Ologies with Alie Ward

Join meteorologist Matt Lanza and hurricane expert Dr. Kim Wood as they dive into the essential topics of hurricane preparedness and the intricacies of climate change. They discuss the government's role in weather funding, the curious notion of trusting Waffle House over forecasters, and the chilling reality of future storm predictions. With sharp insights on historical hurricanes and personal risk, this episode is a whirlwind of knowledge mixed with urgency and environmental awareness.

Join meteorologists Dr. Kim Wood, an associate professor specializing in tropical meteorology, and Matt Lanza, a Houston-based forecaster and co-founder of The Eye Wall, as they unravel the mysteries of hurricanes. They discuss the chilling truth behind female-named hurricanes, the mechanics of storm formation, and the importance of hurricane hunters. The duo also critiques the Saffir-Simpson scale, debunks myths surrounding hurricane names, and touches on climate change's impact on these fierce storms, all while sharing personal hurricane experiences.

Jenny Benjamin, director of the Trulson Marmor Museum of the Eye, shares the quirky history of eyeglasses, including what happened if they were stepped on by a horse. Optometrist Nadia Sledge dives into modern vision challenges, discussing how digital screens affect eyesight. They explore fascinating facts like Benjamin Franklin's invention of bifocals, and highlight the critical need for regular eye exams. Humor and history blend as they tackle outdated perceptions of eyewear and offer tips for maintaining eye health in today’s tech-driven world.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ally Louks, a Literary Olfactologist and Cambridge scholar, reveals how smell shapes literature and culture. She explores the powerful impact of scents in novels, dissecting their connection to class and identity. Their conversation travels through the fascinating politics of smell, from censorship scandals in classic literature to the societal perceptions associated with various aromas. Louks articulates how olfactory experiences inform our emotional landscapes and memories, making a compelling case for the significance of smell in storytelling.

Uma Chatterjee, a neuroscientist and mental health advocate, shares her personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She discusses the power of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and the impact of cultural perceptions on mental health. Uma highlights the importance of support systems and challenges stigma surrounding OCD, while also exploring innovative treatments like psychedelics. Listeners gain insight into living with OCD and the significance of compassion in overcoming its hurdles.

Join psychiatrist Wayne Goodman, a leading advocate and researcher in OCD, as he dives into the intricate world of obsessive-compulsive disorder. They tackle common myths and misconceptions, discuss effective treatments like ERP therapy and deep brain stimulation, and explore the genetic links to Tourette syndrome. Goodman offers crucial insights on navigating OCD, including the challenges of diagnosis and the stigma faced by those affected. This engaging conversation sheds light on both the science and the personal experiences surrounding OCD.

Join professional food educator Kyra James, a certified cheese expert from OwnYourFunk.com, as she dives into the cheesy goodness of dairy delights. Discover the science of cheese-making, including why Emmentaler has holes, and get the scoop on the infamous maggot-infested katsu martsu cheese. Learn how cheese can uplift your mood, the secrets of the perfect charcuterie board, and fun facts about cows on boats. Plus, explore Missouri’s cheese caves and hilarious anecdotes from the chaotic cheese-rolling competition—it's a feast for cheese lovers!

Join Kyra James, a Certified Cheese Professional and Fromologist, as she unravels the fascinating world of cheese. Dive into bacterial slurries, explore the etiquette of cheese knives, and laugh over the quirks of rind-eating. Kyra breaks down vegetarian vs. vegan cheeses, cheese history, and insights on unique animal milks. Get ready for quirky topics like using stinky cheese in shoe deodorizers and what goes into an epic charcuterie board. The cheese fun continues with upcoming discussions on DIY cheese and the mysteries of blue cheese!

Dr. Sara Lewis, a firefly expert from Tufts University, ignites our curiosity about these enchanting insects. She shares insightful tips for observing and photographing fireflies, alongside fascinating courtship behaviors and their quirky terminology. You'll learn how artificial light impacts their populations and why some regions have fewer species than others. Sara also highlights the importance of conservation efforts and community science, ensuring these magical creatures continue to brighten our nights.

Emily Taylor, a herpetology professor and rattlesnake expert at Cal Poly, dives into the fascinating world of rattlesnakes. She debunks myths, sharing why these creatures deserve our admiration and the crucial role they play in ecosystems. Listeners learn about their hunting strategies, interactions with squirrels, and even safe practices for coexisting with them. Emily also promotes the inaugural Snake Week and discusses her innovative Project Rattlecam, fostering a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood reptiles.