
Sean B. Carroll
Biologist, author, and film producer. His most recent book is a series of fortunate events, chance and the making of the planet, life, and you.
Top 5 podcasts with Sean B. Carroll
Ranked by the Snipd community

37 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 50min
The Essential Qualities of Inspiring People & The Rules of How Life Works
In this engaging discussion, Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist and professor at Columbia Business School, delves into the essential traits of inspiring individuals, highlighting the power of self-reflection and three universal qualities that define true leaders. Alongside him, Sean B. Carroll, an award-winning scientist and professor, reveals intriguing insights about the rules of nature that govern ecosystems and our lives. Together, they explore how understanding these principles can enhance our relationships and foster personal growth.

22 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 1h 19min
The mind-bending probability of our existence | Sean B. Carroll: Full Interview
Sean B. Carroll, a distinguished biologist and educator, dives into the astonishing chance events that paved the way for humanity's existence. He explores how specific cosmic accidents, like the K-Pg asteroid impact, reshaped life on Earth, leading to mass extinctions and the rise of mammals. Carroll discusses the resilience of nature and its remarkable ability to recover from disasters, the evolution of human society, and the interconnectedness of biodiversity. He emphasizes our unique place in the cosmos and the importance of sustainable practices for the future.

18 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 27min
These two freak accidents explain why you're alive today | Sean B. Carroll
Biologist Sean B. Carroll, author of 'A Series of Fortunate Events', explores the improbable chain reactions that allowed human life to flourish. He discusses two pivotal freak accidents: the asteroid that caused the dinosaurs' demise and a tectonic collision that ushered in the Ice Age. Carroll dives into how these events transformed our planet, paving the way for mammals and ultimately, hominids. He also muses on the mind-boggling chances that make our existence possible in the grand tapestry of life.

7 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 14min
How we can revive Planet Earth in less than 20 years | Sean B. Carroll
Sean B. Carroll, an award-winning scientist and educator, discusses the remarkable resilience of nature and how humans can assist it in thriving. He shares inspiring success stories like the recovery of Gorongosa National Park, where dedicated conservation efforts have revived wildlife populations after devastation. Carroll emphasizes the importance of managing ecosystems for biodiversity and water conservation, urging that even small actions can lead to significant ecological recovery. He paints a hopeful picture of coexistence with nature.

7 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 15min
What are the chances of YOU existing? A biologist explains | Sean B. Carroll
In this engaging discussion, biologist Sean B. Carroll reveals that your existence is a cosmic fluke—crafted through a series of extraordinary accidents. He explains how a 6-mile asteroid wiped out dinosaurs, paving the way for mammals and eventually humans. Carroll highlights the incredible odds of human life, suggesting that every individual is a unique product of chance. Life, he argues, is not about destiny but about improbability, shaped by pivotal moments that could easily have turned out differently.


