Babies by Design: The 280th Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
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Jun 10, 2025
Dive into an intriguing discussion about a new startup promising long-lived babies and the ethical dilemmas it raises. Discover the fascinating world of hummingbirds and their adaptability. The hosts also tackle the controversial legacy of Jeffrey Epstein, questioning the narratives surrounding his life and death. Plus, explore the complex choices in reproductive technology and the implications of genetic selection. With humor and depth, the conversation offers fresh perspectives on parenting, health, and independent thought.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Hummingbird Learning Behavior
Bret Weinstein observed a juvenile hummingbird experimenting with various plants and the feeder before successfully feeding.
This shows how hummingbirds learn to identify food sources through trial and error in a changing environment.
insights INSIGHT
Why We Feed Birds Not Mammals
Heather Heying noted humans provision birds but not mammals due to ecological and practical impacts.
Birds tend to aid gardens, while mammals often cause conflicts or dependency problems when fed.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Proper Care for Hummingbird Feeders
Bret advises carefully managing hummingbird feeders by never letting them go dry or contain spoiled sugar water.
Use sugar dissolved in warm filtered water and change it at night to protect hummingbird health.
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This book, written by evolutionary biologists Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, addresses the disconnect between human evolutionary history and the challenges of modern life. It explains how the rapid rate of change in the modern world has outpaced the ability of our brains and bodies to adapt, leading to issues such as widespread sleep deprivation, dangerous diets, damaging parenting styles, and backward education practices. The authors draw on decades of research and experiences from biodiverse ecosystems to provide a science-based perspective that aims to empower readers to live better, wiser lives.
The Act of Creation
Arthur Koestler
In 'The Act of Creation', Arthur Koestler explores the processes of discovery, invention, and creativity across various fields, including humor, science, and the arts. He introduces the concept of 'bisociation', which involves the blending of two previously unrelated matrices of thought to create new insights. The book is divided into two parts, examining both the creative process and its biological and psychological foundations.
Today we discuss hummingbirds, baby making, longevity hacking, and Jeffrey Epstein, before finishing up with a short discussion of the riots in LA. A new company is promising future parents that they will be able to create long-lived babies—what could go wrong? Also, how likely are they to be able to make good on their promises? We discuss, as always, with an evolutionary lens. Also: what a great business model! And: it is easier to fix something that is broken than it is to improve something that works. Then: Jeffrey Epstein apparently did kill himself after all. Or did he?
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Mentioned in this episode:
Wall Street Journal: Longevity Is Now a Factor When Picking an Embryo for IVF:
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