When I'm Disciplining You, It's Not a Size Bluff

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All animals speak in a low pitched growl when expressing authority or dominance. And communicate in high pitched notes when they are being friendly. In every language, we raise our voices when asking a question and the person responding lowers his or her voice to take on an authoritative tone. When yo tatakeo, totally the low voice of authority. But although, if any of my kids are listeng to podcats, i'd like to point out that when i'm disciplining you, it's not a size bluff. I am actually larger. This is a point of fact.

Today, we are revisiting one of our favorite episodes: an interview with New Yorker staff writer John Colapinto. In his brilliant book, "This Is the Voice," John says that while opposable thumbs are handy, the voice is our species' greatest attribute. We rely on it to communicate and collaborate, woo our mates and protect our children, win wars and make podcasts. John would know. A vocal injury changed his relationship with his instrument and set him on a path to better understand what his voice means to him — and what the voice means to humanity.