Orb Weavers (with Sterling K Brown, Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan)

In a conversation centered on spiders and particularly orb weavers, Joaquin Phoenix led a discussion that encompassed both fascinating behaviors of these arachnids and common human fears associated with them.

Orb weavers are a type of spider known for their large, elaborate webs

Orb weavers belong to the Araneidae spider family, which has over 3,000 identified species

Orb weavers are recognized for weaving the classic Halloween web, often spanning between two bushes or trees. Their large, orb-like webs have earned them their name. These spiders are part of the Araneidae family, which is known to have 3,108 species.

Orb weavers construct a new web every day, and they eat their old webs to recycle the materials

In an industrious process, orb weavers build a new web each day. They dispose of their old webs by eating them, which is a method to recycle their web materials.

Female orb weavers are polyandrous, meaning they have multiple male partners, and may even eat their male partners after mating

Female orb weavers lead a polyandrous lifestyle, mating with multiple partners. In some orb weavers species, the female may consume the male after mating. Whether a male orb weaver survives his first copulation hinges largely on the duration of the genital contact. Males that detach early, within five seconds or so, might survive, but those engaging in prolonged copulation for over ten seconds are likely to be eaten. This longer mating, despite the risk of cannibalism, correlates with more effective sperm transfer and increased paternity chances for the male.

Spiders can elicit strong phobias and fears in many people

Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias

D'Arcy Carden reveals her own struggles wit ...

Individuals may harbor irrational fears and anxieties about a variety of subjects, from heights to serpents. Some of these phobias are well-known, while others are newly emerging alongside societal and technological changes.

Phobias can develop around a wide range of subjects, from heights to snakes

Nomophobia is a proposed new phobia for the fear of being without a working mobile phone

The term nomophobia has been proposed to describe the rising anxiety some people experience when they're without their mobile phones. This fear, though not officially classified as a phobia, spotlights our increasing dependence on these devices.

Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting, which is quite common

Emetophobia, the fear of vomiting, is surprisingly common. Sterling K. Brown notes that this fear can significantly impact daily life, sharing how actress Regina Hall struggled with oral tests during COVID-19 due to her emetophobia. The phobia can cause people to avoid certain activities and situations where they fear vomiting may occur.

Certain phobias, like the fear of clowns, are more widespread in children

Research shows that young children generally dislike and fear clowns, finding their appearance and behavior unsettling

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered that children nearly universally dislike clowns, with many finding them not only unlikable but also quite frightening. The fear of clowns, or coulrophobia, can be especially ...

From music to film, the image of the eerie, mischievous clown has found a concrete place in popular culture. It manifests in everything from dedicated fans of the detour into the sinister through Insane Clown Posse, to the horrifying Pennywise in Stephen King's "It" and the deeply unnerving portrayal of Joker by Joaquin Phoenix.

The Insane Clown Posse and their fans, known as "Juggalos", have embraced the creepy clown aesthetic

The Insane Clown Posse, known for its dark, violent lyrics, and elaborate live performances, has drawn on the image of the unsettling, sinister clown to shape its identity. The term Juggalo, referring to the devoted fans of the Insane Clown Posse, originated during a 1994 live performance by the group. Violent J, a member of the duo, addressed the audience as Juggalos while performing the song "The Juggla," and the name stuck.

Juggalos, the devoted fans of Insane Clown Posse, gather annually for the "Gathering of the Juggalos" festival

Annually, fans of the Insane Clown Posse come together for a three-day music festival known as the Gathering of the Juggalos, which takes place in the woods and serves as a celebration of the subculture that has formed around the group's music and aesthetic.

Creepy clowns have appeared in popular culture, like in Stephen King's novel "It"

The ominous clown theme does not stop with musical acts; it extends into literature and film as well. Stephen King's novel "It," which introduced the nightmare-inducing Pennywise, exemplifies soc ...

Joaquin Phoenix is a revered actor within the Hollywood industry, celebrated for his compelling performances and nominations for multiple Oscars.

Joaquin Phoenix is an acclaimed actor who has been nominated for multiple Oscars

Early Career Stage Name

In his youthful foray into acting, Phoenix didn’t initially use his given name. Instead, he went by "Leaf" to fit in with the nature-themed names of his siblings River, Rain, and Summer. Such a name reflected a connection to the natural environment, much like his brothers and sisters. However, Phoenix ultimately decided to reclaim his birth name, Joaquin, when he turned 15.

Hollywood Car Accident and Rescue by Herzog

A more harrowing moment in Phoenix's life occurred in 2006, when he experienced a car accident due to brake failure while driving in Hollywood. The aftermath of the crash saw film director Werner Herzog play the role of a good Samaritan. Herzog proceeded to tap on Phoenix's car window calmly and assisted him by breaking the back window of the car to help Phoenix exit the wreckage. After bystanders called an ambulance, Phoenix later sought out Herzog to thank him for his unexpected and life-saving aid.

A new spider species was named after Joaquin Phoenix and musician Lou ...