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.