Alie Ward, a science communicator, discusses her career journey, building Ologies podcast, importance of adult SciComm, fear killing curiosity, and tips for aspiring communicators. Topics include changing beliefs, engaging audiences, and navigating challenges in the field.
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Quick takeaways
The importance of creating a fun space in SciComm for adults, emphasizing tailored approaches for different audiences.
Storytelling and emotional connections play a vital role in making scientific information memorable and relatable to learners.
Engaging adult learners requires providing meaningful context, emotional connections, and personalized approaches in science communication.
Adapting scientific information to suit audience needs, emphasizing relationships, context, and relevance for effective communication.
Deep dives
The Challenging Yet Rewarding Path of Sci-Com
Passion for science communication was highlighted through the speaker's experiences in early life examination. The importance of finding a connection between scientific information and personal experiences was emphasized. Understanding adult learning in the contrast of childhood curiosity was discussed in the context of motivating adult engagement. The speaker detailed the essential role of relationships in science communication, tailoring information for specific audiences.
Power of Emotional Connections in Learning
The significance of storytelling and emotional connections in making science information memorable and relatable was explored. Personal experiences shared during volunteering at a museum illustrated the impact of context in augmenting the meaning of exhibited objects. The speaker delved into the importance of creating an emotional response through context, history, and relevance in science communication. The power of storytelling in engaging learners and fostering deep understanding was highlighted.
Understanding Adult Learning and Engagement
Insights on adult learning strategies, focusing on the need for relevance and purpose in learning, were shared. The speaker discussed the importance of engaging adult learners by providing meaningful context and emotional connections to the subject matter. The role of relationships and personalized approaches in science communication for adults was emphasized. The impact of storytelling in creating a captivating learning experience for adults was underlined.
Key Learnings from Science Communication Journey
The journey through science communication education underscored the importance of meaningful communication through storytelling and emotional connections. The necessity of adapting scientific information to suit the audience's needs and interests was emphasized. The speaker highlighted the integral role of relationships, context, and relevance in effective science communication for adult audiences. The power of engaging learners through emotional connections and relatable anecdotes was a crucial aspect of the speaker's Sci-Com journey.
The Excitement of Patreon Questions and Engaging Listeners
Having the audience participate through Patreon questions and engaging listeners in ologies makes the podcast more interactive and exciting. The speaker values the community involvement and sees it as integral to creating a meaningful and engaging podcast experience.
Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory of Learning and Community Building
Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory of Learning emphasizes interaction for meaning-making. This theory, discussed in the podcast, highlights the importance of people learning from those with more knowledge to advance their understanding. The hive mind concept seen in the podcast's community reflects the collaborative learning environment.
The Importance of Authenticity and Voice in Science Communication
Maintaining authenticity and voice in science communication is crucial. The speaker emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself in delivering scientific information. By sharing personal experiences and opinions authentically, the podcast aims to connect with the audience and stand out in the field of science communication.
Navigating the Landscape of Science Communication and Misinformation
Addressing misinformation and pseudoscience in science communication is a complex challenge. The podcast highlights the importance of engaging audiences in scientific literature and critical thinking to combat misinformation. By encouraging fact-checking and critical analysis, the podcast aims to empower listeners to navigate the abundance of information available in media and online platforms.
Boy howdy hot dang, Ologies has hit its 300th new episode! In celebration of this milestone, we’ve turned the tables and lead editor Mercedes Maitland hosts this episode with special guest… Alie Ward! We talk about Alie’s twists and turns finding her way into a career in science communication, selling art to child actors in LA, how she built Ologies from a small indie podcast into a chart-topping favorite, why it’s important to give adults a fun space in SciComm, putting yourself out there, how fear can kill curiosity, what it takes to be a science communicator and so much more. Buckle in for Mercedes’ debut as a host and find out whether she can be trusted to carry this beloved Fabergé egg we know as Ologies.
