The Atlas Obscura Podcast Bad Rap Week: Dylan and Alan Fall Down the Rat Hole
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Apr 29, 2025 Alan Goffinski, producer and composer of the Terrestrials podcast, dives into the intriguing world of New York City's rats alongside Dylan, who grapples with his mixed feelings about these creatures. They explore the surprising intricacies of rat life, from a hidden subterranean kingdom to a humorous encounter on the streets. Alan shares insights on how these often-maligned rodents are actually intelligent, resourceful urban survivors. Can Dylan shift his perception from anti-rat to perhaps a bit more pro-rat? Tune in for this fascinating journey!
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Colorful Rat Hotline Stories
- Alan's rat hotline collected colorful and diverse rat stories from New Yorkers.
- Callers shared experiences from stepping on rats to fond memories, showcasing mixed public feelings.
Rats' Hidden Underground Metropolis
- New York City's estimated three million rats form a vast, mostly unseen underground metropolis.
- Rats live in complex tunnel networks, often never seeing daylight, fed by human waste and urban infrastructure.
Urban Environment Fuels Rat Population
- Rats access food, water, and hiding places abundant in NYC, enabling their thriving population.
- The city's trash and sewage create superhighways supporting a complex rat ecosystem beneath the streets.