84 episodes

The show with a mission to explore the mysteries of nature - especially the ones that make you go What the Duck?!

What The Duck?‪!‬ ABC listen

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 14 Ratings

The show with a mission to explore the mysteries of nature - especially the ones that make you go What the Duck?!

    Purely for pleasure

    Purely for pleasure

    For years we've barely even talked about the human clitoris let alone the fact that snakes have TWO. 

    This program has adult themes.

    Featuring:

    Belinda Smith, ABC Science Online Reporter. 

    Lucy Cooke, Author and Film maker.

    Megan Folwell, University of Adelaide.

    Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, La Trobe University.

    Production:
    Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
    Additional mastering: Angie Grant

    This program was first broadcast in 2023.

    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

    • 25 min
    Face your fear of snakes

    Face your fear of snakes

    Would you meet a stranger in a park with a pile of snakes? 

    Comedian Craig Quartermaine took the risk in an attempt to overcome his fears.

    Featuring:
    Craig Quartermaine, comedian. 
    Sandy Dickinson, Urban Reptiles.
    Jonathan Wright, announcer's voice. 

    Production:
    Ann Jones, presenter/producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, producer.
    Joel Werner, script editor.
    Field recording: Dylan Prins.
    Additional mastering: Angie Grant.

    This episode was originally broadcast in 2023.

    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung, Yuggera, Turrbal and Kaurna people.

    • 25 min
    Animals with extreme minimalist mindsets

    Animals with extreme minimalist mindsets

    Could a legless lizard be 'minimalist of the year' for famous podcaster T. K. Coleman?

    Ann Jones leads an unlikely gang of animal experts on a tidy dance through the philosophy of minimalism. There are moths without mouths, flies without wings, and a worm-lizard that will even declutter its own tail. 

    Move over Marie Kondo, Minimalist Mother Nature is in town. 

    Featuring:
    T. K. Coleman, Co-host of the Minimalists Podcast.
    Dr. Bryan Lessard, aka Bry the Fly Guy, entomologist and author of 'Eyes on Flies'.
    Dr. George Binns,  Entomologist, Macquarie University.
    Dr. David Wong, Ecologist.

    Production:
    Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
    Additional mastering: Russell Stapleton.

    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

    • 25 min
    Mother Nature does it better (ASMR edition)

    Mother Nature does it better (ASMR edition)

    ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is a tingly sensation that can bring relaxation, and it's spawned a growing industry of videos online of whispering, tapping, mouth noises and soft speaking. 

    But, if you wanted quiet, intimate sounds, well, Nature does it so. much. better. 

    Ann Jones goes on an ASMR journey with vibrating caterpillars, whispering monkeys and birds who want to keep secrets. 

    Featuring:
    Dr Giulia Poerio, University of Sussex.
    Thanh Sagris, ASMR artist, Melbourne.
    Associate Professor Rachel Morrison, University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
    Associate Professor Rindy Anderson, Florida Atlantic University.
    Associate Professor Mandy Ridley, University of Western Australia.
    Professor Jayne Yack, Carleton University.

    Production:
    Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
    Additional mastering: Russell Stapleton.

    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

    • 25 min
    Why do Quolls have spots?

    Why do Quolls have spots?

    Imagine you've just been cancelled for a controversial opinion about Taylor Swift's musical output, and you have to go to ground.

    You can act like the Olsen twins, and hide behind big glasses and a big coat.

    Or you could take a lesson from nature and blend in, like a proverbial spotty quoll into the bush.

    When it comes to camouflage and animal markings, there's a lot we can learn from the animal kingdom.

    Featuring:
    Dr Belinda Wilson, The Australian National University.
    Associate Professor Tanya Latty, University of Sydney.
    Dr Quentin Fogg, University of Melbourne.
    Dr Kaia Tombak, Purdue University. 
    Professor Marc Holderied, Bristol University.

    Production:
    Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
    Additional mastering: Isabella Tropiano.

    This episode of What the Duck?! was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

    • 25 min
    Butts. What are they good for?

    Butts. What are they good for?

    Right now, you’re probably sitting on one of the most unique things about humans. One thing that separates us from the apes, from the birds, from EVERYTHING on earth. The thing that allows us to walk upright, on two legs.
    We have big butts and I cannot lie,
    This sort of exceptionalism doesn’t deny,
    That when a bird walks in with a little bit of haste
    And drumsticks in your face, you have to admit that bipedalism ISN’T what’s interesting.
    It's actually our peachy butts.




    Featuring:

    Professor Daniel Lieberman, Harvard University, US.

    Professor Jo Setchell, Durham University, UK. 

    Dr Peter Bishop, Harvard University, US.

    Lauren Thornton, University of Sunshine Coast.




    Production:
    Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
    Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
    Additional mastering: Russell Stapleton.

    • 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

47 MTP ,

This show makes me happy!!!

I have such a ‘brain crush’ on this show! I learn very cool stuff, I giggle at the goofy, clever jokes, and just feel happier after listening. Thank you for making this and for being both self-aware and completely unconcerned with being “proper”.

Doctor Rene DO ,

SO MUCH FUN!!

Just discovered the program. Education about the natural world with a unique voice and delightfully sly humor. Really disappointed that there are only ten episodes so far. I have no character, so I have listened to them all and am now at the mercy of the publication schedule.

etherdog ,

Fascinating sounds of nature

Dr Ann Jones is a terrific and engaging scientist presenting the work of researchers and naturists, often with humor, and always with panache.

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