Species
246 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 540 ratings"The host, Macken Murphy, is able to condense vast chunks of information into engaging and digestible episodes. Fact-filled and fun."
— The New York Times
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Episodes
Pilled | Louis Bachaud
February 12, 2024 02:03 - 2 hours - 178 MBA deep dive into the manosphere, with the scholar who knows it best, Louis Bachaud. The manosphere is a constellation of 5 loosely affiliated communities, including pick-up artists (PUAs), men's rights activists (MRAs), "Men Going Their Own Way" (MGTOW), incels (the "Black Pill" communiy), and the "Red Pill" community. Louis details the history of the manosphere, describes the current factions and their differences, and guides us through their use and misuse of science, especially evolutio...
Hair on Our Faces | Dr. Barnaby Dixson
October 29, 2023 10:19 - 1 hour - 149 MBToday, we explore the befuddling (and surprisingly complex) mystery of the human beard. Our guide is Dr. Barnaby Dixson, a human behavioral ecologist at the University of the Sunshine Coast who uses interdisciplinary methods to investigate human mate preferences across cultures. His extensive work has bettered our understanding of a wide variety of physical traits; most relevant to today's discussion, he is one of the primary contributors to our understanding of beards. We discuss the evolu...
The Unchosen Ones | William Costello
July 09, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBWilliam Costello is an expert on incels, a rising star in the field of evolutionary psychology, and the latest protégé of Dr. David Buss. In this conversation, we discuss incel violence, demographics, mythology, perception vs. reality, and solutions to inceldom, among other things. There's still time to participate in Costello's cross-sex mind-reading study, here: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38KyEyGDOs4stN4 You can keep up with Costello on Twitter, @CostelloWilliam: https:/...
Date Psychology | Alexander
June 04, 2023 19:53 - 1 hour - 137 MBAlexander is a psychologist and science communicator. He is best known for his deep dives into the literature on human mating and his nuanced critiques of popular misconceptions about dating. In this data-driven discussion, he talks to Macken about what men and women actually want and what people generally get wrong about dating, before diving into a variety of topics including the Manosphere, the “mating crisis,” hypergamy, and bodycount, among others. Alexander is @datepsych on Twitter, ...
Great White Shark
March 26, 2023 09:28 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBJust when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... a brand new episode of Species. Come listen and learn about their secret social lives, how to survive a shark attack, and some mind-blowing stats. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ayzr57teXk06LE21jN9LH934wXhOzIRW9KbKiBeCUVw/edit?usp=sharing
Updates | 1.15.23
January 16, 2023 00:08 - 2 minutes - 4.28 MBI'm extremely busy and, unfortunately, pausing production on Species, at least for most of this month. If you sent me a donation in January and you want a refund, contact me through mackenmurphy.org, and I will be sure to send it back to you. My sincerest apologies.
Master of Puppets | Dr. Robert Plomin
December 26, 2022 00:43 - 1 hour - 144 MB"DNA isn't all that matters, but it matters more than everything else put together." —Dr. Robert Plomin Blueprint: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262039161/blueprint/ Plomin is one of history's most important psychologists and a pioneer in the field of behavioral genetics. He is a research professor at King's College London, best known for his work on twins. In this podcast, Plomin explains how we know that genes impact our behavior, clarifies all the common confusions about the field, a...
Updates | 12.18.22
December 19, 2022 00:52 - 3 minutes - 5.07 MBTikTok @mackenmurphy: https://www.tiktok.com/@mackenmurphy YouTube @murphymacken (I would buy the @mackenmurphy handle from you, if you have it): https://www.youtube.com/@murphymacken
Mimic Octopus
December 05, 2022 02:57 - 21 minutes - 30.3 MBNature's greatest shapeshifter, the mimic octopus is known for their spectacular impersonations of other species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CrxPPq4mAJpmmQTFIh51KzoHa1SZZv5C4dF-KyFB0ik/edit?usp=sharing
Gossiping for Mates | Dr. Tania Reynolds
November 21, 2022 01:46 - 1 hour - 121 MBWomen compete vigorously over mates but do so more subtly than men. In this episode, Dr. Tania Reynolds teaches us how women use gossip to win mates. Additionally, we discuss friendship, thinness, and the evolution of homosexuality, among other subjects. Tania Reynolds is an assistant professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of New Mexico. Her research examines how intrasexual competition and cooperation contribute to psychological and behavioral sex differences. She investig...
Vegetarian Spider
November 06, 2022 20:10 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBThis spider, Bagheera kiplingi, prefers a plant-based diet. Come learn about trees that pay ant security guards in gold, The Jungle Book, and an exceptional animal on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XSUztDqSZWt1IM_IA9JnkFVqRZ14pd6YHCPQlu2jz4E/edit?usp=sharing
Guinea Pig
October 18, 2022 23:38 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBNot from Guinea, not a pig. Upcoming live events... 10 AM on October 26th: https://www.talesonmoonlane.co.uk/halftermfestival 2 PM on October 26th: https://www.moonlaneink.co.uk/moonlanestorytellingworkshops 2 PM on October 27th: https://www.moonlaneramsgate.com/
White-Tailed Deer
October 02, 2022 21:39 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MBCome learn about predator-prey communication, Bambi, and the most-hunted big game animal in America on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l947u7nmpJ-6e4_wkQt29WH7Lki-8I_hZLDFBhOWZfg/edit?usp=sharing
California Condor
September 19, 2022 01:00 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBFind out how sock puppets aided the most insane conservation effort in history and learn everything about America's biggest bird. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SA3gYa9Xrq-sZxWkkqGWBbEbB1X0ZaaUGlFqLg-NN9w/edit?usp=sharing
State of Affairs | Dr. Brooke Scelza
August 22, 2022 01:27 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBInfidelity is almost ubiquitous among the Himba, an indigenous group of pastoralists living in Namibia and Angola. In this episode, I speak with a human behavioral ecologist who can help us understand why. UCLA's Professor Brooke Scelza (@bascelza) has studied reproductive decision-making in these people for about a decade. Her fascinating work has made progress towards understanding the rationale behind patterns of parental investment, fosterage, and infidelity. In this podcast, we focus ...
Birdlike
August 07, 2022 23:47 - 17 minutes - 24 MBAn essay about birds, music, and evolution. https://tenderly.medium.com/birds-are-musicians-24b3d2dc5eb2
Rattlesnake
July 25, 2022 01:59 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBHow come some Christians risk their lives to hold snakes? Why do snakes have forked tongues? Do snakes "see" heat? Listen and learn the answers to all these questions and more! Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14zL71mi0U2QGOdivbE_-ZomBBXVXDOKXc49R0yGR0UA/edit?usp=sharing
Siamang
July 10, 2022 22:44 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBCome learn about a singing, (mostly) monogamous acrobat! Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O9830gFU8gHBDzF70JSwqo-mvwq3dZ7VogcX3rFzDS0/edit?usp=sharing
Tardigrade
June 26, 2022 23:06 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBThis microscopic animal can survive in outer space. Find out how and learn about the toughest animal on earth (and off of it) by listening to today's episode! Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXu2AzNhIj7V_9jcISMvxolWlCAim0uzCLveJDYuFtQ/edit?usp=sharing
Updates | 4.24.22
April 24, 2022 20:15 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBExam season is upon us. Until exams finish, I will be taking a hiatus from the show to focus. Donors, please feel free to pause donations until then; there are never any hard feelings from me, only gratitude towards you. Until we return, please feel free to enjoy the back catalogue, and the content below. - MM Animal Sidekicks: https://neonsquidbooks.com/books/animal-sidekicks/ Sentientist Conversations (definitely not for children): https://youtu.be/vzn-AhproxE Human Evolution: https...
Japanese Spider Crab
March 27, 2022 08:55 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBThis crab could give your car a hug. Come learn about Scottish fairies and fisheries on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14X6sb9dx9wHqwiiPkm2-nLdnBuFYFXKOL_GzZq7dhkc/edit?usp=sharing
Parasitic Jaeger
March 06, 2022 23:12 - 17 minutes - 24.7 MB95% of this bird's food is stolen. Come learn about the greatest pirate in the animal kingdom and the largest cash heist in world history on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ESVjx91TyWn3VeJc9dmuYHFCbmb9IEyDvfrKzfh7H48/edit?usp=sharing
How Love Evolved | Dr. Helen Fisher
February 20, 2022 23:30 - 1 hour - 142 MBWhy did love evolve? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Helen Fisher about the three different kinds of love, how they benefited our ancestors, and how we can use our knowledge of them to improve our romantic lives. She gives us data-driven advice on how to choose a partner and how to keep your relationship happy through the months, years, and decades. Dr. Helen Fisher is arguably the world’s leading expert on romantic love. She is a biological anthropologist working as the chief science ad...
How Love Evolved| Dr. Helen Fisher
February 20, 2022 23:30 - 1 hour - 142 MBWhy did love evolve? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Helen Fisher about the three different kinds of love, how they benefited our ancestors, and how we can use our knowledge of them to improve our romantic lives. She gives us data-driven advice on how to choose a partner and how to keep your relationship happy through the months, years, and decades. Dr. Helen Fisher is arguably the world’s leading expert on romantic love. She is a biological anthropologist working as the chief science ad...
Brown Bear
February 07, 2022 00:08 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBThey run faster than Usain Bolt, they swim faster than Michael Phelps, they're stronger than Eddie Hall, and they're taller than Yao Ming. Come learn about brown bears on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1poCmUlq0fHLEfTgdCDLjfSKcN-9PfRzN2wU3I1eJZFA/edit?usp=sharing
Altruism's Allure
January 17, 2022 01:20 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBWhy do bad animals do good things? In this episode, Macken discusses some of the main reasons why humans do good, and dives into one of the little-known benefits of altruism. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xc7hdGeVLuz-oqGH3jemg5lUzcGaL9aWXbfCOkvnXC0/edit?usp=sharing
Giant Centipede
December 27, 2021 04:31 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBCome learn about the biggest centipede on earth, discover their insane hunting habits, and hear two big pieces of news from the millipede world on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12oT7p-aCayqmddyGQ4ZS-bRFpOlcuJSylk063_LJOZA/edit?usp=sharing
Misbehavioral Biology | Dr. David Buss
December 13, 2021 00:50 - 1 hour - 94 MBWhen Men Behave Badly: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-buss-phd/when-men-behave-badly/9780316419352/ Dr. David Buss is the most referenced evolutionary psychologist in history, and one of the most influential psychologists on earth. In this episode, he joins us to explain conflict between the sexes, sexual selection theory, infidelity, intimate partner violence and abuse, stalking, and how evolutionary insights can benefit people, This episode is not intended for all audien...
Your Brain Isn't as Big as It Thinks
November 28, 2021 16:48 - 10 minutes - 15.2 MBWhat'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
November 14, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 40.2 MBThe 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 cou...
Siamese Fighting Fish
October 24, 2021 13:15 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBHow 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
October 10, 2021 15:23 - 17 minutes - 24 MBWelcome 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
August 08, 2021 16:54 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBToday 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 exte...
Slowing down for the summer...
July 26, 2021 20:28 - 4 minutes - 6.93 MBUnfortunately, 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 ...
Porcupine
July 11, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBWhy 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=mackenmurph...
Leaf Sheep
June 28, 2021 04:21 - 19 minutes - 27.8 MBHow 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 th...
Black-capped Chickadee
June 20, 2021 19:04 - 21 minutes - 30.7 MBThis 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 subscript...
Ensatina
June 13, 2021 18:55 - 16 minutes - 23.7 MBWhy 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/g...
Babirusa
June 06, 2021 18:58 - 20 minutes - 29.1 MBCome learn about the possible reasons why the enormous Irish elk went extinct, the conflict between sexual selection and survival, and the orc of the swine world on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/103mGaTzYZfrA9SHKig9BYhrg363HEV7w1UdA4qpJ-BA/edit?usp=sharing
Alligator Snapping Turtle
May 30, 2021 05:30 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBIt might be more appropriate to call them the alligator-snapping turtle. Come learn about the largest snapping turtle on earth. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14FZe2J58br8Ls7bLl2ZnFwNEb8pCxuQUewtv1ZRElWY/edit?usp=sharing
Hooded Pitohui
May 23, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 33.3 MBPoisonous birds are real. Come learn about one on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14jU3dUvrQbLQLhJC6o4-VQwjlTxcUWy6H1YhNlMr41Q/edit?usp=sharing If you would like to learn about human evolution, listen to Macken's new 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 "mackenmu...
Hammerhead
May 17, 2021 03:37 - 27 minutes - 38 MBCome learn about the heads of hammerhead sharks and find out why a fish would hold their breath underwater. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1exsssJqR0O0mj0xxNkNhwU1hTlwsdV2FAWGPJ1aLPtc/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 su...
Human Evolution
May 16, 2021 00:27 - 4 minutes - 6.22 MBI preview my new 10-lesson audio course, "Human Evolution," on Listenable. Here's the link to listen, the introductory lesson is free: https://frstre.com/go/?a=95595-7e38d9&s=1771291-5cf1d5&p_affiliate.referral_code=mackenmurphy (Full disclosure: This is my affiliate link, and if you use it, I get an additional 30% of your subscription. Thank you so much for your support. Send me a message on mackenmurphy.org/contact if you can't afford to listen, and I'll help you out.)
Jaguar
May 10, 2021 05:03 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBIf a big cat is going to eat Macken, he hopes it's a jaguar. Find out why, and learn all about this terrifying animal on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14kXGxp5UahAUB5WfgcQ8UlPTNmOCdlEFrUA84XPxmS8/edit?usp=sharing
Large Blue
May 02, 2021 22:48 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBThis butterfly is a Trojan horse and a Rube Goldberg machine wrapped into one. Come learn about oregano's roundabout way of defending itself on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lLH6Wy3Fba04ZP3g9yVrQp5puslJOPdfFV5QrvwHJzU/edit?usp=sharing
Malleefowl
April 25, 2021 21:20 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBDid the washing machine liberate women? Can compost spontaneously combust? Will AI exacerbate inequality? Find out about the malleefowl and (tangentially) related topics on this episode of species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MD4pevnsRvPaTuAG_u1PrqkltukyqVi79We4z8gLX08/edit?usp=sharing
Caecilian
April 18, 2021 17:25 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBWhat's the Code of Hammurabi? If earthworms could write horror movies, what would the monster look like? Come learn about the limbless amphibian who eats their mother on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N4CxfnqU4OobOIvPQPk7FWcLsZHqzPHOPY-rlT5c8YE/edit?usp=sharing
Naked Mole-Rat
April 11, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBThis creature brings a whole lot more than nudity to the table. These rats live like ants, and can live without almost anything. Come learn about one of the strangest animals on the planet on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/196o_CurSfPqdIRmm7Q1L_9YQ6LCSLU7wxMnFiOjyDLY/edit?usp=sharing
Cicada
April 05, 2021 03:03 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBWhy do periodical cicadas lie dormant for 17 years? What are they doing that whole time? And how do they know it's time to come up? My first children's book: https://neonsquidbooks.com/books/animal-sidekicks/ Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_RGZZryFdAAgF17xDu2Kx-IrrPRgoix4Xx3iO-P_KwQ/edit?usp=sharing
Whip-poor-will
March 29, 2021 02:30 - 18 minutes - 26 MBOmen of death or benevolent being? Annoyance or lullaby? Come learn about the invisible bird that looks like an owl and hunts like a frog. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-B4baVczEVG-ASmV9X05bZTFeFR32vgaFAy97c7irXw/edit?usp=sharing