The Most Terrifying Insect You’ve Never Heard Of

Madison Darbyshire makes her first appearance on the podcast to discuss the screwworm – what it is, why it’s threatening U.S. ranchers again, and why all of this could have been prevented. Come for awareness of an emergent problem; stay for the geopolitical explanation for why Texas is the ancestral home of the American cowboy.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:46) - Understanding Screwworms

(04:35) - History of Screwworm Eradication

(09:07) - Challenges and Costs of Eradication

(18:27) - Screwworm's Return and Current Issues

(23:20) - Geopolitical and Environmental Implications

(26:30) - US-Mexico Relations and Screwworm Crisis

(30:24) - Challenges in Sterilizing Fruit Flies

(30:39) - Government Involvement and Financial Hurdles

(31:37) - Comparing International Responses

(32:47) - Economic Impact on Ranchers

(36:32) - Potential Solutions and Public Awareness

(37:26) - Containment Challenges and Expert Opinions

(43:42) - Historical Context and Labor Issues

(50:42) - Geopolitical and Environmental Factors

(55:18) - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReferenced in the Show:

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

CI Site: cognitive.investments

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The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

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Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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