Heather Radke, a reporter and author of 'Butts', teams up with Matt Kielty, Radiolab producer, to dive deep into the fascinating world of the human posterior. They discuss its cultural history and evolutionary significance, revealing how our butts have played a role in what makes us human. The conversation takes a thrilling turn as they explore the 'Man Against Horse' race, showcasing an incredible personal story and the enduring competition between humans and horses in the rocky Arizona desert.
The podcast delves into the cultural history of female butts, exploring societal perceptions over time.
Research on endurance running sheds light on how humans became proficient hunters in the context of climate change and prey competition.
The 'Man Against Horse' race showcases human endurance, resilience, and the deep-rooted connection between running abilities and our evolutionary journey.
Deep dives
Tale about Butts and Endurance
A contributing editor, Heather Radke, shares a peculiar story about the cultural history of female butts, exploring societal perceptions over time. Starting as an essay on personal experiences with body image, the narrative delves into the significance and symbolism of the butt. Heather's research on the anatomy of the butt leads to intriguing questions about its purpose and evolution.
The Evolution of Human Running
Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman illustrates how the gluteus maximus muscle in humans played a crucial role in our development as runners. Examining fossil records and anatomical features, Lieberman suggests that human anatomy, including adaptations for running, contributed to our hunting capabilities and overall evolution. Research on endurance running sheds light on how humans became proficient hunters in the context of climate change and prey competition.
Man Versus Horse Race
The podcast episode recounts the enthralling 'Man Against Horse' race where endurance athlete Nick Corey achieved a remarkable feat by outrunning horses over a 50-mile course. Nick's strategy of steady pacing and mental resilience helped him secure victory, marking a historic win against the animal competitors. Despite challenges faced during the race, Nick's perseverance and emotional triumph reflect the endurance and determination ingrained in human evolution.
Debating Evolutionary Theories
The podcast features a debate between evolutionary biologists Daniel Lieberman and Dennis Bramble regarding the origins of human running abilities. While Lieberman emphasizes the significance of endurance running in early hunting strategies, Bramble proposes an alternative theory of aggressive scavenging as a primary motivator for human running capabilities. The contrasting views shed light on the diverse perspectives within evolutionary science.
The Journey of Human Endurance
Exploring the essence of human endurance and resilience, the podcast portrays running as a fundamental aspect of human evolution and survival. As portrayed in the 'Man Against Horse' race and evolutionary discussions, the episode highlights the human capacity for persistence, adaptability, and physical prowess over time. The narrative captures a deep-rooted connection between human running abilities and our evolutionary journey.
Acknowledgement and Appreciation
The podcast episode acknowledges the collaborative efforts of various researchers, including Dennis Bramble, Daniel Lieberman, and Dave Carrier, in shaping evolutionary theories surrounding human running abilities. Furthermore, the episode pays tribute to the storytelling and journalistic contributions from Scott Carrier, emphasizing the interconnected nature of scientific exploration and narrative storytelling.
This is a story about your butt. It’s a story about how you got your butt, why you have your butt, and how your butt might be one of the most important and essential things for you being you, for being human.
In this episode from 2019, Reporter Heather Radke and Producer Matt Kielty talk to two researchers who followed the butt from our ancient beginnings through millions of years of evolution, all the way to today, out to a valley in Arizona, where our butts are put to the ultimate test.
Special thanks to Michelle Legro.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Heather Radke and Matt KieltyProduced by - Matt Kieltywith help from - Simon Adler and Rachael CusickOriginal music and sound design contributed by - Jeremy BloomFact-checking by - Dorie Chevlen
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Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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