Frass Happens

Arachnophobia is a common human fear, but where does it come from? Are we born with it? And if so, why? In this episode, Katie not only untangles a web of myths about spiders, but she also spins a tale about the nature of fear itself! Whether you are on Team Spider or Team Scream, we hope that you’ll join us for Episode 9 as we delve into the intriguing (and controversial!) world of spiders, confr...

Insects and other invertebrates have stoked our curiosity since we were children. For many of us, these creepy crawlies were beloved childhood pets who taught us how to become responsible caretakers and opened up our realm to the wonders and joys associated with the miniature worlds around us. In today’s episode, Casey explains the natural history of two favorite invertebrates that many of us kept...

Grab your bucket hats, you beautiful creatures! We're going to Florida. In this episode, Katie introduces us to a highly specialized insect with a fascinating life history. Along the way, we zigzag our way through a variety of related topics, from the ingredients in your shampoo to island biogeography! Join us for Episode 7 as we learn all about a hungry, hungry caterpillar with a craving for cara...

We just can’t get enough of the ocean! In today’s episode, Casey brings us back in time to 1999 to discuss the Long Island Sound lobster die-off. This event just so happened to follow heavy, recurrent pesticide use in New York City in response to the first US-based West Nile Virus outbreak. So, were pesticides to blame for this massive die-off in our beloved crustaceans?! To find out, join us for...

Join us on a journey under the sea! Did you know that there are tiny critters pollinating seagrasses in the ocean? Well, neither did anyone else until 2016! In this episode, Katie submerges us into the fascinating universe of marine pollination and discusses the implications of this recent discovery. So, grab your scuba gear and dive into Episode 5! ---- Black Forager reel on pollen allergies: htt...

Did you know that there are approximately 20,000 species of bees?! In this episode, Casey & Katie take us into the wonderful, diverse world of native bees, and help to dispel some myths surrounding bees at the same time! They discuss native bee diversity, the pros and cons of bee hotels, why you shouldn't get a honey bee hive to "save the bees," and how you can support your local pollinators i...

Welcome to Part Two of our episode on the Endangered Species Act! In Part Two, Casey and Katie share the stories of three endangered insects: The American Burying Beetle, the Karner Blue Butterfly, and the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. At the end, we discuss what folks can do to protect endangered and otherwise threatened species. And, luckily, there’s a lot we can do! Including a little bit of mischi...

Well… it turns out we had a lot to say in this episode! Welcome to the podcast’s first two-parter! In Part 1, Katie and Casey provide a brief(ish) history of the Endangered Species Act and discuss the recent, disturbing changes to this US law (July 2026). Knowledge is one of the best weapons we have to fight injustice, so let’s get informed so we can protect our non-human neighbors! ---- Endangere...

What makes an invertebrate an invertebrate? What makes an insect an insect? And what the HECK is a bug?! In this episode of Frass Happens, Katie and Casey provide an “Intro to Entomology” crash course, in which they discuss invertebrate taxonomy and insect anatomy! This episode not only serves as a great jumping off point for new insect enthusiasts, but also provides a good refresher for those who...

Meet Casey and Katie, the hosts of Frass Happens! We are so excited to introduce you to the secret, wonderful world of insects and other invertebrates. Before we begin this journey with you beautiful creatures, we think that it’s important (especially in a world filled with misinformation and greenwashing) that you know who we are and why you can trust us to give you good information on these deep...

Join Casey and Katie, entomologists, educators, and best friends, as they explore the planet’s largest group of animals – invertebrates! Bonded by a love of insects and queer dance parties, your hosts have made it their life’s work to advocate for and conserve the strange and wonderful creatures that so often go unnoticed. In each biweekly episode, the two share wild facts and stories about the “l...