Ologies with Alie Ward

Tyler Thrasher, a plant hybridizer and author known for his engaging approach to botany, shares his passion for household plants. He dives into the hilarious challenges of plant parenthood, from overwatering mishaps to tips on caring for tropical plants like orchids. Tyler emphasizes the emotional benefits of greenery in our lives and discusses ethical cultivation practices, including the risks of illegal plant poaching. With anecdotes and humor, he highlights the joy of naming plants and offers practical advice for nurturing indoor jungles.

Long Covid Part 2: Treatments. Studies. Histamines. Hormones. POTS. Clots. Hearts. Hope. Highly-respected Long Covid expert, Dr. Wes Ely, is back for all of your listener questions. We also check in with Physics Girl Diana Cowern on her years-long struggle with the disease. So start with Part 1, and then finish up with this episode addressing all your straggling questions, and great advice for patients and caregivers. Follow Dr. Ely on GoogleScholarBuy Dr. Ely’s book, Every Deep-Drawn Breath, on Bookshop.org or AmazonDonations went to: Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, And Survivorship (CIBS) Center, Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness, and Open Medicine Foundation – Diana Cowern’s favorite cause to support clinical trialsMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES), Cardiology (THE HEART), Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE), Molecular Biology (PROTEINS + SCIENCE COMMUNICATION), Nephrology (KIDNEYS), Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

What is Long Covid? Is it real? What does it feel like? Do you have it? And how do you cure it? With fatigue and brain fog, you don’t want to spend hours scrolling through conflicting opinions. So we’ve got you covered with the wonderful and highly-respected pulmonologist and intensive care physician and Long Covid expert, Dr. Wes Ely.  So tuck in, breathe deep and let’s load you up with true facts about what Long Covid is, how it differs from other post-viral illnesses, variants and Long Covid risk, why people say it’s not real, advice for caregivers, changing opinions in medicine, similarities to HIV, treatment options, auto-immune issues, POTS, post-exertional malaise, the best way to prevent it. Next week: Part 2 with even more info. Follow Dr. Ely on GoogleScholar and BlueskyBuy Dr. Ely’s book, Every Deep-Drawn Breath, on Bookshop.org or AmazonA donation went to the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, And Survivorship (CIBS) CenterMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES), Cardiology (THE HEART), Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE), Molecular Biology (PROTEINS + SCIENCE COMMUNICATION), Nephrology (KIDNEYS), Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Danielle Lindemann, a sociology professor and author, dives deep into the world of reality TV, exploring its fascinating social implications. She discusses how shows like 'The Real World' have influenced academic sociology. The conversation highlights the dual nature of reality TV as both escapism and a mirror to societal issues like class and race. Lindemann critiques the ethical dilemmas of casting and the psychological challenges faced by contestants while probing the genre's impact on authenticity and cultural representation. It's a riveting look at how 'trash' TV reflects our values.

Carol Wells, founder of the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, shares her insights on the transformative impact of activist art at WonderCon. Dive into the power of political posters that challenge societal norms and evoke strong emotions. The conversation highlights historical and contemporary examples, revealing how art can mobilize communities. From gig posters advocating for climate action to the evolution of public art in the digital age, this discussion showcases creativity's vital role in social movements.

Dr. Herman Taylor, a revered physician and the mind behind the Cardiovascular Research Institute, shares his expertise on the intricate world of cardiology. He talks about the heart's anatomy, functionalities, and why understanding blood pressure matters. Delving into the impact of long-term stress and systemic oppression on heart health, he also highlights crucial heart attack symptoms, especially in women. Nutrition insights reveal how diet can make or break heart health, and he humorously discusses the worst heart tattoos. Get ready to love your heart!

In this engaging conversation, Tim Bean, an associate professor at Cal Poly specializing in rodents, shares his expertise on porcupines. He reveals the quirky mating rituals and charming behaviors of these creatures, including their unique vocalizations and defenses. Listeners learn about the fascinating number of quills, baby porcupines, and how to safely interact with them. Tim's humorous anecdotes make for an entertaining journey into the world of porcupines, highlighting their ecological significance and often-misunderstood nature.

Dr. Robert Proctor, a Stanford professor of the History of Science, dives deep into agnotology, the study of ignorance. He explores how industries like tobacco and sugar manipulate public perception through misinformation. The conversation spans climate change denial, racial injustice, and the psychology of the Flat Earther movement. Proctor emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating difficult conversations and dismantling systems of willful ignorance, urging listeners to challenge misconceptions and promote informed dialogue.

Join Dr. Rebecca Lewison, a biology professor at San Diego State University and an expert in hippo conservation, as she reveals the quirky truth about these massive creatures. Learn if hippos really sweat blood, the dangers they pose, and the intriguing phenomenon of 'cocaine hippos' in Colombia. Dr. Lewison shares hilarious anecdotes about their foraging habits, the surprising risks hippos face, and the importance of conservation efforts, including the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary. Get ready for a fun dive into the world of hippopotamuses!

In this lively discussion, Dr. Kepal Patel, a thyroidologist and surgeon at NYU Langone, dives into the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland and its massive influence on our mood and metabolism. He decodes the mystery behind TSH, T4, and T3 levels, sharing insights on how diet and stress affect thyroid health. Listeners will be captivated by his account of how a viewer’s vigilance led to a cancer diagnosis for HGTV’s Tarek El Moussa. The chat also covers feline thyroid issues, the role of iodine pills in nuclear fallout, and the importance of patient communication.