Talking Apes – Details, episodes & analysis

Join us for a lively, curiosity-filled deep dive with author and researcher Cat Bohannon, whose award-winning book Eve reframes 200 million years of evolution through the female body. Cat brings her signature blend of science, storytelling, and humor to Talking Apes, guiding us through the missing pieces in our evolutionary story and the surprising role that female biology plays in shaping everything from mammal reproduction to primate societies.

In this episode, we explore how scientific blind spots took hold, why female behavior and anatomy were overlooked for so long, and what happens when you return the female body to the center of the evolutionary narrative. From gynecology as the original technology to rethinking ape sociality and the hidden histories behind everyday traits, Cat illuminates a world that’s been hiding in plain sight.

Expect laughter, big ideas, and a refreshingly human conversation about what our bodies can teach us, and what we’ve missed by ignoring half the story. Watch the full episode on our Apes Like Us YouTube Channel, or listen on our website at talkingapes.org

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More about Cat’s work: https://www.catbohannon.com

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Paleoanthropologist Dr. Matt Tocheri joins host Gerry Ellis to explore the remarkable discovery of Homo floresiensis — the so-called Flores “Hobbit” of Indonesia. What does this small-bodied, small-brained human tell us about our own evolutionary story?

In this episode of Talking Apes, host Gerry Ellis is joined by paleoanthropologist Dr. Matt Tocheri, one of the world’s leading experts on Homo floresiensis—the small-bodied, small-brained human species nicknamed “the Hobbit.” Discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores, in 2003, this astonishing find continues to reshape what we know about human evolution. Dr. Tocheri shares the story behind the discovery, how the Hobbit lived, and what this mysterious species reveals about what it means to be human. Join us as we explore the science, the controversies, and the wonder of a world once shared by another kind of human.

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Bipedalism - How Walking Made Us Human with Jeremy DeSilva

“The history of our lineage is filled with multiple species coexisting—this moment, with only one upright walking ape on the planet, is exceptionally rare.”

Why do humans walk on two legs when no other mammal does? And what did it cost us? From back pain to difficult childbirth, our bipedal evolution has its drawbacks—but it also shaped everything about who we are today.

In this episode of Talking Apes, we sit down with Jeremy DeSilva, a leading paleoanthropologist whose research has transformed our understanding of early human locomotion. Jeremy takes us on a journey through millions of years of evolution, from the discovery of Lucy, the famous 3.2-million-year-old hominin, to fossilized footprints that reveal a world where multiple human-like species walked side by side.

With infectious enthusiasm and a deep passion for science education, Jeremy unpacks the mysteries of how and why we took our very first steps—and why it matters today.

Dive into Jeremy’s book, First Steps: How Walking Upright Made Us Human

Check out Jeremy's blog

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In this episode of Talking Apes, we sit down with Mary Ford, Senior Director of Roots & Shoots USA, the Jane Goodall Institute’s global youth program. Mary shares the inspiring origins of Roots & Shoots—how a conversation on Jane Goodall’s porch in Tanzania sparked a movement that now empowers young change makers in over 70 countries.

We explore how conservation is evolving beyond protecting forests and wildlife—embracing a more holistic, community-driven approach. Mary discusses the power of mentorship, the ripple effects of grassroots action, and why Jane prefers the phrase “think locally, act locally” over the traditional “think globally” mantra. She also dives into the “compassionate traits” Roots & Shoots fosters in young leaders, equipping them to tackle environmental and social justice challenges with resilience and hope.

Tune in to discover how small actions can create a global impact—and how young people everywhere are proving that deep roots and strong shoots can break down any wall.

🌱 Learn more about Roots & Shoots: https://rootsandshoots.org

🌱 Learn more about The Jane Goodall Institute: https://janegoodall.org/

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Why are chimpanzees in Uganda scooping up bat guano and eating it? This strange behavior, captured on trail cameras and observed over 800 times in a single year, is the fascinating centerpiece of our latest episode with disease ecologist Dr. Tony Goldberg. Tony explains how this bizarre dietary shift is linked to mineral deficiencies in the chimps’ diet, caused by the loss of raffia palm trees due to human activity. What started as a simple agricultural practice has cascaded into a complex ecological ripple effect.

But the story doesn’t end with nutrition. The bat guano, rich in minerals, also contains viruses—some closely related to deadly pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. Tony walks us through how this newfound behavior offers a window into the early stages of potential pandemics, with implications for both chimpanzee conservation and global health. His research shines a light on the interconnectedness of human actions, animal behavior, and disease emergence.
Join us for a captivating conversation filled with groundbreaking discoveries and urgent lessons for conservation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the unexpected ways our actions impact the natural world.

Tony's lab website

Tony's scientific papers: 

Pediatric Respiratory Pathogens Circulate in Children and Adults in Communities Near Susceptible Wild Great Ape Populations in Uganda

Common cold viruses circulating in children threaten wild chimpanzees through asymptomatic adult carriers

Read more on these subjects:

Chimps are dying of the common cold. Is great ape tourism to blame?

How Ugandan Tobacco Farming Inadvertently Threatens Spread of Bat-Borne Viruses

Photo of Tony in cover picture: Jessica Rothman

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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

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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!

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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!

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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

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Season 4 Premiere: World Gorilla Day Special Episode! 🦍

We’re thrilled to launch Season 4 of Talking Apes with a special release in celebration of World Gorilla Day! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director of Gorilla Doctors, the ground-breaking organization that’s saving gorillas through cutting-edge veterinary care.

In this episode, Kirsten shares her passion for gorilla conservation and the awe-inspiring experiences of working up close with these incredible animals. From the emotional moment of meeting a gorilla for the first time, to the complex challenges of protecting gorillas across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, this episode offers rare insights into what it takes to keep these endangered species alive.

'It was like meeting a cousin or brother for the first time, realizing they were part of my family and recognizing that kinship.'

You’ll hear about:

• Gorilla Doctors' "One Health" approach – safeguarding gorillas, people, and the environment 
• The crucial role of local vets and communities in conservation efforts 
• How tourism has helped and hindered gorilla protection 
• Incredible stories about vets in the field 

‘We’re not running a veterinary clinic outside the forest. Our vets go right into the park and do the work.’

This episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and the reality of what it takes to save one of our closest relatives from the brink of extinction. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about wildlife conservation, gorillas, or the future of our planet.

🎧 Tune in now and celebrate World Gorilla Day with us by diving into this amazing episode!

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