Radiolab Episode Summary: "The First Known Earthly Voice"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Radiolab
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios
• Description: Radiolab explores deep questions through investigative journalism, weaving through science, legal history, and global narratives with innovative sound design. Hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser.
• Episode: The First Known Earthly Voice
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

I. Introduction

In this episode of Radiolab, hosts Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser present a captivating exploration of the origins and evolution of song, both in the animal kingdom and within human experiences. The episode centers around an evocative essay titled "Key Changes" by Sabrina Imbler, read by actor Becca Blackwell. This essay intricately intertwines the narrative of the first earthly voices with personal reflections on identity, transformation, and the power of song.

II. The Genesis of Earth's First Voice

The essay begins by delving into the dawn of the universe, highlighting how the very first sounds were mere white noise. Becca Blackwell narrates:

[00:35] Becca Blackwell: "The Big Bang is not a bang, but a droning, robotic purr."

This section emphasizes that for millions of years, the universe was devoid of intentional sound until life began to emerge. Approximately 270 million years ago, the first intentional animal song appeared when an ancient insect, akin to a cricket, produced a rasping sound through wing movement. Biologist David George Haskell refers to this as the planet's "first singer."

III. Evolution of Animal Song

As life diversified, so did the complexity of songs in the animal kingdom. The essay outlines how different species developed unique vocalizations:

• Crickets: Utilized rasping sounds for communication.
• Birds and Whales: Emerged with melodic and intricate songs.

Becca highlights the distinction between innate and learned songs:

[13:41] Lulu Miller: "Isn't that fucking cool?"

[13:43] Becca Blackwell: "I know that he just totally is like. He just wakes up and he's like, I know my song."

This underscores the idea that some animals possess genetically encoded songs, while others develop them through learning and practice.

IV. Human Song and Personal Identity

Transitioning from the animal world to human experiences, the essay delves into Becca's personal journey with singing and identity. She recounts her adolescence as a theater enthusiast and her later passion for karaoke:

[02:16] Becca Blackwell: "The evolutionary basis of any animal song is a bid for a mate. Karaoke is famously an outlet for rage... but the night always ends with love songs."

Becca reflects on how singing "Lips of an Angel" became a cornerstone of her identity, intertwining her performances with her personal struggles and desires.

V. The Hawaiian Crickets’ Silent Struggle

A pivotal part of the essay discusses the plight of Pacific field crickets in Kauai. Researchers discovered that male crickets had ceased singing due to the parasitic fly Ormia orchitrya. These flies listen to cricket songs to locate their hosts, upon which they lay maggots that ultimately kill the cricket:

[22:32] Becca Blackwell: "The crickets had lost their song and might now survive into the future."

This section illustrates how environmental pressures can lead to the loss of natural behaviors, drawing a stark contrast to the persistence of song in nature.

VI. Parallels Between Crickets and Human Experiences

Sabrina Imbler draws parallels between the silent crickets and her own life transformations. She discusses her experience with testosterone therapy and its impact on her singing voice:

[26:37] Becca Blackwell: "But I didn't admit to myself until now, as I write this, that I hadn't quit Lips of an angel as much as I had quit karaoke."

This introspection highlights themes of loss, identity, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile one's past with present self.

VII. The Journey Towards Authenticity

The essay concludes with Sabrina's reflections on embracing change and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of survival and being present in one's evolving self:

[33:03] Lulu Miller: "Isn't that fucking cool?"

[33:14] Lulu Miller: "All right, now, before we end for real, I have just gotta play one last, very special treat for you..."

Sabrina shares her song inspired by Amy Ray of The Indigo Girls, symbolizing her journey towards self-acceptance and the continuous evolution of her voice and identity.

VIII. Conclusion

Radiolab wraps up the episode by celebrating the intertwining of nature's first voices with human stories of transformation and resilience. The episode not only traces the biological origins of song but also delves deep into the personal narratives that define our connection to music and self-expression.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Becca Blackwell [00:35]: "The Big Bang is not a bang, but a droning, robotic purr."

• Lulu Miller [13:41]: "Isn't that fucking cool?"

• Becca Blackwell [13:43]: "I know that he just totally is like. He just wakes up and he's like, I know my song."

• Becca Blackwell [26:37]: "But I didn't admit to myself until now, as I write this, that I hadn't quit Lips of an angel as much as I had quit karaoke."

• Lulu Miller [33:03]: "Isn't that fucking cool?"

Final Remarks

This episode of Radiolab masterfully blends scientific exploration with personal storytelling, offering listeners a profound understanding of the origins of song and its profound impact on identity and survival. Through Sabrina Imbler's "Key Changes," the narrative invites us to ponder the intricate dance between nature and self, highlighting the enduring power of song in shaping both the world around us and our inner selves.