Charles Darwin
Mentioned in 40 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
A naturalist and biologist best known for developing the theory of natural selection and publishing *On the Origin of Species*, his work fundamentally shaped modern evolutionary science and Victorian-era thinking about progress. Podcasts reference his theories across diverse topics—from animal behavior and cooperation to sexual selection and human evolution—while also discussing his observations during the HMS Beagle expedition to the Galápagos Islands and his later works on emotion and human descent. His contributions to science remain a touchstone for contemporary discussions about evolution, origins of life, and the biological basis of human traits and behavior.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe · Jun 11, 2026
Listener Questions #41
“Historical figure whose late-life earthworm research demonstrated intelligence through leaf-pulling behavior”
Hidden Brain · Jun 8, 2026
Who Are You, Really?
“Introduced idea that humans are animals driven by survival instincts, challenging unified self concept”
Ologies with Alie Ward · Jun 3, 2026
Awe Psychology (WONDER) with Dacher Keltner
“Historical figure whose work on facial expressions informs contemporary awe research methodology”
Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe · May 28, 2026
Are rural raccoons becoming domesticated?
“First to systematically describe domestication syndrome traits across species in 19th century”
Stuff To Blow Your Mind · May 12, 2026
From the Book of Sand
“Documented fulgurite discoveries in The Voyage of the Beagle during South American travels”
Astrum Space · Apr 11, 2026
What Would Alien Life Look Like?
“Referenced for observations of Galápagos finches that formed basis of evolution theory and convergent evolution concept”
Dwarkesh Podcast · Apr 7, 2026
Michael Nielsen – How science actually progresses
“Example of scientist who spent decades compiling evidence for natural selection theory”
Boring History For Sleep | Gentle Storytelling And Ambient Sounds (Official) · Apr 4, 2026
How People Once Used the Secret Language of Flowers | Boring History
“Subject of extended narrative about his five-year voyage aboard HMS Beagle and observational practices”
Speaking of Psychology · Apr 1, 2026
Why babies laugh, with Gina Mireault, PhD
“First to write about infant laughter in his own child; theory that laughter is primarily social signal”
Dwarkesh Podcast · Mar 20, 2026
Terence Tao – Kepler, Newton, and the true nature of mathematical discovery
“Discussed as example of scientific communication and theory presentation”
Ologies with Alie Ward · Mar 4, 2026
Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?) Encore with Adam Becker
“Referenced as example of how Copernican decentering of Earth enabled biological theory of human evolution”
99% Invisible · Mar 3, 2026
Where the F*** Are We?
“Traveled on HMS Beagle carrying 22 marine chronometers to Galapagos Islands for scientific expedition”
BirdNote Daily · Feb 28, 2026
Rapid Evolution in the Galápagos Islands
“Historical naturalist whose work in the Galápagos inspired modern evolutionary research on the islands”
BBC Inside Science · Feb 26, 2026
Does new science get us closer to finding out how life on earth began?
“Historical reference for 1871 letter speculating on primordial pond conditions for life's origin”
Object · Feb 23, 2026
Imagined Futures: Early Sci-Fi and Electric Visions
“Naturalist whose 'Origin of Species' publication influenced Victorian thinking about progress and evolution in society and nature”
Just the Zoo of Us · Feb 19, 2026
324: Egg-Eating Snake w/ Lyn!
“Naturalist whose specimen collector was fooled by an egg-eating snake's defensive display, mistaking it for a venomous night adder”
Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe · Feb 19, 2026
Why do animals cooperate?
“Referenced in 'The Descent of Man' for noting that group competition success depends on social/cultural traits”
Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 19, 2026
Bonded by Evolution: How Attraction Really Works | Paul Eastwick - EP 731
“Historical figure discussed in chapter two regarding gender differences and sexual selection theory”
DarkHorse Podcast · Feb 18, 2026
The History of Vaccine Hesitancy: Jeffrey Tucker on DarkHorse
“Naturalist; credited with natural selection theory; advocated for competitor Alfred Russel Wallace's financial support”
Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST) · Feb 16, 2026
Evolution "Doesn't Need" Mutation - Blaise Agüera y Arcas
“Referenced for his theory of evolution and the problem he couldn't solve about evolution's origins”
Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep · Feb 9, 2026
On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection, by Charles Darwin, Part 7
“Author of On the Origin of Species; primary subject and voice of the episode's entire reading”
The Briefing with Albert Mohler · Feb 6, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
“1870s observations of infant laughter hypothesized evolutionary function of baby giggles in reinforcing social bonds”
This Life of Mine with James Corden · Feb 3, 2026
Yuval Noah Harari
“Selected as significant person; his evolutionary theory debunks purpose-based arguments against natural phenomena”
The Science of Happiness · Jan 29, 2026
How to Keep Your Humanity
“Referenced for evolutionary perspective on community building as survival mechanism and deep human drive”
The Rest Is Science · Jan 29, 2026
This Glass Was Made By Lightning
“Naturalist who was obsessed with collecting and studying fulgurites, demonstrating historical scientific interest”
Dear Hank & John · Jan 28, 2026
439: Division I Saint
“Proposed as potential patron saint of Dear Hank & John due to his scientific contributions and chronic stomach problems”
StarTalk Radio · Jan 23, 2026
What Everyone Knows You Know with Steven Pinker
“Naturalist; authored 'Expression of Emotions in Animals and Man'; studied universal facial expressions across cultures”
Something You Should Know · Jan 5, 2026
How Ozempic and Similar Weight Loss Drugs Really Work & The Story of Money
“Historical figure who lost money speculating on railway shares, illustrating psychology of money over logic”
Radiolab · Dec 19, 2025
The Good Show
“Naturalist who identified altruism as the greatest mystery and riddle to evolutionary theory, losing faith over nature's cruelty”
DarkHorse Podcast · Dec 17, 2025
Was Darwin wrong? The 305th Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
“Historical figure whose evolutionary theory is defended as sufficiently general to withstand modern critiques”
The Rest Is Science · Dec 2, 2025
This One's a Tear Jerker
“Referenced for his foundational work 'The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals' documenting emotional crying in humans and animals.”
Hidden Brain · Dec 1, 2025
Murder Mystery
“Naturalist who documented monkeys' fascination with snakes in bags, establishing predator inspection behavior in animals”
TED Radio Hour · Nov 28, 2025
Decoding nature’s hidden patterns
“Historical reference point for centuries of species research; contrasted with modern discovery gaps in biodiversity”
The Rest Is Science · Nov 18, 2025
The Rest Is Science - Coming 25th November
“Referenced in discussion about evolutionary biology and scientific history”
You're Wrong About · Nov 11, 2025
The Dictionary Wars! with Gabe Henry
“Supported the simplified spelling movement alongside other prominent figures”
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk · Oct 12, 2025
657: Helen Lewis - Why Genius Is a Myth, Edison Needed Teams, Self-Promoters Are Overrated, Conspiracy Theories, Shakespeare Needed Luck, and How To Build an Excellent Career
“Naturalist whose evolutionary theory influenced cousin Francis Galton's flawed genius research.”
Radiolab · Oct 10, 2025
Creation Story
“Historical figure; his building at University College London housed Ella's evolutionary biology department”
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus · Oct 1, 2025
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Jane Goodall
“Naturalist whose theory of evolution was developed partly from observations in the Galapagos Islands”
Science Vs · Sep 25, 2025
How to Smell like a Dog, with Ed Yong
“Referenced for his initial skepticism about eye evolution, later validated by discovery of gradational eye structures across species”
Am I Doing It Wrong? · Dec 26, 2024
Re-Issue: Living In Awe and Wonder
“Referenced as foundational to awe science; Darwin's work on evolution informed modern awe research”