Best Mouse Castle Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Dr Drosophila (FRUIT FLIES) 1:28:40

1d ago1:28:40

1:28:40

Kelly has now become Dr Kelly. Much of the episode is about the process of earning a doctorate. The rest of the episode is devoted to discussion of fruit flies, art history, swords, and friend of the pod, Dr Ped. Dr Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/dr-drosophila Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedH…

1
Dr Pause 0:39

1M ago0:39

0:39

We are taking a break while Kelly mounts her defense.By BugsNeedHeroes

1
Bubble Bug(True) 59:21

2M ago59:21

59:21

Finally, a bug Amanda recognizes! Fortunately, she doesn't know anything about them still so we can have an episode all about spittlebugs (aka froghoppers) and what makes them a true bug. Tangents include the fabric arts, little kid germs, and the grief of aging (as relayed by Bluey). Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.c…

1
Lil Dudes Insect Academy 1:22:13

2M ago1:22:13

1:22:13

This time we are joined by Bradon Coy of Lil Dudes Insect Academy to discuss his programs, eusocial insects (particularly Argentine Ants), and our favorite bug movies. Lil' Dudes Insect Academy website Lil Dudes Insect Academy on Youtube Please check out our reading lists and feel free to recommend other books. We'll make Kelly read them before put…

1
The Heckgrammite (DOBSONFLIES) 55:46

3M ago55:46

55:46

This week Kelly and Amanda talk about an insect that is a fly in name only. These aquatic insects are know for their large size and fierce appearance. These Tangents include peeing in the woods, gnats, and cats (always). Kelly's Field Notes on our website: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/heckgrammite Send us questions and suggestions! BugsN…

1
Mighty Emily (PHORETIC MITES with Dr Emily Durkin) 1:26:28

3M ago1:26:28

1:26:28

This episode we are joined by another bug hero: Dr Emily Durkin! We talk about her research looking at tiny mites that ride around on fruit flies. Tangents include mosquitoes, hornworms, and pets --including pet jumping spiders! Emily Durkin's website is here! You can follow Emily on Bluesky! Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.…

1
The Sodanaut (BRINE FLIES) 1:07:41

4M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Check out this page from the Mono Lake Committee to see images discussed in this episode. This episode Kelly and Amanda discuss a strange family of flies that live in liquids that would kill other animals. There are around 130 genera described in Ephydridae, but we mostly focus on two species endemic to California which live in the La Brea Tar Pits…

1
Bug Hero: Christy Bills (MUSEUM COLLECTIONS) 1:18:51

4M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

We talk to Christy Bills of the Natural History Museum of Utah about invertebrate collections, fireflies, and legacies. Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bugsneedheroes.bsky.social Join us on Reddit: https://www.red…

1
Crypt Keeper and the Embalmer (BURYING BEETLES with THERE WILL BE BUGS) 1:13:41

5M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

This time we are joined by Ben Knowlton and Zillah Smith of There Will Be Bugs Podcast to talk about one of their favorite bugs, the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus). These beetles have it all: battles, mites, and an endangered species listing. But most importantly they have each other. Tangents include tattoos, cats (always!), scal…

1
Mousy the Hunter (GRASSHOPPER MOUSE) 58:53

5M ago58:53

58:53

Kelly and Producer Derek are back from the ESA conference in Pheonix and Kelly shares some stories. Technically this isn't a bug, but the evolutionary arms race between scorpions and their predators has created a truly terrific terror. Tangents include butterflies, the difference between venom and poison, Disney, and vikings. Kelly's Field Notes fo…

1
The Moo-derer (COW KILLER) 1:07:25

6M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

This is an episode we banked during the summer. Kelly and Amanda discuss velvet ants, which are not actually ants at all. And the Bee-Team lore expands ever onward! Tangents include Zendaya at the Met Gala, Ultraman, and anime villains. Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-moo-derer Send us questions and…

1
Bug Heroes: Maria Sibylla Merian 1:24:32

6M ago1:24:32

1:24:32

Amanda tells us about the life and work of Dutch entomologist and painter Maria Sibylla Merian. Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bugsneedheroes Join us on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BugsNeedHeroes Hosted by Amanda…

1
Cats Need Heroes 1:17:05

7M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

This time we are joined by our friend Dr Mike Glynn to talk about cats for our Halloween episode. Lots of stories of our dear pets both current and past. A few try to join the podcast! You can watch the recording from our panel at Rose City Comic Con in 2024 here: https://youtu.be/Zkl70GcOkYU Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeedHeroes@gmail.…

1
My Neighbor Velvet Worm 1:12:26

7M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

We are back from hiatus and you can really tell with this episode. Kelly and Amanda get all the wiggles out with this very wiggly bug. This episode is more explicit than usual with a very unusual critter. Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/my-neighbor-velvet-worm Send us questions and suggestions! BugsNeed…

1
Summer Diapause 0:36

9M ago0:36

0:36

We'll be back in the fall!By BugsNeedHeroes

1
Gregarious Kevin (BROWN RECLUSE) 1:30:38

9M ago1:30:38

1:30:38

This week we are joined once again by Kevin Wiener of All Bugs Go To Kevin. Kevin has a deep love for brown recluses and hopes to dispel some of the fear around this significant arachnid. Tangents include grief, voice notes, and cats. And a special life update from Kevin at the end of the episode. Kevin's spider heartbeat video: https://youtu.be/Bo…

1
The Model Organism (HORNWORMS aka HAWKMOTHS) 1:06:08

10M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

It's NATIONAL MOTH WEEK! We are celebrating by discussing a really hefty bug. A real chonker. There are over 1400 species of Sphingidae moths, and they start as juicy, mouthwatering caterpillars. It is a bug that Amanda has met and you may find in your garden on your tomatoes! We discuss some of their impressive adaptations as we create a character…

1
Flonase Technicolor (FIREFLIES) 1:19:48

10M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Amanda tries (and fails) to resist singing the hit single from 2009 by Owl City as we talk about the Lampyridae family of beetles. They have many names, all of them deceptive. They are not flies, they do not produce heat or lightning, and they are not worms, but they are very buggy. Tangents include the book/film adaptation Where'd You Go Bernadett…

1
Painbow (MANTIS SHRIMP w/ Just The Zoo of Us) 1:30:22

11M ago1:30:22

1:30:22

It's a rambunctious episode as Just the Zoo of Us Podcast host Ellen Weatherford joins us to settle a debate: are shrimps bugs? Are mantis shrimps shrimps? We discuss how they may or may not be turning into crabs and what they might think of sunsets. Tangents include Godzilla, weddings, pet store stories, internet memes, Sailor Moon and anime trans…

1
BONUS: Don't freak out about Joro Spiders 15:26

11M ago15:26

15:26

Remain calm. Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsneedheroes/ Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bugsneedheroes Join us on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BugsNeedHeroes Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad with assistance from Chelse…

1
The Dash (TIGER BEETLES) 1:02:49

11M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

This week Kelly and Amanda talk about an extremely buggy bug. Is this best bug? Maybe! Tangents include why chess sucks, scrub jays, and spoilers for The Menu. Kelly's Field Notes for this episode: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/the-dash Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram…

1
Marquis de Beetle (BLISTER BEETLES) 1:10:05

12M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Content Warning for the episode: discussion of adult topics, including sexual assault and BDSM. This week Amanda and Kelly discuss a weird group of beetles and its unusual life history and its role in history as a supposed aphrodisiac. Although we mostly focus on the Oil Beetles (Meloe genus), we also talk about some other blister beetles including…

1
Pepper and the Pollution Solution (PEPPERED MOTHS) 1:08:48

1y ago1:08:48

1:08:48

While this moth itself isn't very impressive, it has had an interesting story coinciding with the industrial revolution and the theory of evolution. Kelly discusses genetics and industrial melanism. Amanda discusses dinosaurs and dancing. We recorded video for this episode and a portion of it is on youtube if you want to see pictures of the moths: …

1
The Underground Musician (MOLE CRICKETS) 1:09:12

1y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Another cute bug this week! Mole crickets live in the soil and build musical instruments to augment their melodies. Tangents include Disney movies, exploding whales, marching band energy. And Kelly still hasn't seen A Bug's Life. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/underground-musician The KATU News foo…

1
Sweater-Eater Lad (CARPET BEETLES and other DERMESTIDS) 1:14:42

1y ago1:14:42

1:14:42

On this week's episode, we talk about the spring-time sensation: carpet beetles! We also discuss how their cousins in the Dermestidae family are used in taxidermy and forensic entomology. We contrast the amazing eating abilities of carpet beetles with some of the misfits of DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes. Tangents in this episode dogs (both good…

1
Cicadapocalypse with Roger McMullan (PERIODICAL CICADAS) 1:16:42

1y ago1:16:42

1:16:42

This week Amanda and Kelly are joined by Roger McMullan to talk about periodical Cicadas and his graphic novel about them. Amanda has never seen a cicada. We talk about predator satiation, brooding, and the ever-present desire to scream. Tangents include road trips, lantern flies, eating bugs. Mentioned in the episode: Roger's graphic novel: https:…

1
Dr. M Grampus (VINEGAROONS aka WHIP SCORPIONS) 1:08:56

1y ago1:08:56

1:08:56

This episode we discuss an adventurous arachnid with a powerful presence and a tender heart. Tangents include cookies, the films of George Lucas, and the parietal eye of some almost-lizards. Kelly's field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/dr-m-grampus Arachnid poaching was mentioned in this podcast. Watch them dig …

1
Bearded Bobby the Brigand (ROBBER FLIES) 1:14:09

1y ago1:14:09

1:14:09

This episode Amanda learns about a bug didn't know that she kinda knew when we discuss Robber Flies (family Asilidae). We talk about their protective beards, mobile pupae, impressive disguises. Tangents include Michael Fassbender, Percy Jackson, and other bugs that we love. Can you we've been playing a lot of Baldur's Gate 3 lately? Kelly's field n…

1
The Good Katy (KATYDIDS) 1:21:22

1y ago1:21:22

1:21:22

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in katydids, which is surprisingly gross. This is our Valentine's Day episode. This week we try to discuss katydids (Family: Tettigoniidae) but we get awfully off track. Tangents include discounted chocolate, PalWorld vs Pokemon, the musical CATS, and many other things that we had to cut for time…

1
Roller Girls (TERRESTRIAL ISOPODS) with Dr Scott Kight 1:35:24

1+ y ago1:35:24

1:35:24

This episode contains discussion of sexual behaviors in isopods and other animals. This week we are joined by Dr Scott Kight of Montclair State University to discuss terrestrial isopods. They are known by many common names and come in two basic shapes: runners and rollers. Dr Kight has used them to investigate questions about parental care and wide…

1
All Bugs Go To Kevin (bonus) 26:57

1+ y ago26:57

26:57

We talked to Kevin for quite a while so here's a bit more with him!By BugsNeedHeroes

1
All Bugs Go To Kevin 1:10:49

1+ y ago1:10:49

1:10:49

This week we talk to Kevin Wiener about the facebook group he created that has attracted 160k would-be bug enthusiasts. We talk about overcoming fear, holding spiders, the importance of insects and integrated pest management. Check out the All Bugs Go To Kevin facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/allbugsgotokevin Send us questions and sugges…

1
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter (SPIDER LOTION?) 36:10

1+ y ago36:10

36:10

Kelly and Amanda catch up after the holidays to talk about the viral meme circulating around the Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter sold at Sephora. We talk about the precedent of perfumes and other scents being attractive to animals whether intentionally or not and how likely or unlikely that is for wolf spiders specifically. Kelly reviews …

1
Ms Johnson discovers the meaning of CHRISTMAS BEETLES 1:07:46

1+ y ago1:07:46

1:07:46

This episode we decided to three topics: christmas beetles, two species of hairstreak butterflies which feed on mistletoe, and where bugs go during the winter. Tangents include Hallmark movies, Norse mythology, and yule goats. And assistant producer Desdemona interrupts to have some cat yogurt. Field notes and Amanda's artwork: https://www.bugsneed…

1
The Doodlebug (ANTLIONS) 1:03:18

1+ y ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Amanda says she's never heard of this bug, but I know she has because it was on an episode of Kratt's Creatures that we watched as kids. However, it is nothing like either ants or lions. This puny predator puts its prey in pits! Tangents include pigeons, anime, and Jurassic Park vs The Hunger Games. Somehow, we never even mentioned the Sarlacc Pit …

1
Kelly’s Spidersona (WOLF SPIDERS) 1:16:42

1+ y ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Kelly finally saw Across The Spider-verse! There are some mild spoilers in her review and the discussion that follows. In this episode, we discuss Kelly's favorite spider family: Lycosidae. Amanda designs a costume for if Kelly was bitten by a radioactive wolf spider. Tangents include yelling cats, fearful husbands, and the cursed knowledge of bird…

1
Bug Type Need Heroes (POKEMON with Just The Zoo of Us) 1:49:01

1+ y ago1:49:01

1:49:01

We invited Ellen Weatherford of Just The Zoo of Us podcast on to talk about Pokémon. As of generation 9, there are at least 92 different bug-type Pokémon. We discuss the hits, the misses, and the weird biology of these little guys and how they compare to the real world insect inspirations. Don't worry if you aren't familiar with the games, Kelly wa…

1
ENCORE: Bats Need Heroes (DC’s BATMAN Special) 1:16:15

1+ y ago1:16:15

1:16:15

This is a special encore for Halloween. This episode was originally released in October 2022. A few new bat species have been recognized since then according to Bat Conservation International and the Bat Species of the World: A taxonomic and geographic database. In this episode, Kelly and Amanda invite Producer Derek on to talk about his heroes: th…

1
The Harbinger (MOTHMAN) 1:11:27

1+ y ago1:11:27

1:11:27

For a spooky treat/trick, this episode we give a recap of Kelly's visit to Portland and discuss some of our favorite cryptids with special focus on the mysterious appearance of the Homer Simpson of Cryptids in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Tangents include swooping, Richard Gere, and legitimate chili strategies. Also Mentioned in the Episode: Eyes…

1
Lightfast! (SHELLAC, CARMINE, BEESWAX, TYRIAN PURPLE, IRON GALL INK) 1:16:48

1+ y ago1:16:48

1:16:48

We're back! Since Kelly is still working on becoming Doctor Kelly, Amanda hosts this episode all about bug and bug adjacent derivatives. Tangents include art history (OBVIOUSLY), air travel, and children being scared in grocery stores. Send us questions and suggestions! [email protected] Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugsne…

1
September Diapause 3:15

1+ y ago3:15

3:15

We will be back in October. If you are attending Rose City Comic Con on September 23, please say hello. We will presenting the panel "Wolverines Don't Howl: Actual Animal Super Powers," an earlier version of which eventually lead to this podcast. (Producer Derek will *attempt* to record it for our youtube page) Send us questions and suggestions! Bu…

1
The Trash-Man with Arthro-Pod (COCKROACHES) 1:37:22

1+ y ago1:37:22

1:37:22

This week we are joined by the entomologists at Arthro-Pod to talk about cockroaches! This is our biggest episode yet and conversation covers a wide range of tangents including our The Blue Beetle (the movie is good!), sexy Pokémon, how to best poison each other, "murder hornets", Danny Devito, the Elon Musk/Zuckerberg fight, and loose bugs. This i…

1
The Brown Beetle (DUNG BEETLES) 1:16:20

2y ago1:16:20

1:16:20

We talk about poop in this episode. A lot. You know this bug from the nature documentaries, but with seven thousand species, there's a lot you don't know about this romantic beetle. Tangents include whether Kelly has seen Across the Spider-verse yet (no), Julie of the Wolves, DC's Blue Beetle (no spoilers), Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, …

1
Throw Dirt at Bees with Dr Mathias Nordvig (NORDIC MYTHOLOGY) 1:20:17

2y ago1:20:17

1:20:17

This episode we interview Dr. Mathias Nordvig, Professor or Pre-Christian mythologies and Scandinavian folklore at the University of Colorado, Boulder. We chat about the differences between Norse and Nordic, bees in Nordic mythology, and why there is a general paucity of insect lore in Nordic mythology as a whole. Tangents include Loki, Amanda step…

1
Team Jacobaea (CINNABAR MOTH) 1:06:45

2y ago1:06:45

1:06:45

It's just about time for National Moth Week! In this episode we talk about Producer Derek's favorite moth: the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). Finally, a rival for Isabella Tigermoth. And this moth isn't alone in her fight against the noxious Stinking Willie; her fellow biocontrol agents include the tansy ragwort flea beetle (Longitarsus jacobaeae…

1
The Bouncing Brute (SPOTTED LANTERNFLY) 1:02:03

2y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In this episode we talk about Kelly's cat's favorite bug: the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Kelly rants about honeybees. Amanda teaches Kelly the term "caked up." Tangents include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believing in faeries, crocuses, and trying to remember Adrien Brody's name. Plus a bonus taste test that makes Amanda uncomfortable. The…

1
The Harvestman as portrayed by Pedro Pascal (DADDY LONG LEGS) 1:02:58

2y ago1:02:58

1:02:58

In this episode, we discuss the arachnid order Opiliones, also known as Harvestmen or Daddy longlegs. Easily confused with spiders, these detritivores have long had an urban legend about their mythical bite. But they are harmless and exhibit some impressive parental care. Also in this episode, Amanda talks about a car accident. Tangents include Blu…

1
Bug Hero: Kaitlyn O’Donnell (WINTER MOTHS, BIOCONTROL, CATTAIL MOSQUITOES) 1:08:31

2y ago1:08:31

1:08:31

This episode with interview entomologist Kaitlyn O'Donnell to talk about a range of topics, but particularly her work with the invasive winter moth (Operophtera brumata) and her work at Norfolk County Mosquito Control. Tangents include the film Jupiter Ascending, bald eagles, and Amanda opens a can of worms called the biological species concept. Pr…

1
Across the Spider-People (MILES MORALES, JESSICA DREW, MIGUEL O’HARA) 1:19:55

2y ago1:19:55

1:19:55

We recorded this episode before the release of the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse to discuss the heroes we expect to see in the film (Miles Morales, Jessica Drew, Gwen Stacy, and Miguel O'Hara), what we love about these characters, and to make wild speculation about the plot based on some of the comics we have read. We previ…

1
The Super Mom (EARWIGS) 1:11:18

2y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

The vocab word of the day is cerci. Amanda proves she has been paying attention in this episode about perhaps the buggiest bug who ever bugged. This episode discusses the soil beasts who you may find in your bathroom and their outstanding parental care. Tangents in this episode include the moral capacity for evil in dolphins, garter snakes, and the…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mouse Castle Media Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen