298 - The Whale Identity

00:00:00 - A quick intro to let everyone know that this episode features an interview with former guest of the show (episode 97) Dr. Nick Pyenson recorded live at Room 11 in D.C. Thanks for Room 11 for having us!

00:01:49 - Nick Pyenson joins us to talk about his new book Spying on Whales: The Past, Present, and Future of Earth's Most Awesome Creatures with illustrations by Alex Boersma. A free-wheeling discussion ensues over a couple of burnt sugar old-fashioned cocktails. We talk a lot about whales and their portrayal in the book, but also mention some other things to check out which you can find here:

Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina

Light of the Stars: Alien Worlds and the Fate of the Earth by Adam Frank

Contact by Carl Sagan

You can follow Nick and his future adventures online via Twitter (@PyensonLab) and Instagram (@pyensonlab)

01:12:59 - PaleoPOWs are a lot like new year celebrations, noisy but with a sense of finality. This week we thank Ian C. for his time as a recurring donor to the show. Thanks, Ian! Here’s to another year of science with all you lovely people.

More cool rewards await you if you decide to support us on our Patreon!

Music for this episode:

Humpback whalesong

I Spy - Guster