https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/acoustic-world--6771151enScienceCopyright Marco Maiolinihttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/f7ce2f8d090b3307aaf3d8d21565f67b.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/acoustic-world--6771151Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:58:00 +0000Marco MaioliniMarco Maiolinifeeds@spreaker.comWhat makes music and language exclusively human? How do other animals communicate? Do they perceive melodies and rhythms as we do? Acoustic World explores the field of bioacoustics through the voices of scholars around the world. Its host, Marco...falsefa49bbd8-c763-5b94-aa11-d666bab73d49episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/music-and-language-two-faces-of-the-same-coin-patrick-savage--73743524A lullaby sung to a baby and a sentence whispered in the dark may seem like entirely different forms of expression—but could they share the same underlying structure? In this episode, Associate Professor Patrick Savage of Keio University and University of Auckland explores the deep connections between music and language, and how both evolve over time in ways that resemble biological evolution.
Drawing on large cross-cultural datasets, we discuss what rhythm, melody, and speech reveal about human cognition, cultural evolution, and our shared history.
Because the world has always spoken. We just need to listen.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Spreaker.]]>1fb34075-6615-4f2b-9bb6-f7744416e51cMon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniAre music and language really two sides of the same coin? A lullaby sung to a baby and a sentence whispered in the dark may seem like entirely different forms of expression—but could they share the same underlying structure? In this episode, Associate...A lullaby sung to a baby and a sentence whispered in the dark may seem like entirely different forms of expression—but could they share the same underlying structure? In this episode, Associate Professor Patrick Savage of Keio University and University of Auckland explores the deep connections between music and language, and how both evolve over time in ways that resemble biological evolution.
Drawing on large cross-cultural datasets, we discuss what rhythm, melody, and speech reveal about human cognition, cultural evolution, and our shared history.
Because the world has always spoken. We just need to listen.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Spreaker.]]>1502false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-rules-of-sound-michelle-spierings--73188582In this episode of Acoustic World, host Marco Maiolini speaks with Dr. Michelle Spierings, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, about how humans and animals perceive, organize, and interpret sound.Our brains don't simply hear sounds, they automatically group them into patterns that shape how we experience speech, music, and the world around us. But are these perceptual rules uniquely human, or are they shared across other species?Drawing on research in bioacoustics, animal cognition, and auditory perception, Michelle explains how the brain organizes sounds into rhythmic structures, why language and early experience influence what we hear, and what studies on zebra finches, parrots, and rats reveal about the evolutionary origins of language, music, and animal communication.The conversation also explores how researchers study sound perception in animals, the challenges of comparing cognition across species, and why understanding how animals experience their acoustic environment is essential for both science and animal welfare.Topics covered in this episode:
• Bioacoustics and auditory perception
• How the brain groups sounds into patterns
• The iambic–trochaic law
• Language evolution and music cognition
• Animal communication and vocal learning
• Zebra finches, parrots, and comparative cognition
• Sound perception across speciesIf you're interested in bioacoustics, animal behavior, birdsong, language evolution, music cognition, or the science of how brains make sense of sound, this episode is for you.🎙️ Subscribe to Acoustic World on Spotify to discover the latest research on bioacoustics, animal communication, and the hidden world of sound
Because the World as always spoken, we just need to listen]]>a58fdb72-ea6e-47dd-9340-012b08de7838Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniDo humans and animals hear sound in the same way? In this episode of Acoustic World, host Marco Maiolini speaks with Dr. Michelle Spierings, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, about how humans and animals perceive, organize, and interpret...In this episode of Acoustic World, host Marco Maiolini speaks with Dr. Michelle Spierings, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, about how humans and animals perceive, organize, and interpret sound.Our brains don't simply hear sounds, they automatically group them into patterns that shape how we experience speech, music, and the world around us. But are these perceptual rules uniquely human, or are they shared across other species?Drawing on research in bioacoustics, animal cognition, and auditory perception, Michelle explains how the brain organizes sounds into rhythmic structures, why language and early experience influence what we hear, and what studies on zebra finches, parrots, and rats reveal about the evolutionary origins of language, music, and animal communication.The conversation also explores how researchers study sound perception in animals, the challenges of comparing cognition across species, and why understanding how animals experience their acoustic environment is essential for both science and animal welfare.Topics covered in this episode:
• Bioacoustics and auditory perception
• How the brain groups sounds into patterns
• The iambic–trochaic law
• Language evolution and music cognition
• Animal communication and vocal learning
• Zebra finches, parrots, and comparative cognition
• Sound perception across speciesIf you're interested in bioacoustics, animal behavior, birdsong, language evolution, music cognition, or the science of how brains make sense of sound, this episode is for you.🎙️ Subscribe to Acoustic World on Spotify to discover the latest research on bioacoustics, animal communication, and the hidden world of sound
Because the World as always spoken, we just need to listen]]>1305false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/following-the-echoes-natacha-aguilar-de-soto--72945602f11f5ad3-66a5-4106-8046-896a59b898baMon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🐋 What can rapid clicks from the pitch-black depths of the ocean tell us?In this episode, Professor Natacha Aguilar de Soto (Oceanographic Centre, Tenerife) explains how deep-diving beaked whales and other cetaceans use echolocation to navigate and...1479false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/names-in-the-ocean-vincent-janik--727363424424d2b9-a0c5-4785-86b4-692216440785Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniWhat if dolphins call each other by name?A single whistle can travel across the vast ocean, carrying the identity of the individual who made it. In this episode, Professor Vincent Janik from the University of St Andrews explores the fascinating world...2456false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beneath-the-elephant-s-feet-angela-stoger--72530222]]>8ce6f576-69f5-42a2-bea3-8bcce0cf74bdMon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🐘 You may have heard the powerful trumpet of an elephant across the savannah. Are you curious to know about the secret layer of communication they use that is completely silent to human ears? 🎤 Professor Angela Stoeger of the University of Vienna is...]]>1263false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/music-without-borders-nori-jacoby--72271365]]>b77c8254-12ff-483a-a666-39f17c3d9296Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🎶 From the gentle melody of a lullaby to the driving rhythm of a festive celebration, music is a heartbeat of human life found in every corner of the globe. Are you curious to know if music is truly a universal language shared by all cultures? 🎤...]]>1607false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-trembling-world-rachele-nieri--72051438]]>22b0efb8-6b43-4024-b119-af2d14e4bad1Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🍂 You may have watched a tiny insect climbing a stem in total silence. Are you curious to know if there is a "trembling world" of messages moving right beneath its feet? 🎤 Associate Professor Rachele Nieri of the University of Trento is ready to help...]]>1299false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-architecture-of-voice-tecumseh-fitch--71848917
]]>a690e035-3a6a-4e23-aae4-4f08bfb0ebbdMon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🗣️ From speaking and singing to a sudden shout, the human voice is a powerful carrier of words, emotions, and identity. But have you ever wondered what biological architecture makes all of this possible?🎤 Professor Tecumseh Fitch of the University of...
]]>1519false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-you-hear-the-bat-signal-mirjam-knornschild--71482526d68a81b7-c6f6-463b-ac92-98e5f69633cdMon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini---1125false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/listening-to-ecosystems-jeppe-have-rasmussen--71126947#acousticworld #bioacoustics #podcast #ecosystems #machinelearning]]>3fb6f217-86ff-466f-a38b-885392df1977Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🌿 You may have heard the birds singing in the trees or toads croaking in a spring pond. Are you curious to know how we can use these sounds to count species without even being there?🎤 Assistant Professor Jeppe Rasmussen of the University of Copenhagen...#acousticworld #bioacoustics #podcast #ecosystems #machinelearning]]>1178false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sounds-of-emotions-elodie-briefer--70823976d8579d7c-b71b-4379-879f-a3ebcf0674e7Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🚋 You may have heard the trembling voice of someone anxious or the jolly tone of a friend sharing good news. Are you curious to know if animals also express their emotions through their voices?🎤 Associate Professor Elodie Briefer of the University of...965false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/harsh-sounds-to-make-it-clearer-david-reby--70544530]]>4dd579bd-3542-497c-9e1c-9db2b0e40c13Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🎸 You may have heard a piercing scream in a horror movie or a deep growl in a metal track. Are you curious to know why these harsh sounds are so difficult to ignore?🎤 Professor David Reby of the University of Saint Etienne is ready to help us...]]>1149false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chatty-like-a-fish-clara-amorim--70221596🎤 Associate Professor Clara Amorim of the University of Lisbon is ready to help us understand the world of fish communication, unveiling how these creatures are surprisingly chatty.
🔊 Listen to the episode to discover how different species emit sounds and the wide range of reasons they have for communicating with each other.
Because the World has always spoken, we just need to listen.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts
#acousticworld #bioacoustics #podcast #fishcommunication #underwaterworld]]>09da2ef8-e08d-4091-9b2f-5d80969bb096Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🐟 You may have often heard the phrase "silent like a fish". Are you curious to know if the underwater world is actually as quiet as it seems, or if there is a secret conversation happening beneath the surface?  🎤 Associate Professor Clara Amorim of...🎤 Associate Professor Clara Amorim of the University of Lisbon is ready to help us understand the world of fish communication, unveiling how these creatures are surprisingly chatty.
🔊 Listen to the episode to discover how different species emit sounds and the wide range of reasons they have for communicating with each other.
Because the World has always spoken, we just need to listen.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts
#acousticworld #bioacoustics #podcast #fishcommunication #underwaterworld]]>1083false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/karaokers-in-the-wild-carel-ten-cate--6988303839340017-0fe9-4e7a-ae6c-6e9764885874Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🦜You may have heard a parrot talk or a songbird singing a beautiful song. Are you curious to know how they are able to do that?🎤 Professor Emeritus Carel Ten Cate of Leiden University is ready to help us understand the world of vocal learning,...1079false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/between-cries-and-calls-florence-levrero--69587675]]>a788b1ee-b35c-4875-ab3f-884cad85fa23Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini❓ Have you ever wondered if a baby's cry means something? And do great apes have something similar?🎤 Join us as Professor Florence Levrero of the University of Saint-Etienne casts a light on babies’ cries and great apes’ vocalisation.🔊 Listen to the...]]>1237false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-follow-the-rhythm--693980938dc33ffe-f45e-4a31-8f02-d695f51263baMon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini📣What is rhythm? Is it the missing link between human music and animal calls?🎤 Join us as Professor Andrea Ravignani of the Sapienza University of Rome explores the rhythmic world of humans and animals.🔊 Listen to the episode to discover why rhythm is...1166false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/happy-holidays-from-acoustic-world--69164148b678a766-d727-4241-96e1-e8515fbfb609Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniAcoustic World will take a few weeks off for the holidays See you all in 2026!45false16bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/powerful-sounds-for-tiny-creatures--6905163698c7b7bb-3497-44d0-8726-1913f4ec4cb5Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniWhat are ultrasonic sounds? Why do they seem to be more common in small animals? And more importantly, how can we study and understand sounds that we cannot even hear?Let’s ask Marina Scheumann, team leader of the Communication and Cognition Group...851false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/duets-in-the-canopy--68814526🎶Meet those fascinating animals, the singing primates, in a journey through the canopy with Professor Marco Gamba of the University of Turin!
#acousticworld #bioacoustic #podcast
]]>235d145f-8214-4a7f-9f47-f3f41d470b3dMon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco Maiolini🍃Imagine you are in a forest and suddenly you hear a powerful sound too harmonious to be an insect and too loud to be a bird… 🎶Meet those fascinating animals, the singing primates, in a journey through the canopy with Professor Marco Gamba of the...🎶Meet those fascinating animals, the singing primates, in a journey through the canopy with Professor Marco Gamba of the University of Turin!
#acousticworld #bioacoustic #podcast
]]>1475false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-in-a-speaker--685984789ac1d370-7b83-4e89-9b8b-46f89e3f08f0Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniAeroplanes taking off, cars honking, people chattering… How do animals manage to communicate in urban settings? Turn up the volume for the third episode of Acoustic World with Prof. Dr Hans Slabbekoorn of Leiden University.1380false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-choir-which-sounds-different--683947730627cc99-3d20-49ed-a264-97ffed0c9407Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniHow can a choir harmonise? Do animals hear a difference between octaves and so understand musical notes?Dr. Marisa Hoeschele, group leader of the “Musicality and Bioacoustics” at the Acoustics Research Institute in Vienna, is answering our questions...944false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bio-acoustic-world--682092873acbc924-67f2-4c2c-86e5-b4218d92fcf5Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000Marco MaioliniThis year marks the 100th birthday of the field of Bioacoustics, established by Ivan Regen in 1925, which studies how animals hear, produce and propagate sound. Let’s discover this discipline with Nicolas Mathevon, Professor of the University of Saint...1226false11full