

Nicholas Wade
Former science writer for Nature, Science, and The New York Times and author of books on human evolution, including A Troublesome Inheritance and The Origin of Politics.
Top 5 podcasts with Nicholas Wade
Ranked by the Snipd community

253 snips
May 6, 2026 • 1h 14min
The Biological Reason Socialism Always Fails — Nicholas Wade
Nicholas Wade, veteran science journalist and former Nature, Science, and New York Times writer, explores why socialism collides with human nature. He gets into kibbutzim, freeloaders, male competition and cooperation, sex differences, monogamy, tribalism, immigration, falling birth rates, and the explosive politics of race, status, and inequality.

56 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 60min
Can Evolution Explain Our Politics? Nicholas Wade Thinks So
Nicholas Wade, a former science writer and author of influential books on evolution, discusses provocative topics like race and genetics. He explores the genetic clustering of racial groups and their limited biological relevance for policy. Wade delves into the fertility crisis, linking economic factors to declining birth rates. He argues that political systems must align with human nature and examines how modern dynamics replace tribalism with polarization. Ultimately, he tackles the implications of evolutionary insights on family structures and national politics.

51 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 38min
The Fate of Nations: Why Ignoring Human Nature Dooms Politics
Nicholas Wade, a renowned science writer and author, delves into how human nature profoundly influences political structures and societal norms. He argues that ignoring these biological underpinnings leads to political pitfalls. Topics include the interplay between genetics and political beliefs, the role of religion in social cohesion, and the evolution of morality. Wade also explores gender dynamics and the challenges posed by modern governance, emphasizing that understanding our evolutionary past is key to addressing contemporary political issues.

33 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 54min
Nicholas Wade - Author of The Origin of Politics (The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad_891)
Nicholas Wade, a prominent science journalist and author known for blending evolutionary theory with human society, joins the discussion. They delve into why political systems often ignore evolutionary biology, with Wade critiquing the failures of Marxism against human nature. He elaborates on the surprising social dynamics observed in kibbutzim and argues that religion has evolved as a tool for social cohesion. The conversation also touches on the academic resistance to discussing race and the psychology behind anti-Semitism on campuses, revealing deep societal insights.

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 22min
Talking with Nicholas Wade
Nicholas Wade, a former New York Times science journalist and author known for his book 'A Troublesome Inheritance,' discusses the complex interplay between race, intelligence, and environmental influences. He explores the historical context of societal behaviors, critiques academic censorship, and highlights the challenges faced in publishing controversial ideas, especially regarding the origins of COVID-19. Wade advocates for confronting racial taboos in education, emphasizing the need for a more open academic discourse to address these contentious topics.


