Episode 29: From Science to Spirituality, with Animal Behavior and Emotions Expert, with Dr. Marc Bekoff

In this episode of Animals & Us - Voices of a New Paradigm, we are joined by the renowned Dr. Marc Bekoff, an animal behavior specialist. With a rich background that includes collaboration with the iconic Jane Goodall, Dr. Bekoff shares his profound insights into the emotional lives of animals and their spiritual connections with humans.

We delve into topics such as intuitive interspecies communication, the intrinsic value of all living beings, and how recognizing animals' spiritual experiences can transform public perceptions and policies around animal rights and welfare. Dr. Bekoff discusses the powerful bonds we share with our animal companions and how these relationships can foster deeper understanding and compassion.

What we talked about:

1. The spiritual lives of animals: Dr. Bekoff shared his insights into how animals experience what we would consider spiritual moments—a topic he has explored in his essays like "Do Animals Have Spiritual Experiences? Yes, They Do."
   
   
2. Animal emotions: We tackled the age-old question, "Do animals have emotions?" (Spoiler: Yes, they do!), and discussed why these emotional lives are so important to understanding animals’ intrinsic value.
   
   
3. Skepticism from the scientific community: Dr. Bekoff reflected on the skepticism he’s faced over the years, particularly from the scientific community. But the tides are shifting—more people are opening their minds to the reality of animal emotions and spirituality.
   
   
4. Spirituality and conservation: We also explored how acknowledging the spiritual side of animals can shift the way we approach conservation and animal rights. How does this deeper connection lead to a greater drive for protecting the fellow beings we share our home with?
   
   
5. Collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall: Dr. Bekoff shared the story of how he met and began working with Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the greatest champions of animal welfare.

About Dr. Marc Bekoff:

A professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Marc has published 31 books (or 41, depending on how you count multi-volume encyclopedias). He has won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions (cognitive ethology), compassionate conservation, and animal protection, has worked closely with Jane Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow. He also works closely with inmates at the Boulder County Jail. 

In June 2022, Marc was recognized as a Hero by the Academy of Dog Trainers. His books include The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age, Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do, Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, and A Dog's World: Imagining the Lives of Dogs in a World Without Humans. Marc’s latest books are Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to All Things Canine, the second edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy―and Why They Matter, and