The First Brain explores the unique characteristics of planarians and their contributions to neurobiological research. The book highlights how these organisms have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of neuroscience and neuropharmacology. Dr. Pagán's work provides insights into the scientific significance of planarians in the field of neuroscience.
This book by Stephen Hanks delves into the historical context of the world up to 1626, exploring themes of ancestry and the broader implications for modern times. It touches on global legends of catastrophic events and their impact on human history.
Until Proven Safe delves into the history and future of quarantine, examining its role in managing uncertainty and its implications on society. The book covers a wide range of topics, including medical isolation, nuclear waste facilities, and even extraterrestrial contamination. It provides a thought-provoking analysis of how quarantine shapes our understanding of freedom, governance, and mutual responsibility.
In *The Tailored Brain*, Emily Willingham delves into the promises and limitations of popular and emerging brain customization methods. The book offers a candid and evidence-based approach to cognitive enhancement, emphasizing the importance of tailoring strategies to individual needs. It includes discussions on ketamine, keto diets, and the role of companionship in mental well-being.
This book takes readers on a journey from speculative fiction to speculative 'fact', exploring the human consequences of developing technologies. It features provocative questions about the future brought to life by comics and graphic artists, followed by insightful essays that distinguish between fantasy and near-reality. The book reveals how our future might be complicated, messy, incredible, frightening, and strange.
This book offers practical guidance on wildfire evacuation planning, execution, and recovery in First Nations communities. It includes real-life stories, checklists, and guiding questions to help communities and external agencies prepare for evacuations. The guide addresses challenges such as assessing health risks, transportation, accommodations, and caring for vulnerable members.
This book provides a comprehensive and visually engaging exploration of bird eggs from around the world, featuring life-size photographs and detailed descriptions. It covers a wide range of species, including some that are endangered or extinct, and offers insights into the biology and ecology of these remarkable natural objects.
Periodical Cicadas: The Brood X Edition provides a detailed exploration of how the study of Brood X cicadas has contributed to our broader understanding of these periodical insects. The book offers insights into the biology and historical significance of cicadas, particularly focusing on Brood X, which is one of the most well-known broods. It is designed to be a more affordable version, offering a black and white edition for readers interested in cicada biology.
They Are Already Here delves into the world of UFO enthusiasts, exploring their beliefs, interactions, and the cultural context that shapes their perceptions. The book examines how the community responds to anomalous phenomena and reflects broader societal trends. It also discusses the emotional impact of alleged alien encounters and the role of spirituality in UFO sightings.
In *Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies*, Sara Lewis delves into the captivating lives of fireflies, revealing their unique behaviors, mating rituals, and the challenges they face. The book is beautifully illustrated and accessible, making it a delight for nature lovers of all ages. It explores fireflies from various regions, including New England, the Great Smoky Mountains, Japan, and Malaysia.
In 'Strange Survivors', biologist Dr. Oné R. Pagán explores the fascinating strategies that organisms use to survive and thrive in their environments. The book delves into the remarkable adaptations and defense mechanisms found in nature, highlighting the diversity and resilience of life on Earth.
Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins offers a fascinating look into the world of animal intoxication, revealing how various species use substances for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The book combines scientific insights with engaging storytelling, exploring the evolutionary reasons behind these behaviors and their surprising connections across the animal kingdom.
This book delves into the fascinating world of wasps, showcasing their incredible diversity and importance in pest control, pollination, and other ecological roles. It introduces readers to various wasp species, their habitats, and behaviors, challenging common misconceptions about these insects. With beautiful photography and accessible language, it appeals to both entomologists and non-experts alike.
This book explores the underlying causes of procrastination, revealing that it is often a form of self-sabotage rather than poor time management. Drawing from over two decades of research, Ferrari provides insights into the psychological factors driving procrastination and offers strategies to overcome these tendencies. The book addresses procrastination in various contexts, including academic and professional settings.
Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis offers a unique perspective on the cultural significance of the penis by examining its role in the animal kingdom. Dr. Emily Willingham challenges common societal myths about male power and dominance, using scientific research to highlight the disparity in focus between male and female reproductive systems. The book is both entertaining and educational, providing a fresh look at evolution, emotion, and ego.
Samantha Montano's "Disasterology" offers a comprehensive look into the realities of disaster response and recovery in the context of climate change. The book delves into the complexities of emergency management, highlighting both successes and failures in various disaster scenarios. Montano examines the human impact of disasters, emphasizing the need for equitable resource allocation and community-based solutions. She also explores the political and economic factors that influence disaster preparedness and response, advocating for systemic changes to improve resilience. The book serves as a critical analysis of current practices and a call for a more just and effective approach to disaster management.
Ms. Adventure follows Jess Phoenix's journey through jungles, glaciers, and volcanoes, highlighting her passion for geology and her efforts to make science more accessible. The book combines daring adventures with scientific insights, showcasing Phoenix's dedication to her field and her commitment to promoting diversity in STEM.
In *Alien Oceans*, Kevin Peter Hand delves into the scientific quest to discover life beyond Earth, focusing on the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. He explores how insights from Earth's oceans inform our understanding of these distant worlds and speculates on the potential for life in their subsurface oceans. The book sets the stage for future discoveries in the solar system and beyond.
In *Dark Archives*, Megan Rosenbloom delves into the historical and scientific aspects of anthropodermic bibliopegy, the practice of binding books in human skin. The book examines the origins of these books, often created by medical professionals, and discusses the ethical implications of their existence. Rosenbloom's research involves testing suspected anthropodermic books and exploring the lives of those whose skin was used for binding.
Edited by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson, 'All We Can Save' is an anthology that highlights the diverse voices of women in the environmental movement. The book is divided into eight sections: Root, Advocate, Reframe, Reshape, Persist, Feel, Nourish, and Rise. It features contributions from scientists, journalists, farmers, lawyers, teachers, activists, and innovators, all of whom are working to address the climate crisis. The collection emphasizes the importance of a feminine and feminist approach to climate leadership, stressing the need for compassion, connection, creativity, and collaboration. It serves as both a balm and a guide, providing hope and practical solutions for navigating the climate emergency[1][3][5].
This book delves into the study of ignorance, examining how and why various forms of knowledge do not come to be, disappear, or become invisible. It covers a range of topics including global climate change, military secrecy, environmental denialism, and racial ignorance. The essays highlight that ignorance is often more than just an absence of knowledge; it can be the outcome of cultural and political struggles. The volume emerged from workshops held at Pennsylvania State University and Stanford University, aiming to theorize and understand the multiple dimensions of power involved in practices of knowing and ignorance[3][4][5].
In 'The Good Kings', Dr. Kara Cooney examines the reigns of Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa to shed light on the dynamics of absolute power in ancient Egypt and its relevance to modern political systems. The book delves into how these pharaohs maintained control and what their stories reveal about the human tendency to favor authoritarian rule over democracy.
From crisp cider to blistering lava, life advice, climate solutions, the comforts of venison stew, cockroaches in orbit, UFO culture, social justice, dongs, worms, wasps, fireflies, bear orgies, makeouts, disasters, the deep ruts of the patriarchy, and desperate horny bugs. This second-ever “Audiobook Mixtape” has it all. So if you’re near a fireplace but have no book, or haven’t started holiday shopping (like your dear old Dadward VonPodcast) let this casserole of literary snippets serve as a refresher of favorite episodes, a teaser for ones you haven’t heard or just a gentle nudge toward a bookshop.
Links to these books (& the Ologists’ episodes)
2019’s Audiobook Mixtape 1 episode
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Transcripts & bleeped episodes
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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media
Transcripts by Emily White of The Wordary
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer