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01Sex, Monkeys and the 'Coy Female' Myth20220218

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world...

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as feisty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, varied, strategic and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

For the opening episode, Lucy focuses on sex: uncovering stories of the female animals defying Darwin's `coy` label, and using sexual strategies to further their own evolutionary influence.

This takes her on a journey from soliciting Capuchin monkeys in the forests of Costa Rica, to studies of promiscuous fruit flies, to the Northern Jacana bird in Nicaragua, which relies on a harem of males to raise her chicks. Lucy also hears from scientists and specialists including Megan Mah, Joe Cain, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, Patricia Gowaty, Robert Trivers and Salvador Mirales.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

01Sex, Monkeys and the 'Coy Female' Myth2022021820230822 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world...

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as feisty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, varied, strategic and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

For the opening episode, Lucy focuses on sex: uncovering stories of the female animals defying Darwin's `coy` label, and using sexual strategies to further their own evolutionary influence.

This takes her on a journey from soliciting Capuchin monkeys in the forests of Costa Rica, to studies of promiscuous fruit flies, to the Northern Jacana bird in Nicaragua, which relies on a harem of males to raise her chicks. Lucy also hears from scientists and specialists including Megan Mah, Joe Cain, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, Patricia Gowaty, Robert Trivers and Salvador Mirales.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

01Sex, Monkeys and the 'Coy Female' Myth2022021820230823 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world...

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as feisty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, varied, strategic and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

For the opening episode, Lucy focuses on sex: uncovering stories of the female animals defying Darwin's `coy` label, and using sexual strategies to further their own evolutionary influence.

This takes her on a journey from soliciting Capuchin monkeys in the forests of Costa Rica, to studies of promiscuous fruit flies, to the Northern Jacana bird in Nicaragua, which relies on a harem of males to raise her chicks. Lucy also hears from scientists and specialists including Megan Mah, Joe Cain, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, Patricia Gowaty, Robert Trivers and Salvador Mirales.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

02Mole-Rat Queens and Genital Power20220225

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In this second instalment, Lucy explores ways in which female animals wield authority; with examples ranging from repressive mole-rat queens to ducks with deceptive vaginas, all proving that power can be about more than physical strength.

This involves a visit to the UK's only colony of naked mole-rats, overseen by Chris Faulkes at the University of London's Queen Mary College; an introduction to the world of labyrinthine animal vaginas and their evolutionary benefits with Patricia Brennan from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts; and assisting with feeding time at Twycross Zoo's bonobo enclosure, as Amanda Addison and Becca Biddle explain the power of the ape sisterhood... Meanwhile Joe Cain from University College London sheds more light on Darwin's attitude towards females.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' and personal notes written by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

02Mole-Rat Queens and Genital Power2022022520230829 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In this second instalment, Lucy explores ways in which female animals wield authority; with examples ranging from repressive mole-rat queens to ducks with deceptive vaginas, all proving that power can be about more than physical strength.

This involves a visit to the UK's only colony of naked mole-rats, overseen by Chris Faulkes at the University of London's Queen Mary College; an introduction to the world of labyrinthine animal vaginas and their evolutionary benefits with Patricia Brennan from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts; and assisting with feeding time at Twycross Zoo's bonobo enclosure, as Amanda Addison and Becca Biddle explain the power of the ape sisterhood... Meanwhile Joe Cain from University College London sheds more light on Darwin's attitude towards females.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' and personal notes written by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

02Mole-Rat Queens and Genital Power2022022520230830 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In this second instalment, Lucy explores ways in which female animals wield authority; with examples ranging from repressive mole-rat queens to ducks with deceptive vaginas, all proving that power can be about more than physical strength.

This involves a visit to the UK's only colony of naked mole-rats, overseen by Chris Faulkes at the University of London's Queen Mary College; an introduction to the world of labyrinthine animal vaginas and their evolutionary benefits with Patricia Brennan from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts; and assisting with feeding time at Twycross Zoo's bonobo enclosure, as Amanda Addison and Becca Biddle explain the power of the ape sisterhood... Meanwhile Joe Cain from University College London sheds more light on Darwin's attitude towards females.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' and personal notes written by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

03Sex-Switching Fish and Non-Binary Brains20220304

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In the final episode of the series, Lucy considers the latest research into sex, sexuality and sexed behaviour in animals, and what that can tell us about purported differences between male and female brains.

On a twilight trip into the jungle, Brian Kubicki of the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center explains why some male frogs could arguably be nature's best dads; Lindsay Young from Pacific Rim Conservation shows Lucy round an albatross colony at Kaena Point in Hawaii, where she discovered a trend of female-female life-long partnerships; and Justin Rhodes from the University of Illinois takes us on a remote tour of his lab, where he studies the sex-changing anemone fish.

Lucy also speaks to scientists Lauren O'Connell, Malin Ah-King and Rebecca Kilner; and considers how everyone engaged in evolutionary biology, from researchers to educators, can help build a better understanding of female experiences - and indeed all experiences - in the natural world.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

03Sex-Switching Fish and Non-Binary Brains2022030420230905 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In the final episode of the series, Lucy considers the latest research into sex, sexuality and sexed behaviour in animals, and what that can tell us about purported differences between male and female brains.

On a twilight trip into the jungle, Brian Kubicki of the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center explains why some male frogs could arguably be nature's best dads; Lindsay Young from Pacific Rim Conservation shows Lucy round an albatross colony at Kaena Point in Hawaii, where she discovered a trend of female-female life-long partnerships; and Justin Rhodes from the University of Illinois takes us on a remote tour of his lab, where he studies the sex-changing anemone fish.

Lucy also speaks to scientists Lauren O'Connell, Malin Ah-King and Rebecca Kilner; and considers how everyone engaged in evolutionary biology, from researchers to educators, can help build a better understanding of female experiences - and indeed all experiences - in the natural world.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

03Sex-Switching Fish and Non-Binary Brains2022030420230906 (R4)

Zoologist Lucy Cooke is on a mission: to break down the 'sexist stereotype' she believes has permeated our understanding of the natural world.

In Political Animals, she sets out to prove that females of the species can be just as fiesty, ardent, manipulative, aggressive, strategic, varied and political as males - questioning some of the theories laid out by the 'father of evolution', Charles Darwin, and hearing from pioneering scientists moving evolutionary biology beyond a male-centric narrative.

In the final episode of the series, Lucy considers the latest research into sex, sexuality and sexed behaviour in animals, and what that can tell us about purported differences between male and female brains.

On a twilight trip into the jungle, Brian Kubicki of the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center explains why some male frogs could arguably be nature's best dads; Lindsay Young from Pacific Rim Conservation shows Lucy round an albatross colony at Kaena Point in Hawaii, where she discovered a trend of female-female life-long partnerships; and Justin Rhodes from the University of Illinois takes us on a remote tour of his lab, where he studies the sex-changing anemone fish.

Lucy also speaks to scientists Lauren O'Connell, Malin Ah-King and Rebecca Kilner; and considers how everyone engaged in evolutionary biology, from researchers to educators, can help build a better understanding of female experiences - and indeed all experiences - in the natural world.

Featuring excerpts from ‘The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex' by Charles Darwin, read by Derek Frood.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Lucy Taylor.

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male\u2019 stereotype

Lucy Cooke meets females from the animal world that smash the 'dominant male' stereotype.

0101Wilberforce2012081520140112 (R4)Wilberforce, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office 1973-1987, reflects on his life with Margaret Thatcher.

Starring Clive Swift.

The first in a series of four scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Prime Ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

The chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, 1973-1987, reflects on life with Margaret Thatcher

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

Wilberforce, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office 1973-1987, reflects on his life with Margaret Thatcher.

Starring Clive Swift.

The first in a series of four scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Prime Ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

The chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, 1973-1987, reflects on life with Margaret Thatcher

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0102Humphrey2012082220140119 (R4)Notoriously photo-shy Humphrey was chief mouser to the Cabinet Office from 1989 to 1997.

With a robust vocabulary and a pretty earthy view of political life, he looks back on New Labour life at Number 10 under Tony Blair.

Starring James Fleet.

Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

The chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, 1989-1997, reflects on life with New Labour.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

Notoriously photo-shy Humphrey was chief mouser to the Cabinet Office from 1989 to 1997.

With a robust vocabulary and a pretty earthy view of political life, he looks back on New Labour life at Number 10 under Tony Blair.

Starring James Fleet.

Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

The chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, 1989-1997, reflects on life with New Labour.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0103Sybil2012082920140126 (R4)Sybil, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office 2007 to 2008, reflects on her troubled life with Gordon Brown.

Starring Tracy Wiles.

Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

Talks from well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

Sybil, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office 2007 to 2008, reflects on her troubled life with Gordon Brown.

Starring Tracy Wiles.

Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

Tony Bagley assists each feline to relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

Talks from well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0104Larry20120905Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011, gives a cat's eye view of life in Downing Street under a coalition government.

Series of scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats, who relate their trials and tribulations under four different prime ministers.

Larry..... Clive Swift

Aide ..... Tracy Wiles

Written by Tony Bagley.

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.

Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet since 2011, explains life under a coalition government.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0201Bo and Barack20131204

US President Barack Obama's dog, Bo, suffers an identity crisis.

Starring Chris Pavlo.

The first in a series of talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of Washington life in the White House.

Tony Bagley assists each canine to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Presidents.

Bo ...... Chris Pavlo
West Wing Guy ...... David Seddon

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

President Obama's dog Bo suffers an identity crisis.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0202Barney and George20131211

Barney reveals how US President George W Bush broke his heart by being unfaithful with a man called Tony.

Starring Jonathan Forbes.

Series of talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of Washington life in the White House.

Tony Bagley assists each canine to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Presidents.

Barney ...... Jonathan Forbes
Announcer ...... Arthur Hughes

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Barney reveals how George Bush broke his heart by being unfaithful with another man.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0202Barney and George2013121120140202 (R4)

Barney reveals how US President George W Bush broke his heart by being unfaithful with a man called Tony.

Starring Jonathan Forbes.

Series of talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of Washington life in the White House.

Tony Bagley assists each canine to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Presidents.

Barney ...... Jonathan Forbes
Announcer ...... Arthur Hughes

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Barney reveals how George Bush broke his heart by being unfaithful with another man.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0203Buddy and Bill20131218

Bill Clinton's dog, Buddy, relives his turbulent tenure - made perilous by his arch enemy, Socks the Cat.

Starring Kerry Shale.

Series of talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of Washington life in the White House.

Tony Bagley assists each canine to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Presidents.

Buddy ..... Kerry Shale
Socks ..... Joel Maccormack
West Wing Guy ..... David Seddon

Director: Marc Beeby.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.

Bill Clinton's dog Buddy relives his time in the White House with Socks the Cat.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.

0204Rex and Ron20140101

President Ronald Reagan's dog, Rex, reveals that he shared his master's passion for acting.

Starring Michael Bertenshaw.

Series of talks giving an unreliable dog's eye view of Washington life in the White House.

Tony Bagley assists each canine to relate their trials and tribulations under four different Presidents.

Rex ...... Michael Bertenshaw
West Wing Guy ...... David Seddon

Director: Marc Beeby.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.

Ronald Reagan's dog Rex reveals that he shared his master's passion for acting.

A pet's eye view of the trials and tribulations of high office. Written by Tony Bagley.