SETI and Information Theory

---

In this episode, astrophysicist Laurance Doyle explains how he applies information theory to bridge the gap between astronomy and animal communication. By studying the mathematical structure of humpback whale songs and dolphin whistles, researchers can identify universal principles of intelligence that may eventually help us recognize and decode extraterrestrial signals. Doyle argues that planetary magnetic fields likely distort narrow radio waves, suggesting we must instead search for the complexity and syntax inherent in a message rather than just a simple carrier wave. Using Zipf’s Law, he demonstrates that complex communication follows specific entropic rules that distinguish structured language from random noise. Ultimately, his cross-disciplinary approach aims to redefine our place in the cosmos by viewing intelligence and consciousness as fundamental laws of the universe rather than uniquely human traits. 

This episode features Jared Towers, who brings his deep experience in killer whale research to a conversation that spans technology, behavior, and the nature of intelligence itself. Jared speaks to the evolution of photo‑identification and the growing role of AI in tracking orca populations, then moves into broader reflections on animal consciousness, culture, and the striking convergent evolution shared by humans and cetaceans. He discusses extraordinary examples of interspecific food sharing, interactive acoustic playbacks, and the ways these encounters challenge rigid scientific frameworks. Throughout the episode, Jared advocates for a more relational understanding of marine life—one that recognizes whale societies as autonomous nations and treats their communication as a window into universal principles of intelligence.

In this podcast episode, Dr.  Deborah Giles, a conservation biologist dedicated to the survival of the Southern Resident killer whales details her innovative, non-invasive research methods, which primarily involve using scent-detection dogs and drones to collect fecal and breath samples for DNA, hormone, and toxicant analysis. These biological markers reveal a population in crisis, suffering from a critical lack of prey, specifically Chinook salmon, which forces the whales to metabolize fat stores and release stored toxins into their systems. She highlights the complex social structures and unique dialects of these endangered orcas while calling for urgent fisheries management reform to ensure their recovery.

This episode features paleontologist Pat Trask in a conversation about what Earth’s deep past can teach us about its future. He traces how the fossil record reveals patterns of extinction, resilience, and long‑term environmental change, contrasting the slow pace of ancient evolution with today’s rapidly accelerating climate pressures. Pat shares the story of how an Elasmosaur discovery on Vancouver Island launched his career, describes why British Columbia’s geology offers such vivid windows into ancient marine worlds, and highlights the collaborative, community‑driven nature of paleontology. Through fossil tours, hands‑on discovery, and tools like index fossils, he shows how engaging directly with deep time helps people connect with our evolutionary history and gain perspective on the future we’re shaping.

In this podcast , hereditary chief and artist Randy Cook (Makula) shares how his creative practice is inextricably linked to his Kwakwaka’wakw identity and the ancestral wisdom of his grandparents. He describes his artistic process as a form of spiritual channeling, where he acts as a vessel for stories that transcend the boundary between the traditional and the contemporary. Central to his mission is the concept of environmental regeneration, as he advocates for a shift from colonial extraction toward indigenous land stewardship and the protection of ancient root gardens. By passing these cultural responsibilities to his children and collaborating with scientists, Cook seeks to use art as a map for future generations to reclaim their connection to the earth and foster collective healing.

This episode features psychologist and METI International president Doug Vakoch, who traces his journey from the SETI Institute to founding an organization dedicated not just to listening for extraterrestrial signals, but to sending messages outward. Vakoch explains why humanity should move beyond simple mathematical transmissions and begin sharing richer cultural expressions—such as music—encoded into radio frequencies. He draws compelling parallels between whale song and potential extraterrestrial communication, arguing that learning to decode non‑human intelligence on Earth is essential preparation for any future cosmic dialogue. Throughout the conversation, he outlines a vision for a universal protocol of interstellar exchange that reflects the full diversity, creativity, and complexity of life.

This episode features Dr. Shandin Pete in a conversation centered on the meeting point of science, spirituality, and Indigenous knowledge. He emphasizes creating spaces of comfort and open dialogue, underscoring the importance of honoring diverse worldviews, especially Indigenous relationships to the natural world and to concepts like “data.” A major thread is the blending of oral histories with scientific research to build a more holistic understanding of cetaceans, ecosystems, and environmental change. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Pete  presents a roadmap to explore these deep, interconnected ways of knowing.

In this episode  host Lisa Walker guides us into the world of humpback whale song. She explains how these vocal displays form a highly structured, hierarchical system that evolves through both slow, steady refinement and sudden, population‑wide revolutions. Within each community, humpback males perform a version of the song that transforms over the season from rough early sketches into fully developed acoustic compositions. Drawing on the song's patterns, plasticity, and persistence, Walker explores how these songs function as mating displays, social tools, and shared cultural traditions. Through this lens, she highlights humpback song as a powerful example of social learning and non‑human intelligence unfolding beneath the waves.