I'm Afraid That

Nicole Byer (Nailed It!, Loosely Exactly Nicole) is afraid of cockroaches. We talk with the comedian and actress about the commonly detested insect. We also talk with Professor of Urban Entomology Dr. Philip G. Koehler about his research on cockroaches and get to know more about them.

Tyler Coates, writer and former Esquire editor, is afraid that everyone hates him. We talk with him about how he’s dealt with this fear in a social media age. We also get Tyler to chat with expert Jane Marie about how to break that fear down.

Megan Amram (Parks and Rec, The Simpsons) is afraid of her own hands. We talk with the Emmy-nominated writer about dealing with her phobia. We also talk with licensed clinical psychologist and social worker Dr. Robin Zasio about how phobias work and ways to treat them.

Claudia O’Doherty (Love, Extra Ordinary) is afraid of rats. We talk with the actress and comedian about all her rat tales. We also chat with expert Dr. Michael Brecht about rat experiments that show the playful side of the rodent.

Kids are afraid of everything! On this special episode of I’m Afraid That we ask kids what scares them the most. Monsters, the dark, natural disasters, ghosts and more! Plus, we talk with expert Meera Gopolan to find out the best ways to help kids talk about those monsters in the dark.

Jane Marie (This American Life, DTR) and Dann Gallucci (Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids), co-creators of The Dream, are afraid of death. We talk with the producers about how their fear of death affects their lives. We also talk with expert Sarah Chavez, executive director of the Order of the Good Death.

Lang Fisher (The Mindy Project, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) is afraid of flying. We talk with the writer and producer about this common fear. Then we chat with expert Max Wheeler, a writer and former pilot.

Janicza Bravo (Lemon, Zola) is afraid of home invasions and is also afraid of holes. We talk with the director and actor about her fears; then talk with Forensic Psychology expert Dr. Claire Nee to hear some interesting facts about break-ins from a virtual reality experiment with convicted burglars.

Ryan O’Connell (Special, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves) is afraid of going to the movie theater. We talk with the Emmy nominated writer and performer about how this fear came to be in his life. We also talk with our resident expert, Stacey Slate, about anxiety and panic attacks.

Ira Madison III (Keep It, Daybreak) is afraid of a party invitation response. We talk with the cultural critic about how his fear developed. We also talk with Psychological Astrologist Danielle Beinstein about Leo energy and how that can help develop this fear.

New fears, guests, experts, and surprises! Starting October 14th. Subscribe today!

Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Key and Peele) is afraid of unwanted attention. Host Daniel Zomparelli talks with the award winning writer and performer about how he conquered that fear and how it helped inform his blockbuster film Get Out. We also talk with black horror expert Tananarive Due about why Peele's film is able to capture that fear so succinctly.

Ali Liebegott (Transparent, The Conners) is afraid of exercise and getting tired, so host Daniel Zomparelli talks with the novelist, poet and actor about how that fear developed. We also chat with resident expert Stacey Slate, learn tips from fitness expert Jasmine Danielle, and hear about a gym created with inclusivity in mind.

Gabe Liedman (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Obvious Child, Pen15) is afraid of slipping and falling. The comedian and writer tells host Daniel Zomparelli what makes him so frightened of slippery surfaces, while resident expert Stacey Slate explains how simple fears can be about something deeper — or our human instincts.

Andrew Ti, host of Yo, Is This Racist?, is afraid of public speaking. Host Daniel Zomparelli talks with the writer and podcaster about his fear of performing in front of an audience. He also checks in with resident expert Stacey Slate and public speaking expert with Sarah Kessler on what makes performance anxiety so common.

Liza Dye is afraid of another major accident. Host Daniel Zomparelli talks with the writer and comedian about the tragic subway accident that changed her life, and the PTSD that followed. He also chats with Stacey Slate, our resident expert and mental health counselor, about how PTSD can affect our fears and what friends and family can do to help those struggling with it.

Our Lady J (Transparent, Pose) is afraid of screeching metal sounds. Host Daniel Zomparelli talks with the writer/producer/musician about what sparked the fear and how trauma helped develop it. He also chats with psychotherapist and art therapist Benjamin Davis about how transphobia in society can cause these fears and trauma, and how we can work towards creating a safer space for our trans youth.

John Early (Search Party, The Characters, 555) is afraid of dinner parties. We talk with the comedian/performer about friends socializing, gender performance and signs of party success. We also check in with Emily V. Gordon (The Big Sick) and Sarah Taylor (host extraordinaire) for hot tips on leavings guests — and the host — happy.

Jenny Slate is afraid of ghosts. Host Daniel Zomparelli talks to the writer, actress and comedian (Park and Recreation, Venom) about growing up in a haunted house and the problem with unfinished business. Fear expert Margee Kerr, author of Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, weighs in on why one woman's fright is another's definition of fun.

Coming October 29, a podcast that tackles fear and finds out where it comes from.