Beth Shapiro

Date: 2025-06-17 | Duration: 3h 4m

Episode Overview

Beth Shapiro, paleogenomicist and author of How to Clone a Mammoth, joins Joe for a mind-bending tour through de-extinction science, ancient DNA, and the ethics of bringing lost species back. She explains the difference between true cloning and the gene-editing approach that could resurrect mammoth traits in Asian elephant embryos, digs into the painstaking work of extracting viable DNA from permafrost samples — and why Sponti's team and others keep hitting walls. They talk about Florida panthers saved from inbreeding collapse by introducing Texas panthers, the religious and philosophical resistance to extinction science that stretched back centuries, the short-faced bear's staggering size, and the early human lineages we still haven't fully mapped. Joe also meets Khaleesi, hinting the project is further along than most people realize.

About Beth Shapiro

Beth Shapiro, Ph.D., is an innovative evolutionary molecular biologist and the Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, where she spearheads groundbreaking efforts in de-extinction and advanced genetic research. An accomplished author, her book "Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined—and Redefined—Nature" explores the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, shedding light on how our innovations have shaped ecosystems. Known for her captivating insights into the past and future of biodiversity, Shapiro's work not only pushes the boundaries of science but also ignites important conversations about conservation and genetic technology. Her appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience further highlights her role as a thought leader at the intersection of science and ethics in an ever-evolving world.

Key Moments

– Woolly mammoth de-extinction via gene editing vs. true cloning
– Ancient DNA extraction challenges and permafrost samples
– Florida panther genetic rescue from Texas panther introduction
– Religious and philosophical resistance to extinction science
– Short-faced bear — the terrifying megafauna that once roamed North America
– Human lineages out of Africa and gaps in the fossil record
– Ethics of de-extinction — ecological responsibility
– 'Khaleesi' — hinting at real de-extinction progress
0:00:00 – Beth Shapiro on the gap between cloning and gene-editing mammoth traits
0:21:07 – The French couple story — DNA surprises in unexpected places
0:41:13 – Sponti's team and why ancient DNA extraction keeps failing
1:00:02 – Florida panthers saved from extinction via Texas genetic rescue
1:20:40 – Khaleesi — a living hint at de-extinction progress
1:41:46 – Historical resistance: God wouldn't let species go extinct
2:00:20 – Human lineages out of Africa — the full picture we haven't seen
2:21:30 – The short-faced bear standing next to scientists — its terrifying scale
2:38:31 – Ancient animals' enhanced senses — smell, sight, and predator detection
2:59:28 – The ethical endpoint: it's the only solution we'll accept

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 This episode is brought to you by Uber Eats. Summer is almost here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do I mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well-groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parmesan delivered. Catamaran? That's a no. Lemon meringue? That's a yes. A day in the sun? No. A bottle of rum? Yes. Uber Eats can definitely help you out with that. Get almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. For alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. When it came time to make a website, there was no question that we would power it with Squarespace from the intuitive Starting point is 00:00:44 design intelligence that helps to create a bespoke digital identity to the seamless payment options that can help give your customers more ways to pay, or the fact that you can measure your end-to-end online performance with powerful website and seller analytics. The reasons to power your website with Squarespace are endless. So if you're looking to build or even upgrade your current website, check out squarespace.com for a free trial or go to squarespace.com slash Rogan to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! The Joe Rogan Experience Training by day, Joe Rogan Experience. Hello Beth. Starting point is 00:01:26 Hello. It's very great to see you again. I am pleased to be here. It's been really interesting getting to talk to you and communicating with you and all the stuff that you guys have done that colossal has been insane. So why don't you just tell everybody what your background is and what you do. I'm a scientist. I work in a crazy field called ancient DNA, sometimes called paleogenomics. It means we go out into the world, we dig shit up and we extract DNA from it. And what Starting point is 00:01...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #2338?

Beth Shapiro was the guest on JRE #2338. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #2338?

On Joe Rogan Experience #2338 with Beth Shapiro, topics include Woolly mammoth de-extinction via gene editing vs. true, Ancient DNA extraction challenges and permafrost samples, Florida panther genetic rescue from Texas panther, and Religious and philosophical resistance to extinction science.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #2338?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #2338 with Beth Shapiro is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.