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Artwork for Bugs Need Heroes

Bugs Need Heroes

BugsNeedHeroes
Bugs Need Heroes
Oil Beetles
Tiger Beetle
Ecology
Velvet Worm
Insects
Maria Sibylla Merian
Velvet Ants
Joro Spider
Entomology
Moths
Hornworms
Brown Recluse Spider
Cats
Caterpillars
Butterflies
Burying Beetles
Dobson Fly
Fireflies
Peppered Moth

On each episode of Bugs Need Heroes, an ecologist and an illustrator team-up to create a new insect-inspired super hero. The finished characters are posted to our social media pages and at BugsNeedHeroes.com Email us questions about bugs at BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.com Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman. Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman. Edited by Derek Conrad. Character artwork by ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScienceEducation

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Artwork for Bugs Need Heroes

Latest Episodes

Amanda and Dr Kelly Z talk about leaf cutter ants. This is an iconic ant. 'Nuff said!

Bug discussion begins around 6:00

Kelly's Field Notes: www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/attaantium

Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail... more

YouTube

This episode we are joined by Dr Kit Prendergast to talk about wild bees! How do we protect these important pollinators from the many threats and what exactly are those threats? And what the heck is a lek? We talk about naming an undescribed species ... more

YouTube

At Emerald City Comic Con. Back again soon!

YouTube

There are only seven basic plots: Overcoming the monster, Rags to riches, Voyage/Return, Comedy, Tragedy, Rebirth, and the Quest. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is all seven. Eric Carle himself said its "a book of hope... a way about growing up, how sca... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dr. Prendergast
Bee Babette, entomologist and science communicator
University/affiliation not explicitly stated in transcript
Episode: Bug Hero: The Bee Babette (Dr KIT PRENDERGAST)
Dr. Nina Jenkins
Insect Pathologist and Chief Technology Officer at ConidioTec.
ConidioTec
Episode: Bug Hero: Dr Nina Jenkins (BED BUGS)
Floria Uy
Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester specializing in parasitic insects
University of Rochester
Episode: The Biohacker (STREPSIPTERA with Dr Floria Uy)
Dr. Scott Kight
An entomologist and researcher at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Episode: Dude Dad Diaper Bug (GIANT WATER BUGS aka TOE-BITERS)
Dr. Aaron Rodriguez
Researcher focusing on German cockroaches and associated proteins
Episode: Tergal Lad (COCKROACHES with Dr Aaron Rodriques)
Dr. Emily Durkin
Entomologist specializing in mites and parasites
University of Tampa
Episode: Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)
Derek Conrad
Producer and editor of Bugs Need Heroes
Bugs Need Heroes
Episode: Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin)
Christy Bills
An entomologist from the Utah Natural History Museum
Utah Natural History Museum
Episode: Bug Hero: Christy Bills (MUSEUM COLLECTIONS)
Dr. Mike Glynn
Veterinarian knowledgeable about cats' behavior and health.
Episode: Cats Need Heroes

Hosts

Amanda Niday
Co-host and primary creator/illustrator; long-running host with Bugs Need Heroes.
Kelly Zimmerman
Co-host and long-running host with strong science communication and illustration background.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 95 ratings
  • This podcast is amazing!!!

    I love bugs and I love listening to people talk about them!!! Keep making more episodes!!! Ĩ łøvê ǐț! Țhě bẽşț büğ pőðċäšt ęvėř!!! ËVĒŘ!!!

    ( “ )

    \_ _/

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZenPenguin
    United States4 months ago
  • This podcast is amazing!!!

    I love bugs and I love listening to people talk about them!!! Keep making more episodes!!! Ĩ łøvê ǐț! Țhě bẽşț büğ pőðċäšt ęvėř!!! ËVĒŘ!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZenPenguin
    United States5 months ago
  • 🎀

    Great podcast. I love tuning in to each new episode and looking at the fun, creative title that has some sort of turn or twist to it. Congrats on a pod well done!

    Sincerely,

    A girl who loves 🐌✨

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jtpav
    United States5 months ago
  • Good

    I suggest the pod weird bugs they are new

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cleo1717🩷Podlover
    United States7 months ago
  • Good

    Bug🐞🐜🐜🦟🪲🪲🪳🕷️🐞🐛🦟🪲🪳🪲🐜

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cleo1717🩷Podlover
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise approachable bug education and the hosts' banter.
Episodes are fun, informative, and artistically engaging.
Fans enjoy the creativity and educational value; some want deeper bug facts.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#72
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#207
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#241
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#195
Australia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#7
South Korea/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#43
Philippines/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bug Hero: The Bee Babette (Dr KIT PRENDERGAST)
Q: What practical steps can listeners take to support native bees in their own yards or communities?
Listeners can plant native flowering plants that support specialist bees, create patches of bare ground for ground-nesting species, avoid excessive mulching, reduce lawn areas, and encourage habitat diversity across patches to sustain bee communities amid climate change.
Bug Hero: The Bee Babette (Dr KIT PRENDERGAST)
Q: What makes native bees in Australia particularly interesting or important to study, and what conservation issues did you highlight?
Native bees show enormous diversity in life histories, nesting, and social structures, and they are under-described and under-protected; habitat loss, lack of taxonomy funding, and misallocation of resources toward honeybees threaten their survival, making conservation action and better policy essential.
Bug Hero: The Bee Babette (Dr KIT PRENDERGAST)
Q: Can you describe the naming rights around describing a new species and any rules that govern how you choose names?
Naming rights belong to the describer, but there are rules to follow, such as avoiding naming after oneself and considering roots like the plant the species was found on, as well as honoring colleagues, places, or even notable cultural references, while avoiding defamatory or racist terms.
The Rising of the Stink Hero (SHIELD BUGS)
Q: Do stink bugs only stink when you kill them?
They also spray to scare off predators, but they need to be threatened or crushed to release the stink.
The Rising of the Stink Hero (SHIELD BUGS)
Q: Are stink bugs harmful to garden plants?
Yes, they can be a pain in the butt if you have vegetables. They like to eat a wide variety of plants, including vegetables and herbs.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Bugs Need Heroes

What is Bugs Need Heroes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-forward show that pairs ecology with illustration to transform insect biology into superhero concepts. Episodes blend accessible explanations of bugs, ecosystems, and conservation with playful banter and creative character design, often featuring guests or expert insights. Listeners can expect engaging, bite-sized nature education, quirky humor, and a creative angle on science communication that appeals to both education-focused audiences and art/design fans. A notable strength is the consistent two-host dynamic and a clear mission to make entomology approachable through entertaining storytelling and visual storytelling across social channels.

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How many listeners does Bugs Need Heroes get?

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What are the audience demographics for Bugs Need Heroes?

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Which podcasts are similar to Bugs Need Heroes?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Bugs Need Heroes:

1. Stuff You Should Know
2. Just the Zoo of Us
3. The Daily Zeitgeist
4. This Podcast Will Kill You
5. Pod Save America

How many episodes of Bugs Need Heroes are there?

Bugs Need Heroes launched 4 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Bugs Need Heroes?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Bugs Need Heroes?

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What guests have appeared on Bugs Need Heroes?

Recent guests on Bugs Need Heroes include:

1. Dr. Prendergast
2. Dr. Nina Jenkins
3. Floria Uy
4. Dr. Scott Kight
5. Dr. Aaron Rodriguez
6. Dr. Emily Durkin
7. Derek Conrad
8. Christy Bills

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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