Talking Apes
GLOBIO
A primate podcast examining the world of great apes - chimps, gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, and humans. Our remarkable guests are at the forefront of science and conservation, exploring our brains, evolution, anatomy, disease, wildlife, biodiversity, and the ecosystems we all depend on for survival. Visit our official website: talkingapes.org
Talking Apes is a program of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
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Top 10 Talking Apes Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Talking Apes episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Talking Apes for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Talking Apes episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
12/17/24 • 79 min
This week on Talking Apes, we’re entering the personal world of gorillas and a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to their stories: Beth Armstrong. As a former gorilla keeper at the Columbus Zoo, Beth’s career spans from revolutionizing gorilla care in zoos to advocating for conservation in the wild. She brings decades of experience, wisdom, and unapologetic passion for these gentle giants.
Beth’s stories from the field are as vivid as they are moving. She describes the transformation of gorilla enclosures from barren cages to enriched spaces that reflect the dignity these animals deserve, built on the simple principle of listening to what the gorillas were telling her. Her work didn’t stop at the zoo gates—Beth’s commitment to field conservation and questioning the role zoos play in the bigger picture of species survival has reshaped how we view these institutions today.
In this episode, Beth also shares poignant reflections on humanity’s connection to gorillas, the injustices they’ve faced, and how each of us can play a part in their story. From heartwarming tales of gorilla mothers to the challenges of fostering community-driven conservation, Beth’s insights remind us that conservation is, at its core, about relationships—between people, animals, and ecosystems.
‘Conservation is nothing but personal—it’s about relationships and community.’
Tune in to hear Beth’s unforgettable journey, her advice for anyone passionate about making a difference, and why telling these stories matters more than ever. You won’t want to miss this one!
Beth is the author of the 2020 memoir Voices from the Ape House
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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12/20/22 • 58 min
At 22 years old, Rachel Hogan never dreamed that a three month volunteering trip to Africa would result in her becoming the director of one of the world's largest and most well known primate sanctuaries.
Over two decades later, Rachel remains on the edge of Cameroon's rainforests overseeing fifty human residents and 300 non-human residents - a growing hoard of gorillas, chimps, and monkeys now living in Ape Action Africa's 17 ginormous forest enclosures.
The sanctuary is a lifeline for endangered baby chimpanzees and gorillas that have been illegally stolen from the wild, victims of the bushmeat trade - their parents killed and the babies sold on as pets.
Ape Action Africa supports the government by making confiscations of these animals possible, and providing lifelong care to the orphaned apes and monkeys that show up at their gates.
Listen to Rachel tell us about the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic day to day life at the sanctuary, the tiny baby gorilla that persuaded her to stay forever, and the recent events that have given her a greater hope for the future of great apes in Africa.
To learn more about Ape Action Africa visit: apeactionafrica.org
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Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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09/20/22 • 24 min
Mountain Gorillas and forest elephants highlight our launch of Talking Apes Season 2 with conservationist and naturalist Ian Redmond. Over his three-decades of life in the wilds, Ian has seen the most beautiful reflections of nature and the most horrific of impacts we humans have dish out. Through it all Ian has remained positive and confident in the resiliency of nature and the strength of our resolve to ensure survival of magnificent species like gorillas and elephants. Part 2 digs deeper into the role of carbon, climate and ecosystem services as an economic commodity that might just provide wildlife with a greater value alive than poached.
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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09/20/22 • 51 min
Mountain Gorillas and forest elephants highlight our launch of Talking Apes Season 2 with conservationist and naturalist Ian Redmond. Over his three-decades of life in the wilds, Ian has seen the most beautiful reflections of nature and the most horrific of impacts we humans have dish out. Through it all Ian has remained positive and confident in the resiliency of nature and the strength of our resolve to ensure survival of magnificent species like gorillas and elephants.
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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Growing Up Chimp with Dr. Kris Sabbi | S4E60
Talking Apes
12/04/24 • 102 min
Growing Up Chimp: Lessons on Life, Leadership, and the Mystery of Puberty
What does it really mean to grow up? For chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, the journey from infancy to adulthood is as complex, awkward, and revealing as our own. In the latest episode of Talking Apes, primatologist Dr. Kris Sabbi takes us deep into the lives of juvenile chimps, exploring the web of social behaviors, hormonal development, and environmental factors that shape who they become.
Dr. Sabbi’s groundbreaking work tracks chimps from playful juveniles to wise adults, uncovering insights about everything from leadership styles to the mysteries of puberty. What happens when a new alpha male transitions from fierce competitor to gentle caretaker? How do social interactions and play behaviors shape a chimp's future? The answers offer fresh perspectives on the pivotal moments that connect us to our primate cousins.
Through entertaining anecdotes—like the art of collecting chimp urine—and fascinating discoveries about hormonal milestones, this episode unveils the parallels between growing up chimp and growing up human. How does exposure to aggression affect early play behaviors? Can chimpanzees follow our gaze, and what does it mean for their social intelligence?
Tune in now to learn all about growing up as a chimpanzee!
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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10/22/24 • 73 min
Generations at Gombe: Elizabeth Lonsdorf on Chimpanzee Mothers, Babies, and the Power of Long-Term Study
In this episode of Talking Apes we’re joined by Elizabeth Lonsdorf whose decades spanning career has been rooted at Gombe, the iconic chimpanzee research site founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. What started as a project to study tool-use in wild chimps has evolved into a lifetime of discovery. Elizabeth, now co-director of the Gombe Mother-Infant Project, explores the most intimate relationships in chimpanzee society: mothers and their babies.
How does a chimpanzee’s early life adversity—such as losing its mother—affect its behavior as an adult? How do maternal behaviors pass through generations, and what can this teach us about the evolution of childhood in both chimpanzees and humans? Elizabeth shares how her team tracks these remarkable apes from nest to nest, gathering fecal samples (yes, chimp poop is gold!) and data on everything from social bonds to stress hormones.
Elizabeth discusses how chimps are not just “chimps.” Every community has its own culture, behaviors, and unique challenges. Tune in to find out how the Gombe research team is now following the fifth generation of chimps and why there are still so many mysteries left to uncover in the lives of our closest animal relatives.
You won’t want to miss this deep dive into the generational stories of Gombe chimps.
Click here to visit Elizabeth's website
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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07/02/24 • 93 min
Learn about the secrets of ape society with Dr John Mitani
Join us for the second time on Talking Apes with John Mitani, a renowned primatologist with over three decades of experience studying chimpanzees in the wild. Known for his ground-breaking research and role as the scientific consultant for Netflix's "Chimp Empire," John shares his wealth of knowledge and incredible experiences from the forests of Kibale and beyond.
From discovering unusually large chimpanzee groups to observing intricate social dynamics, John’s journey is filled with fascinating tales. His work at Ngogo has unveiled the complexities of chimpanzee cooperation, politics, and hunting strategies, revealing behaviors that were once unimaginable.
'This was a giant chimpanzee group - well over 100 individuals - much larger than any other chimpanzee community observed previously.'
John explains how long-term observations have led to unexpected discoveries about chimpanzees, their life expectancy; and critical conservation issues, including snare removal efforts and the challenges posed by the global illegal trade in wild meat.
'Ecotourism is one success story. I'm absolutely convinced there would be no mountain gorillas left without it.'
Tune in to explore the secret lives of forest apes, the importance of long-term studies, and the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies.
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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05/16/24 • 80 min
Join us for this episode of Talking Apes featuring Jeremy Hance, a distinguished environmental journalist renowned for his unwavering commitment to biodiversity. With a prolific career writing for outlets like Mongabay and the Guardian, Jeremy shares his insights on conservation and the emotional challenges of his work.
Jeremy shares his lifelong love for wild things and his identity as a storyteller. He talks about the joy and challenges of covering critical issues like global warming, poaching, and species loss, and the emotional toll these topics take on his mental health.
Jeremy also discusses his book, "Baggage: Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Hypochondriac," which candidly explores his battles with anxiety, depression, and OCD while still finding joy in his work.
Discover how Jeremy's storytelling connects people to the natural world and inspires action. We also delve into the urgent need for large-scale solutions to environmental problems and the potential for humanity to make rapid, necessary changes.
"You have these people who devote their lives to a single species on our planet. That to me is so inspiring - that is a really hopeful side of our species."
Tune in for a powerful conversation about the intersection of environmental advocacy and personal resilience, and gain insight into the passion and perseverance behind Jeremy's work.
Read Jeremy's Mongabay Articles
Read Jeremy's Guardian Articles
Buy Jeremy's Book
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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05/04/23 • 66 min
Did tool-use lead to talking?
Dr. Gilly Forrester’s groundbreaking research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of language in humans. Her work, focused on the cognitive abilities of great apes, has highlighted fascinating discoveries about their use of tools and problem solving abilities.
"We share an incredible evolutionary history with other great apes."
One of Gilly's observations has been that apes can modify tools to make them more effective, suggesting a level of cognitive flexibility that was previously thought to be unique to humans. Furthermore, they use tools for a wide range of purposes, including foraging, hunting and communication. Gilly proposes that tool use may have been a precursor to the development of language in humans.
Join us this week on Talking Apes Podcast where Dr Gillian Forrester shares her captivating findings on how tool-use may have been the evolutionary stepping stone that laid the foundations for the language that we humans we use today.
Gillian Forrester is Professor of Evolutionary and Developmental Psychology at the University of Sussex. She holds her PhD in Experimental Psychology form the University of Oxford. To learn more about her work visit:
gillianforrester.com
mehuman.iosussex.ac.uk/gillian-forrester*Please note, the chimpanzee in the header photo is behind glass. Primate professionals do not condone direct human-ape contact unless in an emergency situation.
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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11/12/24 • 30 min
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed a male orangutan, Rakus, using plants as medicine—a first-ever recording of a wild animal self-medicating for wound care. This unique behavior was spotted in the jungle, where Rakus chewed the stem and leaves of a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties and applied it to his injured cheek. The wound, likely caused by a territorial fight, healed within a month.
What makes this finding extraordinary is its implications for both orangutans and humans. Dr Isabelle Laumer, the lead researcher and guest on our latest Talking Apes episode, highlights how Rakus' actions could offer insights into the evolutionary roots of self-medication in primates, possibly tracing back to a common ancestor. Her research opens up questions about how much orangutans—and perhaps other great apes—might already know about medicinal plants in their environment.
Join us for this special Orangutan Caring Week episode to explore how this discovery reshapes our understanding of primate intelligence, behavior, and our shared evolutionary past. Don't miss this look into the wild world of orangutan healing techniques.
Tune in to uncover the full story and the fascinating questions it raises!
Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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FAQ
How many episodes does Talking Apes have?
Talking Apes currently has 64 episodes available.
What topics does Talking Apes cover?
The podcast is about Animals, Conservation, Natural Sciences, Nature, Wildlife, Podcasts, Science and Anthropology.
What is the most popular episode on Talking Apes?
The episode title 'Empathy and Sympathy in Conservation with Dr Kathayoon Khalil | S3E51' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Talking Apes?
The average episode length on Talking Apes is 63 minutes.
How often are episodes of Talking Apes released?
Episodes of Talking Apes are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Talking Apes?
The first episode of Talking Apes was released on Mar 4, 2021.
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