Wild Connection

Episode Summary Urban ecologist and National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Chris Schell joins Wild Connection to explore how coyotes, foxes, and raccoons adapt to city life and how the neighborhoods we build shape not just human lives, but the wild animals living alongside us. Dr. Chris Schell studies urban wildlife behavior and physiology, focusing on coyotes, foxes, and raccoons in cities. His work bridges animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and the built environment, using tools like motion-activated cameras, GPS collars, hormone assays, and genomic methods. To keep up with Chris and his lab you can check out his website

Episode Summary Marine mammal cognition researcher Dr. Kevin Woo joins Wild Connection to talk about what’s actually going on inside the minds of seals and sea lions — how they perceive their world, make decisions, and adapt to one of the busiest, loudest urban waterways on the planet: New York Harbor.[Attachment] About the Guest Dr. Kevin Woo is co-director of the Center for the Study of Pinniped Ecology and Cognition (C-SPEC) . His research spans sensory perception, cognition, and animal communication, with a focus on harbor seals and sea lions studied both in the field in New York Harbor and through cognitive testing at the Long Island Aquarium. And listen to an earlier episode with Dr. Kristy Biolsi back in 2021

We like to believe humans are special, separate, and sitting at the top of some invisible hierarchy of life. But what if that story is not only wrong, it’s actively harming our science, our relationships, and the way we move through the world? In this episode of Wild Connection, I’m joined by primatologist and author Dr. Christine Webb to talk about her new book, An Arrogant Ape. Christine grew up befriending the animals in her backyard, then found evolutionary biology and Darwin, which gave her a new perspective to that childhood sense of kinship with other animals. From there, she went on to study primates and teach a popular Harvard course also called “The Arrogant Ape,” focused on what truly makes us human and how we’ve built a culture around our supposed uniqueness. Together, we talk about human exceptionalism: how the idea that humans are above and apart from “animals” is threaded through our language, our textbooks, our politics, our food systems, our religious stories, and even the way we design scientific studies. We discuss why it became taboo in Western science to discuss animal emotions and minds, how behaviorism and the “black box” view of the mind sidelined rich subjective experiences, and why Darwin’s own belief in animal minds was gradually pushed out of mainstream discourse. If you want to learn more about Christine and get a copy of her book you can visit her website: https://www.cewebb.com/

Show Notes Summary In this episode, I sit down with evolutionary biologist Joan Strassmann to explore the social lives of birds and what they can teach us about behavior, self‑interest, and community across species. Building on the previous episode with primatologist Joan Silk, who showed how long‑term studies of baboons reveal the deep effects of early adversity and social bonds on lifespan and fitness, we shift from primate societies to avian societies and take our attention to their lives. Joan Strassmann introduces flight as birds’ defining “superpower,” explaining how the demands of aerial life push many species to the energetic edge, where small birds can lose around ten percent of their body weight overnight (every night!) and must constantly refuel just to survive. We also talk about surprising cases of rapid evolution in response to human environments. A big part of our conversation centers on social strategies like infidelity and extra‑pair copulations that overturned the image of birds as perfectly monogamous and the fluid dynamics of flocks and roosts, where each individual is primarily pursuing its own self‑interest within a loose social contract. We also discuss bird personalities, status hierarchies, and Joan’s “slow birding” philosophy, which encourages people to pick a single bird and watch it for five minutes to begin seeing its individual story rather than just ticking off species on a list. Throughout, birds become a way of thinking about ourselves: their stress, their negotiation between self‑interest and group life, and their varied responses to human pressure are all part of a broader, comparative view of social behavior that connects baboons, birds, gorillas, and humans.

Primatologist Joan Silk has spent decades following individual baboons from birth to death, documenting how friendships, conflicts, and early life experiences shape their lives. In this conversation, we explore how grooming, coalition support, and even simple grunts help baboons repair fights and maintain social bonds. We talk about why female baboons have intense relationships with their mothers but more contentious bonds with sisters, what happens hormonally when a close partner dies, and how early adversity can make it harder to form strong social ties later on. We also draw parallels to human life: bullying and social exclusion, the energy cost of maintaining friendships, the vulnerability of pulling back during hard times, and the moment when a relationship moves beyond tit‑for‑tat reciprocity into something more stable. If you’re curious about the biology of friendship, the psychology of conflict repair, and why our social worlds matter for how long we live, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 – How Joan Silk fell in love with primate behavior 08:00 – Why long‑term field studies matter 16:00 – Defining ‘social bonds’ and friendship in baboons 22:00 – Grunts, reconciliation, and benign intent 34:00 – Early adversity and the ability to bond 41:00 – Temperament, isolation, and COVID parallels 50:00 – Social ties and lifespan

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but we’re relentlessly reminded that romantic love ought to be the most important relationship in our lives. But in this conversation, evolutionary anthropologist Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford, provides a more nuanced idea. We explore where humans sit evolutionarily between monogamy and polygamy, why pair bonding may have evolved as a protective strategy in large social groups, and why romance includes friendship and requires continued investment to remain stable. If we treat romantic partners as permanently secure family members we risk neglecting the very behaviors that sustain long-term bonds. If you want to explore more of Robin's work check out a few of these titles: Explore Robin Dunbar’s Work Friends Grooming, Gossip and the Evolution of Language How Many Friends Does One Person Need? The Social Brain You can keep up with me on Instagram (@RealDrJen) and check out Wild Connection TV on YouTube where I bring science to life. And check out my Substack for more writings.

How do we live well in a world we cannot control? In this episode of Wild Connection, I'm joined by Massimo Pigliucci, evolutionary biologist, philosopher, author, and one of today’s leading voices on modern Stoicism. We explore stoicism not as emotional detachment or passive acceptance, but as a practical philosophy designed to help people navigate uncertainty, loss, and moral complexity with clarity and intention. Drawing on ancient Stoic thinkers and contemporary life, Massimo explains the four cardinal virtues as tools for everyday decision-making. Books by Massimo Pigliucci: How to Be a Stoic A Handbook for New Stoics (with Gregory Lopez) Think Like a Stoic Beyond Stoicism Nonsense on Stilts Massimo’s Substack Next week, Wild Connection launches a special series on love and relationships, beginning with evolutionary anthropologist Robin Dunbar, whose work on friendship, bonding, and group size helps explain why connection is not optional, it’s biological. You can keep up with me on Instagram (@RealDrJen) and check out Wild Connection TV on YouTube where I bring science to life. And check out my Substack for more writings.

What if the building blocks of life are not unique to Earth? In this episode of Wild Connection, I am joined by Dr. Ersilia Vaudo, astrophysicist who serves as Special Advisor on Future Talents at the European Space Agency and author of The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions. Our conversation comes at a moment of renewed cosmic curiosity, following a recent discovery reported by CNN, Universe Today and others on how scientists have identified a molecule critical to life drifting through interstellar space. We explore the five major revolutions that transformed how we understand the universe from Newton’s gravity and Einstein’s spacetime to dark matter, dark energy. And there are still unanswered questions that shape modern astrophysics. Along the way, Ersilia reflects on why curiosity, humility, and wonder remain essential tools for science, and how shifting our perspective beyond an Earth-centered view can deepen our sense of belonging in a vast, evolving cosmos. From the soil beneath our feet to the chemistry between the stars, this episode invites listeners to consider how deeply connected we are to the universe, not just as observers, but as participants made of the same ancient material. You can order a copy of Dr. Vaudo's book (and you should) here and keep up with all things astrophysics here .

In this episode of Wild Connection, Dr. Jennifer Verdolin speaks with author and essayist Tamara Dean , whose book Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless explores what it means to live in relationship with a place. From the beauty and hardship of rural Wisconsin to the floods, fires, and tornadoes that test both landscape and spirit, Dean shares how community, storytelling, and attentive living can transform adversity into belonging. In this episode we reflect on the practice of slowing down, listening to the land, and learning from the species who share it with us. Our conversation also reveals how small acts like writing a neighbor’s story after a flood or watching fireflies are opportunities for connection and renewal. Keep up with Tamara Dean on Facebook If Tamara’s reflections inspire you to deepen your own sense of place, explore my Reconnect with Nature course on Audible and companion workbook Rooted in Nature , designed to help you rediscover your connection to the natural world. Next week, the journey continues with astrophysicist Ersilia Vaudo, taking us from the ground to the stars. You can keep up with me on Instagram (@RealDrJen) and check out Wild Connection TV on YouTube where I bring science to life.

Conflict doesn’t stop at people. It also impacts forests, rivers, and species that share our world. In this conversation, Dr. Jen and Dr. András Hárs explore the UN’s complicated role in peacekeeping and environmental protection, weaving together personal stories, global politics, and the overlooked casualties of war: ecosystems and wildlife. From the Central African Republic’s endangered gorillas to the sustainability dilemmas of COP climate conferences, we talk about the tough issues: Who holds peacekeepers accountable when misconduct occurs? Can international law evolve to treat the environment as a victim of war? And what lessons should we carry forward to ensure peace is sustainable for humans and nature alike? Keep up with Dr. Hárs on LinkedIn To learn more about the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), visit: @RealDrJen YouTube: Wild Connection TV Want to support the show and our work at Wild Connection? Visit www.wildconnection.org to learn more and get involved.

Fungi are everywhere , in the soil, in the air, in our food. Quietly they sustain life but also may unleash devastation. In this episode of Wild Connection, I chat with environmental toxicologist and author Emily Monosson about her latest book Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic. From the Irish potato famine and the rise of Candida auris in hospitals, to bats felled by white-nose syndrome and amphibians lost to the chytrid fungus, fungi are reshaping ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Guest Bio: Emily Monosson, Ph.D., is an environmental toxicologist and writer. Her books include Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic, Natural Defense: Enlisting Bugs and Germs to Protect Our Food and Health, and Motherhood, the Elephant in the Laboratory. She is known for her ability to synthesize science into compelling, accessible narratives. Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic (W.W. Norton) – available at your local independent bookstore, directly from the Publisher or on Amazon . Connect with Emily Monosson on LinkedIn . You can keep up with Dr. Jen on Instagram (@RealDrJen) and check out Wild Connection TV on YouTube where she brings science to life.

What if a river is alive? What would it say about our world today? About the way we treat water, land, and each other? This question is at the heart of Robert Macfarlane’s latest book, Is a River Alive? On this episode Robert invites us to reimagine rivers not as background scenery or mere water channels, but as living entities, storytellers, and deserving of rights. To keep up with Robert check out his website: https://www.robertmacfarlane.com or connect with him on X: @ RobGMacfarlane or Instagram: @ RobGMacfarlane If you want to purchase a copy of Is a River Alive you can do so by getting it direct from the publisher Norton or on Amazon If you enjoyed this conversation and want to cultivate your own wild connection, check out my new Audible course Reconnect with Nature packed with simple, science-backed ways to bring nature back into your daily life, plus a companion workbook, Rooted in Nature , to guide your journey And of course connect with me Website: http://www.jenniferverdolin.com Instagram:@realdrjen X: @realdrjen and @wildconnectpod Wild Connection TV: @wildconnectiontv4022

What can animals teach us about empathy, intelligence, and connection? In this episode of Wild Connection, bestselling author Sy Montgomery shares her journey and explores what chickens (and other animals) really know. With over 30 books to her name, from The Soul of an Octopus to How to Be a Good Creature, Sy invites us to see the world through the eyes of others You can keep up with Sy and check out all of her books by heading to her website: https://symontgomery.com/ or on Instagram @Sytheauthor If you want to host a book club using one of Sy's books and have this podcast episode as a companion or connect deeper with the content, I've created a downloadable Listener's Guide to accompany the dispose. You can find it on my website at www.jenniferverdolin.com/blog If you want to watch the video on prairie dogs that came up in this episode you can see that here on my YouTube channel. If you enjoyed this conversation and want to cultivate your own wild connection, check out my new Audible course Reconnect with Nature packed with simple, science-backed ways to bring nature back into your daily life, plus a companion workbook, Rooted in Nature , to guide your journey And of course connect with me Website: http://www.jenniferverdolin.com Instagram:@realdrjen

Join me in conversation with conservation legend Ian Redmond, whose groundbreaking work with Dian Fossey and lifelong advocacy for great apes and elephants has shaped global conservation. We talk about his early days in the forest, his current work with Ecoflix, and the power of storytelling in saving species. Recorded in September 2024, this episode offers a rare window into the past, present, and future of wildlife protection. Learn more about Ecoflix: www.ecoflix.com Follow Ian on X @4Apes Don't miss the next episode featuring Sy Montgomery! #IanRedmond #WildConnectionPodcast #ConservationHeroes #Ecoflix #GreatApes #Gorillas #WildlifeStorytelling

This episode is a special one as I got to interview a personal scientific hero of mine, and fellow great ape researcher, Dr. Richard Wrangham. He shares his findings and heartwarming stories of some of the chimpanzees he's gotten to know over the years. He's also a prolific write and champion of chimps and communities. Check out the links below to find out more about the important work he and his colleagues are doing in Uganda. Richard Wrangham Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) https://kasiisiproject.org/

This episode features Dr. Susan B Eirich— author of Whispers from the Wild: An Invitation Stories from the Rescued Wild Animals of Earthfire institute. Susan’s work in Reconnection Ecology invites us to see animals not as ‘other,’ but as beings with whom we share this planet in a profound and reciprocal way. Check out the incredible work of the Earthfire Institute here and learn more about Susan on her website If you are digging the show subscribe and share it so others can enjoy it too. You can follow the show on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also follow the show on Twitter: @WildConnectPod You can also follow me on Twitter: @realdrjen Instagram: @readrjen Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealDrJen

George Makari is the author of a recent book titled Of Fear and Strangers: A History of Xenophobia. He is also a psychiatrist and historian, who is the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Institute of Psychiatry: History, Policy, and the Arts,Weill Cornell Medical College, where he has a clinical practice.

Today we have science writer and author Emma Marris here, and we’re going to be talking about her amazing experience and her book, Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World. You can keep up with Emma by visiting her website If you are digging the show subscribe and share it so others can enjoy it too. You can follow the show on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also follow the show on X: @WildConnectPod You can also follow me on X: @realdrjen Instagram: @readrjen Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealDrJen

Today I am lucky enough to talk to award winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale who’s works will move you and compel you to reconsider your relationship to nature. Most recently her not for profit Vital Impacts collaborated with the Jane Goodall Institute to celebrate women photographers, specifically, 90 of them in honor of Jane Goodall turning 90 last year. It was launched on April 1st 2024 and ran for 90 days. Vital Impacts is just one of the incredible concrete actions Ami has taken to create change and I’m thrilled to have her on the show hoping she will also inspire you. Check out her website https://www.amivitale.com/ and keep up with her on Instagram: @amivitale You can also keep up with us If you are digging the show subscribe and share it so others can enjoy it too. You can follow the show on Itunes, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also follow the show on Twitter: @WildConnectPod You can also follow me on X: @realdrjen Instagram: @readrjen Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealDrJen Song Credit: Kichwamba High School Music Dance and Drama Club featuring The Krunk Movement (Queen Nairobi, 412SHxM, Chell E, Amina Rasid, and DJ Loveasy). Produced by DJ BKB.

This episode the interviewer becomes the interviewee as I am interviewed by my very talented intern Logan. We cover everything from how I got started to where I am headed. Please join us as we kick off Season!