161 episodes

Everything you wanted to know about evolution by natural selection in short, easy to digest, episodes. Hosted, and produced by writer Rick Coste.

Evolution Talk Rick Coste

    • Science
    • 4.7 • 191 Ratings

Everything you wanted to know about evolution by natural selection in short, easy to digest, episodes. Hosted, and produced by writer Rick Coste.

    What Can Educators Do? Only A Theory Pt. 2

    What Can Educators Do? Only A Theory Pt. 2

    Special guest Blake Touchet from the National Center for Science Education joins the show to discuss what teachers and educators can do both in and out of the classroom.
    Support the NCSE
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Frogs by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Chipper Dan by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Program Reverie by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Easygoing by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 22 min
    Only A Theory Revisited - Part 1

    Only A Theory Revisited - Part 1

    Blake Touchet from the National Center for Science Education joins me to discuss the age-old phrase that evolution is "Only a Theory".  
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Twinkie by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Jack by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com On a Wing by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 21 min
    The Evolution of Venom

    The Evolution of Venom

    From ancient Conodonts to modern-day rattlesnakes, venom has independently evolved in a diverse array of creatures including snakes, spiders, scorpions, and even mammals like the platypus. Discover how venom serves as both a weapon for predation and a defense mechanism, and learn the crucial differences between venomous and poisonous animals.
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Saver by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Trader Ho Hey by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Mute Groove by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
    Skepto by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 12 min
    Bergson's Vitalism

    Bergson's Vitalism

    In this episode, we delve into Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution by Natural Selection and explore the alternative philosophical perspective of Henri Bergson. While Darwin's mechanistic view emphasizes random mutations and natural selection, Bergson introduces the concept of élan vital—a creative force driving life's complexity and direction.
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Pretty Melody by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Easy Going by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Curious Process by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
    Squiggly Line 1 by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 10 min
    The Law of Superposition

    The Law of Superposition

    The concept of superposition exists in both quantum mechanics and evolutionary geology. We start with the strange and counterintuitive world of quantum physics, where particles exist in multiple states until observed. Then, we journey back to 1666 where another kind of superpositionwas discovered—this time in rock layers - allowing us to read Earth's history through its geological layers. 
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!












     
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Three Colors by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Submerging Blue-Black by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Floating by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
    Chimera by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 10 min
    The Evolution of Consciousness - Part 3

    The Evolution of Consciousness - Part 3

    What if consciousness, much like the architectural 'spandrels' we talked about before, isn't actually crucial to our survival? Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that some traits might just be byproducts, not directly selected for their utility. We'll unravel this thread by retracing the steps of René Descartes on a cold night in 1619 when he conceived ideas that challenged our understanding of reality. Was his revelation in a cozy 'oven' room the birth of modern philosophy, or a deeper insight into the illusions crafted by our own minds? Descartes' meditations prompted us to doubt our senses and the very nature of reality, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, our lives are nothing but elaborate deceptions. 
    Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!












     
    Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.
    You can also check out the new YouTube channel!
     
    Music in this Episode
    Ghost by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Steppin Into by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Lilywhite by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
191 Ratings

191 Ratings

Crowell iTunes ,

A favorite

I love these snippets. I could take more involved episodes but will accept whatever is given. As a non-scientist who loves to learn and understand as much of science history as possible, it’s just terrific. And I really appreciate the kind warm message the host always gives. Cheers!

Chi bures ,

I disagree

Your views are interesting but where is the evidence where is one helpful mutation that has been analyzed go to ICR.org for what I believe

ebigirl5 ,

Amazing podcast!

This is such a great podcast. Quick episodes, with clear and simple lessons.

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