Welcome back to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series on radio and podcast, the show where we explore fascinating stories, insightful perspectives, and inspiring journeys that remind us all it’s never too late to live a life full of adventure, connection, and meaning. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Picture this: a world where relationships mean the difference between life and death, where the company you keep determines whether you’ll survive the night or find food for the day. This isn’t the latest human drama—it’s the hidden reality of the animal kingdom. From bats sharing blood to keep one another alive, to birds teaming up to steal a quick meal, animals have been forging social networks long before the first human logged onto social media.

Our guest today is someone who has spent his life uncovering these incredible stories of connection and survival. Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin is an evolutionary biologist, historian of science, and the author of the fascinating new book, The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies. In his book, Dr. Dugatkin takes us on an eye-opening tour of the animal world, revealing how creatures big and small—from giraffes and elephants to Tasmanian devils and whales—navigate their complex social lives.  

Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin will be presenting at Smithsonian Asscociates coming up soon, so check out our show notes today for more details. 

But we have Dr. Dugatkin today for a few minutes, and this isn’t just a story about animals. It’s a story about us, about how understanding these intricate animal societies can shed light on our own relationships, especially as we age. In a world where staying connected is often the key to thriving, Dr. Dugatkin’s research reminds us that, like the animals we share this planet with, our social bonds are not just a luxury—they’re essential.

So, whether you’re here to marvel at the wonders of nature or to find a deeper understanding of your own social connections, this episode is sure to resonate. Stay tuned as we dive into the incredible, and often surprising, ways animals form and rely on their social networks—lessons that have profound implications for us all.

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Lee Alan Dugatkin. Author of the new book The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies,  Smithsonian Associate Dr. Lee Alan Dugatkin will be presenting at Smithsonian Asscociates coming up soon, so check out our show notes today for more details. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My thanks to you, our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  My thanks to Executive Producer, Sam Heninger.  Please be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series on radio and podcast, thanks everybody and we’ll see you next week.