Species

By mackenmurphy.orgScience Social Sciences Nature

Species episodes

September 16, 2019 Human: Aaron Reynolds, Creator of Effin' Birds
Today's guest is Aaron Reynolds, humorist, writer, and creator of Effin' Birds. In this wide-ranging conversation, Macken and Aaron talked about hacking into casinos through fish tanks, monetizing pettiness, the CEO of LifeLock getting his identity stolen, the comedy of relatability, and the poetry of vulgarity. Find Effin' Birds on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and on their website. To simultaneously disappoint and impress your house guests, preorder Aaron's book now!
56 min
September 16, 2019 Kea
This rare parrot is inarguably one of the most intelligent on earth. Their ability to use tools is stunning, their social complexity is startling, and their cheekiness is unrivaled. Come hear a murder mystery, and learn about Macken's second-favorite animal, on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate
31 min
September 09, 2019 Manta Ray
This gentle giant can pass intelligence tests that would stump your dog and your child, and if they had the opportunity they could crush your car with their bodyweight. Come learn about one of the most unique animals on earth: the giant oceanic manta ray.

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31 min
September 02, 2019 Sumatran Rhino
The Sumatran rhino is a mix between a unicorn, a military tank, Beavis, Butthead, Blair Witch and a humpback whale. Listen to their insane vocalizations, learn about their bizarre behaviors, and find out why they might go extinct on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate
22 min
August 26, 2019 Monarch Butterfly
This surprisingly poisonous animal is incredibly mysterious. They engage in migrations that take multiple generations, they gather together and use their combined weight to topple trees, and they have lived on the International Space Station. How do they migrate? How do caterpillars turn into butterflies? Find out on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate
31 min
August 19, 2019 Gull
Are seagulls real? Could a gull kill a lamb? How have gulls adapted to human expansion? Today, we talk about the King of Gulls, the scourge of Chihuahuas, the largest gull on earth, the great black-backed gull.

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20 min
August 12, 2019 Coelacanth
This animal was extinct for 66 million years... Until they weren't. Come learn about an animal that came back from the dead, an animal the size of an NBA player, that hunts sharks from deepwater caves.

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24 min
August 12, 2019 Bonus: 100
In this episode, Macken celebrates episode 100 by answering your questions! Thank you to all the donors and listeners for helping us get this far!
20 min
August 05, 2019 Walrus
Walruses are incredible animals. Their skin is so thick, polar bears struggle to draw blood. Their suction ability is so powerful, they can strip paint off walls. Join us for an episode on the walrus, and get the answers to the following questions: What does "I am the Walrus" mean? Why do walruses have mustaches? What's with the teeth? Come learn all about the largest penis bone of all time, on this episode of Species. Bibliography
22 min
July 29, 2019 Marine Iguana
Millions of years ago, a group of iguanas were unbelievably fortunate; and now, we have marine iguanas. Hear that story, and learn all about the popular animal that can out-do dolphins underwater, and shrink their bones when necessary.

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20 min