June 5, 2026

Bats, Bugs, Space Exploration & Hazardous History with Dan Riskin

Our resident biologist and science expert Dan Riskin returns to talk bugs, bats, children and the great outdoors and the Artemis || mission!

Show Notes

Jann Arden, Caitlin Green & Sarah Burke welcome back friend of the show, biologist and science journalist Dan Riskin. They discuss Dan's work on the show 'Hazardous History,' his passion for bats, and the importance of exposing children to nature. The conversation also touches on parenting styles, outdoor exploration, and the myth of lemmings perpetuated by Disney. They reflect on curiosity when it comes to kids and nature and the emotional impact of the Artemis II mission and space exploration in general.

Dan Riskin is a bat biologist and science journalist. If you like science stories that make you feel smart, but also giggle a little bit, you should sign up for his free weekly newsletter, The Bat Signal, at https://FollowTheBatSignal.com

(00:00) Welcome Back Dan Riskin

(01:32) Hazardous History and Dangerous Toys

(03:00) Dan's Bat Adventures

(08:56) The Importance of Nature for Children

(13:59) Parenting and Outdoor Exploration

(18:59) The Myth of Lemmings and Disney's Influence

(20:33) Ethics in Wildlife Filmmaking

(23:01) Conservation Challenges and Human Intervention

(27:56) Assisted Migration and Climate Change

(29:06) The Emotional Impact of Space Exploration

(39:05) The Importance of Connection to Nature

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