Professor Ben Garrod

Broadcaster, evolutionary biologist, and author

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Professor Ben Garrod's Biography

Ben Garrod is an evolutionary biologist and primate conservationist. He is also an award winning broadcaster for television and radio. Ben has written several books, covering a range of subjects from evolution and anatomy to animal behaviour and natural history. An expert in his field, Ben has worked on the frontline of conservation in Africa, Asia, South America, across the Caribbean, and the Arctic. He’s seen first-hand the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on a range of species and ecosystems. As a result, his views on sustainability are also highly thought-provoking. An accomplished and highly entertaining speaker, he describes how the stress and anxiety we so often experience “may not have originated here with us”.Drawing fascinating comparisons from across the animal kingdom, having spent over two decades living with and researching the behaviour of great apes. Searingly honest about his own mental health journey, Ben describes the challenges he personally has faced - with charm, humour, and energy. Why does he suggest we should all sign up to a 200 mile ‘fun run’ at least once in our lives, and what did he learn from befriending Johnny, one of the world’s most dangerous inhabitants? TV work Notable TV credits include ‘Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur’ and ‘Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard’ - both alongside Sir David Attenborough for BBC One. Ben also presented ‘Baby Chimp Rescue’, ‘The Day the Dinosaurs Died’ alongside Professor Alice Roberts (BBC Two), and ‘Secrets of Bones’ and ‘Secrets of Skin’ (BBC Four).

SPEAKING VIDEOS
PHOTOS

Prof Ben Garrod Keynote Speech - Innovation and Impact Awards 2020

The Power of One | Ben Garrod | TEDxYouth@Manchester

Prof Ben Garrod Interview - Innovation and Impact Awards 2020

Mammoths LIVE! with Prof Ben Garrod

Professor Ben Garrod Speaker Solutions

Keynote Speaker

SPEAKER TOPICS

After Dinner Speakers

Mindfulness Speakers

Mental Health Speakers

Wellbeing Speakers

Leadership Speakers

Inspiring Speakers

Conference Speakers

Future of Work Speakers

Motivational Speakers for Schools

Workplace Culture Speakers

Professor Ben Garrod Keynote Topics

How Much Of Our Mental Health Is Evolutionary, And How Much Is Affected By Digital Distractions – Including Social Media?

Drawing on decades of evolutionary biology and behavioural research, Prof. Ben Garrod explores how much of our mental health is rooted in ancestral survival mechanisms versus shaped by the modern digital world. By contrasting our ancient wiring with constant tech stimuli, he shows how this mismatch drives stress—and how to build healthier habits in a hyper-connected age.

What Can Our Animal Relatives Teach Us About Stress, Anxiety, And Mental Wellbeing?

From primates to other social mammals, Ben reveals surprising parallels in how animals respond to pressure, recover from challenges, and maintain emotional health. Field stories illuminate practical techniques—like social buffering and ritualised rest—that audiences can apply to boost resilience.

What Can A Rampaging Silverback Teach Us About The Importance Of ‘Office Away Days’?

Using a vivid encounter with a dominant gorilla, Ben draws unexpected links between troop dynamics and team cohesion at work. He explains why shared experiences in new environments reset trust and communication, making the case that well-designed away days are essential, not optional.

Can Animals Teach Us About Leadership, The Importance Of Teamwork, And How To Develop Resilience?

Studying species that thrive under pressure, Ben shows how leadership emerges, roles flex, and groups solve problems collectively. He translates these principles—adaptability, shared responsibility, and rapid feedback—into tools organisations can use to build durable, high-performance teams.

What Does Science Tell Us About The Relationship Between Mental And Physical Health? And What Part Does Physical Exercise Play?

Blending cutting-edge evidence with his own endurance challenges, Ben explains the deep bi-directional link between body and mind. He highlights how movement regulates mood, reduces anxiety, and strengthens long-term resilience, offering realistic ways to weave activity into daily life.

Professor Ben Garrod's Biography

Ben Garrod is an evolutionary biologist and primate conservationist. He is also an award winning broadcaster for television and radio.

Ben has written several books, covering a range of subjects from evolution and anatomy to animal behaviour and natural history.

An expert in his field, Ben has worked on the frontline of conservation in Africa, Asia, South America, across the Caribbean, and the Arctic. He’s seen first-hand the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on a range of species and ecosystems. As a result, his views on sustainability are also highly thought-provoking.

An accomplished and highly entertaining speaker, he describes how the stress and anxiety we so often experience “may not have originated here with us”.Drawing fascinating comparisons from across the animal kingdom, having spent over two decades living with and researching the behaviour of great apes.

Searingly honest about his own mental health journey, Ben describes the challenges he personally has faced - with charm, humour, and energy. Why does he suggest we should all sign up to a 200 mile ‘fun run’ at least once in our lives, and what did he learn from befriending Johnny, one of the world’s most dangerous inhabitants?

TV work

Notable TV credits include ‘Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur’ and ‘Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard’ - both alongside Sir David Attenborough for BBC One. Ben also presented ‘Baby Chimp Rescue’, ‘The Day the Dinosaurs Died’ alongside Professor Alice Roberts (BBC Two), and ‘Secrets of Bones’ and ‘Secrets of Skin’ (BBC Four).