Arthro-Pod

Jonathan Larson
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

The home for Arthro-Pod,the podcast that teaches you about the weird and wonderful world of insects!

  1. 9 hrs ago

    Arthro-Pod Episode 205: Insect Behavior and Conservation with Dr. Ted Burk

    Get ready listeners, this episode is packed with so many things! Jody and Jonathan are joined by Dr. Ted Burk, who really didn't need any questions, prompts or an outline. It is an episode rich in stories about insects, scientific discovery, and conservation efforts—perfect for entomologists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike.  This interview with entomologist Dr. Burk follows his lifelong path from 4-H insect collecting to a decades-long career in behavior, ecology, and conservation at Creighton University. He shares stories from his research on American cockroaches, crickets, Caribbean fruit flies, conehead katydids, regal fritillaries, monarch butterflies, and fireflies, while highlighting how insect mating behavior, pollination, and prairie restoration reveal the deep ecological importance of even the smallest creatures. Note: If you want to hear Ted talk about the biologically interesting state of Nebraska pay attention to 37:23-39:39. More about Ted: Dr. Theodore Burk’s Faculty Profile at Creighton University Department of Biology    Xerces Society 2024 article about Ted Burk and his work with insect conservation  Glacier Creek Preserve Butterfly List, last updated 2020 Richard Dawkins and Theodore Burk in 1976 Photo Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

    1h 15m

  2. Jun 12

    Arthro-Pod Episode 204: Leading the Charge in Entomology with Dr. Melissa Siebert

    Join us as we dive into the career journey and leadership insights of Melissa Siebert, a renowned entomologist in industry and the 2026 President of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Discover how her dedication, scientific expertise, and community-building efforts shape the future of entomology and agriculture. Topics Covered: Melissa's background and path into entomology and insecticide development The pipeline of insecticide research: from molecule design to market Leadership journey within ESA and the significance of community building The evolving landscape of industry and the skills needed for success Insights into ESA's organizational structure and upcoming initiatives The importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and society members Links: Melissa Siebert Corteva Entomological Society of America __ Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

    58 min

  3. May 29

    Arthro-Pod Episode 203 Insects in Poetry with Tom Turpin

    Hello bug lovers! In today's episode, Jody, Jonathan, and Michael are joined by entomology legend, Dr. Tom Turpin of Purdue University. Tom is an ESA fellow, an author (check out Flies in the Face of Fashion, Mites Make Right, and other Bugdacious Tales and What’s Buggin’ You Now? Bee’s Knees, Bug Lites, and Beetles), and is most famous for his work in teaching and outreach.  Today, he helps Arthro-Pod to examine the use of insects and their relatives in poetry. If you have every wanted to know why the cicada sings or the why the firefly glows, this isthe episode for you! If you want to read some of the poems discussed:  https://www.literarymatters.org/18-1-meleager-of-gadara-to-the-cicada/  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58430/firefly-56d23ccbb5f21  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53210/on-the-grasshopper-and-cricket ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Intro and Outro song: "There it is" by Kevin McLeod, Incomptech Music

    1h 21m

  4. May 15

    Arthro-Pod Episode 202: Hemlocks and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid with Calvin Norman

    This week we chat with Calvin Norman, an extension forester with Penn State, about the importance of hemlock trees in eastern North America and the impact that hemlock woolly adelgid has had on hemlock forests. Spoiler, it's not good.   __ Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

    1h 26m

  5. Apr 18

    Arthro-Pod Episode 201: Community Outreach Celebrating Monarchs and Milkweed with Nancy Crews

    Join us as we dive into the vital role of milkweed for monarch butterfly survival, the community-driven efforts to plant and restore habitats. Our guest, Nancy Crews, director of Milkweed Matters, shares inspiring stories of grassroots initiatives, scientific advancements, and how everyone can contribute to pollinator conservation. Call to Action: Plant native gardens, participate in seed collection, support habitat restoration, and spread awareness about the importance of pollinators. Your efforts help ensure that monarchs and countless other pollinators thrive for generations to come. Resources and Links: Milkweed Matters Website: https://milkweedmatters.org/ Monarch Watch: https://monarchwatch.org/blog/ Radio tracking Monarchs: https://monarchjointventure.org/blog/revolutionary-tracking-study-follows-monarchs Motus: https://motus.org/ Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ __ Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

    53 min

  6. Apr 5

    Arthro-Pod Episode 200: Interview with Meghan Sundermeier, an Urban Sawyer

    Unlock the surprising art and science of transforming urban trees into one-of-a-kind lumber and discover why bugs are part of the story that makes every piece unique. In this episode, Meghan Sundermeier of Omaha Wood Company shares how she salvages urban logs, turning both unwanted and sentimental wood into beautiful, sustainable creations. Guided by a deep respect for nature, Meghan’s work is about more than woodworking. It is about rethinking waste, honoring the life of trees, and recognizing the tiny ecosystems that exist all around us, even in urban spaces. She walks us through the entire process, from sourcing local wood to milling and kiln drying using advanced vacuum technology. Along the way, she explains the critical steps needed to eliminate pests like powderpost beetles and wood boring beetles, offering practical insight into how entomology intersects with craftsmanship. Visit Omaha Wood Company in person or connect with them on social media to learn more. Website: https://omahawood.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omahawoodco/  __ Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Thank you so much for listening!

    1h 10m

  7. Mar 24

    Arthro-Pod Episode 199: Multitrophic interactions with Jared Ali

    Michael and the gang chat with Dr. Jared Ali about his unorthodox journey to becoming an entomologist, making unexpected connections, and exploring multitrophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and pests.   ___________________________________________________________ Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Thank you so much for listening!

    1h 17m

  8. Mar 9

    Arthro-Pod Episode 198: Understanding Harvester Ants with Dr. Joanie King

    Michael and Jody speak with Dr. Joanie King to talk about her love of ants, particularly the harvester ants. Discover fascinating insights into harvester ants, their behavior, ecological roles, and ongoing research from an experienced extension entomologist. This episode highlights the complexity of seed foraging, species diversity, and how ants contribute to ecosystems and land management. In this episode: Meet Dr. Joanie King, extension entomologist at New Mexico State University The behavior and role of harvester ants in arid and semi-arid environments How seed preferences vary among different harvester ant species and their impact on restoration efforts Exploring the diversity of harvester ants such as Pogonomyrmex and Novomessor species Techniques for keeping and studying harvester ants in the lab The surprising connections between insects and popular culture, including their representation in films and sci-fi/comic conventions Links and resources: Where to find Joanie King: https://eppws.nmsu.edu/faculty-staff/faculty.html Ask An Entomologist AntWiki - Comprehensive resource for ant taxonomy and behavior AntWeb - High-resolution ant specimen images and IDs Get the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app! Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org. If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review! Thank you so much for listening!

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The home for Arthro-Pod,the podcast that teaches you about the weird and wonderful world of insects!

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Larson
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyrighted under the Creative Commons Liscense
  • Show Website
    Arthro-Pod

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