Razib Khan: Are Redheads Going Extinct?

Welcome to the Hannah Frankman Podcast! This week we have my friend Razib Khan on the podcast.

Razib is a geneticist, writer, and currently works at the biotech firm, ⁠Genrait⁠ as CXO. He has written for publications that include ⁠The New York Times⁠, ⁠City Journal⁠, ⁠India Today⁠, ⁠National Review⁠, ⁠Slate⁠, ⁠Unheard⁠, ⁠Quillette⁠, ⁠Nautilus⁠ & ⁠The Guardian⁠, on a broad range of topics.

In this episode, Razib and I dive into the genetics of redheads. Are redheads genetic mutants?! Are redheads less pain-tolerant, more fiery tempered, going extinct?! Is there any scientific grounding to these statements? We also explore the cultural stereotypes and “side-effects” of red-heads and indicators that an individual might carry the redhead gene.

Chapters:

0:00 - Razib Khan

3:00 - The gene structure of redheads

10:40 - Why do redheads have so many freckles?

14:00 - The benefits of lighter and darker skin

19:00 - The “categories” of gingers and how the genes are expressed in the body

27:00 - Where did the redhead “mutation” come from?

36:00 - What cultures and groups are known for having red hair?

46:30 - Are redheads going extinct?

51:50 - What are the stereotypes and "side effects" of being a redhead?

1:10:00 - Do redheads have a lower pain tolerance?

1:19:30 - Differences between recessive and additive traits