Paleontologist Henry Gee humorously explains to us why the anus was the key to large animals evolving, how the large size of our “dangly bits” is unique to our species, and what exactly has been the significance to humans about bipedalism. Our colorful discussion with Henry hilariously highlights many of the mysteries surrounding our life on earth.
"The anus was the key to all intelligent life, which is why one tends to have one's best ideas while sitting on the loo." ~ Henry Gee
Henry describes himself as a “recovering paleontologist”, but he is also an author, and a musician. His day job is the senior editor of the scientific journal Nature.
Having written numerous books, including The Accidental Species, The Science of Middle-Earth, Jacob's Ladder and In Search of Deep Time, Henry protested to his publisher that he wouldn’t write another [expletive] book. But Henry wrote another [expletive] book and we’re so glad he did! A (Very) Short History of Life On Earth is a fun and informative review of the delicate balance that has allowed life to survive and flourish on the planet.
Topics(5:49) Welcome and speed round questions.
(10:21) Why was the development of the anus the key to all intelligent life?
(13:01) Why are there no dinosaur sized animals anymore?
(18:32) The story of why Henry wrote A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth.
(23:55) Why bipedalism is such a mystery and a marvel.
(31:57) Humans are uniquely good at endurance running.
(35:07) Why do men have large penises and women have large breasts?
(39:10) The musical significance of cave painting locations.
(42:03) Bach was a rule breaker!
(47:05) What work and music Henry is working on next.
(51:24) Grooving session with Kurt and Tim reviewing what we learnt from Henry.
© 2022 Behavioral Grooves
Links
Henry’s book, “A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth: 4.6 Billion Years in 12 Pithy Chapters”: https://amzn.to/3I8HH4W
Henry Gee on Twitter: @EndOfThePier
Neil Gaiman: https://www.neilgaiman.com/
Dan Lieberman: https://scholar.harvard.edu/dlieberman/home
Musical Links
Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRg0K5rgXog&ab_channel=CollinsClassics
Juilliard String Quartet performs Bach, Art of Fugue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ILd81jY1v4
BB King “Beautician Blues”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFA4UHl4upE
Robert Johnson “Crossroads”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A
G & T “Ice and a Slice”: https://open.spotify.com/album/5o4CQ6SJJ2hnGFvoCSMrsm
How Good People Fight Bias | Dolly Chugh [Republish]
Groove Track | No, Short-Term Rewards Don’t Drain Long-Term Motivation
The Power of Unity: Robert Cialdini Expands His Best Selling Book Influence [Republish]
Groove Track | 12 Words That Improve Company Performance
Delusions Can Actually Be Useful: Hidden Brain’s Shankar Vedantam Reveals How [Republish]
How To Find Meaning IN Life | Dr Brian Lowery PhD
How Do Incentives Actually Impact Motivation? | Dr Indranil Goswami PhD
Groove Track: Cab Driver Study
Can You Really Love Things As Much As People? With Aaron Ahuvia
The Loss of Common Sense: How To Gain A Little Perspective | Martin Lindstrom
Trust Your Gut? Only If The Data Supports It | Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
Changing Our Mind: Exploring How Mental Illness Is Managed with Daniel Bergner
Finding Out What Your Customers Want and Why It Matters | Andrea Belk Olson
From Distracted To Focused: Nir Eyal’s Secrets On How To Be Indistractable
You Have Dignity Because You’re Human, Not Because You Work | Jonathan Malesic
How To Fix Burnout (Hint: It Isn’t Another Yoga Session) | Jennifer Moss
You Can Change Someone’s Mind But Are You Sure You Want To? | David McRaney
Changing The World with Persistent Optimism | Dr. Paul Zeitz
Want To Improve Your Kid’s Behavior? Start With Your Own | Sue Donnellan
Three Easy Ways to Nurture A Child’s Brain Development | Dana Suskind MD
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Poetry of Science
Hidden Brain
Something You Should Know
The Science of Happiness
The Psychology Podcast