Wild Connections: Unraveling the Secret Social Networks of Lions, Chimps, and Dolphins

Welcome back to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series on radio and podcast, the show where we explore fascinating stories, insightful perspectives, and inspiring journeys that remind us all it’s never too late to live a life full of adventure, connection, and meaning. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Picture this: a world where relationships mean the difference between life and death, where the company you keep determines whether you’ll survive the night or find food for the day. 

This isn’t the latest human drama—it’s the hidden reality of the animal kingdom. From bats sharing blood to keep one another alive, to birds teaming up to steal a quick meal, animals have been forging social networks long before the first human logged onto social media.

Our guest today is someone who has spent his life uncovering these incredible stories of connection and survival. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin is an evolutionary biologist, historian of science, and the author of the fascinating new book, The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies.

Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin will be presenting at Smithsonian Asscociates coming up soon, so check out our show notes today for more details. 

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Lee Alan Dugatkin. Author of the new book The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin will be presenting at Smithsonian Asscociates coming up soon, so check out our show notes today for more details. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  My thanks to Executive Producer, Sam Heninger.  Please be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series on radio and podcast, thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.

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