PODCAST · science
Species
by mackenmurphy.org
"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
Episodes
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Beauty Behavioral Ecology | Dr. Marta Kowal
A discussion with Marta Kowal on beautification and what predicts it. Marta Kowal (PhD) is a post-doctoral researcher at the IDN Being Human Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław, Poland. Marta's academic background is in evolutionary psychology, and her research primarily focuses…
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In Other Nests | Macken Murphy
A natural history of infidelity and a history of science on the topic. Listen and learn about the oldest known laws in history, fish that get pessismistic without their boyfriend, the costs of monogamy, the ovulatory shift hypothesis (and a conspiracy theory about it), the mate-switching vs....
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Forgotten Apes | Dr. Susan Cheyne
An audio essay on human nature, followed by an interview with primatologist Dr. Susan Cheyne. Susan is the co-director of the Borneo Nature Foundation International and the Borneo River Initiative for Nature Conservation and Communities, she is the Vice Chair of the IUCN Section on Small Apes…
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Pilled | Louis Bachaud
A 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…
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Hair on Our Faces | Dr. Barnaby Dixson
Today, 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…
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The Unchosen Ones | William Costello
William 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...
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Date Psychology | Alexander
Alexander 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...
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Great White Shark
Just 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:...
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Updates | 1.15.23
I'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.
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Master of Puppets | Dr. Robert Plomin
"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…
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Updates | 12.18.22
TikTok @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
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Mimic Octopus
Nature'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
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Gossiping for Mates | Dr. Tania Reynolds
Women 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…
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Vegetarian Spider
This 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:...
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Guinea Pig
Not 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/
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White-Tailed Deer
Come 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
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California Condor
Find 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
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State of Affairs | Dr. Brooke Scelza
Infidelity 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…
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Birdlike
An essay about birds, music, and evolution. https://tenderly.medium.com/birds-are-musicians-24b3d2dc5eb2
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Rattlesnake
How 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
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Siamang
Come learn about a singing, (mostly) monogamous acrobat! Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O9830gFU8gHBDzF70JSwqo-mvwq3dZ7VogcX3rFzDS0/edit?usp=sharing
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Tardigrade
This 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
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Updates | 4.24.22
Exam 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…
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Japanese Spider Crab
This 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
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Parasitic Jaeger
95% 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
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How Love Evolved | Dr. Helen Fisher
Why 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...
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Brown Bear
They 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:...
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Altruism's Allure
Why 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
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Giant Centipede
Come 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
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Misbehavioral Biology | Dr. David Buss
When 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...
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Your Brain Isn't as Big as It Thinks
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:...
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Honeyguide
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...
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Siamese Fighting Fish
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:...
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Platypus
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:...
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The Other Kind of Evolution | Dr. Joe Henrich
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…
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Slowing down for the summer...
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…
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Porcupine
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:...
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Leaf Sheep
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…
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Black-capped Chickadee
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...
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Ensatina
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:...
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Babirusa
Come 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
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Alligator Snapping Turtle
It 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
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Hooded Pitohui
Poisonous 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:...
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Hammerhead
Come 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...
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Human Evolution
I 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…
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Jaguar
If 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
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Large Blue
This 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
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Malleefowl
Did 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:...
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Caecilian
What'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:...
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Naked Mole-Rat
This 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:...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Species have?
Species currently has 243 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Species about?
"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
How often does Species release new episodes?
Species publishes regularly with 243 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Species?
You can listen to Species on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Species?
Species is created and hosted by mackenmurphy.org.
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