Ologies with Alie Ward

Mathematician Dr. Eugenia Cheng discusses the artsy and emotional side of math, covering topics such as Fibonacci sequences, golden ratios, and imaginary numbers. They explore the intersection of math and empathy, link math to ultra-marathons, explain Common Core misunderstandings, embrace the unknown, discuss the power of failure, and explore the moment when understanding calculus clicks.

Ben Goldfarb, an award-winning science journalist, discusses road ecology and the impact of roadkill. Topics include wildlife crossings, skunk smells, moose impacts, ocelot facts, how to avoid roadkill, and the ethics of picking up dead animals. Ben's book, "Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet", is also mentioned.

Cooking show host and environmental scientist Mariah Gladstone discusses the importance of native foods and food sovereignty. Topics include ancestral recipes, debunking misconceptions, indigenous mushroom stories, decolonizing diets, and the significance of mushrooms in different indigenous cultures.

November 6-12 is GAR WEEK! What is a gar, you ask? Picture: A long snout. Hundreds of teeth. Scales that could slice you. Should we fear it? Should we hug it? One of the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable experts on this ancient, mysterious fish joins to make you fall in love with these slimy longbois. Dr. Solomon David is affable, charming, enthusiastic and absolutely shameless when it comes to fish puns. Slip into some hip waders and jump in the muck to learn all about a creature that -- despite decades of mudslinging -- is not a gar-bage fish. Also: why gar caviar is a hella bad idea.Visit Dr. Solomon David’s website and follow him on Twitter and InstagramA donation went to Ranger Rick, part of the National Wildlife FederationMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Ichthyology (FISH), Oceanology Encore (THE OCEAN), Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS), Teuthology (SQUID)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, stickers, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris, and Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Matt Simon, author of "Plight of the Living Dead", reveals mind-controlling parasites and their impact on different species. They discuss zombies in nature, including fungus-controlled zombie ants and wasp bunkers. The chapter also touches on ticks as parasites and the concept of individuality in the natural world. They explore the origins of life and the manipulation of crustaceans by camphosephalins worms. The discussion also includes zombies in popular culture and the horrifying behavior of the jewel wasp. They discuss protecting the earth and fighting the climate crisis, as well as toxoplasmosis infection and its behavioral effects. They further explore the evolution and nature of zombies and share a personal anecdote about a scary moment on a plane with their dog.

Spider silk expert Dr. Randy Lewis discusses the different types of spider silk, how spiders use them to build their webs, and the potential uses of spider silk in composite materials and adhesives. He also talks about genetically modifying bacteria, goats, and silk worms to produce spider silk, as well as the strength and applications of spider silk, including its role in Spider-Man's web-slinging.

Dr. W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston professor and author of “Monsters in America,” discusses monsters in popular culture, their sociological causes, the influence of religion on monsters, and explores the nature of evil and subconscious fears. They also critique the Twilight series and touch on various -ologies while covering a wide range of topics.

Dr. Susan K. Brown, a pomologist and geneticist, discusses the fascinating world of apples, including apple picking tips, genetic mash-ups, DNA trivia, and the process of breeding and marketing new apple varieties. The podcast also explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Barbara McClintock in discovering transposons, the origin of Granny Smith apples, challenges in apple breeding, the flavor of black licorice, growing apples in a backyard orchard, and common misconceptions about apples.

"Smologies #29: PUMPKINS with Anne Copeland" features Anne Copeland, author and human delight, who passionately explores the folklore, history, planting, care, and cooking of pumpkins. From creation myths to medicinal properties, Anne reveals the pumpkin's secrets. The podcast dives into the origins and traditions of Jack-o'-lanterns, the distinction between pumpkins and gourds, and offers carving tips. Discover the fascinating world of pumpkins in this entertaining and informative episode of "Ologies with Alie Ward."

More witches! History! Lore! Wardrobes! Movie trivia! And some advice from your elders? Part 2 is here with the wonderful, informed, and charming writer, speaker, spirit-worker, witch, and witchologist, Fio Gede Parma, who has most recently authored the book “The Witch Belongs to the World.” We chat cats, commercialization, witch trials, environmentalism, fashion, hallucinogenic tinctures, broomstick legends, sex positive witchery, celebrity witches, science history, cosmological ghost theories, and what to do if you think you might be a witch. Also: don’t call people wizards. Content warning: we do touch on some of the historical brutality suffered by those outside of dominant religions and the stigmas faced by people worshiping or observing religions that are considered fringe. Opinions and spiritual or religious beliefs are those of the guest and may conflict with yours, but we are learning about their first hand customs, culture, and lived experience. Visit Fio Gede Parma’s website and follow them on Instagram, Patreon and YouTubeBrowse books by Fio including The Witch Belongs to the World: A Spell of Becoming, Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit, and Ecstatic Witchcraft: Magick, Philosophy & Trance in the Shamanic CraftA donation went to Mudgin-GalMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: SPOOKTOBER episodes, Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS), Genealogy (FAMILY TREES), Geology (ROCKS), Epidemiology (DISEASES), Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER), Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS), Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, stickers, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn