

Zoë Schlanger
Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Light Eaters, reporting on plant intelligence and the unseen world of plant behavior and communication.
Top 5 podcasts with Zoë Schlanger
Ranked by the Snipd community

13 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 4: Plants and Parasites
Join Patrick House, a neuroscientist studying the mind-bending effects of Toxoplasma gondii, Daniel Chamovitz, a plant geneticist and president of Ben Gurion University, and Zoë Schlanger, a science writer delving into plant sound perception. They explore whether plants experience consciousness through their behaviors, question the necessity of consciousness in both plants and animals, and reveal surprising insights about parasitic plants' decision-making. Tune in for a captivating discussion that challenges perceptions of life and awareness!

10 snips
May 2, 2026 • 51min
Do Plants Think? & Why Dining Out Feels So Expensive - SYSK Choice
Zoë Schlanger, Atlantic writer who studies plant behavior, and Andrew Friedman, culinary writer and restaurant insider, join to explore quirky science and restaurant realities. Zoë describes how plants sense, signal, and react without brains. Andrew breaks down why dining out feels pricey, from menu math to tipping and where restaurants actually make money.

Dec 3, 2024 • 52min
The World Is a Prism, Not a Window – A Conversation with Zoë Schlanger
Zoë Schlanger, a climate journalist and author of "The Light Eaters," dives deep into the fascinating world of plant intelligence. She reveals how roots can sense running water and flowers can remember pollinator visits, challenging us to rethink our views on consciousness. Schlanger discusses the significance of acknowledging plant personhood and the ethical implications of our relationship with the plant kingdom. With insights on the interconnectedness of all living beings, she encourages a broader understanding of intelligence and resilience in nature.

Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
Your Houseplants Can Think with Zoë Schlanger
Author Zoë Schlanger enlightens us on the intriguing world of plant intelligence, discussing how plants store information, solve problems, develop social networks, and exhibit adaptive behaviors. The conversation challenges human-centric views, exploring concepts like plant communication, kin recognition, and adaptive behavior. It delves into the moral implications of recognizing plant intelligence and its potential impact on dietary choices and legal perspectives.

Aug 18, 2024 • 36min
Why your plants are more intelligent than you think
In this enlightening discussion, Zoë Schlanger, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Light Eaters, explores the fascinating world of plant intelligence. She reveals how plants exhibit decision-making abilities and complex communication through chemical signals. The podcast dives into the surprising relationship between orchids and wasps, showcasing nature's intricate strategies. Schlanger encourages a shift in how we perceive plants, urging respect for their agency and complexity within the ecosystem.


