This podcast episode delves into the gripping narrative of Octomom, an octopus enduring a prolonged state of starvation while brooding her eggs, and the fascinating biological processes that enable her survival. Through insights from evolutionary neuroscientist Yan Wong, listeners explore the peculiar life cycle of octopuses, marked by the mother's sacrifice—highlighted by her physical decline juxtaposed with her internal resilience—drawing poignant parallels to human experiences of dedication and caregiving that challenge our understanding of life's sacrifices.