Unveiling the Primal Instincts of the Human Experience with Dr. Hogan Sherrow

Studying other primates gives Hogan Sherrow a different starting point for questions about how humans live together.

Hogan joins Jay and Gary to discuss his fieldwork, his fascination with behavior, and how he brings those observations into work with people and organizations. They explore conflict, cooperation, and the social rules humans build around instincts and relationships.

The conversation moves from chimpanzees and bonobos to bullying, belonging, and the expectations placed on children. Hogan offers his perspective on biology and culture while the group considers how much people assume about one another before taking time to understand them. As usual, the serious questions share space with a few thoroughly unserious ideas.

What We Explore

• Hogan's path from a small town to primate fieldwork
• Observing social behavior in chimpanzees and bonobos
• Conflict, cooperation, and group dynamics
• Applying observations to leadership and human relationships
• Bullying and the social rewards that can sustain it
• Culture, identity, and pressure to conform
• Giving children room to understand themselves

About Dr. Hogan Sherrow

Dr. Hogan Sherrow is a primatologist and evolutionary anthropologist. His work includes studying primates in the field and applying his understanding of behavior to human relationships, leadership, and conflict resolution.

Hogan: You Evolving

The Tragedy Academy

Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.

Hosted by Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco.

Be cool. Keep learning. 🌳

Find your next conversation

Follow a question, a familiar experience, or a perspective you haven’t heard before.

Explore the episode archive · Choose where to listen · Share a story or suggest a guest