Howdy, I’m Ralph.

I spend most of my time thinking about empathy and arthropods, and there is a striking interconnection between the two subjects. Insects live on every continent, they are found in nearly all environments, and they affect what we eat, what we wear, and where we live. Yet, despite their tremendous influence on our own lives, and their outsized importance in global ecology, insects are often ignored, neglected, or maligned. We often exhibit similar ignorance, contempt, and dread towards other human beings. I believe that if we grow in kindness towards the small and six-legged, we will also grow in kindness towards ourselves.

I offer speeches, workshops, and presentations on empathy, love, cultural understanding, ecological mindfulness, and insect biodiversity.