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Friends,
This is the third episode in a series of episodes on science and how science intersects with our lives in surprising ways. Across these episodes, we’ll be considering the healing and connective powers of the void of space, terrifying encounters with predators, the development of the concept of nature, reflections on our own animalistic violence, the truth and complications of the scientific method itself, and the ways in which we connect at the tiniest layers of existence. These episodes are not “scientific” episodes per se, but they aren’t scientistic either. Each one is an exploration of what science can bring into our lives.
The series started with AEWCH 260, on which I talked with Marjolijn van Heemstra about connecting with the expansiveness of space to understand the challenges we face today. And then on AEWCH 261, I talked with bear biologist and the Tooth & Claw podcast co-host Wes Larson about our fascination with animal attacks.
On this episode, we stay close to predators. But one in particular: The wolf.
The wolf is both living myth and skulking shadow in our imagination. It’s also a flesh and blood animal that uniquely relates to both space — in their range, and encroachment and disappearance from territories — and also time — in reintroduction strategies and old fears that we hold onto but don’t make sense today.
We can learn a lot from wolves if we allow ourselves to sit with what they rouse in us. One of our great wolf-contemplators is my guest on this episode: cultural theorist and nature writer ERICA BERRY author of the excellent meditation on wolves and humans:
Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell about Fear.
This conversation reveals that focusing on one beast leads us into a whole ecology of thought. Erica and I discuss desire, violence, communication (with people and animals), the experience of non-humans, nonfiction, and more.
I’m so happy to offer this episode, and I hope you love it!
Conner Habib 
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