Are Invertebrates Frightening? with Jeffrey Lockwood

Grubbing In The Filth: An Invertebrate Podcast

In this episode, we take a critical look at the relationships which we have built with invertebrates. What is it that makes invertebrates frightening and disgusting to so many, yet completely fascinating to others? Tom is joined by Jeffrey Lockwood, author of 'The Infested Mind', to question whether fear of invertebrates is a cultural phenomenon, or something built into the human psyche. We examine the 'six great fears' that can be considered the root of entomophobia, discover the 'cookie test' and learn about the infestations that exist only in one's head. We consider our formative understanding of invertebrates in childhood, the counter-cultural role of invertebrates and the importance of developing a more informed, conscientuous view of creeping, crawling mates.