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Artwork for Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

The Xerces Society
Invertebrate Conservation
Pollinator Conservation
Xerces Society
Butterflies
Pollination
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Monarch Butterflies
Pesticides
Conservation
Community Science
Pollinators
Habitat Loss
Invertebrates
Native Plants
Science Illustration
Pollinator Habitat
Bees
Native Bees
Community Engagement

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of invertebrates and discover how to help these extraordinary animals. The Xerces Society is a nationwide non-profit organization that works to conserve invertebrates and their habitats. For more information go to xerces.org.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes69Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNature

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Artwork for Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Latest Episodes

Millipedes. Do they really have a thousand feet? To answer this and many other much more sensible questions, we are joined today by two people who know way more about these largely overlooked animals than I do, Drs Ben Jantzen and Jackson Means.

Ben... more

We spend a lot of time talking about how we can create habitat for pollinators in yards, but there are other spaces too. So if you don’t have a yard or even if you do and you want to expand your impact, no problem! Today we are going to explore how t... more

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The color green is associated with a clean, healthy environment. When we see a green space, we often think it’s good, whether it is a beautiful forest or a neighborhood lawn. All plants provide for wildlife, right? Unfortunately, no. Some landscapes,... more

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The Xerces Society is named for a blue butterfly, the Xerces blue, which went extinct in the 1940s. Luckily, there are other blues, some of which are doing fine and we can see regularly in our parks and neighborhoods, little butterflies who flash bri... more

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Recent Guests

Kelly Gill
Pollinator Conservation Specialist and Partner Biologist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service for the Xerces Society
USDA NRCS / Xerces Society
Episode: Beyond the Backyard: Building Pollinator Habitat in the Community
Stephanie Frischie
Agronomist and native plant materials specialist at Xerces
Xerces Society
Episode: Goodbye Grass, Hello Bugs: Bringing Life Back to Our Yards
Julie Michaelson
Pollinated conservation planner and NRCS partner biologist
Xerces Society
Episode: The Story of a Little Blue Butterfly: The Karner Blue
Katie Harris
Pollinator conservation specialist and NRCS partner biologist
Xerces Society
Episode: Poo Fighters and Nutrient Recyclers: the Incredible Dung Beetle
Kaitlin Haase
Xerces pollinator conservation specialist in the Southwest
Xerces Society
Episode: The Beauty of Less: Xeriscaping for Pollinators
Paula Cushing
Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Episode: Speedy, Hairy, and Harmless: Solifuges
Sharon Salvaggio
Pesticide program specialist for the Xerces Society
Xerces Society
Episode: Buying Bee Safe Plants: How to keep pesticides out of your garden
Kyle Nesson
Biology instructor at Cuesta College and researcher on monarch butterflies
Cuesta College
Episode: Where the Wind Blows: Does wind speed affect overwintering monarchs?
Maya Hutagalung
Illustrator and Science Illustration Intern at Xerces Society
Xerces Society
Episode: Making the Invisible Visible: Why Science Illustration Matters

Hosts

Rachel Dunham
Co-host introducing and guiding the discussion; Host of Bug Banter; long-standing Xerces Society contributor
Matthew Shepard
Host of Bug Banter; guides discussion and leads episodes with expertise in pollinator conservation and outreach

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 125 ratings
  • Engaging, educational, and hopeful!

    Bug banter hits a nice balance between educating about bugs and educating about conservation/conservation challenges. Each episode has actions individuals can take to help, which eases feelings of hopelessness in the face of invertebrate population declines.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JaspertheWasp
    United States2 months ago
  • wonderful podcast

    This podcast has completely changed my reaction to seeing bugs from one of alarm to one of excitement -- instead of reaching for a tissue now, I reach for my phone to pull up iNaturalist. The format is accessible for laypeople, the bug facts are delightful, and the work Xerces does is incredibly valuable. Thanks for making it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    anacardia
    United States4 months ago
  • Inconsistent content and audio

    As a long term member of Xerces I really wanted to like this podcast but the audio can be terrible (sound levels, clarity) and sometimes they have great guests talking about interesting and relevant research and others it’s just a ‘banter’ about ‘wow aren’t bugs interesting there is a wasp that paralyzes cockroaches’ but so generalized that I want to ask ‘are you a entomologist?’ There are so many other ‘isn’t nature amazing’ podcasts with good sound quality. Make yourself stand out by doing mor... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    clareplantslots
    United States9 months ago
  • Bad audio

    They need to find someone who knows how to work with audio. There’s drastic differences in sound levels between one host and the their and the guest. Impossible to understand both without breaking your eardrums

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    I do mountains
    United Statesa year ago
  • Learning so much!

    I’ve been planting native flora for a few years to help out native pollinators and realized I didn’t know much about these animals! This podcast has helped me get a grasp on these magnificent creature - thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KatFlyer
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience appreciates science communication that makes invertebrate ecology approachable.
Listeners praise accessible, actionable conservation guidance and engaging guests.
Some critiques mention inconsistent audio quality but highlight strong, informative interviews.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#33
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#248
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#96
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#184
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#191
Australia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#99
Ireland/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Beyond the Backyard: Building Pollinator Habitat in the Community
Q: What resources does the Xerces Society offer to help individuals and communities start habitat projects?
The Habitat Kit Program provides curated plant groups, signage, and planting instructions, and the Xerces website offers extensive resources and connections to native plant societies and nurseries.
Beyond the Backyard: Building Pollinator Habitat in the Community
Q: What is a practical first step for someone interested in turning a vacant lot into habitat?
Contact local partnerships like the Philadelphia Land Care Program or city planners to understand available support and replicate successful models in your area.
Beyond the Backyard: Building Pollinator Habitat in the Community
Q: What are some ideas for people who don't have a yard but want to get involved in pollinator habitat?
Start with local groups and existing community projects; observe and participate in community gardens, school gardens, and park programs, then gradually expand to vacant lots and broader neighborhood initiatives.
Goodbye Grass, Hello Bugs: Bringing Life Back to Our Yards
Q: What is your favorite book or other resource you would recommend on invertebrates?
Emily recommends resources like Caterpillar Lab and Night Magic by Leanne H.; Matthew mentions books by Dave Coulson such as A Sting in the Tail, and Night Magic, highlighting accessible readings that celebrate nocturnal life and caterpillars.
The Story of a Little Blue Butterfly: The Karner Blue
Q: What inspired you to work with insects?
I grew up with a sense that all organisms have intrinsic value, which led me to care deeply and pursue ecology, mentors helped me see insects as a foundational piece of that perspective, and I wandered through various taxa before finding a path in conservation biology.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

What is Bug Banter with the Xerces Society about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society focuses on invertebrates and their habitats, blending accessible science with practical conservation guidance. Episodes cover how to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, reduce pesticide risks, and understand the ecology of a wide range of invertebrates—from butterflies and dung beetles to arachnids like solifuges and mountain snails. The show often features Xerces Society experts and partner researchers, plus artists who help illustrate conservation concepts, offering listeners actionable steps for community projects, home gardens, and policy advocacy. A notable strength is translating complex ecological research into real-world applications, with guests who bring field experience, urban ecology insight... more

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1. Native Plants, Healthy Planet
2. Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't
3. In Defense of Plants Podcast
4. Cultivating Place
5. MARGARET ROACH A WAY TO GARDEN

How many episodes of Bug Banter with the Xerces Society are there?

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society launched 3 years ago and published 69 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Bug Banter with the Xerces Society?

Recent guests on Bug Banter with the Xerces Society include:

1. Kelly Gill
2. Stephanie Frischie
3. Julie Michaelson
4. Katie Harris
5. Kaitlin Haase
6. Paula Cushing
7. Sharon Salvaggio
8. Kyle Nesson

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