Jeff Lockwood, a professor at the University of Wyoming, studied a type of insect called Gryllacrididae, also known as "crickets on steroids". These insects have strong, serrated jaws and are known for their aggressive behavior. To work with them, Jeff had to figure out how to outmaneuver them and avoid getting bitten or slashed. As he worked with the insects, Jeff began to feel like he was getting to know them and wondered if they were more than just mindless brutes. He started to question what drove their violent behavior and whether he could understand their minds. However, Jeff's mentor, Dr. LaFage, had warned him against getting too emotionally invested in his research subjects. Jeff tried to maintain his objectivity, but an event occurred that challenged his beliefs and made him question whether it was possible to truly understand the insects. The story is told by Tamra Carboni, who challenges Jeff's assumptions about the nature of violence and the minds of the insects. The episode is part of the Radiolab podcast, which explores a range of topics, including science and human experience. The podcast is supported by listeners and receives funding from various foundations, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.