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The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins

91 episodesEN

Show overview

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins has been publishing since 2023, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 91 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 75 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 32 min and 1h 15m — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.

There hasn’t been a new episode in the last ninety days; the most recent episode landed 8 months ago. The busiest year was 2024, with 45 episodes published. Published by Richard Dawkins.

Episodes
91
Running
2023–2025 · 2y
Median length
47 min
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

The Poetry of Reality is hosted by world renowned truth-teller, evolutionary biologist and best-selling author, Professor Richard Dawkins. He has been celebrated globally for his honest critique of religion and tradition and his push for critical thinking. His books include The Ancestor’s Tale, The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, Climbing Mount Improbable, Unweaving the Rainbow, A Devil’s Chaplain, The God Delusion, The Greatest Show on Earth, The Magic of Reality, his two-part autobiography An Appetite for Wonder and A Brief Candle in the Dark, and Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide. Dawkins has long been known for his uncompromising passion for science, calling out for the pressing need in modern societies for scientific literacy and rational thinking, especially in the education of young minds. His relentless pursuit of truth, and his recognition of the beauty of life on earth, will feature in this podcast, as he charts his way through scientific and existential inquiries like ‘What are we doing here?’ and ‘When did life begin?’

Latest Episodes

View all 91 episodes

Ep 92If God designed it, why is it so badly built?

In this episode, Richard Dawkins revisits a 2012 conversation from the Great Minds program, produced by the Educational Broadcasting System in South Korea. He examines why life looks designed yet is full of flaws, showing how imperfections in nature reveal the true workings of evolution and expose the limits of intelligent design. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 16, 202513 min

Ep 91Why Ants Tear Off Their Own Wings

In this episode, Richard Dawkins revisits a 2012 conversation from the Great Minds program, produced by the Educational Broadcasting System in South Korea. Drawing on themes from his book Flights of Fancy, Dawkins explores humanity’s ancient dream of flight, the physics that govern it, and the evolutionary paths that enabled some creatures to soar while others lost their wings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 30, 202515 min

Ep 90Why Ideas Spread Like Viruses

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard joins a live audience in Edinburgh to discuss his latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead. In this wide-ranging conversation, he reflects on how DNA preserves the story of evolution, describing organisms as “living books” that record the environments of their ancestors. He explores camouflage, whale ancestry, convergent evolution, and the hidden logic of genes, while breaking down ideas like genomes as cooperatives of viruses. He also reflects on memes, the extended phenotype, and the surprising ways evolution shapes both biology and culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 20, 20251h 15m

Ep 89Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? | A Conversation with Steven Pinker

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker explore the frontiers of science, language, morality, artificial intelligence, evolution, and the future of human civilization. Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, popular science author, and public intellectual. He is an advocate of evolutionary psychology and the computational theory of mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 14, 20251h 37m

Ep 88What It Is Like To Debate Jordan Peterson |A Conversation with Nihal Arthanayake

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Nihal Arthanayake for a compelling conversation in London, England This episode was filmed as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Nihal Arthanayake is an acclaimed multi-award winning broadcaster, journalist, podcaster and author. He currently presents the Headliners Podcast on the BBC in the UK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 11, 20251h 24m

Ep 87Richard Dawkins DESTROYS Creationist Arguments

In this episode, Richard Dawkins reacts to a compilation of videos featuring arguments about religion, evolution, and science. This is the first video in the new series, Richard Dawkins Reacts, where Richard Dawkins watches clips from the internet ranging from creationist claims to debates on science and faith—and shares his unfiltered thoughts and insights. A straightforward look at how science is misunderstood—and why it matters. Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_dawkins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooks Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofReality Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 20, 202520 min

Ep 86Why The Selfish Gene Haunts Some Readers | A Conversation with John McWhorter

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins John McWhorter for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth. John McWhorter is a linguist, author, and professor at Columbia University, best known for his work in creole studies, sociolinguistics, and for his commentary on race, language, and politics in American society. Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_dawkins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooks Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofReality Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 13, 20251h 23m

Ep 85Some 'Intellectuals' Make It Sound Deep | A Conversation with Peter Boghossian

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Peter Boghossian for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth. This episode was filmed as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Peter Boghossian is an American philosopher, author, and educator best known for his work on critical thinking, atheism, and free speech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 30, 20251h 31m

Ep 84Why i Care About the Existence of God | A Conversation with Michael Shermer

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Michael Shermer for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth. This episode was filmed at as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Michael Shermer is a science writer and historian, founder of The Skeptics Society, and host of The Michael Shermer Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 23, 20251h 35m

Ep 82Is New Atheism Losing? | A Conversation with Matt Ridley

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Matt Ridley for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. Matt Ridley is a science writer and journalist whose work spans evolutionary biology, economics, and the role of innovation in human progress. Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to The Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poetry.of.reality/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooks Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofReality Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 16, 20251h 30m

Ep 81ChatGPT Passed the Turing test, but… | A Conversation with Brian Keating

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Brian Keating for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including AI, the extended phenotype, evolution, the possibility of alien life followed by audience questions. This episode was filmed as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Brian Keating is an American cosmologist, professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego, and a bestselling author. He is renowned for his research on the early universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, and inflationary cosmology. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 20251h 35m

Ep 80Will the Supreme Court Gender Case Victors Get The Apologies They Deserve?

This article was published by the Spectator on the 17th of April 2025, with the title “Will the Supreme Court gender case victors get the apologies they deserve? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 12, 20257 min

Ep 79I Sympathize with Trans People, but... | Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Colin Wright

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Colin Wright for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, gender, science, and culture - They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including the nature of truth, the reliability of science, evolution, and the controversies surrounding sex and gender. This episode was filmed as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Colin Wright is an evolutionary biologist and science writer whose work spans research on animal behavior, particularly social insects, and public advocacy for evidence-based discussions on sex and gender. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 5, 20251h 35m

Ep 78A Conversation with Nick Gillespie in Milwaukee | Richard Dawkins' Final Tour

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Nick Gillespie, for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead, along with his previous works such as The Selfish Gene. The discussion expands into science’s ongoing tensions with ideology, religion, and postmodern thought, followed by a spirited audience Q&A session. This episode was filmed at Pabst Theatre, on the September 20th 2024, as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Nick Gillespie is editor-at-large at Reason magazine, a prominent journalist, and commentator known for insightful coverage of politics, culture, and free speech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 30, 20251h 33m

Ep 77Am I responsible for WOKE Nonsense? | A Conversation with Alex O'' Connor in Oxford

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Alex O’Connor for a breakdown of his latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead. They also reflect on new atheism and the meaning vacuum, Richard’s debate with Jordan Peterson, and the concept of God followed by audience questions. This episode was filmed at New Theatre, Oxford, on the 21st of Oct 2024, as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Alex O’Connor is a YouTuber, writer, and public speaker, best known as the host of the Within Reason podcast, with over one million subscribers on YouTube. He has appeared on television programs such as Piers Morgan Uncensored, BBC Sunday Morning Live, and Channel 4 News. O’Connor has debated and discussed topics including the philosophy of religion, free speech, monarchy abolitionism, and skepticism with notable figures such as Richard Dawkins, Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Slavoj Žižek. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 18, 20251h 22m

Ep 76Why Darwin Stopped Believing in GOD | Richard Dawkins with Patrick House

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 11, 20251h 24m

Ep 75Space meets Earth, Porco and Dawkins in Glasgow

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins engages in an insightful conversation with Carolyn Porco about gene immortality, ancestral traits, the extended phenotype, extraterrestrial life, criticisms of religion and atheism, followed by audience questions. This episode was filmed at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on the Oct 31st 2024, as part of Richard Dawkins' tour. Carolyn Porco is a renowned planetary scientist and science communicator best known for leading the imaging science team on NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn, where she played a pivotal role in major discoveries such as the geysers on Enceladus and the potential for extraterrestrial habitability. Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_dawkins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooks Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofReality Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 3, 20251h 23m

Ep 74Sonnets by ChatGPT

Following my dialogue with ChatGPT on whether it is conscious, I thought it would be interesting to look at its poetic creativity. I decided to give it a subject dear to my heart. Link to my Substack - https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 24, 20255 min

Ep 73Exploring AI, Evolution & the Universe ft. Taryn Southern

Richard Dawkins and Taryn Southern are back for another thought-provoking Q&A session, tackling a wide range of fascinating topics. From Richard’s personal epiphany moments to his thoughts on AI, alien life, and the origins of the universe, this episode delves deep into the mysteries of evolution, intelligence, and existence. Other audience questions dive into topics like inherited knowledge, the evolution of survival instincts, and whether animals truly understand death. Richard also shares his thoughts and experiments on ChatGPT, the limits of human invention, and the most compelling theories about how our universe came to be. Referenced Articles: A conversation between Dawkins and ChatGPT - https://substack.com/home/post/p-1573... Sonnets by ChatGPT - https://substack.com/home/post/p-1583... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 20, 202532 min

Ep 72Is There More Wonder In Genes Than In Gods? - A Conversation with Alex O' Connor

As part of his 2024 tour, Richard Dawkins engaged in an insightful conversation with Alex O'Connor at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on September 28th. They discuss Dawkins' latest book; The Genetic Book of the Dead, religion, evolution, and concludes with a Q&A session. Alex O’Connor is a YouTuber, writer, and public speaker, best known as the host of the Within Reason podcast, with over one million subscribers on YouTube. He has appeared on television programs such as Piers Morgan Uncensored, BBC Sunday Morning Live, and Channel 4 News. O’Connor has debated and discussed topics including the philosophy of religion, free speech, monarchy abolitionism, and skepticism with notable figures such as Richard Dawkins, Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Slavoj Žižek. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 13, 20251h 25m
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