Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Animal Turn: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Claudia Hirtenfelder
Animals are increasingly at the forefront of research questions – Not as shadows to human stories, or as beings we want to understand biologically, or for purely our benefit – but as beings who have histories, stories, and geographies of their own. Each season is set around themes with each episode unpacking a particular animal turn concept and its significance therein. Join Claudia Hirtenfelder as she delves into some of the most important ideas emerging out of this recent turn in scholarship, thinking, and being.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago1h 32m
S9E2: Modernity with Erica Hill and Susan Nance
Erica Hill and Susan Nance join Claudia on the show to discuss “modernity.” They discuss what this relatively messy shorthand means for history and for understanding human–animal relations. They try to unpack what is meant by modernity and touch on everything from industrialisation to concealment and consumption. Topics Covered: Animal History, the journal that tries to understand animals as historical subjects Using animal welfare science to interpret historical animals’ be...
- 1 weeks ago1h 37m
S9E1: Animals' Cultural Histories with Sandra Swart
Claudia speaks with historian Sandra Swart about the importance of recognising animals’ cultural histories. They discuss the maturation of animal history as a field and focus on the cultural histories of baboons and elephants in South Africa. Topics covered: Working definition of animal culture Fuffification and disnification of wildlife The deep and urban history of baboons A lone elephant in the Knysna Forest ‘Rogue’ elephants in the PilanesbergAnimal Highlig...
- 3 weeks ago1h 10m
From the Archive: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction with Charlotte Blattner
Charlotte Blattner discusses how international law, specifically Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, might provide a useful and productive way in which to build legal protections for animals. Date recorded: 10 April 2020 Guest: Charlotte E. Blattner is a senior researcher and lecturer at the Institute for Public Law, University of Bern. She earned her PhD in international law and animal law from the University of Basel, Switzerland, as part of the doctoral program Law and Animals. From 2...
- Aug 10, 20261h 7m
From the Archive - S2E8: Shoalmates with Jonathan Balcombe
[From the Archive - Enjoy!] Claudia talks to Jonathan Balcombe about fishes and their varied and incredible experiences. Using the concept of ‘shoalmates’ as a launch pad, they discuss some of the intra- and inter-species relations fishes engage in from work to cuddle and play. Date recorded: 30 November 2020 Jonathan Balcombe is a biologist with a PhD in ethology, the study of animal behavior. His books include Pleasurable Kingdom, Second Nature, The Exultant Ark, and Wha...
- Aug 3, 20261h 27m
Bonus: (Anti)Vivisection with Lauren Stein and Richard Miller
Vivisection is an old word for a practice that still shapes modern medicine: using living bodies as tools for knowledge. Claudia talks with Lauren Stein and Richard Miller from the National Anti-Vivisection Society to unpack some of vivisection’s history, how scientists understand it and think through the ethics of it, as well as the emergence of alternatives to its use. Date Recorded: 22 June 2026 Lauren Stein, Ph.D., is the Director of Science and Research Programs at the Natio...
- Jul 30, 20261h 20m
Bonus: Haunting with Kathryn Gillespie
Claudia talks with Kathryn Gillespie about “haunting” as a way to notice how harm and care shape everyday human–animal relationships. They discuss everything, from feeding urban crows to grieving orcas and lab beagles learning what grass feels like. They consider the role of attentiveness in relations with animals and ask what becomes visible when we stop treating violence as background noise. Date Recorded: 1 April 2026 Kathryn Gillespie, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator dedicated ...
- Jul 20, 20261h 19m
Bonus: Deception with John Sanbonmatsu
John Sanbonmatsu joins Claudia on the show to discuss ‘deception,’ a concept in the title of his recently published book “The Omnivore’s Deception.” We explore how deception operates in understandings of meat and human relations with animals, including how industries actively deceive the public but also how individuals engage in practices of bad faith and self-deception. Date Recorded: 25 February 2026 John Sanbonmatsu is Professor of Philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Ma...
- May 25, 20261h 31m
Bonus: Animals and the Right to Politics with Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka
Claudia talks to political philosophers Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka about their latest book Animals and the Right to Politics. They discuss the differences between societal and placed based politics, unpacking why both are necessary to enable animals’ political engagement. Date Recorded: 30 January 2026 Featured: Animals and The Right to Politics by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka Animal agora: Animal citizens and the democratic challenge by Sue DonaldsonEnvironmental Eth...
About The Animal Turn
Animals are increasingly at the forefront of research questions – Not as shadows to human stories, or as beings we want to understand biologically, or for purely our benefit – but as beings who have histories, stories, and geographies of their own. Each season is set around themes with each episode unpacking a particular animal turn concept and its significance therein. Join Claudia Hirtenfelder as she delves into some of the most important ideas emerging out of this recent turn in scholarship, thinking, and being.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Animal Turn in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Animal Turn daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Animal Turn as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Animal Turn podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Animal Turn product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Claudia Hirtenfelder.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Animal Turn release new episodes?
The Animal Turn publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Animal Turn cover?
The Animal Turn covers topics including Science, Nature, Philosophy, Culture, Society & Culture, Social Sciences. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Animal Turn summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.