The Matt Walker Podcast

#104 - Humans Can Navigate Like Bats


Listen Later

Matt explores the human capacity for echolocation this week, dismantling the myth that this "biological sonar" is exclusive to animals. Revealing how peer-reviewed research shows all human brains possess the neural hardware to "see" with sound, Matt explains the physics of how sound creates detailed acoustic maps of our environment and introduces the brain's remarkable plasticity, setting the stage for this incredible sensory adaptation.

The episode features stories of pioneers like Daniel Kish, who use echolocation to navigate with astonishing precision. Matt discusses groundbreaking studies from UC Berkeley and Durham University, where brain scans revealed the visual cortex rewires itself to process sound as spatial information. This evidence proves echolocation is not a rare gift but a learnable skill, forcing a reevaluation of the limits of human perception and the brain's adaptive power.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.


As a huge supporter of mission-driven companies, Matt recommends new partner
Branch Basics. Their plant- and mineral-based ‘The Concentrate’ is tough on kitchen grease yet gentle enough for baby toys, helping you create a toxin-free home. Get 15% off with code MattWalker at branchbasics.com/mattwalker.


Another partner,
AG1, is one that Matt relies upon for his foundational nutrition. Their new science-backed Next Gen formula features upgraded probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. Start your subscription today to get a FREE bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 free travel packs with your first order at drinkag1.com/mattwalker.


In a supplement industry where trust is critical, Matt uses podcast partner
Puori. Their protein powders are free from hormones, GMOs, and pesticides, with every single batch third-party tested for over 200 contaminants. For protein you can trust, save 20% at puori.com/mattwalker.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3FB1fOtY4Vd8yqLaUvolg



...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Matt Walker PodcastBy Dr. Matt Walker

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

870 ratings


More shows like The Matt Walker Podcast

View all
The Rich Roll Podcast by Rich Roll

The Rich Roll Podcast

11,901 Listeners

FoundMyFitness by Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.

FoundMyFitness

5,338 Listeners

High Intensity Health with Mike Mutzel, MS by Author Mike Mutzel interviews Jeff Bland, Datis Kharrazian, Ben Greenfield, Abel James, Dave Asprey, Ben Lynch, Jade Teta and Corey chuler

High Intensity Health with Mike Mutzel, MS

1,215 Listeners

The mindbodygreen Podcast by mindbodygreen

The mindbodygreen Podcast

2,049 Listeners

The Neuro Experience by Louisa Nicola & Pursuit Network

The Neuro Experience

412 Listeners

The Empowering Neurologist Podcast by David Perlmutter

The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

402 Listeners

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

3,556 Listeners

The Proof with Simon Hill by Live better for longer

The Proof with Simon Hill

2,607 Listeners

The Genius Life by Max Lugavere

The Genius Life

4,861 Listeners

Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

Dhru Purohit Show

3,496 Listeners

The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

The Dr. Hyman Show

9,292 Listeners

The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

The Peter Attia Drive

8,025 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

28,580 Listeners

Longevity by Design by Gil Blander PhD

Longevity by Design

183 Listeners

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

1,172 Listeners