The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins
The Poetry of Reality is hosted by world renowned truth-teller, evolutionary biologist and best-selling author, Professor Richard Dawkins. He has been celebrated globally for his honest critique of religion and tradition and his push for critical thinking. His books include The Ancestor’s Tale, The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, Climbing Mount Improbable, Unweaving the Rainbow, A Devil’s Chaplain, The God Delusion, The Greatest Show on Earth, The Magic of Reality, his two-part autobiography An Appetite for Wonder and A Brief Candle in the Dark, and Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide. Dawkins has long been known for his uncompromising passion for science, calling out for the pressing need in modern societies for scientific literacy and rational thinking, especially in the education of young minds. His relentless pursuit of truth, and his recognition of the beauty of life on earth, will feature in this podcast, as he charts his way through scientific and existential inquiries like ‘What are we doing here?’ and ‘When did life begin?’
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 13min
If God designed it, why is it so badly built?
Richard Dawkins delves into why nature seems designed yet is riddled with imperfections. He contrasts natural selection with artificial design through examples like dog breeding. The discussion highlights how minor mutations drive evolution and shape adaptations over time. Dawkins uses fascinating cases, such as the peculiar path of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the backward retina, to illustrate evolutionary constraints. He underscores how conflicting pressures in nature lead to adaptive compromises, revealing the intricacies of evolutionary design.
Sep 30, 2025 • 14min
Why Ants Tear Off Their Own Wings
Dive into the enchanting world of flight, where Richard Dawkins unpacks humanity's fascination with soaring through the skies. Discover the physics behind flight, including how size and surface area affect lift. Learn about the amazing adaptations of birds and insects, and why some animals, like dodos, lost their ability to fly. Intriguingly, find out why ant queens bite off their wings, turning a nuisance into survival strategy as they nest underground. It's a captivating exploration of evolution and the dreams that elevate us!
18 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 14min
Why Ideas Spread Like Viruses
Discover the fascinating concept of organisms as 'living books' that hold ancestral tales within their DNA. Richard Dawkins elaborates on cooperative genomes and how memes influence culture alongside biological evolution. He also discusses the ethics of CRISPR and the importance of gene-centered thinking in understanding evolution. The conversation touches on revolutionary teaching methods, the digital evolution of molecular biology, and even AI's future impact on biological research. A captivating exploration of how ideas and genes shape our world!
36 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 37min
Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? | A Conversation with Steven Pinker
In a captivating discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and popular science author, engages with Richard Dawkins on the complexities of human language and cognitive biases. They explore how optimism and pessimism shape societal views on progress, from critical metrics of global advancement to the dual nature of technological innovation. The ethical implications of AI and consciousness are also scrutinized, raising questions about human evolution and the moral responsibilities surrounding emerging technologies.
92 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 23min
What It Is Like To Debate Jordan Peterson ｜A Conversation with Nihal Arthanayake
Nihal Arthanayake, a multi-award winning broadcaster and podcaster, engages in a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses the differing responses to atheism in the U.S. and U.K., sharing personal stories from his travels. The concept of the 'genetic book of the dead' is explored alongside the wonders of animal camouflage and the implications of evolution. The debate around scientific communication in a skeptical age highlights the challenges of discussing belief systems, while reflections on Christopher Hitchens’ legacy and societal roles of religion are equally captivating.
11 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 20min
Richard Dawkins DESTROYS Creationist Arguments
Richard Dawkins tackles creationist arguments with sharp insights and humor. He analyzes debates between evolution and intelligent design, emphasizing fossil evidence for human evolution. The discussion dives into misconceptions about Darwinian natural selection and the allure of multiverse theories. Dawkins critiques the empirical shortcomings of intelligent design, contrasting it with rigorous scientific methods. The conversation also raises questions about gender identity within evolutionary contexts, making clear the importance of understanding science accurately.
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 21min
Why The Selfish Gene Haunts Some Readers | A Conversation with John McWhorter
In this engaging discussion, linguist John McWhorter delves into fascinating topics alongside Richard Dawkins. They explore the complexities of evolution, emphasizing how genetics shape survival and behavior in the natural world. McWhorter highlights the challenging interplay between art, science, and identity, particularly regarding gender and societal norms. They also address the political implications of human intellect on evolution and public perception of belief, culminating in a thought-provoking examination of how genetics intertwines with human conflict and identity.
16 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 29min
Some 'Intellectuals' Make It Sound Deep | A Conversation with Peter Boghossian
Peter Boghossian, an American philosopher and educator known for his focus on critical thinking and free speech, joins Richard Dawkins for an engaging discussion. They explore the evolutionary quirks of giraffes and turtles, diving into the complexities of genetics and biological design. The conversation touches on the influence of genetics on beliefs, the limitations of human understanding, and the intriguing survival strategies of animals. They also contemplate the balance between fate and choice in shaping our paths, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
43 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 34min
Why i Care About the Existence of God | A Conversation with Michael Shermer
Michael Shermer, a renowned science writer, historian, and founder of The Skeptics Society, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Richard Dawkins. They delve into the intricacies of evolution, discussing the relationship between genetics and culture. Topics include the 'god of the gaps' concept, the complexities of gender identity in sports, and the evolution of consciousness. The dialogue also critiques traditional Darwinian interpretations while exploring the ethical implications of science and culture on our understanding of truth.
32 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 31min
Is New Atheism Losing? | A Conversation with Matt Ridley
In a thought-provoking conversation, science writer Matt Ridley dives deep into evolution, genetics, and societal issues alongside Richard Dawkins. They discuss Ridley's latest insights from 'The Genetic Book of the Dead,' explore the transformative discoveries in DNA, and ponder the beauty of courtship rituals in bowerbirds. The duo also tackles contemporary topics including the interplay of science and ideology, the morality of atheism, and the implications of technological advancements on human identity and evolution. A captivating blend of science and philosophy!
