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Episode 161 · Evolution Talk

What's So Random About Mutations?

20 Jul 2026 · 10 min

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Episode notes

Evolution by natural selection relies upon random mutations. But what does "random" even mean? Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com , or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. Music in this Episode "Whimsical" by Paul Tyan "Time Squid" by Steven O'Brien "Dog Day Afternoon" by Steven O'Brien "Higher Consciousness" by State of Flux

Podcast

Evolution Talk

Rick Coste · Tech & Science · English

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

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  1. E160 · 6 Jul 2026 · 8 min

    Beauty is Everywhere

    I took a day off and just sat on the porch, watching finches, a hawk and the ordinary morning business of the woods. 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. Music in this Episode "Frogs" by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com "Stars are Out" by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

  2. E159 · 23 Sep 2024 · 9 min

    Mutation Celebration Day

    Charles Darwin's revolutionary observations of Galapagos tortoises and finches, explored how natural selection allows species to adapt over time. From the discovery of the hawk moth in Madagascar, predicted by Darwin, to the groundbreaking discovery of DNA by Rosalind Franklin, Francis Crick, and James Watson, we look at how genetic changes drive evolution. 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…

  3. E158 · 9 Sep 2024 · 12 min

    Deception

    Challenging Mark Twain's assertion that "man is the only one that lies.", we discover that deception is a widespread evolutionary strategy employed by various species for survival and reproduction. 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. Music in this Episode Floating by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Pretty Melody by Podington Bear,…

  4. E157 · 26 Aug 2024 · 12 min

    Animal Communication

    Let's enter the fascinating world of animal communication used by different species. We'll also touch on the evolutionary aspects of these communication systems 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. Music in this Episode Frogs by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Odd Wand by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website:…

  5. 15 Aug 2024 · 1 min

    New Season - New Shows!

    The new season is about to kick and I'm really excited about it. I'm always looking for ways to expand the show's reach and science education, and to do so, I'll need your help. I'd love to go back to a weekly show, be able to fully kick off a supplemental video channel, and provide materials for schools. I've also always wanted to bring the newsletter back. The show will always be free for all to enjoy. To find out how you can help the show achieve it's goals financially, please visit evolutiontalk.com/support .

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