The “Introduced” team explores an interactive art exhibit in Milwaukee. Photo: Wisconsin Sea Grant
“Introduced,” Wisconsin Sea Grant’s award-winning podcast about aquatic invasive species and the Great Lakes, returns for a third season on Nov. 11. The six new episodes feature stories of artists, students and scientists making sense of the ways that AIS impact Wisconsin’s waters.
“In the Midwest, we love our lakes. And you can’t fully understand our lakes if you don’t understand aquatic invasive species,” said Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s video and podcast producer. “I love being able to tell the human stories behind invasive species on ‘Introduced.’ We interview so many different people who are working to keep our lakes healthy and working to do better science.”
This season, Willison co-hosts the podcast with Jenna Mertz, a writer with Wisconsin Sea Grant. The pair highlight stories that touch on themes of science communication and community.
“This season really explores the way that stories, words and art shape the way people respond to introduced species, whether it’s with fear, curiosity or acceptance. As a writer who thinks about words a lot, it was fascinating to dig into those ideas,” said Mertz.
Astrid Hooper Lofton stands next to her creation for the FLOW Project: a giant, stuffed cella beetle. Photo: Wisconsin Sea Grant
The first episode grapples with common names for plants and animals, which can be scientifically inaccurate or, at worst, offensive. Listeners will hear from Tyler Muller, a Ph.D student who discovered — and now, has the opportunity to name — two new species of fish.
Other episodes tell the stories of artists inspired by AIS; a waterfront property owner who contended with the state’s first population of starry stonewort; and the origin of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program, which was inspired by three middle school students in northern Wisconsin.
“Podcasts are a great medium for talking about introduced species. Through friendly conversation, you talk about science — but you can also have some fun, you can share personal reflections and you can let guests speak in their own words. I find it really rewarding,” Willison said.
Listen to the new season on the Wisconsin Sea Grant website and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Introduced is also supported by the Great Lakes Commission.
