Laurel Braitman

Dr. Laurel Braitman, a Stanford professor and author known for her work on animal behavior and mental health, shares fascinating insights into the emotional lives of zoo animals. She discusses how a history of misunderstood animal emotions impacts their well-being. Listeners will learn about the touching moments of joy and darker realities in elephant lives and the surprising ways animals respond to live music. The conversation challenges our ethical perspective on zoos, offering a new understanding for those questioning their moral implications.

Join Dan Engber, a science writer known for his critiques of animal intelligence research, and Laurel Braitman, an expert on sperm whale social structures. They are joined by Tracy Clayton, who boldly defends the smarts of crows, and comedian Jordan Mendoza, who champions slime molds. The lively discussion covers the emotional intelligence of animals, hilarious competitions between species like raccoons and quokkas, and thought-provoking insights into how we define intelligence. Prepare for an entertaining showdown to crown the world's smartest animal!