In this episode of Writer’s Voice, entomologist and author Barrett Klein discusses his book, The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture. From the crucial roles insects play in ecosystems to their influence on art, architecture, and medicine, Klein unpacks the deep connections between humans and these often misunderstood creatures. [Image above by Barrett Klein.]









“We’d be knee-deep in dung and heaps of cadavers and corpses if it weren’t for insects.” — Barrett Klein









Then, Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop, shares her journey from novice gardener to passionate steward of over 200 acres of meadow and forest. Whyman discusses the challenges of managing invasive species, restoring native habitats, and the unexpected joys of observing interconnected ecosystems.









“The kind of human interference that’s good is managing for the plants that will help the local ecosystem.” — Paula Whyman









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Key Words: Barrett Klein, The Insect Epiphany, ecological importance of insects, insect pollination, biomimicry, insect-inspired architecture, insect conservation, pollinator decline, Paula Whyman, Bad Naturalist, native plants, invasive species management, rewilding, land stewardship.







Similar Episodes: Oliver Milman, THE INSECT CRISIS; Isabelle Tree, WILDING; Doug Tallamy, NATURE’S BEST HOPE





















The Insect Epiphany: Barrett Klein on How Insects Shape Our World







In The Insect Epiphany, Barrett Klein takes us on a journey through the hidden world of insects. Klein explores their critical ecological functions—pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling—and their cultural significance, from silk production to architectural inspiration.







Highlighting ethical dilemmas, conservation challenges, and surprising stories, Klein emphasizes the need to reevaluate our relationship with the little creatures that “run the world.”







Key Topics:









* The ecological roles of insects: pollination, decomposition, and nutrient dispersal







* The insect apocalypse: implications of declining insect populations







* How insects have influenced art, architecture, and human innovation







* Ethical considerations in using insects, from sericulture to pollinator exploitation







* Conservation challenges: balancing agriculture and biodiversity







* Biomimicry and the lessons we can learn from insect behavior and structures

Episode: https://www.writersvoice.net/2025/01/how-insects-shape-our-culture-stewarding-wildness/

Podcast: https://www.writersvoice.net