FULL EPISODE: Whale, Know Thyself - May 26, 2026

What this episode covers

Linguist Nicola McNab communicates what the science says about whether emotional intelligence stops us from being rude. Cognitive psychology professor Erik Reichle explains how we absorb information that we read on paper versus on screens. Cognitive psychology professor Clara Colombatto reveals how people overestimate how confident AI systems are in their responses. Professor of technology and society Taha Yasseri presents Grokipedia, the AI-generated encyclopedia that selectively draws on more-right leaning news sources. Neuro-parasitologist William C. Beckerson chats about the zombie ant virtual reality game that increases players' understanding of evolution. Archaeology professor Adam S. Green discusses how a 4,000-year-old city defied history's rules by becoming more equal as it became more successful. Marine mammal scientist and cognitive psychology professor Diana Reiss shares how a beluga whale showed a sign of intelligence once thought unique to humans. Evolutionary anthropologist Rachel Hurwitz outlines how our ancient, evolutionary history reveals why almost everyone is right-handed today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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