notes

The honeyguide is, perhaps, humanity's oldest friend. We share a symbiotic relationship that is among the most complicated examples of mutualism in nature—the only natural instance of human cooperation with a wild animal. Come learn about one of Macken's favorite creatures on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ne_SqZRXQZVcVEfIA5D69x-50n8OZuvS1HV1c5yRp-0/edit?usp=sharing

If you would like to learn about human evolution, listen to Macken's audio course here: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

This is my affiliate link, I get 30% of your subscription if you sign up here. If you use the promo code "mackenmurphy," you get 30% off yours!

Siamese Fighting Fish Oct 24, 2021

Show notes

How do you breed betta fish in a US prison? How come betta bubbles don't pop? Why do betta fish gulp air? And what does this have to do with self-defense law? Come get your answers to these questions, and learn a bit about violence, on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sn0h_hpL06L3Ct27ah01AcMMSHoMpOoqJ1mVIyLa84s/edit?usp=sharing

Platypus Oct 10, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back! Thank you all for your support and patience over the summer. Come learn about what the platypus has in common with sharks, snakes, beavers, ducks, hamsters, and a bunch of other animals in this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dkovdm76PgDMmyF0gDRMbjpEFmHJVO5jUX0X2PTrhs0/edit?usp=sharing

The Other Kind of Evolution | Dr. Joe Henrich Aug 08, 2021

Show notes

Today I sat down with Professor Joe Henrich to discuss what makes our species special—which is, by his lights, culture. Our conversation centers on how culture develops, and from this topic, we managed to hit a wide range of other subjects, including but not limited to: the validity of children as models for uncultured humans, the relevance of intelligence to human success, the potential philosophical implications of known facts about cultural evolution, neanderthals vs. humans, and the extent to which human nature is genetic.

Henrich is Professor and Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, and he is the author of two widely-acclaimed books, The Secret of Our Success and The WEIRDest People in the World. Our conversation today focused on the first book, but you can find both on Henrich's website: https://henrich.fas.harvard.edu/

Slowing down for the summer... Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

Unfortunately, due to a variety of personal factors, I need to slow down Species to a less-than-weekly schedule, at least until October. This is heartbreaking for me, but I need to take my foot off the pedal for a moment. If you are new (or new-ish) to the show, we've got over 200 episodes waiting for you; it's all evergreen content, dive in, and don't worry about listening in any particular order. If you are a longtime fan and you just want new content from me, I've got a 10-episode series on how our species evolved waiting for you here: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

(If you can't afford a Listenable subscription, just use the free trial to listen and then cancel. Also: I get 30% of your subscription if you subscribe through that link, and you can get 30% off online using the promo code: mackenmurphy)

Thank you so much for your support through the years, the journey is far from over.

Porcupine Jul 11, 2021

Show notes

Why do porcupines have antibiotics on their quills? Is urination romantic? Can porcupines throw their quills? Find out the answer to all these questions and more on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jk-CCUSRdr-pzdIRmmpnCfdMezkY5SuIPXVcvR45yFA/edit?usp=sharing

Here is the affiliate link for my new audio course, "Human Evolution," first episode is free: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

I get 30% of your subscription if you subscribe through this link, your support is greatly appreciated! Also, you get 30% off when you sign up online and use the promo code: mackenmurphy

Leaf Sheep Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

How do plants get energy from the sun, and why are they green? Come learn about a solar-powered slug on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JVpieyxEDEWpKLjVOtWecIeE272Dxs9i5XjluDqS8Wc/edit?usp=sharing

Here is the affiliate link for my new audio course, "Human Evolution," first episode is free: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

I get 30% of your subscription if you subscribe through this link, your support is greatly appreciated! Also, you get 30% off when you sign up online and use the promo code: mackenmurphy

Black-capped Chickadee Jun 20, 2021

Show notes

This bird wipes their own memory so they don't starve. Find out all about how they survive Alaskan winters and the perks of forgetfulness on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pkvxdWIV0vqfl5UddAfsgfMUEtW5enTMohsED0_5CnE/edit?usp=sharing

Here is my affiliate link for my audio course, "Human Evolution," first episode is free: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

I get 30% of your subscription if you subscribe through this link, your support is greatly appreciated! Also, you get 30% off when you sign up online and use the promo code: mackenmurphy

Ensatina Jun 13, 2021

Show notes

Why do these salamanders get their own powerpoint in every biology class? What is a ring species, and what if the animals between us and chimps were still alive? Come learn about one of the most theoretically important creatures on earth on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KXT7pHVzxkAtr1JXtAwgW-WeXXqdkwCxvS8YTcvwqvU/edit?usp=sharing

Here is my affiliate link for my new audio course, "Human Evolution," first episode is free: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy

I get 30% of your subscription if you subscribe through this link, your support is greatly appreciated! Also, you get 30% off when you sign up online and use the promo code: mackenmurphy

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