Natalie Lawrence

Guest Natalie Lawrence, a historian of science and author of 'Enchanted Creatures,' dives into the captivating world of monsters. She explores 15,000 years of storytelling, unraveling how figures like dragons and Godzilla mirror our fears and desires. Their symbolism in creation myths, especially the monstrous feminine embodied by Medusa, showcases societal anxieties. Lawrence also discusses the evolving portrayal of dinosaurs and Godzilla, revealing how these creatures transform from symbols of destruction to reflections of inner conflict and nature's power.

Natalie Lawrence, a historian of science with a PhD from Cambridge, delves into the fascinating world of monsters, exploring their significance in early modern natural history. She discusses the allure of childhood curiosities like dinosaurs and the psychological depths of iconic figures like Medusa. Lawrence highlights how dragons embodied natural forces and how monstrous identities evolved during colonial times. She also takes listeners on a journey through the eerie beauty of sea creatures, revealing our complex relationship with the unknown.