Bethany Brookshire

Kathy Corradi, NYC's Director of Rodent Mitigation, delves into innovative strategies to combat the city's notorious rat population. Joining her is Bethany Brookshire, a science journalist and author, who explores the cultural perceptions surrounding these misunderstood creatures. They discuss the historical misconceptions linking rats to the Black Death, the ethical challenges of rat control, and the critical role of sanitation. The conversation also uncovers why our disdain for rats may reflect human biases rather than true health threats.

Jan Pinkava, co-writer of Pixar's Ratatouille, shares how he created a beloved rat hero, while Julia Zichello, an evolutionary biologist, discusses her personal experiences with rats and their nuanced behaviors. Bethany Brookshire reveals how societal views label rats as villains and examines the emotional connections people can form with them. The podcast explores the complex relationships humans have with rats, how media influences perceptions, and the underlying moral dilemmas in using these creatures for scientific research.

Bethany Brookshire, an animal-human interaction expert and author of 'Pests, How Humans Create Animal Villains', dives into the intriguing nature of pests. She humorously discusses the garden battles with gray squirrels and the emotional biases that influence our views on animals like pigeons versus beloved pets. The conversation spans historical perspectives on pests, the complexities of coexistence with wildlife, and how environmental factors shape our perceptions, making us rethink which animals deserve our sympathy.