Rising Ape Speaks

Esperanto and the Man with the Paintbrush Moustache

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:07:58 +0000

Saluton mondo! Esperanto signifas ‘tiu kiu esperas’ en Esperanto. Ĉi semajno Antony kaj James malkovri, kial parolantoj de la plej bone konataj planlingvo havas kialon por atendi denove. Krome, ni trovos tute nova kialo por malami diktatoroj. Phew. Ĉi podkastojn ankaŭ enhavas ĉevaloj, raketoj, kaj parlamento de gufoj! Ne ke vi bezonis scii tion sed ni volis vidi kion ĉiuj tiuj vortoj aspektis kiel en Esperanto. N.B. For those not keen on learning a made-up language just to read this podcast description (lazy people), then Google Translate is available www.rising-ape.com/category/speaks. Hint: It's about Esperanto.

Evolutionary Plasticity and the Rise of Bipedal Mice

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:27:10 +0000

In this episode of Rising Ape Speaks we discuss how draining almost all the water out of fish's pool proves that evolution isn't a closed book. This leads on to James confessing his childhood spent dreaming up unethical experiments and how the possible explanation for Antony's gymless body may lie with his cheese-eating father. Later on, creationists get it in the ear. Yes, evolution may be nature's way, but Rising Ape Speaks sticks to its timeless winning formula!

Chaperon and the substitute for a mother's love

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:36:39 +0000

Professor Nutt and Dr Z aren't yet a rap duo (unfortunately), but they are working hard developing a new and euphoric drug called ‘chaperon’, which also limits your alcohol cravings. Hooray for science! In this episode of Rising Ape Speaks, Antony and James discuss humanity’s need for mind-altering substances, what personal vices they would like to replace, and even dabble with the most dangerous drug of all – politics.

Ethical Robots and the Coveting of thy Metal Ass

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:59:40 +0000

Recent research by Professor Alan Winfield and co suggests we could build 'ethical' robots. How do we even define ethical behaviour? Is your baby paying tax? Will we be able to freestyle Asimov's laws of robotics? All big questions, but which will actually get answered in this week's podcast?

Xmas Special: Existential Risk and the Molecular Sex Robots

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:38:28 +0000

The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk studies existential risk … in a centre. In this bumper Christmas edition, find out what you should be terrified of this festive season (and every other season for that matter). Rising Ape: turning festive cheer into festive fear.

Peaceful Plutonium and the Mega-Olympics

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:06:18 +0000

Why do we see chemicals as somehow inherently bad? And, what does the future hold for the Olympic games? Find out, along with lots more, in this episode of Rising Ape Speaks.

James Cameron and the Top Half Fish

James Riley / Antony Poveda — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:03:42 +0000

James Cameron has been described as part-scientist and part-artist, but do his accomplishments warrant the label of ‘modern day Leonardo da Vinci’?