

Species
mackenmurphy.org
"The host, Macken Murphy, is able to condense vast chunks of information into engaging and digestible episodes. Fact-filled and fun."
— The New York Times
— The New York Times
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 23, 2020 • 20min
Goblin Shark
Come learn about the goblin shark, alien neomorphs, slingshot jaws, and electroreceptors on this episode of Species. Bibliography

Mar 16, 2020 • 18min
Pangolin
In this episode, we discuss the pangolin, their incredible abilities, their bizarre anatomy, and the terrible threats to their existence. We also discuss the coronavirus pandemic. Come join us for an unusually grim episode of Species. Bibliography

Mar 9, 2020 • 20min
Shedao Pit Viper
Shedao Island houses 20,000 snakes inside 0.28 square miles. Learn all about this island and its remarkable inhabitants on this episode of Species. Bibliography

Mar 6, 2020 • 36min
Tasmanian Devil vs. Honey Badger - Who Would Win?
Macken and Tyus debate: Who would win, a honey badger or a Tasmanian devil? Vote for which animal you think would win! Watch Livestream

Mar 2, 2020 • 21min
Ostrich
Do ostriches really bury their head in the sand? The short answer is no, the long answer is complicated. Come listen and learn all about the biggest bird on earth on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate

Feb 24, 2020 • 23min
Olm
This salamander famously stood still for seven years, but there's much more (or, perhaps, less) worth noticing about them. Come learn about one of the strangest animals on earth on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate

Feb 17, 2020 • 23min
Raccoon Dog
Today's episode is about hibernation, Japanese culture, monogamy, video games, the fur trade, and more. Come learn about an incredibly unique animal who looks like a raccoon and lives like nothing else on earth. Bibliography Donate

Feb 9, 2020 • 22min
Bobbit Worm
The bobbit worm is an enormous, terrifying, predatory animal that lives in the depths of our oceans. How do they get inside aquariums? Do they have anything to do with Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt? Why do they live underground? How do fish fight back against their reign of terror? Find out on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate

Feb 3, 2020 • 26min
Monk Parakeet
Why is 1/10th of Pingelap completely colorblind, and why is this parrot all over the place? Come learn about the parrot that builds apartment complexes on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate

Jan 26, 2020 • 22min
Pacu
The fish with human teeth, the vegetarian piranha, the genital-eating fish, the pacu. Bibliography Donate