The Climbing Secret Behind Monkey Bars with Luke Fannin | Episode 68

Hanging with Our Ancestors: Luke Fannin on Climbing, Evolution & Ape LocomotionEver wondered why kids instinctively love monkey bars? Or why apes move so deliberately in the trees? In this episode of Talking Apes, biological anthropologist Luke Fannin takes us on a journey through the evolution of climbing, exploring how primates, from ancient hominins to modern chimps, have adapted to life in the canopy.Luke breaks down the surprising biomechanics of climbing up vs. climbing down, revealing why descending may have played a bigger role in human evolution than we ever imagined. We’ll also uncover how playgrounds, rock climbers, and even early tool-making tie into our primate past. It’s a fascinating deep dive into movement, survival, and the hidden connections between our everyday actions and our evolutionary history.Explore Luke's publications on his Google Scholar profile.Read Luke's article: The Surprisingly Scientific Roots of Monkey BarsSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

                                The Amazing People Behind Jane Goodall What does it take to lead one of the most iconic conservation organizations in the world? In this episode of Talking Apes, we sit down with Anna Rathmann, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute USA, to find out. With a background spanning international conservation, business, and storytelling, Anna brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to carry forward Jane Goodall’s legacy—and build on it for the future.From her work with National Geographic to directing the Great Plains Conservation Foundation, Anna’s career has been all about connecting people to the planet. In our conversation, she shares how JGI is adapting to meet the challenges of modern conservation, and why listening—to science, to communities, and to each other—is more vital than ever. You’ll also hear Anna reflect on what drew her into this work in the first place, and what continues to keep her inspired, even in the face of tough environmental realities.Whether you’re curious about conservation leadership, passionate about protecting biodiversity, or simply want to hear thoughtful reflections from someone working at the intersection of hope and action, this one’s for you. Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute: janegoodall.org Follow JGI USA on Instagram: @janegoodallinstAbout the JGI:The Jane Goodall Institute's worldwide recognition is undeniable. What started with chimpanzee research has become a international nonprofit with global impact. Through programs like Roots & Shoots it has inspired multiple generations to see the future with hope and a call to action. Joining Talking Apes to share it all is the Jane Goodall Institue's (JGI) Executive Director Anna Rathmann. Jane Goodall for more than 60 years has been spreading a message of conservation hope, inspiring action by generations of youth and the young at heart. Anna Rathmann embodies that same energy and drive, guiding the JGI in the USA as well as through the work of the 26 affiliates in countries around the world.More with Anna Rathmann at JGIMore about the work of Jane Goodal InstitueSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

Earth Month Special: A Deep Dive into Global Conservation with Sean Southey “This is our global education moment. This is the time to champion. This is the time to be noisy. This is the time to dream.”What if we told you there’s a conservation powerhouse that’s been quietly shaping environmental policies, protecting endangered species, and inspiring global action for over 75 years—but most people have never heard of it? In this Earth Month special of Talking Apes,  Gerry sits down with Sean Southey, CEO of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a lifelong champion for nature, to uncover the incredible story of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).From the IUCN Red List (the world’s go-to guide on endangered species) to its role in shaping major environmental policies, Sean reveals how this under-the-radar organization has influenced everything from wildlife trade regulations (CITES) to nature-based education initiatives. But conservation isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. Sean shares powerful stories of how simple, community-driven efforts can transform conservation, from opening up wildlife experiences to local children in Kenya to bringing nature into classrooms worldwide.Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring conservationist, or just curious about how global environmental decisions are made, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights, inspiring stories, and a call to action. Tune in to learn how YOU can be part of the movement to protect our planet. Learn more about IUCNGet involved in the IUCN’s work Explore the Canadian Wildlife FederationSean is Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Commission on Education and Communication (CEC). In this role, he has worked tirelessly to enhance IUCN’s use of strategic communications for social change. This has included a lead role in designing and implementing IUCN’s #NatureForAll campaign.Send us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

In this episode of Talking Apes, we’re joined by Dr. Andie Ang, a primatologist dedicated to the conservation of Southeast Asia’s elusive and endangered colobine monkeys. From the dense forests of Vietnam to the urban green spaces of Singapore, Andie has spent years studying these fascinating leaf-eating primates, whose complex digestive systems, striking colors, and secretive nature make them some of the least understood monkeys in the world.Andie shares her journey from a childhood experience as an accidental primate owner to leading international conservation efforts. She explains why colobine monkeys are so challenging to protect, how species action plans help coordinate efforts across countries and cultures, and the surprising ways ex-poachers and local communities play a role in saving these primates.Tune in to hear about the urgent work being done to protect these monkeys before it's too late. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Andie Ang’s work:🌿 Mandai Nature🌏 IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group🐒 Jane Goodall Institute Singapore📸 Primate WatchingSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apesBUY OUR MERCHSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

Bipedalism - How Walking Made Us Human with Jeremy DeSilva“The history of our lineage is filled with multiple species coexisting—this moment, with only one upright walking ape on the planet, is exceptionally rare.”Why do humans walk on two legs when no other mammal does? And what did it cost us? From back pain to difficult childbirth, our bipedal evolution has its drawbacks—but it also shaped everything about who we are today.In this episode of Talking Apes, we sit down with Jeremy DeSilva, a leading paleoanthropologist whose research has transformed our understanding of early human locomotion. Jeremy takes us on a journey through millions of years of evolution, from the discovery of Lucy, the famous 3.2-million-year-old hominin, to fossilized footprints that reveal a world where multiple human-like species walked side by side.With infectious enthusiasm and a deep passion for science education, Jeremy unpacks the mysteries of how and why we took our very first steps—and why it matters today.Dive into Jeremy’s book, First Steps: How Walking Upright Made Us HumanCheck out Jeremy's blogSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

In this episode of Talking Apes, we sit down with Mary Ford, Senior Director of Roots & Shoots USA, the Jane Goodall Institute’s global youth program. Mary shares the inspiring origins of Roots & Shoots—how a conversation on Jane Goodall’s porch in Tanzania sparked a movement that now empowers young change makers in over 70 countries.We explore how conservation is evolving beyond protecting forests and wildlife—embracing a more holistic, community-driven approach. Mary discusses the power of mentorship, the ripple effects of grassroots action, and why Jane prefers the phrase “think locally, act locally” over the traditional “think globally” mantra. She also dives into the “compassionate traits” Roots & Shoots fosters in young leaders, equipping them to tackle environmental and social justice challenges with resilience and hope.Tune in to discover how small actions can create a global impact—and how young people everywhere are proving that deep roots and strong shoots can break down any wall.🌱 Learn more about Roots & Shoots: https://rootsandshoots.org🌱 Learn more about The Jane Goodall Institute: https://janegoodall.org/Send us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

Why are chimpanzees in Uganda scooping up bat guano and eating it? This strange behavior, captured on trail cameras and observed over 800 times in a single year, is the fascinating centerpiece of our latest episode with disease ecologist Dr. Tony Goldberg. Tony explains how this bizarre dietary shift is linked to mineral deficiencies in the chimps’ diet, caused by the loss of raffia palm trees due to human activity. What started as a simple agricultural practice has cascaded into a complex ecological ripple effect.But the story doesn’t end with nutrition. The bat guano, rich in minerals, also contains viruses—some closely related to deadly pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. Tony walks us through how this newfound behavior offers a window into the early stages of potential pandemics, with implications for both chimpanzee conservation and global health. His research shines a light on the interconnectedness of human actions, animal behavior, and disease emergence.Join us for a captivating conversation filled with groundbreaking discoveries and urgent lessons for conservation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the unexpected ways our actions impact the natural world.Tony's lab websiteTony's scientific papers: Pediatric Respiratory Pathogens Circulate in Children and Adults in Communities Near Susceptible Wild Great Ape Populations in UgandaCommon cold viruses circulating in children threaten wild chimpanzees through asymptomatic adult carriersRead more on these subjects:Chimps are dying of the common cold. Is great ape tourism to blame?How Ugandan Tobacco Farming Inadvertently Threatens Spread of Bat-Borne VirusesPhoto of Tony in cover picture: Jessica RothmanSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

This week on Talking Apes, we’re entering the personal world of gorillas and a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to their stories: Beth Armstrong. As a former gorilla keeper at the Columbus Zoo, Beth’s career spans from revolutionizing gorilla care in zoos to advocating for conservation in the wild. She brings decades of experience, wisdom, and unapologetic passion for these gentle giants.Beth’s stories from the field are as vivid as they are moving. She describes the transformation of gorilla enclosures from barren cages to enriched spaces that reflect the dignity these animals deserve, built on the simple principle of listening to what the gorillas were telling her. Her work didn’t stop at the zoo gates—Beth’s commitment to field conservation and questioning the role zoos play in the bigger picture of species survival has reshaped how we view these institutions today.In this episode, Beth also shares poignant reflections on humanity’s connection to gorillas, the injustices they’ve faced, and how each of us can play a part in their story. From heartwarming tales of gorilla mothers to the challenges of fostering community-driven conservation, Beth’s insights remind us that conservation is, at its core, about relationships—between people, animals, and ecosystems.‘Conservation is nothing but personal—it’s about relationships and community.’Tune in to hear Beth’s unforgettable journey, her advice for anyone passionate about making a difference, and why telling these stories matters more than ever. You won’t want to miss this one! Beth is the author of the 2020 memoir Voices from the Ape HouseSend us a textSupport the showSend us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

Growing Up Chimp: Lessons on Life, Leadership, and the Mystery of PubertyWhat does it really mean to grow up? For chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, the journey from infancy to adulthood is as complex, awkward, and revealing as our own. In the latest episode of Talking Apes, primatologist Dr. Kris Sabbi takes us deep into the lives of juvenile chimps, exploring the web of social behaviors, hormonal development, and environmental factors that shape who they become.Dr. Sabbi’s groundbreaking work tracks chimps from playful juveniles to wise adults, uncovering insights about everything from leadership styles to the mysteries of puberty. What happens when a new alpha male transitions from fierce competitor to gentle caretaker? How do social interactions and play behaviors shape a chimp's future? The answers offer fresh perspectives on the pivotal moments that connect us to our primate cousins.Through entertaining anecdotes—like the art of collecting chimp urine—and fascinating discoveries about hormonal milestones, this episode unveils the parallels between growing up chimp and growing up human. How does exposure to aggression affect early play behaviors? Can chimpanzees follow our gaze, and what does it mean for their social intelligence?Tune in now to learn all about growing up as a chimpanzee!Send us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed a male orangutan, Rakus, using plants as medicine—a first-ever recording of a wild animal self-medicating for wound care. This unique behavior was spotted in the jungle, where Rakus chewed the stem and leaves of a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties and applied it to his injured cheek. The wound, likely caused by a territorial fight, healed within a month.What makes this finding extraordinary is its implications for both orangutans and humans. Dr Isabelle Laumer, the lead researcher and guest on our latest Talking Apes episode, highlights how Rakus' actions could offer insights into the evolutionary roots of self-medication in primates, possibly tracing back to a common ancestor. Her research opens up questions about how much orangutans—and perhaps other great apes—might already know about medicinal plants in their environment.Join us for this special Orangutan Caring Week episode to explore how this discovery reshapes our understanding of primate intelligence, behavior, and our shared evolutionary past. Don't miss this look into the wild world of orangutan healing techniques.Tune in to uncover the full story and the fascinating questions it raises!Send us a textSupport the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Support the show Buy us a coffee to say thanks!BUY OUR MERCH