Lulu Miller, intrepid host and fearless mother of two, went off on her own and put together a little something for kids. All kids: hers, yours, and the one still living inside us all.  Radiolab for Kids Presents: Terrestrials And it’s spellbinding. So much so, that we wanted to put this audio goodness in front of as many ears as possible.  Which is why we’re running the first episode of that series here for you today.  It’s called The Mastermind. In it, Sy Montgomery, an author and naturalist, shares the story of a color-changing creature many people assumed to be brainless who outsmarts his human captors. If you want a SPOILER of what the creature is, read on: It’s an octopus. We hear the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans, and then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tank—back into the ocean! The tale of “Inky” the octopus calls into question who we think of as intelligent (and kissable) in the animal kingdom. Learn about the storytellers, listen to music, and dig deeper into the stories you hear on Terrestrials with activities you can do at home or in the classroom on our website, Terrestrialspodcast.org  Find MORE original Terrestrials fun on Youtube.And badger us on Social Media: @radiolab and #TerrestrialsPodcast And if your little ones or you want to hear more of Team Terrestrials amazing work on this series, please search for Radiolab for Kids Presents: The Mastermind, wherever you get podcasts or subscribe here.  Terrestrials is a production of WNYC Studios, created by Lulu Miller. This episode is produced by Ana González, Alan Goffinski and Lulu Miller. Original Music by Alan Goffinski. Help from Suzie Lechtenberg, Sarah Sandbach, Natalia Ramirez, and Sarita Bhatt. Fact-checking by Diane Kelley. Sound design by Mira Burt-Wintonick with additional engineering by Joe Plourde. Our storyteller this week is Sy Montgomery. Transcription by Caleb Codding. Our advisors are Theanne Griffith, Aliyah Elijah, Dominique Shabazz, John Green, Liza Steinberg-Demby, Tara Welty, and Alice Wong. Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today. 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.  

Sy Montgomery, an author and naturalist, reveals the surprising intelligence and social dynamics of chickens, showcasing their ability to recognize faces and form friendships. Meanwhile, Heather Lynch, an ecology professor, discusses how tourist photos can help map and monitor penguin colonies in Antarctica, providing crucial ecological data. Together, they challenge common stereotypes and highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior and environmental changes.

Sy Montgomery, an acclaimed author and naturalist, shares the captivating tale of Inky the octopus, who orchestrated a daring escape from his aquarium. Montgomery challenges perceptions of intelligence in the animal kingdom, highlighting the octopus's remarkable adaptability and problem-solving skills. The podcast dives into the affectionate behaviors of octopuses, including their unique connection with humans. With engaging anecdotes and expert insights, it invites listeners to rethink their notions of love and intelligence among marine life.

Sy Montgomery, a celebrated naturalist and author, joins to share insights from her latest book, delving into the surprising intelligence of chickens. She explores their complex social structures and communication skills, challenging common misconceptions. Alongside her, writer Ellen Gaydos reflects on her intimate experiences raising pigs, revealing the emotional connections and ethical dilemmas faced on the farm. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the inner lives of these animals, celebrating their unique personalities.

Today’s guest, author Sy Montgomery, writes that “we are on the cusp of either destroying the sweet green earth, or revolutionizing the way we understand the rest of animate creation.  “It’s an important time to be writing about the connections... Read More ›