Talking Apes

• Southeast Asia’s Secret Monkeys with Dr. Andie Ang | Episode 65

  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. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH

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• Tracing Our Footsteps Through Time with Jeremy DeSilva | Episode 64

  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. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH

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• Celebrating Three Decades of Roots & Shoots with Mary Ford | Episode 63

  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. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH

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• Yikes! Chimps Eating Bat Poop? With Disease Detective Dr. Tony Goldberg | Episode 62

  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. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH

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• Voices from the Ape House with Beth Armstrong | S4E61

  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. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH

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