Overheard at National Geographic

National Geographic

Come dive into one of the curiously delightful conversations overheard at National Geographic’s headquarters, as we follow explorers, photographers, and scientists to the edges of our big, weird, beautiful world. Hosted by Peter Gwin and Amy Briggs.

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20 episodes
Updated Jul 11, 2023

Episodes20

Newest first

Jul 11, 2023 · 34 min
Trapped in the icy waters of the Northwest Passage
On the trail of a doomed 19th century polar expedition, modern explorers met the same danger: devastating, unpredictable sea ice.
Jul 4, 2023 · 28 min
Playback: Modern Lives, Ancient Caves
Look down! The subterranean realm has a lot to teach us about life on the surface; these modern-day cave dwellers will help us get comfortable in the dark.
Jun 27, 2023 · 29 min
Playback: This Indigenous Practice Fights Fire with Fire
As massive wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the American West, Indigenous people are reviving centuries-old cultural burning practices to protect their communities.
Jun 20, 2023 · 44 min
Playback: Rooting, from Into the Depths
In the last installment of Into the Depths, National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts meets the living descendants of the Africans aboard the Clotilda, the last known ship from the transatlantic slave trade to reach the United States. They inspire Tara to look into her own family’s past in her hometown, where she makes some surprising discoveries.
Jun 13, 2023 · 28 min
Playback: Ancient Orchestra
Humans have been turning objects into musical instruments for tens of thousands of years. Take a listen to what prehistoric music might have sounded like.
Jun 6, 2023 · 26 min
Playback: A Skeptic's Guide to Loving Bats
Bats get a bad rap. Rodrigo Medellín, a National Geographic Explorer at Large also known as the Bat Man of Mexico, is here to save the day with the help of facts, science... and tequila.
May 30, 2023 · 33 min
How queer identity shapes Nat Geo Explorers
To celebrate Pride, two scientists swap stories from field expeditions and explain how their identity inspired them to become “protectors of the Earth.”
May 23, 2023 · 25 min
A Mexican Wolf Pup’s Journey into the Wild
The Mexican gray wolf was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s. To save the iconic predators, biologists and a Texas trapper joined forces on an ambitious plan that continues today.
May 16, 2023 · 24 min
Playback: Deep Inside the First Wilderness
Nat Geo photographer Katie Orlinsky has a fireside chat with Overheard host Peter Gwin about telling stories through pictures.
May 9, 2023 · 36 min
She Sails the Seas Without Maps or Compasses
A Hawaiian navigator describes how she sails the seas without maps or modern instruments to keep Polynesian wayfinding traditions alive.
May 2, 2023 · 32 min
How Anne Frank’s Diary Survived
How a Dutch couple sheltered Anne Frank’s family and preserved her account of life under Nazi occupation.
Apr 25, 2023 · 21 min
The Dark Reality Behind India’s Festival Elephants
In Indian culture, elephants are revered like gods. But in reality, these temple elephants endure much reported abuse, which animal welfare advocates are bringing to the public’s attention.
Apr 18, 2023 · 29 min
What Will it Take to Save the Savanna Elephant?
Wildlife warrior Paula Kahumbu talks about the past, present, and future of African Savanna Elephants.
Apr 11, 2023 · 28 min
The Woman Who Knows What Elephants Are Saying
Get to know the sounds of elephants—and what they’re saying.
Apr 4, 2023 · 33 min
Exploring Ramadan and Earthlike Exoplanets
Discover the wonder of exoplanets with Munazza Alam, an astronomer and National Geographic Explorer, who also reflects on shared Ramadan traditions with Overheard’s Davar Ardalan.
Mar 28, 2023 · 30 min
From the Frontlines to the Shorelines
A war photographer reflects on his career while kayaking one of the most dangerous lakes in the world.
Mar 21, 2023 · 28 min
Can You Picture That? This Photographer Can and Does
From capturing bats in flight to making it rain indoors, National Geographic staff photographer Mark Thiessen shows us how he tackles challenging assignments—usually with creativity, curiosity, and a lot of fun.
Mar 14, 2023 · 25 min
Scenes from Nigeria's Baby Boom
Africa's most populous country faces a host of challenges as it continues to grow.
Mar 7, 2023 · 28 min
What Women in China Want
Chinese women are having fewer babies. China's population is declining, and the government wants to turn it around—but will it work?
Feb 28, 2023 · 40 min
The Soul of Music: Meklit Hadero tells stories of migration
Nat Geo Explorer and musician Meklit Hadero is joined by Nat Geo Explorer and wildlife cinematographer Jahawi Bertolli to discuss the intersection of nature, migration, and music.

Overheard at National Geographic

Trapped in the icy waters of the Northwest Passage

Playback: Modern Lives, Ancient Caves

Playback: This Indigenous Practice Fights Fire with Fire

Playback: Rooting, from Into the Depths

Playback: Ancient Orchestra

Playback: A Skeptic's Guide to Loving Bats

How queer identity shapes Nat Geo Explorers

A Mexican Wolf Pup’s Journey into the Wild

Playback: Deep Inside the First Wilderness

She Sails the Seas Without Maps or Compasses

How Anne Frank’s Diary Survived

The Dark Reality Behind India’s Festival Elephants

What Will it Take to Save the Savanna Elephant?

The Woman Who Knows What Elephants Are Saying

Exploring Ramadan and Earthlike Exoplanets

From the Frontlines to the Shorelines

Can You Picture That? This Photographer Can and Does

Scenes from Nigeria's Baby Boom

What Women in China Want

The Soul of Music: Meklit Hadero tells stories of migration