The Gray Area with Sean Illing takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, technology, politics, and the world of ideas. Each week, we invite a guest to explore a question or topic that matters. From the the state of democracy, to the struggle with depression and anxiety, to the nature of identity in the digital age, each episode looks for nuance and honesty in the most important conversations of our time. New episodes drop every Monday.
https://www.vox.com/vox-conversations-podcast
How seashells shaped the world — and predict our future
Vox's Benji Jones talks with author and environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett about seashells and her new book, The Sound of the Sea. They discuss the evolutionary function and human appeal of seashells, the surprising role shells played in ancient trade and commerce, and how climate change threatens the creatures that call them home.
Host: Benji Jones (@BenjiSJones), Environmental reporter, Vox
Guest: Cynthia Barnett (@cynthiabarnett), author
References:
- “Seashells changed the world. Now they’re teaching us about the future of the oceans” by Benji Jones (Vox; Jul. 10)
- The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans by Cynthia Barnett (W.W. Norton; 2021)
- The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (Sanibel Island, FL)
- Evolution & Escalation: An Ecological History of Life by Geerat J. Vermeij (Princeton; 1993)
- Cowrie Shells and Cowrie Money: A Global History by Bin Yang (Routledge; 2020)
- Scallops in motion (YouTube)
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This episode was made by:
- Producer: Erikk Geannikis
- Editor: Amy Drozdowska
- VP, Vox Audio: Liz Kelly Nelson
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