Bug Note Episode 19: A Fascination With Bugs and Bug Art, featuring Nicole Parish
For many people, insects are easy to overlook — or avoid altogether. But for Nicole Parish, they are a source of wonder, creativity, and connection. On this episode of Bug Note, Parish joins host Daniel Potter to discuss her love of bugs and the creative inspiration they provide. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.
Bug Note is now available wherever you get your podcasts.
| Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple | Listen on Amazon | Listen on iHeartRadio |
Known online as @_soundoftheforest_, Parish has built a community by sharing her love of insects through videos, artwork, and storytelling. Her content introduces audiences to colorful beetles, curious caterpillars, and other tiny creatures that play important roles in the natural world. Along the way, she encourages viewers to replace fear with fascination and to appreciate the incredible diversity of life all around us.
Parish's journey into the world of insects began with curiosity. Over time, that curiosity blossomed into art, collecting, and education. Her distinctive illustrations and engaging videos celebrate the beauty and complexity of bugs while making science approachable for audiences of all ages.
By combining creativity with natural history, Parish demonstrates that science isn't confined to laboratories or textbooks. Curiosity can start with a walk outside, an interesting photograph, or even a chance encounter with a beetle.
Bug Note on YouTube
Check out the extended conversation on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive notice of upcoming episodes.
About Bug Note
Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.
Authors
-
By Olivia Barney
Olivia serves as NHMU’s Marketing Copywriter/Coordinator, where she collaborates across departments to craft engaging stories that help bring groundbreaking research projects to life. She might be the Oxford comma’s number one fan.
-
By Dan Potter
Daniel Potter is a science writer and audio producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's reported for Nashville Public Radio and KQED in San Francisco, and has appeared on Science Friday and PBS NewsHour. He's also written for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of his writing appears in the 2023 book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.
