NHMU’s Newest Podcast Bug Note to Air on KUER 90.1 FM

Utah’s leading experts on insects share fascinating insights from NHMU with listeners statewide 

SALT LAKE CITY, June 4, 2026 — The cast and guests of the Natural History Museum of Utah’s brand-new podcast, Bug Note, will bring the wild and wiggly world of bugs to KUER 90.1 FM listeners starting this Friday, June 5. The podcast, produced at the museum in Salt Lake City, will offer 2 minutes of expert-led exploration into the world of invertebrates, covering different topics each episode.  

KUER’s popular lineup of Friday programming, including the syndicated favorite Science Friday, will add Bug Note at 7:42 and 9:42 a.m., providing a local take on invertebrates and expanding listeners’ knowledge of the natural world.  

Bug Note was developed by NHMU in conjunction with their current special exhibition, Bug World, which is open through September 7, 2026. The podcast features Christy Bills, NHMU’s invertebrate collections manager, Jason Cryan, Ph.D., NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Daniel Potter, the producer and host of the podcast. Bug Note was made possible with a generous gift from NHMU friend Ted Fridirici.  

The goal of the new podcast-turned-radio-program is to introduce Utahns to the wonderfully diverse world of entomology and hopefully answer listeners’ questions and dispel common fears.  

“We are often afraid of things that we don't understand,” Bills said. "But when you learn more about arthropods — even unpopular spiders — you see that they're actually not that interested in hurting us. They are lovely, fascinating and enriching to our lives in many ways.” 

Whether one finds bugs spellbinding or scary, they are a huge part of the ecosystem. Bug Note celebrates that and offers unique perspectives from the expert hosts and guests, including acclaimed entomologists, scientists and even artists. All help listeners develop a deeper appreciation for the valuable role invertebrates play in our lives.  

"I see Bug Note as a chance to share and expand our (short!) local science programming,” said KUER station manager Cristy Meiners. “By airing it opposite TreeNote on Fridays, we are giving KUER's audience another touch point to our incredible natural world." 

Bug Note will air on KUER Fridays at 7:42 and 9:42 a.m. beginning June 5 and continuing through the end of August. The on-air episodes complement a growing library of Bug Note episodes already available on NHMU’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and wherever else podcasts are found.  

Fans of the show and entomology in general can see the inspiration behind the podcast by visiting Bug World, the special exhibition open at NHMU until September 7. Produced by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the exhibit offers a larger-than-life look into the genius of insects, and the ways humans are using bug science across society. Bug World is made possible with Presenting Sponsor support from the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.  

Learn more about the podcast Bug Note at nhmu.utah.edu/BugNote.  

Learn more about the special exhibit Bug World at nhmu.utah.edu/BugWorld. 

About the Natural History Museum of Utah 

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing approximately 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.    

About Bug Note 

Bug Note is a new podcast about the wiggly, wild, and weird world of bugs! In these bug-bite-sized episodes, host Daniel Potter asks entomology experts from the Natural History Museum of Utah (and other bug-loving guests) for the buzz on all things insects. 

About KUER 

KUER public radio, a charter member of National Public Radio (NPR), broadcasts from the Eccles Broadcast Center at The University of Utah. 

It is KUER’s fundamental belief that information and public engagement enrich a community. To that end, KUER 90.1 is intensely committed to building a community of world citizens through story and art, discussion and debate, sound and creativity. 

KUER’s work is driven by our public service mission: KUER enhances the lives of its audience with a blend of news, information and entertainment in an unbiased, non-commercial context and creates an ongoing source of service and support vital to community organizations.