The cast and guests of the Natural History Museum of Utah’s brand-new podcast, “Bug Note,” bring the wild and wiggly world of bugs to KUER 90.1 FM listeners starting on Friday, June 5. The podcast, produced at the museum, offers two minutes of expert-led exploration into the world of invertebrates, covering different topics in 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 its current special exhibition, “Bug World,” which is open through Sept. 7, 2026. The podcast features Christy Bills, NHMU’s invertebrate collections manager, Jason Cryan, 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 Sept. 7. 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 produced by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and built by Wētā Workshop, the five-time Academy Award-winning special effects masters behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar,” and made possible with presenting sponsor support from the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.

Learn more about the podcast “Bug Note” and the special exhibit “Bug World.” Check out the first episode in the video below:

Header image: NHMU entomologists Jason Cryan and Christy Bills sit down with host Daniel Potter to record “Bug Note.” Credit: Mark Johnston/NHMU