Cow tool use intelligence wasn't supposed to be a thing. You've seen dogs rub against trees and otters smash clams with rocks, but that's single-purpose problem solving. Veronica, an Austrian cow living on a baker's farm, uses one brush in different ways depending on where she itches. Blunt end for sensitive spots. Bristle end for deep scratches. She holds it in her mouth, clamps down, directs it consciously. Only chimps and humans have shown this kind of goal-oriented tool flexibility. Until now.

Why Veronica and not every other cow? She has time and space. Beautiful green Austrian pastures. No rushed factory farming schedule. The researchers think we've domesticated cows for 10,000 years without paying attention or giving them freedom to figure things out. Meanwhile, boredom research suggests creativity happens when you stop consuming and start processing. Veronica is organized. She's scrappy. She uses what she has instead of needing more. That's the anti-consumption lesson hiding in livestock cognition studies.

The next time you're avoiding boredom by scrolling, you'll remember the cow with time to think figured out something most animals haven't. Intelligence needs space. Creativity needs boredom. And maybe humans are on their high horse about who's actually smart.

Topics: cow tool use intelligence, animal cognition, boredom benefits, livestock behavior, creative thinking, minimalist philosophy

GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine | @‌science.sam | http://samanthayammine.com

Originally aired on 2026-02-05

Cow tool use intelligence wasn't supposed to be a thing. You've seen dogs rub against trees and otters smash clams with rocks, but that's single-purpose problem solving. Veronica, an Austrian cow living on a baker's farm, uses one brush in different ways depending on where she itches. Blunt end for sensitive spots. Bristle end for deep scratches. She holds it in her mouth, clamps down, directs it consciously. Only chimps and humans have shown this kind of goal-oriented tool flexibility. Until now.
Why Veronica and not every other cow? She has time and space. Beautiful green Austrian pastures. No rushed factory farming schedule. The researchers think we've domesticated cows for 10,000 years without paying attention or giving them freedom to figure things out. Meanwhile, boredom research suggests creativity happens when you stop consuming and start processing. Veronica is organized. She's scrappy. She uses what she has instead of needing more. That's the anti-consumption lesson hiding in livestock cognition studies.
The next time you're avoiding boredom by scrolling, you'll remember the cow with time to think figured out something most animals haven't. Intelligence needs space. Creativity needs boredom. And maybe humans are on their high horse about who's actually smart.
Topics: cow tool use intelligence, animal cognition, boredom benefits, livestock behavior, creative thinking, minimalist philosophy
GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine | @&zwnj;science.sam |<a href="http://samanthayammine.com"> http://samanthayammine.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-05

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.