Bugs&Stuff

We're back! Sorry for yet another long break, but I had a lot of work to do to prepare for my PhD Preliminary exams. In this episode we'll explain what those are and why they deserved all of my attention.

We're back with tragic news! The government has decided to remove the American Burying Beetle from the endangered species list, thus revoking its protection! The American Burying Beetle has reportedly made a comeback, but is still projected for extinction. Does one species of beetle lost matter? Should we fight for it? How many other have shared this fate? Listen to gain insight on these questions and more!

This week we're talking about Fatal Invention by Dorothy Roberts. It's a book all about how science has been perpetuating race as a biological construct when it is actually a social construct. This book is one Caitlin and I picked up to help educate ourselves on the struggle that Black people in America face every single day. But this book also talks a bit about Latinx and Indigenous people as well. We are still learning, so please reach out to us if we said anything incorrectly in this episode, we would like to take responsibility for that. Thank you for listening and we hope you take a moment afterwards to put yourself in someone else's shoes!

Bug&Stuff Book Club! Number 4! This month we're talking about The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. We really enjoyed this relaxing and lovely book. We hope you do too!

Welcome to book number 3 in the Bugs&Stuff book club series! We're reading If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? By Alan Alda. I fangirl a lot about Alan Alda, Caitlin applies this book to her job, and all in all it's just a really great book!

Today we're talking about the newly famous Murder Hornets! The take home- they're not all over the US, they won't literally murder you human (unless you're allergic to bees), and the media did a really good job at naming them.

Welcome to book club episode 2! Today we're talking about The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating! I very peaceful, short book that Caitlin absolutely adored. If you've read this book, share your thoughts with us! If you have a book recommendation, share that with us too!

Happy Earth Month! Surprise! I know Caitlin and I said we were going to only upload episodes once a month, but we ended up finding a little extra time this week and recorded! This episode is about enjoying nature during a pandemic and other things you can do to support the Earth while still staying safe indoors. And it's a little chaotic, if I'm being honest, because we don't get to talk to people very often these days. So, we hope it can entertain you a little bit! Share with us what you're doing to be more environmentally friendly or reach out about how you're doing during our shared health experience or record an episode with us! Have some fun and stay healthy!

Welcome to our first Bugs&Stuff book club! We're reading a lot while in Coronavirus quarantine, so we want to share these books with you! Read along if you'd like, or suggests some books for us! Reach out so we know you're doing well, dear listener! You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @bugsandstuffpod or email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Stay well everyone!

In a fascinating turn of events, today I'm using Bugs&Stuff as a platform to help me study for a medical entomology exam! Join us as I tell you all the things I know about mosquitos and the ways they transmit malaria! With so many disease out there threatening us right now, we hope you're staying healthy dear listeners.

We're back! Sorry for the long break (explained in episode), but today we're coming back with informations about bugs that care for their babies, eat their boyfriends, spread disease, and ruin your car. I promise that will make more sense when you listen to it. Thanks for your patience during our break! We hope you enjoy this episode! For more fun, visit our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

On the flip side of the Bugs&Stuff team, this week we have an update on my time lately and my new start in the PhD program. Expect more updates from that end as well for our grad school listeners! Enjoy!

Welcome back! Today we're catching up with Caitlin and FINALLY learning all about her new job at RiseVT!

Welcome to the bug highlight! This time we're talking about Dobsonflies! Large, fascinating bugs that are in no way related to flies. They're crazy looking at all stages, but really important to the health of our fast moving streams! Take a listen to find out more then definitely visit our blog to see pictures at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

In case you haven't guess already (by the numerous hints in our other episodes and quite a few tweets), I'm going back to school for my PhD! This was a decision I've been struggling with for about 2 years, but ultimately I could not get a job teaching college students with only a Masters. It stinks, but I know I have the passion and drive to pursue this new degree and get my dream job. Shout out to Caitlin for listening to me going back and forth on this decision for the past 2 years. I can't wait to share this journey with you all! Let us know if you're a fellow grad students or someone interested in grad school so we know how much of this new path we should share on the podcast. It certainly will not replace our buggy fun, but we have shared things about our Master's in the past and it might be helpful to some if I do so for the PhD as well! Side note: In the few days after recording this episode (because we actually recorded early for once!), I read some blogs and watched a few videos from people who had a terribly pessimistic view on PhD's and academia. I understand that the job market is over saturated with PhD's, that it's really hard to get a job in academia, and that many argue the high education system is broken right now. This is something I've taken into account when making my decision to return to school. However, for me I have a passion for teaching college students and knowing that they're not always being treated the best makes me want to teach them more. Regardless of how "broken" the system may be, if those of us who see that immediately back off and change their careers/dreams, then no one is left to fix the situation. Our students are the future and they deserve the education they're paying so much for. I'm optimistic about my ability to help make my future courses, at the very least, a worth while opportunity for my students. I'm looking forward to my next four years learning more and working towards my goal!

In this episode Caitlin asks the tough questions that I struggle to answer. It involves self-reflection, advice, and a lot of thought. So, take a listen, share your career paths with us, and maybe push yourself to explore something new! If you want to chat with us, you can always reach us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com or on social media @bugsandstuffpod. Thanks for listening!

Hey! We're in the same room and bringing you an important episode talking about how to get grants and why you should always try for them. There's no shame in failing, and not every grant application you write will be funded, but it's an important experience! Also, if you are successful, the reward is amazing! Caitlin gives us unique insight on how she helps people get grants and I tell you about finding grants for projects outside of academia, but of course, we also reminisce on our time in graduate school applying for grants. We hope this episode helps you and encourages you! Best of luck with your applications!

Welcome to our bug highlight! This the highly requested (by one Apple Podcast reviewer) the teddy bear of all spiders: THE JUMPING SPIDER!! This was a really fun episode, and exactly what we needed after being sick last week! We hope you enjoy it and learn about all the weird, totally adorable things jumping spiders do in their lives. If you have a bug highlight request, let us know on twitter, facebook, podcast review, or email!

In this episode, Caitlin shares some cool views on eradicating mosquitos! Is it a good idea? A bad idea? Who knows! Listen to form your own opinions!

In this episode, Caitlin and I celebrate our birthdays by talking about bugs in the movies! We missed a lot of the giant bug horror movies growing up, but we still have a lot of children's bug movies to discuss! Have a favorite bug movie? Let us know so we can watch it! email: bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com, twitter&facebook: @bugsandstuffpod. For more fun, check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com

We've got a short episode for you this week (to make up for our really long one last, and because our poor Caitlin is sick). We're talking about mental health again because it's an incredibly important topic and we've learned a lot of new self care techniques since our last episode on the topic (episode 5) that we wanted to share! If you have a great technique that helps you take care of your brain space, share it with us through twitter/facebook (@bugsandstuffpod) or email us (bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com). Enjoy!

Welcome to episode 50! How wild and exciting! In this episode we're talking to the wonderful Dr. Shannon Pelini, our former advisor and all around wonderful person. We talk about her trip to tenure, some wonderful moment during field research, advice about how to live playfully, and we talk a lot about edible glitter that was sprinkled in wine. We hope you enjoy this extra long episode and help us celebrate!

Happy 2019, listeners! In this episode, Caitlin and I give you an update on our lives and talk about the things in our schooling that lead us on this path of science. Our first show back from the holidays is a little wild, but we hope you enjoy it anyway! We have a lot of hopes and goals for the podcast in 2019, and we couldn't do it with out you! Thanks for listening! (Also, I hilariously, unknowingly named this podcast the same as I did last year, sorry if that causes a little confusion! But since we mentioned the name in the show, I wanted to leave it and just added a little onto it!)

Welcome to my new favorite episode! I surprised Caitlin with a topic so that she had to think up her opinions on the spot, but it was a topic I knew she cared about, so it wasn't hard at all! Join us as we talk about writing styles, science writing (both professionally and for the general public), and how empathy plays a huge role in science communication. I also try my hand at asking Caitlin 6 quick questions to get 6 quick answers (modeled off of my hero Alan Alda's podcast Clear and Vivid, check it out if you haven't!). This episode was a lot of fun and a great conversation! If you love it and want more of us, check out our other episodes, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow us on social media (twitter/facebook @bugsandstuffpod), and definitely check out our blog for more fun (bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com, I know I got the link wrong in the show- oops!). Please reach out to us with any thoughts, ideas, and requests at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode, we're talking some more about conservation. Caitlin saw Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them and it sparked a whole conversation in us about conservation in the main stream. We also talk a little about how to talk to others about conservation and what every person can do to help a little. Take a listen! Share with us a topic you'd like us to chat about in the future! Email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us @bugsandstuffpod (twitter and Facebook). Find more information and fun over on bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

Here in the Bugs&Stuff crew we try really hard to plan our episodes, but more often than not we end up recording something totally different than originally planned. But its all okay! Because that's how we got here today highlighting the very fuzzy woolly bear! If you love fuzzy caterpillars, beautiful moths, and Caitlin's excitement as she talks about the new things she has learned- you're going to LOVE this episode. Take a listen! Share with us a bug you'd like us to highlight in the future! Email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Follow us @bugsandstuffpod (twitter and Facebook). Find more information and fun over on bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

In this episode Caitlin and I prep for Halloween by talking about our least favorite bugs and a lot of neat folklore that surrounds arthropods. So, give it a listen! Then share with us you bug folklore and halloween costume! Email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Find more information and fun over on bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

Here we are! Finally talking about our favorite bug! The Millipede! From their cute little faces to their cute little feet. We're talking about what they look like, how to take care of them, how lemurs use them to get high, and how they were once the largest invertebrate on earth! Enjoy and gain a little love for this adorable little arthropod! Take a listen and feel free to email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! Check out the blog for more information, videos, and photos at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. And if you enjoy us, consider donating us to on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode, Caitlin and I are discussing interviews! We give tips to help land your next dream job and laugh a lot (the usual). Take a listen and feel free to share your tips and tricks with us by emailing us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! Check out the blog for more information at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. And if you enjoy us, consider donating us to on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode, Caitlin and I talk about Krogers recent decision to eliminate plastic bags. We talk about why we think that is a good idea, how we can communicate the science behind why plastic bags are bad to others, and why reusable bags are just all around a better idea. Take a listen and feel free to share your own opinions with us by emailing us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! Check out the blog for more information at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. And if you enjoy us, consider donating us to on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode, Caitlin and I discuss what we do and do not miss about graduate school. It's a tough time, but we think now that it's not as bad as people think. Take a listen and feel free to share your own opinions with us by emailing us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! Check out the blog for more information at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. And if you enjoy us, consider donating us to on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode, Caitlin tells us all about why lawns are the worst and how people don't know how to take care of them. Take a listen and share it with a friend that always complains about brown grass. Things could be a lot better than the are! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff. Don't forget to check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com for more fun and information. Follow us on twitter and facebook @bugsandstuffpod! Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts!

Disclaimer: Sorry about the weird audio in this episode. We had a few technical difficulties, but the interview was too awesome not to work around those issues. We do suggest this is an episode more for speakers than headphones because of those issues. We appreciate your understanding! As you know we love pollinators and beneficial insects and we wanted to talk with an expert on the topic. Jessica is a lecturer at the University of Texas San Antonio and she has also studied bumble bees both in rural and urban areas. She has looked as spatial distribution of bumble bees throughout Texas and done some taxonomic work on the bees. Before getting her PhD, Jessica got her masters in teaching and taught high school students, so naturally we were excited to hear about her journey to bumble bee research. She has also spent a lot of time doing public outreach through reaching out to local groups. If you want to learn more about Jessica, you can check out her website (https://jessicabeckham.weebly.com)! Also if you love this podcast and want to support us, you can follow along with all our updates on Facebook, Twitter, and through our Kofi page.

Today we bring you an episode about a bug we've been fascinated by for a little while now. They look a bit like an alien as an adult, lay pod like alien eggs, and as larva they roam around leaves like lions stalking their prey. Plus we talk about a few other similar and cool bugs, an update on Caitlin's caterpillars, and a little bit about my summer camp works. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff. Don't forget to check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com for more fun and information. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts!

Welcome to our newest bug highlight! Today we're talking about Mayflies because they've started popping up around Lake Erie. We talk about their importance and explore their evolutionary history a little. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff. Don't forget to check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com for more fun and information. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts!

Humans fear predators, and unfortunately that has led to a large number of ecological issues. In this episode, we talk about the importance of predators in the ecosystem and what can happen when the top predators are removed. We also talk about the portrayal of predators in the media, both in movies and news papers. Take a listen and share with a friend! Lets change the stigma and fear that surrounds our beautiful predators so that we can save them and the planet! Also check out our blog at bugandstuffpod.wordpress.com and email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Love us and our episodes? Consider supporting us at ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff. Thanks for listening!

In this episode Caitlin and I talk about alien bugs taking over the world! Just kidding, maybe one day though. We're actually talking about invasive bugs. We talk a lot about what they do in general, present some new information about the Emerald Ash Borer (Episode 22), and talk about two other invading insects that are threatening our forests. If you enjoy this episode and others, please consider supporting us by donating here: https://ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff. Don't forget to visit our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com! Feel free to contact us with ideas for episodes or corrections on the things we say at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

WE'RE BACK! And very excited about it! Today we're talking about how to get back into life after grad school and important things to consider about life after. We share out post-grad stories in hopes that you can gain some valuable insight. We would love to hear your stories or advices, email us at bugsandstuffpod@gmail.com! If you love us and want to support us, you can buy us metaphorical coffees on Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff! Thanks for listening and be sure to check out the blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

In this episode Caitlin brings us a super awesome interview with Meagan, who is a PhD student in Texas. She's using bugs to determine water quality at a local airport! Learn more by clicking play! Don't forget to check out our blog for more information and fun at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. Find us on twitter and facebook @bugsandstuffpod. Email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com with questions, comments, concerns, ideas, and general fun! If you want to support us and this amazing show, check out our ko-fi here ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff! Thanks for listening!

Today Caitlin and I celebrate our February birthdays with you by telling you about the people and experiences that made us want to be ecologists and science communicators. They're all very important in making us the people we are today and wanted to share them with you! Thank you for listening! Check out our blog www.bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com for more information. Please rate us on Apple Podcasts. Leave us your comments or send us emails! And if you're interested in supporting us, you can do that here on our Kofi:ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode, we're bring you bug facts! Specifically about the Glow Worm. This super cool bug has some incredible tricks to catch his prey! We also mention lighting bugs and the rainroad worm, both equally cool bugs. Specially shout out to Nicole for joining us again here on Bugs&Stuff! For more information and pictures, check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com, email us with your ideas at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com, and if you want to support us, visit our ko-fi page at ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff! Thanks for listening!

Following up on our last episode, we're talking about endangered bugs today! Well... We're trying to. There isn't a whole lot of information out there on endangered bugs. We also ask ourselves about the moral question of spending conservation money on species who are functionally extinct. Should we do it? Is there value in every species? Join us for the conversation! To share your opinion after, email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com! Also visit our blog at www.bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com! And consider supporting us on Ko-Fi at www.ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff

In this episode we talk about endangered species! Why don't we care about them as much as we should? Why do humans crave the rare? Should we bring back mammoths? All these questions answered and more random side conversation here! If you want to support us, visit our Ko-Fi page here: https://ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff! Also be sure to visit our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com!

Happy New Year! Here in 2018 we have a lot of plans! We're also going to start fundraising in many ways! We have so many new episode ideas! Also in this episode, we reflect on the resolutions we made last year, talk about dieting, and make some new resolutions! Check out our blog www.bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com, and visit https://ko-fi.com/bugsandstuff to support us! Thanks for listening!

In a continuation of our last episode, we're still talking loosely bug-themed superheroes! And we're still talking with our friends Nancy and Nicole! In this part of the episode, we mention a few more heroes and villains, but we also talk about some bug-themed heroes that we'd love to see! So if anyone out there is a comic artist, please talk to us because I'd die if I could be involved in a comic. Also, if you have a buggy hero in mind, send them to us! This is seriously my favorite topic. Please visit our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com and email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com with ideas, comments, or questions! Looking forward to hearing from you! Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about one of my favorite things: SUPERHEROES! And specifically bug themed superheroes. In part one we talk about the Arachnid heroes, the Hymenoptera heroes, and a mantis themed hero. Unfortunately, many of these heroes are buggy in name alone, but nevertheless fun to explore! So, join us for part one of this super podcast! And keep a look out for part two where we'll talk a few more heroes plus ideas for our bug heroes! Please visit our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com and email us at bugsandstuffpodcast@gmail.com with ideas, comments, or questions! Looking forward to hearing from you! Enjoy!

What bugs are you thankful for? I bet you've never had to answer that question. Today we're bringing you a shorter episode about bugs we're thankful for in the spirit of Thanksgiving. We talk about ecosystem services and a bunch about potatoes. We also have an update for you about the zombie ants. New research says they may not so much be zombies but rather cyborgs! Listen to find out more. Check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com and rate us on Apple Podcasts!

Happy Halloween! Today we're talking ghosts and why you might see them! We talk about how different things affect the brain and how our brain affects us! Our special guest, Nancy, shares a really cool story about mold and witches! So enjoy this spooky episode with all of our usual fun! Please check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com, rate us on Apple podcasts, and contact us with your questions!

Welcome to Halloween episode #1! We're talking about everyones favorite spooky monster: ZOMBIES! There are a number of cases where parasites make zombies out of their hosts by brain washing them! Learn about zombie ants, caterpillars, cockroaches, and grasshoppers! For more information check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com. Please rate us on Apple Podcasts! Have a safe and happy Halloween!

In this episode we're taking about the Emerald Ash Borer who is causing habitat destruction all over the United States. We'll talk about what this little bug is doing to cause so much harm to our ash trees. We'll also talk about the symptoms and who you can contact if you're worried about your trees. Finally, we'll give some advice on how you can avoid spreading this evil beetle. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and feel free to contact us via email, twitter, or Facebook!

In this episode we give you a special sneak peak to a podcast we've started with two fellow podcasters and scientists, Dakota & Becky, called In The Elements! Today you'll listen to our segment on Eclipse Ecology. We'll talk about how animals react to the sudden midday darkness and about our own experiences seeing the eclipse! If you enjoyed our segment check out the whole episode by searching for In The Elements on Apple Podcasts. As always, check out our blog at bugsandstuffpod.wordpress.com and contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns!