In the 12th episode of the ParAqua Podcast Joe speaks to Prof Kevin Lafferty from the US Geological Survey based at University of California, Santa Barbara. Together they discuss Kevin's research into how parasites influence food webs and trophic dynamics as well as the challenges of treating outbreaks of neglected tropical parasites in developing nations. The ParAqua podcast was funded by COST, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology and is a product of the ParAqua Action. If you are interested in joining the Action or just want to know more please go to www.paraqua-cost.eu . The podcast is produced by Joe Money and Serena Rasconi and the Science Communication Coordinator is Ana Gavrilović. If you have any questions or want to get in touch to discuss your research in aquatic or marine ecology please email: joemon[@]amu.edu.pl