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.