Radiolab Man Against Horse
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Jul 7, 2023 
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.
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The Butt Book's Origin
- Heather Radke, intrigued by the changing perception of her own large butt, began researching its cultural history.
- Her research evolved into a book exploring the symbolism and meaning of butts across different eras and cultures.
The Butt's Two Halves
- Butts have two distinct parts: the gluteus maximus muscle and the layer of fat.
- While there are many theories about the fat's purpose, there is no scientific consensus, especially regarding the difference in fat distribution between sexes.
The Pig, the Treadmill, and the Nuchal Ligament
- Daniel Lieberman's research on the evolution of running began with observing mini pigs on treadmills.
- Dennis Bramble's observation about pigs' head bobbing due to the lack of a nuchal ligament sparked a pivotal discussion about the role of running in human evolution.
