Episode 17 - Tarantulas, with Dr Sebastian Echeverri

Webster's dictionary defines "fear" as: "an unpleasant, often strong, emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger". For pretty much 90% of the planet, fear in an animal form takes the shape of the humble and introverted Tarantula.

It's unclear why 8 legs and a hairy body seems to equal danger to us, but the answer is probably conditioning from media and a fear that's been passed down through generations, just like a terrible, incorrect recipe from your grandma.

Well, the trauma cycle ends now. Joining Alice today is the ultimate spider-nerd Dr Sebastian Echeverri, who breaks down why we fear Tarantulas and gives us a glimpse into the pros and cons of owning them as a pet. With Halloween coming up, why not face the things that scare you? You might learn something cool for once in your life, damnit.

If you're looking for top-tier spider husbandry knowledge, don't forget to check out "Tom's Big Spiders" on your socials - approved by our spider expert, Sebastian, this week. You can find him on Insta at: www.instagram.com/tomsbigspiders.

Our charity of the week is the INCREDIBLE British Arachnological Society - who are doing the Lord's work by researching and helping to protect our native arachnid species in the UK! You can find them at www.britishspiders.org.uk.