Arthro-Pod

Jonathan Larson
Arthro-Pod
Latest episode

52 episodes

  • Arthro-Pod

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

    18/04/2026 | 52 mins.
    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/

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    Older episodes can be accessed through Archive.org.

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  • Arthro-Pod

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

    05/04/2026 | 1h 10 mins.
    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!
  • Arthro-Pod

    Arthro-Pod Episode 199: Multitrophic interactions with Jared Ali

    24/03/2026 | 1h 17 mins.
    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.

     

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    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!
  • Arthro-Pod

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

    09/03/2026 | 1h 6 mins.
    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!
  • Arthro-Pod

    Arthro-Pod Episode 197: Celebrating Passion and Pedagogy with Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien

    25/02/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
    Join us in this episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Louise Lynch-O'Brien, a dedicated entomologist, educator, and lifelong learner. From her early days in New York to her impactful work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise shares her unique perspective on teaching, community engagement, and the importance of building relationships with insects and people alike. This conversation highlights her innovative approach to science communication, qualitative research methods, and her love for continuous learning.

    In this episode:

    Louise’s path from childhood curiosity to professional entomology

    The role of nature in fostering wonder and scientific inquiry

    How she integrates qualitative research into insect outreach and education

    Strategies for shifting public perceptions of insects and arthropods

    Balancing teaching, extension, and research in higher education

    The value of experiential learning courses for students

    Using storytelling and soft skills to enhance science communication

    Insights on managing student mentorship and fostering growth mindset

    The impact of community science and long-term outreach programs like Bugfest

    Her favorite MasterClass courses and continuous professional development

    To get to know Louise:

    UNL Directory: https://entomology.unl.edu/person/dr-louise-i-lynch-obrien/

    Faculty Spotlight: https://ianrnews.unl.edu/faculty-spotlight-louise-lynch-obrien

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/civicentolab/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlynchobrien/

    UNL Online M.S. in Entomology: https://entomology.unl.edu/academic-programs/online-master-science-entomology/

    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!

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About Arthro-Pod

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