Episode 21: The BITCH is Back with Lucy Cooke
Image credit: LucyCooke.tv and Perspective Media.
What if we’ve misunderstood what “female” means – shaped by biases and outdated perspectives?
I met Lucy Cooke shortly after a colleague recommended her book “BITCH – On the Female of the Species” back in 2023. Who would have guessed that a year later I’d be trudging through a rain forest in Costa Rica in galoshes and a headlamp hearing her hilariously warn us away from poison dart frogs, pit vipers, and venemous spiders – in the dark.
Seeing nature through Lucy’s uniquely aware eyes – through the pages of her books and through the delight of sharing a Costa Rica adventure with her – has connected me more deeply to my OWN nature.
Learning how “alpha females” select the “alpha males” in several apex species, understanding how female anatomy shapes sexual power across all kinds of species, and (my fave) being wowed by the leadership of post-menopausal Orca grannies… Lucy has opened my eyes and shifted my perspectives for the better.
I’m thrilled to share a bit of her wisdom (and hilarity) here – and encourage you to explore more by reading BITCH (book club, anyone???) and by tuning in to the resources shared below. Get ready for some eye-opening insights … and fun!
Discover Lucy’s brilliant world via her website, on Instagram (extreme animal cuteness and a few … um, other (proceed with caution)), and by picking up your own copy of BITCH (or on Audible, delightfully read by the author)… via NatGeo, and through the videos below. Scroll down if adventuring with her in Costa Rica calls your name!
Lucy talks us through the females of various species in this eye-opening Commonwealth Club talk.
Yes, Darwin had a blind spot (we all do). His? The “passivity” of female animals. Dream on! Lucy busts the myth here.
What MIGHT be different? How have the authoritative voices of one subset of our population influenced the course of history – and even of our concept of what it means to be “us,” whomever we are?
Join Lucy in Costa Rica! Imagine exploring Costa Rica’s incomparable National Parks, seashores, and hidden forest gems with none other than Lucy herself. Soak in the natural wonders guided by experts as passionate about the natural world as Lucy herself is – as Lucy
Soak in the natural wonders, guided by Lucy herself and a team of experts ready to help you understand the marvels of Costa Rica’s most fascinating animal residents – all from a welcoming home base offering yoga, farm-fresh dining, and cozy, quiet accommodations. I had the pleasure of joining Lucy at Pagoda del Loto Azul in 2024 and can’t say enough about how enriching, educational, and FUN this adventure was. Highly recommended… learn more here!
Glimpses of Costa Rica adventures with Lucy Cooke at Pagoda del Lota Azul. All this and more!
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Email me with suggestions for future guests and topics – or any questions about what’s shared here. I’ll do all I can to answer.
Best, Ellen
ellen@thebrainandbeyond.com
