Podcast appearances and mentions of simon watt

We humans have our favourites in the natural world. Just consider the status accorded to pandas, lions, and elephants. Charismatic species get a lot of attention, and not only from the public, but also from scientists and policy makers. We spend significant resources on studying, conserving and telling their stories. But what about ‘ugly' species? What kind of impact does our lesser interest in them have on their existence and conservation as a whole? In this episode Rob hears from Simon Watt, a biologist and president of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, which crowned ‘Mr. Blobby' as the ugliest animal in the world. Rob also talks to Professor Bob Smith at the University of Kent, about so-called ‘Cinderella' species and how we can change things for ‘ugly' species. To find out more about IPBES, head to www.ipbes.net or follow us on social media @IPBES.

Drew talks with Simon Watt about the Maysville Players production of Dracula. 

Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo, is Thailand's unexpected new it girl. She's now a viral sensation and is attracting huge queues at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province and even has her own 24-hour livestream.The zoo says visitor numbers have doubled since her birth in July, boosting revenue that can be used for animal conservation efforts. But Moo Deng's fame comes at a price: videos have emerged showing visitors throwing food at the plump hippopotamus so she'll squeal for their cameras.BBC Thai reporter Panisa Aemocha explains Moo Deng's rise to fame — and criticisms that have been levelled at the Thai zoo. We also hear from Simon Watt, author of the book “We Can't All Be Pandas, the Ugly Animals”. He discusses the link between cuteness and conservation — and how less attractive species are being left behind. And Moo Deng superfan Ashley Calloway, a teacher from Atlanta, explains why her students can't get enough of the adorable hippo. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Zofia Louise and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

This week Ben and Barry welcome back returning guest Simon Watt. Simon is an expert biologist and science communicator who is going to help them answer one of the biggest questions: out of all of Mother Nature's creations, which is the worst? We meet tragic endlings, furry crabs and come face to proboscis with man's greatest enemy... Follow us on Twitter: @worstfoot @bazmcstay @VanderLaugh @SimonDWatt Follow us on Instagram: @worstfoot @amymasoncomedy Take a butcher's at Ben's Substack here: https://vanderlaugh.substack.com/ Join us on our Discord server! https://discord.gg/9buWKthgfx Visit www.worstfootforwardpodcast.com for all previous episodes and you can donate to us on Patreon if you'd like to support the show! https://www.patreon.com/WorstFootForward

One year ago, the World Health Organisation declared that COVID-19 would no longer be categorised as a global health emergency. But the pandemic has left us with a new normal in all areas of our lives. From vaccine rollout to wastewater monitoring, we're asking: how has COVID altered the scientific landscape? Marnie Chesterton is joined in the studio by Linda Geddes, science journalist, and Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Professor in Environmental and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Bath, to discuss.Are ugly animals getting the short end of the conservation stick? Whilst a few beautiful creatures, like tigers and panda bears, get good marketing and attract the most conservation efforts, comedian and biologist Simon Watt argues that the endangered animals which are less pleasing to the eye are being forgotten.Also this week, we answer a listener's question about the accuracy of using bug splats on cars to measure insect populations. Lead data analyst from the Kent Wildlife Trust, Lawrence Ball, gives us the details about the national citizen science survey, Bugs Matter, which sees people around the country measure insect splats on vehicle number plates as a marker of insect abundance.And science journalist Roland Pease discusses the unprecedented scientific opportunity hurtling towards Earth in the form of asteroid Apophis. It will just miss our planet – in astronomical terms at least – but its proximity has astronomers excited. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston and Hannah Robins Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

Why are some animals cute, cuddly, adorable – and some are slimy, creepy and downright weird? This edition of Crowdscience, recorded in front of a live audience, comes to you directly from the world-famous Green Man Festival in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Cymru (Wales). The programme recording was powered entirely by hydrogen. Our inbox has been bursting at the seams with questions about creepy crawlies, deep sea beasties, cheeky monkeys, endangered species and animals of all shapes and sizes. So, we rounded up a panel of experts to get some answers! Surrounded by 25,000 people trudging merrily through the mud, pelted with torrential rain, underscored by the warm hum of revelry, the BBC's Marnie Chesterton speaks with Dr David Jones from the Natural History Museum, an expert on creepy crawlies and someone who spends a considerable amount of time thinking about earthworms, ants, and termites. Also joining us is Jess Savage, a researcher from the Institute of Zoology in London who's an expert on ocean-dwelling animals and the impact of plastic pollution. Finally, we have Simon Watt, a biologist, comedian and founder of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Join us for this very special edition of Crowdscience, in partnership with Green Man Festival, where we bring the experts closer to you than ever before. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Emily Bird Editor: Richard Collings Technical producer: Mike Cox Studio manager: Jackie Margerum Production co-ordinator: Jonathan Harris (Photo: Marnie and guests. Credit: Jonathan Harris)

Travis talks with Simon Watt and Jon Lovell about the Maysville Players latest production, "Tuesdays with Morrie."

The final episode of Season 2 is here and it's a festive feast! Dave takes us through Christmas traditions around the world including the man who missed the birth of Christ cos he needed a poo. There's also rollerblading. And more poo. Anyway, in Part 2, Dave has brought back Evolutionary Biologist, Simon Watt (he of Myers Suriname Toad fame) to discuss that most Christmas of miracles, the virgin birth. Is it real? Does it happen? And what exactly are Lesbian Lizards?We'll be back in February 2023 with Season 3 and a MASSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT too! Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!Presented and Produced by Neil Delamere and Dave MooreEdited by Cathal MinogueMusic by Dave MooreArtwork by Ray McDonnell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sebastian and Rutendo celebrate nature's defenders in all their forms. They argue that vultures should get more credit for their vital role as scavengers. Their super-acidic stomachs kill off deadly bacteria, like anthrax, that accumulates onrotting carcasses. This prevents the spread of disease and recycles nutrients back into the environment.Molecular biologist Mike Kolomiets tells us that the fragrance of newly mown grass isactually a scream for help and a warning to nearby plants that a herbivore is around. Grass can defend itself by releasing toxic metabolites and summoning the assistance of parasitic wasps that attack plant-eating caterpillars.We hear from prominent Brazilian climate activists Sônia Guajajara and Celia Xakriabá, both of whom believe that inidigenous women have a vital role to play inthe fight to preserve Brazil's vast biodiversity.Biologist and comedian Simon Watt argues that to protect the biodiversity of our planet we need to be less fixated on cute creatures which are “lucky enough to havea face”, and take more interest in Earth's ugly animals.Credits:The BBC Earth podcast is presented by Sebastian Echeverri and Rutendo Shackleton.This episode was produced by Rachel Byrne and Geoff Marsh.The researchers were Seb Masters and Dawood Quereshi.The Production Manager was Catherine Stringer and the Production Co-ordinator was Gemma Wootton.Podcast Theme Music was composed by Axel Kacoutié, with mixing and additional sound design by Peregrine Andrews.The Associate Producer is Cristen Caine and the Executive Producer is Deborah Dudgeon.Special thanks to:Mike Kolomiets from Texas A&M University for sharing his research into grass.Simon Watt from the Ugly Animal Preservation Society.Alice Aedy for the report from Brazil and her interviewees Sônia Guajajara, Célia Xakriabá.Interviewee Carl Gerhardt from University of Missouri and Lang Elliot for the amphibious soundscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ugly Animal Preservation Society,  the world's funniest biologist Simon Watt, and a Blobfish walk into a bar; Melissa is grossed out by sound effects. We're back, baby! Season 4! #UglyAnimalDay is September 8th, 2022 - use the hashtag and let's DO THIS!  Resources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_Animal_Preservation_SocietyThe Ugly Animals: We can't all be pandas! (Go get it as a gift for your favorite little nature nerd, or to put on your shelf!) https://uglyanimalsoc.com/ - go become a member of the Ugly AnimalPreservation Society-it's funny, it's nerdy, it's smart, and it's free!https://www.edfringe.com/ Simon's show on the Ugly Animals Preservation Societyhttps://www.britishscienceassociation.org/british-science-festivalhttps://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24040130https://web.archive.org/web/20130612051847/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/10108195/Battle-of-the-mingers-why-ugly-animals-should-be-wildlife-pin-ups.htmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmyUm7n1U7k (Unusual creatures: The Incredible True Story of the Blobfish song)https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/88111/7-unattractive-facts-about-blobfish Intro/Outro: Tiptoe out the back by Dan LIbowicz! Interstitial music by MK2All other music and sound effects by artists on Pixabay and Freesound.org. Melissa can be found atBewilderBeastsPod.comTwitter.com/BewilderedPodInstagram.com/BewilderBeastsand Join the Patreon! Patreon.com/bewilderbeastspod Support the show

Neil is back in the hot seat and he has frog facts to share. Frozen ones, see-through ones and pregnancy test ones too! Evolutionary biologist Simon Watt is here to tell us all about a toad that out-weirds all of Neil's favourites. Also, you may not sleep again after you hear about Wolverine Frog.Presented and Produced by Neil Delamere and Dave MooreEdited by Cathal MinogueMusic by Dave MooreArtwork by Ray McDonnell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just how reliable are research papers and what goes on to get them published and accepted in the scientific literature and, critically, are they reliable? We have talked many times on the pod about scientific papers but without ever discussing what these actually are and how they get published. It's an important aspect of science and especially with palaeontology given the huge mix of information available through museums, the media, and well, podcasts, so it's an area really worth discussing. This week our guest is biologist and science communicator Simon Watt, who talks about the appearances of dinosaurs and the public's changing perception of this in relation to what the palaeontologists think. Links: A (very old) blogpost of Dave's on the same general subject of how to write and get a scientific paper published: https://archosaurmusings.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/how-to-write-a-paper-and-get-it-published/ A piece by Dave on the problems of peer review and reporting of non-reviewed material: https://www.theguardian.com/science/lost-worlds/2012/dec/01/dinosaurs-fossils A link to Darren Naish's piece on his All yesterday's book that gets a brief mention: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/all-yesterdays-book-and-launch-event/ Do please support us on Patreon

Join us live for "An Evening Of Unnecessary Detail" on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th April 2022 at London's Bloomsbury Theatre. Get your tickets here.In this final episode of Series 1, Steve talks about how plants transmit their genes, Helen eavesdrops on whales and Matt decodes spacecraft transmissions. Plus a song about the bravest little transmitter in the known universe:- Steve's bit (00:45)- Matt's bit (13:40)- Helen's bit (26:15)- The Philae Song (39:15)For tickets to live shows, nerd merch, our mailing list and more, visit: http://festivalofthespokennerd.com.Want to get in touch? We're on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or email podcast@festivalofthespokennerd.com. Come for the Unnecessary Detail. Stay for the A Podcast Of. SHOW NOTES: Unfortunately our show notes are too big for Acast's margins to contain... head to the Transmission episode page to see everything in once place.Corrections and clarifications:- Steve repeatedly refers to the Oak Tree as an "Acorn Tree" - which is taxonomically and linguistically incorrect, but as we only spotted the mistake in the final edit we left it as it is. You're smart enough to work out what he meant, right? ;)- Several people got in touch to say they've consumed a cashew apple! Our pal Simon Watt has tried it in a "caju" smoothie, and Christa Norton tells us that if you mix it with chilli powder it's a great alternative to lemon when you're doing tequila slammers. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 7: Conversation with Gemstone Dealers Laurie and Simon Watt of Mayer and Watt. Modern day India Jones gem dealers Laurie and Simon Watt discuss what is (and isn't) fair trade in gemstones, when treatments matter and how country of origin affects gemstone value. You can follow in their footsteps and learn about their many adventures in finding and sharing rare and wonderful colored gemstones in Sri Lanka, Burma, Ethiopia and more. Interested listeners can also view footage on the Beekman New York Fine Jewelry Conversations pages on YouTube and Vimeo. Each episode of the series features a conversation between Dr. Sharon Novak, certified gemologist and co-founder of Beekman New York, and an industry expert within the luxury space, highlighting their shared joy and appreciation of fine jewelry. Topics include mixing period jewelry with modern pieces, heritage and craftsmanship of luxury jewelry houses worldwide, certfied natural and phenomenal gems and collecting vintage jewelry.

Imagine a perfect rhino. Done it? Great. Keep it in mind while Elena and Ian are joined by the Level Up Human podcast's Simon Watt, to discuss what we're really doing when we look for beauty in nature. If you liked this episode, subscribing/following means you'll get the next one automatically. We'd love it if you could leave us a review on iTunes too. And if you want to get in touch with us, you can do that at wondercupboard.com.

On this episode, Jim handed over the hosting reins of the show to BanterFlix's resident 'Science Queen' Jess Blair as she spoke with biologist, writer and TV presenter Simon Watt about Steven Soderbergh's 2011 thriller Contagion, starring Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet. (as always be warned there are spoilers aplenty).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/banterflix)

Ahead of the impending new series, we asked you what clips we should include in a 'Best Of' episode. You told us. We had a think. And the result is THIS - a 'Best of?' episode covering series 1 to 6. This is the PERFECT EPISODE to share with your friends, neighbours, putative in-laws, bosses and enemies - a serviceable introduction to the world of Do The Right Thing.If you're a long-time listener, please consider supporting the show using your financial clout. Click here to find out how you can make one-off donations or 'per episode' donations via our new Patreon page going forward. Also... follow us on Twitter (@DTRTpodcast), 'Like' it on Facebook and comment on iTunes. Thanks!This episode features clips from (in alphabetical order) Chris Addison, Doc Brown, Susan Calman, Bridget Christie, Les Dennis (just his laugh), Nick Doody, Paul Foot, Jessica Fostekew, Kerry Godliman, Dave Gorman, Richard Herring, Rufus Hound, Robin Ince, Sarah Kendall, Shappi Khorsandi, Nish Kumar, Josie Long, Joe Lycett, Sarah Millican, Diane Morgan, Mark Olver, Richard Osman, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Paul Sinha, Jesse Thorn and Mike Wozniak, snippets from Ian Boldsworth, Ed Gamble, Thom Tuck, Martin White and Andy Zaltzman and expertise from Dr Kevin Fernando, Dr Erica McAlister, Matthew Perret, Jon Ronson and Simon Watt.If you're at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, why not check out Michael Legge's show 'The Idiot' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ever heard of the Lake Titicaca Scrotum Frog, or the dromedary jumping slug? Neither had we... Simon Watt, evolutionary biologist and President of the Ugly Animal Society, takes us through the complexities of natural selection. From why there is no perfection in evolution, to what Natural Selection's greatest invention is, and culminating in the future of the human species, Simon takes us on a journey through the survivors of the biggest perpetrator of genocide in history: Natural Selection.

Hear about a fun campaign to save the ‘ugly' animals. Simon Watt of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society tell us that ugly animals face extinction because the cute creatures, like cuddly pandas, “steal all the glory”. He... The post scientist 40: the science presenter – the ugly animal society – Simon Watt (2013) appeared first on Roger Frost: science, sensors and automation.

Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley rifle through the science pages in search of stories about the future of humanity. This week we are excited about flying cars, considering what information the apocalypse survivors will need and considering a way to mobilise the body's immune system to fight cancer. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. More information about the series is at www.leveluphuman.com and you can support us at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neil Delamere joins Simon Watt to determine the future of the human body. Our experts here at the Cork Science Festival are biochemist Julie O'Sullivan and marine ecologist Ash Bennison. In this episode we find out how we could listen to the bacteria on our bodies, why acne is evolutionarily useful and how seabirds 'see' the ocean using an odourscape. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stuart Goldsmith improves human with Simon Watt in this special episode recorded in association with the Society for Endocrinology at Latitude Festival. Our experts are materials scientist Anna Ploszajski and Neuroscientist Dr. Giles Yeo. The panel discuss why camels put all their fat in their backs, whether fecal transplants are better as 'transpoosions' or 'crapsules', and whether human knees are still fit for purpose. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. Join our patrons at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neil Delamere judges suggestions for future humans by Lara Dungan and David McKeown with Simon Watt attempting to keep some kind of order. The panel discuss memory foam people, somebody offers Neil a hug and we find out why owls might not be as wise as people think. If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh Widdicombe and Joe Wilkinson are Pappy's guests in a show recorded in June 2015 which Producer Ben has been psyching himself up to edit ever since. It features the first ever live Quickfire Round jingle, a couple of good games and a vat full of white wine. Also watch out for evolutionary biologist Simon Watt making an impromptu appearance as a cricket-style 'runner', assisting one of the teams when the official house guest becomes somewhat debilitated! Simon was at the recording having earlier made a fully planned guest appearance on the Series 6, Episode 2 of Do The Right Thing (https://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/dotherightthing/series6_2/), Producer Ben's other podcast. If you'd like to throw a bit of money at Flatshare Slamdown we'll be very grateful indeed and you can do so here: https://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/flatshare_slamdown/donate/ Of course, any word-of-mouth help publicising the show in general is also brilliant - thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jack Heal judges suggestions by Hayley Pye, Maddy Coke and the Omni tent audience, Einstein's Garden at the 2016 Green Man festival. Simon Watt is in the chair as ever. The panel discuss whether we need leaders, a blood test that can reveal every virus you've ever had, and whether we actually need bodies any more at all. If you're enjoying the podcast, you can make a regular donation via our Patreon: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ellie Taylor joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions by archaeologist Paul Duncan McGarrity, psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw and the studio audience at the Science Museum. The panel discuss the imperfect nature of memory, why spiders scare us and how easy it is to desecrate graves. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else AND you can buy Level Up merch including tote bags and mugs! Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An episode for smart minds and stern stomachs as we uncover Mother Nature’s dark side. We’re joined by professional science communicator, squid dissector and founder of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, Simon Watt, to talk about the world’s worst parasites. There’s an entire Hammer house of horrors on display, including flies that bewitch cockroaches, cookie cutter sharks and the worst fate ever to befall the Tasmanian Devil since Bugs Bunny got mean. Strengthen your constitution, don’t eat for a while before listening and dive in where even nematode worms fear to tread… Follow us on Twitter: @worstfoot @bazmcstay @benvandervelde @SimonDWatt @LevelUpHuman @UglyAnimal

Gemma Flynn just wants an easy life. Vying for her attention are philosopher Michael Wheeler and roboticist Eli Sheppard, with Simon Watt keeping score. We get a helping gene or two from the scrotum frog, and find out about the evolution of the haircut. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman. Thank you for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a seminal show this week as we are joined by Simon Watt, founder of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, "raising the profile of some of Mother's Nature's more aesthetically challenged children". Simon shares fascinating facts about his favourite ugly animals, as well as why frogs are every biologist's dream, and how to imitate an insect with just a balloon and a coin. Plus we announce our very own Ugly Animal Science Mixtape Mascot as voted by YOU our listeners! Who will be victorious - the Aye Aye, the Saiga Antelope, the Wart-Biter Cricket, or the Axolotl...?! Mixtape: 1. Never Ever Ever Ever Again by Siskiyou 2. Ingenue by Atoms For Peace 3. Atlas by Battles 4. New Slang by The Shins 5. Twin Tub Twin (Tunng Remix) by King Creosote 6. Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy by The Ballina Whalers #science #mixtape #ugly #animals #frogs #ants #axolotl #saiga #cricket #ayeaye

Episode #008 sees Simon from Level Up Human choose the 2015 science fiction film Advantageous. A self-proclaimed sci-fi snob, Simon choose this as it was the most science fiction film he could find on Netflix ...and because he liked the cover image!     Set in a bleak, near-future, urban environment, where we communicate with bots via holographic Skype calls and women are 'completely shelved' after a certain age, the film's protagonist is forced into undergoing an experimental full body swap. It's a future with no animals, not much fun for kids and shopping for her new body is like being on Tinder. Ultimately the film suffers from what Simon calls the 'prototype problem'. Also noted was it's shoddy sci-fi and being inferior to Black Mirror. Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling.... Scores [supsystic-tables id='9'] Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling....   Episode #008 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #008 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist At the start of the film the mother and daughter were playing the piano and singing the French Christmas Classic "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant". We couldn't find their version but we found that Annie Lennox did a version and that's what we have added to the Flixwatcher Playlist!   More about The Little Prince If you want to know more about Avantageous you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Advantageous @advantageousme Jennifer Phang @Phangvantageous Jacqueline Kim @jpkimchii James Urbaniak @JamesUrbaniak Freya Adams @freya_adams Ken Jeong @kenjeong Jennifer Ehle @jenniferehle Samantha Kim @samanthagkh Troi Zee @troizee Olivia Horton @Olivia_Horton97 COMPETITION TIME To celebrate the launch of The Flixwatcher Podcast and the fact that you can now download films and shows onto your iPad so you can watch anywhere we are giving away a free iPad Air with 128 GB memory, a year's free Netflix and oodles of popcorn. All you have to do is fill in your details in the sidebar or head to this competition entry page to enter. If you have already entered and you want to check your position you can do so here.   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!  

Halfway to 30, its Episode #015 and we welcome back Rachel and Simon from Level Up Human for Rachel’s choice the unlikeliest natural disaster Sharknado 3. "Oh Hell No." Thats right, the THIRD, in the Sharknado series. What is the premise you might ask, do you really care, its called Sharknado. Sharknado 3. Shark advocate Simon genuinely loved it, but wouldn’t describe as ‘good’. Kobi had concerns about the possibly of an actual sharknado. Helen was not impressed not even with the David Hasselhoff cameo. Sadly it doesn’t pass the Bechdel test. Preposterous only begins to scratch the surface, if you love chainsaws, extreme product placement and frilled sharks this is the movie for you. It doesn’t score highly, are you surprised? Its about a sharknado. Fun fact, geckos can’t survive in space, but apparently sharks can… Scores [supsystic-tables id='16'] Episode #015 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #015 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist The Sharknado 3 Soundtrack is a travesty and contains a "Jedward" song so forfeits the right to be included in the episode!   More about Sharknado 3 If you want to know more about Sharknado 3 you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Anthony C. Ferrante      @acferrante Ian Ziering       @IanZiering Tara Reid      @TaraReid Cassandra Scerbo     @CassieScerbo Frankie Muniz    @frankiemuniz Ryan Newman    @ryrynewman David Hasselhoff      @DavidHasselhoff Mark Cuban    @mcuban Bo Derek     @boderek   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!

Jay Lafferty settles in to judge suggestions for human enhancement from psychologist Dr. Kate Cross and researcher, lecturer and podcaster, Dr. Anindya Raychaudhuri. Simon Watt officiates as ever. The panel discuss sequential hermaphroditism, head transplants and the incredible legs of the giraffe. We find out why cooking has ruined our digestive abilities and why female hyenas are bigger than males. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lorcan McGrane joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for future humans by Helen Arney and Tony Bjourson. The panel discuss fecal transplants, and then more about fecal transplants. There is talk of beards for all, and we find out why Helen Arney's ukelele never gets any bigger. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com and if you'd like to receive the next LUH episode before everyone else, become a patron at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan Schreiber joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions from neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott and real life levelled up human Frank Swain at the Albany theatre as part of SMASHfest. This episode is absolutely jam packed full of stuff including a demonstration of audible wifi signals, the fourteen facial expressions of horses, running so fast it makes you blind, and the reason animals can't talk. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com and if you'd like to receive the next LUH episode before everyone else, become a patron at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben van der Velde judges suggestions from Steinar Halldorsson, Dr. Catherine Green and the studio audience under the watchful eye of Simon Watt. The panel discuss immuno-privileged organs, dislocating limbs and whether you'd want to try a crème brûlée made from the eggs and milk of a duck billed platypus. This episode was recorded live at the Amey theatre as part of Oxfordshire Science Festival. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode #008 sees Simon from Level Up Human choose the 2015 science fiction film Advantageous. A self-proclaimed sci-fi snob, Simon choose this as it was the most science fiction film he could find on Netflix ...and because he liked the cover image!     Set in a bleak, near-future, urban environment, where we communicate with bots via holographic Skype calls and women are 'completely shelved' after a certain age, the film's protagonist is forced into undergoing an experimental full body swap. It's a future with no animals, not much fun for kids and shopping for her new body is like being on Tinder. Ultimately the film suffers from what Simon calls the 'prototype problem'. Also noted was it's shoddy sci-fi and being inferior to Black Mirror. Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling.... Scores [supsystic-tables id='9'] Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling....   Episode #008 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #008 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist At the start of the film the mother and daughter were playing the piano and singing the French Christmas Classic "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant". We couldn't find their version but we found that Annie Lennox did a version and that's what we have added to the Flixwatcher Playlist!   More about The Little Prince If you want to know more about Avantageous you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Advantageous @advantageousme Jennifer Phang @Phangvantageous Jacqueline Kim @jpkimchii James Urbaniak @JamesUrbaniak Freya Adams @freya_adams Ken Jeong @kenjeong Jennifer Ehle @jenniferehle Samantha Kim @samanthagkh Troi Zee @troizee Olivia Horton @Olivia_Horton97 COMPETITION TIME To celebrate the launch of The Flixwatcher Podcast and the fact that you can now download films and shows onto your iPad so you can watch anywhere we are giving away a free iPad Air with 128 GB memory, a year's free Netflix and oodles of popcorn. All you have to do is fill in your details in the sidebar or head to this competition entry page to enter. If you have already entered and you want to check your position you can do so here.   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!

Neil Delamere sifts through evolutionary upgrades suggested by rocket scientist David McKeown and soon to be double doctor, Lara Dungan. Simon Watt is in the chair. The panel discuss whether shark skin would be useful to humans, whether it's worth evolving immortality, and find out why David wants to put giant electromagnets in our chests. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jo Caulfield chooses human improvements with pitches by Dr. Kate Shoenrock, Shaun Killen, Mother Nature and the studio audience at the Glasgow Science Festival. Simon Watt is in the chair. The panel discuss bio-electrics, how pigeons outperform humans at task-switching and why you might want a fish in your drink. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robin Ince joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for human enhancement from science writer and broadcaster, Kat Arney, zoologist Jules Howard and the audience at Brighton Science Festival. Jules Howard has written off Robin Ince for being too old, Kat Arney wants a hangover free life and we discuss audience suggestions including cuddling improvements and more knee caps. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matthew Collins joins Simon Watt at the Northern Ireland Science Festival to judge evolutionary suggestions from glyco-biologist Triona O'Connell, clinical geneticist Shane McKee and the studio audience at the Black Box Theatre. Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and website design is by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. You can now support us directly with a donation: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman - help us land a resident gig and continue to make more podcasts! Patreons receive new episodes before anyone else. Thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steve Cross joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions from Mathew Tata and Catie Williams at the Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL. In this episode the team discuss what gods they'd like to be, why naked mole rats are better than humans and whether if we level up as a species, all the challenges we face will level up too, 'to keep the comic interesting.' Theme music by Laurence Owen, graphic design by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman. Produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gemma Flynn joins Simon Watt, Eli Sheppard and Michael Wheeler at the Edinburgh International Science Festival to explain why there's never anything in the bagging area, why a babel fish upgrade is not around the corner, and why Netflix is choosing what you watch on TV. Eli Sheppard has some very specific ideas on exactly when the machines are going to take over. This man is worth keeping an eye on. Theme music by Laurence Owen, graphic design by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman. Produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lindsay Sharman joins Simon Watt for a sun soaked episode from the gorgeous Wilderness festival. Lindsay has to consider pitches from geneticist Maia Elliott and biologist Jamie Upton, our lively audience and Mother Nature herself. The panel discuss death, harvesting your own buttocks for stem cells and how a poo transplant could help fight infections. This is all grist to the Level Up Human mill by this stage. However we also need to tell Jamie Upton where babies come from, as he seems to have been misled. Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and website design is by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hugh Dennis judges ideas for human enhancement from Professor Alice Roberts, Marcus du Sautoy and the studio audience at Glastonbury festival. Simon Watt officiates with offerings from Mother Nature's buffet table. In this episode we discuss transcranial magnetic stimulation, how we know bees are good at maths and why there's never been a giraffe at the International Space Station. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Elf Lyons judges suggestions from QI elf Stevyn Colgan and Dr. Joe Latimer with Simon Watt keeping tabs on everybody as best he can. The panel discuss smart bacteria, sentient suitcases and what the 'G' in G-spot stands for. At one point, if you listen carefully, you can hear Simon suggest he's going to do something obscene to a yoghurt. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Suzi Gage, Rosie Wilby and Jim Bell join Simon Watt for a recording live at the 2015 Green Man festival in Einstein's Garden. The panel discuss bum cushions, stackable humans and what is the best addiction? Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ellie Taylor judges suggestions by Paul Duncan McGarrity, Dr. Julia Shaw, the Science Museum studio audience and Mother Nature herself with Simon Watt. The panel discuss sonogenetics, how to win at pool and why you don't necessarily want to be using 'all' of your brain. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon and web design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kerry Godliman and Paul Sinha are the guests in a show that contains amputation, talking squirrels, car sickness, sex parties, naughty photos and a healthy slice of evolutionary biology with evolutionary biologist Simon Watt (who runs the Ugly Animal Conservation Society and his own podcast). If you're at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, why not check out host Danielle Ward's show 'Seventeen' - on every day at 2.40pm at Just the Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88). And if you enjoy Do The Right Thing, then please do spread the world to your nearest and dearest and furthest and barely-acquaintance-ish. Also... follow us on Twitter (@DTRTpodcast), 'Like' it on Facebook and comment on iTunes. Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen Arney joins Simon Watt to judge pitches for the next stage of humanity from Emma Robinson and Andrew Steele live at Impfest. The panel discuss mind-reading fMRI scanners, polydactyl cats and the amazing planarian. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amy Howerska joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for the next humans from Timandra Harkness, James Logan, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself in an episode recorded live at the Royal Institution. The panel discuss olfactory resheathing, heteropaternal superfecundation and the incredible L. riparia - a generously endowed earwig. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Danielle Ward joins Simon Watt with Cam Robinson and Nick Hawes to discuss ideas for the next stage of human evolution. Recorded at the Science Museum lates. The panel discuss glow in the dark testicles, oxygen producing hair and the venomous slow loris in this wide ranging episode taking in ethics, logic and the benefits of elbow blades. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robert Llewellyn settles into the judge's chair for Level Up Human live from Cheltenham Science Festival. Simon Watt arbitrates as Dr. Kathryn Harkup, Ben Garrod and the studio audience vie for Robert's attention with ideas for improved humans. Ben Garrod explains how to air-taste when you have no sense of smell and we set Kathryn Harkup the task of working out how much would be a fatal dose of marzipan. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan Schreiber joins Simon Watt and a panel of scientists to work out how to improve humans with the help of a live studio audience at SMASHfest. With Sophie Scott and Frank Swain. The panel discuss lesbian lizards, the sleep/wake cycle and why birds don't have teeth. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com and if you'd like to receive the next LUH episode before everyone else, become a patron at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robin Ince joins Simon Watt to decide what humans should evolve next. Expert pitches from science writer and broadcaster Kat Arney and zoologist Jules Howard. Additional pitches from the studio audience at the Brighton Science Festival and Mother Nature herself. The panel discussed hair colour, immortality and Jules's testicles, but which suggestion made it through to be incorporated into our genome? Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics by Theo Weedon and website design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Libby Purves meets biologist and stand-up Simon Watt; motoring journalist Martin Gurdon; hip-hop artist Baba Israel and journalist Cal Flyn. Martin Gurdon is a motoring journalist. In his book, An Estate Car Named Desire, he recounts tales of his car-obsessed childhood in the 1960s - a lost world of Ford Anglias, Triumph Heralds and Morris Minors. During his dysfunctional years at boarding school cars were both his salvation and his undoing. An Estate Car Named Desire - A Life on the Road is published by Duckworth Overlook. Baba Israel is a hip-hop artist. He will be performing The Spinning Wheel at the Roundhouse, as part of The Last Word Festival. The multi-media production explores the life of his father Steve Ben Israel, a New York-based poet, jazz musician, activist, stand-up comedian and member of the Sixties performance collective The Living Theatre. The Spinning Wheel is at The Roundhouse, London NW1. Cal Flyn is a journalist whose book, Thicker than Water, tells the story of her great-great-great uncle, Angus McMillan. Mythologized as a dashing explorer and pioneer who left his native Scotland for Australia during the time of the Highland Clearances, he in fact led a number of gruesome massacres of indigenous people. As she traces his footsteps across Australia, Cal asks how a man could commit such terrible acts and considers the concept of intergenerational guilt. Thicker Than Water - History, Secrets and Guilt is published by William Collins. Simon Watt is a biologist, stand-up, writer and broadcaster. His new comedy science podcast, Level Up Human, explores various ways to improve the human condition. Featuring guests from the worlds of comedy and science, the podcast asks whether we will soon be able to edit the human genome with so-called molecular scissors and examines the case for driverless transport and companion robots. Level Up Human launches at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

Radio programme documenting the artists' performances from Gustav Metzger's Facing Extinction conference at University for the Creative Arts on 7 June 2014, featuring Anti-Capitalist Aerobics by Ellie Harrison alongside work by Carl Gent, Simon Watt and Matthew de Kersaint Giradeauat (first broadcast on Resonance FM on 9 July 2014)

Radio programme documenting the artists' performances from Gustav Metzger's Facing Extinction conference at University for the Creative Arts on 7 June 2014, featuring Anti-Capitalist Aerobics by Ellie Harrison alongside work by Carl Gent, Simon Watt and Matthew de Kersaint Giradeauat (first broadcast on Resonance FM on 9 July 2014)

This week, Brian Cox and Robin Ince wonder if the world would be better off without spending an undue amount of time and energy trying to get giant pandas to mate and instead concentrated on saving species which let's face it, are a lot less cute but probably more important for the planet. Should we make a distinction between the organisms we want to save as opposed to those we need to save? The science and politics of biodiversity and conservation, explored and explained (sort of) with the help of Sandy Knapp, Simon Watt and comedian Sara Pascoe. Producer: Rami Tzabar.

This week after public vote, the Blobfish was announced to be the world's ugliest animal. The poll was run by Ugly Animal Preservation Society, a group of comedians and scientists who are part of a comedy show aiming to champion some of nature's more aesthetically challenged creatures. Naked Scientist Priya Crosby spoke to president of the society Simon Watt, along with some other members of the cast, to find out more about the project.Warning: This podcast contains one instance of strong, manure-based language. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

This week after public vote, the Blobfish was announced to be the world's ugliest animal. The poll was run by Ugly Animal Preservation Society, a group of comedians and scientists who are part of a comedy show aiming to champion some of nature's more aesthetically challenged creatures. Naked Scientist Priya Crosby spoke to president of the society Simon Watt, along with some other members of the cast, to find out more about the project.Warning: This podcast contains one instance of strong, manure-based language. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists