Radiolab reporter Alex Neason recounts her intense fear and disgust of cockroaches after a close encounter. She embarks on a journey to understand and potentially conquer her phobia. This episode delves into the world of cockroaches, exploring their nature and how humans perceive them. Alex seeks insights into the roots of her fear, learning more than she anticipated about these insects. The episode features interviews with experts like Jessica Ware to gain various perspectives. The sources cited include academic articles and books that discuss cockroaches from different angles. The podcast encourages listener engagement through newsletter sign-ups and social media. Radiolab is funded by listeners and supported by various foundations. The credits acknowledge the team behind the episode's creation and production.