Dr. Jessica Ware and Sabrina Imbler explore the fascinating process of caterpillars transforming into butterflies, reflecting on personal transformation and the beauty of overlooked insects. They discuss embracing discomfort and vulnerability for true transformation, the importance of collective action and dismantling the current system, and the power of small actions and personal growth in creating a better future.
The importance of vulnerability, discomfort, and pain in the journey towards personal and societal change.
The need to appreciate the diversity and evolutionary history of all creatures, challenging societal bias towards beauty and encouraging a broader appreciation for all insects.
Deep dives
Metaphors of Change: Butterfly Transformation
The podcast explores the metaphor of a butterfly transformation as a symbol of change and growth. The transformation process involves the caterpillar dissolving into goo, rearranging its internal and external anatomy, and emerging as a butterfly. This metamorphosis reflects the importance of vulnerability, discomfort, and pain in the journey towards personal and societal change.
The Value of Other Insects
The podcast questions the disproportionate attention given to butterflies as beautiful insects, overlooking the beauty and uniqueness of other insects like caterpillars, moths, and beetles. This highlights the need to appreciate the diversity and evolutionary history of all creatures, not just the visually appealing ones. It challenges the societal bias towards beauty and encourages a broader appreciation for all insects.
Multiple Metaphors for Change
The podcast explores different metaphors for change, such as the molting process of caterpillars, the collaborative behavior of hermit crabs, and the stacked heads of the gum leaf skeletonizer caterpillar. These metaphors emphasize various aspects of change, including vulnerability, collaboration, and discomfort. They invite reflection on personal growth, societal transformation, and the interconnectedness of beings in the natural world.
Welcome to the end of Flash Forward. This is the very last episode of the show ever. And on it we tackle the big, BIG question: how do you change the world? How do you change yourself? How do you change tomorrow?
This episode of Flash Forward was written by me, Rose Eveleth, edited by Avery Trufelman, produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman and sound designed by Ariana Martinez. Much of the music in this episode is by Ilan Blanck. The outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Special thanks to Kendra Snyder at the Museum of Natural History; Cass Adair, who read Sonnet Against Entropy by John M. Ford; Elena Rivera, who read The Hermit Crab by Mary Oliver; and to Siona Petrous, who read our Octavia Butler quote.
That’s all for Flash Forward, go forth and make better futures, okay?
Poem Credits
Sonnet Against Entropy, by John M. Ford, published by Tor in 2011