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.