Coexisting with Insects in our Greenspaces: Photographer Danae Wolfe on Chasing Bugs

Coexisting with Insects in our Greenspaces: Photographer Danae Wolfe on Chasing Bugs

Author: cpfreeman August 17, 2025 Duration: 47:25
Insect photographer/advocate Danae Wolfe (of ChasingBugs.com) talks with me about amazing insects (like the spiders, butterflies, moths, and fireflies that I saw in the Appalachia mountains) and why they and their habitats are deserving of our protection, instead of our disdain, zappers, and poisons. We discuss cool tips in her new book "Grass Isn't Greener" to be wildlife-friendly in our greenspaces/ yards (as insect populations are declining and need our help), like by: passing on the pesticides, lessening our lawn, leaving the leaves, planting native plants, flipping the switch on lighting, and avoiding fake Halloween spiderweb mesh yard decorations (go for real spiderwebs). Danae and I also critique some militaristic and negative language common in demonizing insects, and I explain why I try to avoid saying "bugs" (as in 'they bug me'). She also tells me how to avoid being bitten when outdoors. In this 47-minute "In Tune to Nature" podcast, you'll learn a lot about insects (and coexisting with them) from the wealth of experience and enthusiasm Danae Wolfe has an artist and conservationist. Check out her website with cool photos and a short film https://www.chasingbugs.com/  "In Tune to Nature" is a weekly hour-long radio show airing Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern Time on 89.3FM-Atlanta radio and streaming worldwide on wrfg.org (Radio Free Georgia, a nonprofit indie station) hosted by me, Carrie Freeman, or Melody Paris. The show's website and my contact info can be found at https://wrfg.org/intunetonature/   Take care of yourself and others, including other species, like fireflies and oak treehoppers. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on In Tune to Nature do not necessarily reflect those of WRFG, its board, staff or volunteers. Photo Credit by Danae Wolfe: Oak Treehopper mother and baby (one of Danae's favorite insects)

Each week, In Tune to Nature Podcast offers a focused conversation dedicated to the practical and ethical questions of coexisting with the more-than-human world. Hosted by Carrie Freeman, a media studies professor who brings a thoughtful perspective to environmental and animal advocacy, this podcast is an extension of her long-running Atlanta radio show. Rather than overwhelming with data, each 25-minute episode sits down with one person-be it a scientist on the front lines of habitat conservation, an author rethinking our ethical obligations, or an activist organizing for change. The discussions are intimate and detailed, exploring tangible ways we can alter our daily lives and societal structures to become more responsible inhabitants of a shared planet. Listening feels like being part of a necessary and grounded dialogue, one that connects education, culture, and self-improvement to the urgent cause of protecting living beings. It’s for anyone seeking a deeper, actionable understanding of ecology that moves beyond headlines, fostering a sense of connection and agency. This weekly series provides a consistent space to reflect on our role within nature’s intricate web, all through the accessible, personal format of an interview-based podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

In Tune to Nature Podcast
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