As It Happens | This huge, invasive spider may spread to Canada. Here's why you shouldn't panic

If you're prone to arachnophobia, fair warning: this story is about a big, invasive spider species. 

But even if you are afraid, maybe you should keep reading. Because although the Joro spider is as big as a human palm, and its babies use parachutes to fly kilometres at a time, and it's already invaded the state of Georgia and now could also invade the entire east coast up into southern Ontario, it might not be that bad.

The bright yellow and dark blue spider is a timid creature and a known eater of mosquitos and other pests, says University of Georgia ecologist Andy Davis, who published a study about the species in the Physiological Entomology journal last month.

"Even though this spider sort of looks threatening ... it's really not much of a threat at all," he told As It Happens guest host Gillian Findlay. "Even if you did happen across the web of one of these things and it got tangled in your hair, it would just run away." 

New Podcast | Welcome to Paradise with Anna Maria Tremonti

Love, marriage… and a secret history of trauma. Anna Maria Tremonti has been keeping her past a secret for over 40 years. As one of Canada’s most respected journalists, she has a reputation for being fearless and hard-hitting. She’s reported from some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. But none were as immediately threatening as life at home.

In her early 20s, she fell in love with a man who seemed worldly and charming. Behind closed doors he was incredibly violent. They were only married for a year but the consequences of the abuse have lasted a lifetime.

This is the first time Anna Maria has told anyone—including family or close friends—the details of what she endured. Working with her therapist, she reveals the intimate details of a past she’s kept to herself for most of her life.

The result is a profoundly intimate portrait of a powerful woman confronting the source of tremendous pain and trauma and, remarkably, freeing herself from a life-long sense of shame. Written and hosted by Anna Maria Tremonti (The Current), produced by Daemon Fairless (Hunting Warhead, Boys Like Me) and mixed by Mira Burt-Wintonick (Wiretap, Love Me, Sorry About The Kid).

Now Available On Demand | Afterdark with Odario Williams 

Follow host Odario Williams as he fills your nights with music. Afterdark's musical journey leads off with popular contemporary hits, and as the show unfolds you'll discover new sounds ranging from art-pop to avant-garde.

Listen weeknights at 9pm on CBC Music or anytime on the CBC Listen app. Hear music from  Amy Winehouse, Bobbi Bazini, Andra Day, and Sam Smith - then Tei Shi, Chet Faker, Leif Vollebekk, Charlotte Day Wilson.