We're back for a short special this January - I talk to Dr Cassandra Raby about a paper she led evaluating the first Animal Behaviour Twitter conference back in 2021. What perfect timing to discuss this, as the Animal Behaviour Society/Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour joint Twitter conference is running again this week! (18th-19th Jan) So, consider this a perfect pairing if you are planning to check out that completely free and totally online conference ! Or, if you're listening in *the future* and already followed the conference, consider having a listen to hear more in depth wha ..read more

Today's guest is Dr Jessica Cusick, who talks to me about her fascinating research studying individual variation in social behaviour. Then, we're joined by Dr Emma Bush and Laura Kojima to discuss imposter phenomenon - our experiences, and how we deal with it in our lives and careers! This episode's Paper in Focus is from Savannah Rogers, on the spatial distribution of grizzly bears. Hosted, as always, by me, Kirsty MacLeod. Drop me a line anytime: hello[at]theweepodcast.org Links & Resources Paper in Focus: Thermal constraints on energy balance, behaviour and spatial distribution of gr ..read more

It's our TENTH episode! To celebrate double digits, strap yourself in for a special episode shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women in STEM research in and from the Southern African region. Today's guest is Dr Zoe Nhleko, a South African researcher currently a postdoc at Mississippi State University - she tells me about her Masters and PhD work on black and white rhino ecology. Then, I talk to Drs Evodia Setati and Thato Mothlalamme about their book, "Holding The Knife's Edge: Journeys of Black Female Scientists" (purchase links below!). Lastly, Anne Chisa from The Root of the Scie ..read more

We made it through January! Yes there's still a pandemic (scream) but Spring and vaccines are coming, and there's lots to look forward to. Like this fantastic episode! I had a great time catching up with my friend Dr Sara Hermann: we chatted about her path into academia, and the research on trophic interactions and predator prey dynamics going on in her lab. This episode's Paper in Focus is from Dr Bako Rasolofoniaina, who joined to tell me about neophobia and social learning in a Madagascan mongoose species (as well as some fun field experiences: paper link below). Sara and I were joined by D ..read more

To kick off the New Year, Dr Carly Anne York tells me about her "wiggly path" into ecology! And her current work on cephalopods and other critters. This episode's Paper in Focus is from Hollie Marshall, on genomic imprinting in bumblebees (paper link below). Carly and I are joined by Kari Soennichsen and Tatyana Soto to discuss our experiences of mentorship. Hosted, as always, by me, Kirsty MacLeod. Drop me a line anytime: hello[at]theweepodcast.org Links & Resources Paper in Focus: Parent of origin gene expression in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, supports Haig's kinship theory for ..read more

Today, Martha Muñoz is here! One of my #HERper heroes, Martha talks to me about her fantastic work on thermal ecology, biomechanics and diversity in reptiles and amphibians. This episode's Paper in Focus is from Yusan Yang, on the territorial behaviour of poison frogs in Panamá (paper link below). Ever been told to stay out of politics and to "stick to science?" Martha and I are joined by Kirsty Graham and Sharmi Sen to talk about how politics and science intersect professionally and personally - as well as how we can better our institutions by getting involved in politics at the local level ..read more

In this episode, Hannah Mumby joins me to talk about her research on elephants and wild boar, as well as her experiences of being #DisabledInSTEM, and her new book: "The Secret Lives of Elephants"! This episode's Paper in Focus is from Andrea Quattrini: dive into the wonderful world of anthozoa, and learn what the paleoclimate can tell us about changes in coral diversity through deep time (paper link below). Lastly, Hannah and I are joined by Eleanor (Ellie) Bladon and Jade Bleau to talk about friendship - how friendships have been important in our lives and careers, how we deal with boundarie ..read more

Today, Jordan Rutter is here to talk with me about how her lifelong love of birds led her to research, professional science communication in a PR role, and activism within the bird community (check out Bird Names For Birds)! This episode's Paper in Focus is from Monique Pipkin and Amelia Juliette Demery. We talk about their paper on safe fieldwork strategies for at-risk individuals - trust me, you and everyone working in research should read and share this paper. Lastly, Jordan and I are joined by Paige Byerly and Samantha Hauser to talk about their brilliant scicomm initiative 46 Questions, a ..read more

Sara Lil Middleton joins me to discuss her research in plant ecology, as well as a few of her outreach projects, including the Black British Biology Project. This episode's Paper in Focus is from Rebekah Oomen! We talk about her theory-driven study on genomic architecture and evolution... as well as an intriguing art project! Then, Sara and I are joined by Ellen Brandell and Amani Webber-Schultz to discuss work-life balance - what it means to us, what we do to try and achieve it, and whether it's possible during a pandemic. Hosted, as always, by Kirsty MacLeod. Drop me a line anytime: hello[a ..read more

Dani Rabaiotti joins me from London to discuss her research on climate change impacts in African wild dogs, as well as her interests in science policy, and writing popular science books. This episode's Paper in Focus is from Erin Kane, getting into her research on oral processing in Diana monkeys. Then, Dani and I are joined by Sam Helle and Ashwini Mohan to share our experiences of starting a PhD - in Sam's case, during a pandemic! Plus - some more of your "Elevator Pitches"! Hosted, as always, by Kirsty MacLeod. Drop me a line anytime: hello[at]theweepodcast.org Paper in Focus Oral Processi ..read more