Ologies with Alie Ward

IT’S HERE. Witches. Not just a witch expert, but also a witch. Author Fio Gede Parma is a practicing witch and highly respected writer, speaker and teacher. They cover witch history, different types of witches, intersectional witchcraft, forest covens, teen movies, witch trials, witch fashion, midnight myths, lunar pratfalls, spells, cheerful nudists, awkward Uber rides and more. Also: how does one…become a witch? And just a warning: we touch on some stigmas and physical and emotional harm suffered by those observing religions considered fringe. Your own spiritual or religious beliefs are yours to keep, but the nature of some conflicts are discussed. (Science note: this specific episode of Ologies is a little different; not the norm. Unlike vampires or monsters, there are *real* witches among us and I wanted to include their voices in this deep dive of their beliefs. So you may not agree with everything they say and a lot of it can’t be qualified, but this episode is about culture, history and the ideology of a certain spiritual group. So listen with that in mind and  you'll learn about religious beliefs —that you may not agree with and that science has not fully figured out or upheld — but you'll get to know the real people and lifestyles behind the tropes we’ve seen in fiction. Then the rest of Spooktober we’re back to genetics and statistics and Google scholar research papers and such. Relax, and enjoy.)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, Selenology (THE MOON), Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) with @BlackForager, Oneirology (DREAMS), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Philematology (KISSING), Bryology (MOSS), Mycology (MUSHROOMS), Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS)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 Productions and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

World-renowned aging expert and biogerontologist Dr. Caleb Finch answers questions about aging, genetics vs. environment, lifespan in different species, blue zones, and the mysteries of aging. Explore the stories of Jean Calmont and the Bolivian Amazon group with slower arterial aging.

Antarctic explorer and Nematologist Dr. Holly Bik discusses deep sea (benthopelagic) worms, including their biology, habitats, and behaviors. They cover topics such as the unique features of nematodes, studying nematodes in Antarctica, the impact of glaciers on deep sea worms, and the importance of studying worm biodiversity in the ocean. They also touch on regrowth capabilities of certain worms, nematodes in humans, and artistic science communication.

In this podcast, Gustologist Dr. Gary Beauchamp discusses a range of interesting topics including tastebud flim-flam, MSG research, weaning off sugar, salt restrictions in different countries, losing taste with Covid, artificial sweeteners, acquiring a taste for foods, and the connection between a sweet tooth and booze consumption.

Astrophysicist Katie Mack discusses cosmic vertigo, vacuum decay, asteroid impact threats, and the fate of the universe. They also touch on reducing light pollution, the shape of the universe, and express gratitude towards individuals involved in the podcast.

Dr. Jennifer Buz, a chill areologist and absolute gem, talks with Alie about Mars's mysteries, sending rovers, poetry of moon Phobos, Martian sunsets, and the possibility of landscaping Mars as a golf course.

Astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Katie Mack discusses updates in cosmology and her most embarrassing moments. Topics include particle physics, gravitational waves, dark matter, black holes, Stephen Hawking's influence, and the dangers of black holes. The chapter also explores the detection of gravitational waves and recommendations for beginner cosmology books.

Alie takes a teeny tiny break from her vacation to reintroduce you to this laid back, super helpful fan favorite episode. Listen in for: Pomodoro timers! Bullet journals! Apps, tips, tricks and philosophies. Also: the most mellow episode ever, recorded late at night in a guest room. Like a cozy duvet of wisdom, this one is full of life hacks for remaining productive & healthy during distracting times. I asked Ologites their best strategies for keeping their brains less burdened and organizing everything from schedules to leftovers to sock drawers. In quick 5 chapters: Your Hot Bod Needs ThisHome is Where the Hard IsWrestling with Father TimeTricking Your Brain to Trick Your BrainEmo Stuff Whether you’re neurotypical or not, this follow up to the ADHD series is a catalogue of strategies to make future you happier. More episode links and resourcesDonations went to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and International Myeloma FoundationSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media and Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

ANNOUNCEMENT: SMOLOGIES NOW HAS ITS OWN FEED! SUBSCRIBE  FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY. Subscribe to Smologies: https://pod.link/1746567248Yep. Here it is. A kid-friendly episode on… poop. Camel poop. Rhino poop. Dog poop. Cat poop. Your poop. The charming and informative Dr. Rachel Santymire -- aka Dr. Poop -- has a background in animal physiology and endocrinology and is elbow deep in dung as a research director at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Dr. Poop sits down with Alie to talk turds and why some critters like to chow down on their own (or others’), the stinkiest poopers, good smelling poop, how getting curious about poop can help save a species, and why the Lincoln Park Zoo has 17 freezers full of dookie. You’re welcome.A donation went to Lincoln Park ZooFull-length (*not* G-rated) Scatology episode + tons of science linksMore kid-friendly Smologies episodes!Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray Morris, Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio, and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaMade possible by work from Noel Dilworth, Susan Hale, Kelly R. Dwyer, Emily White, & Erin TalbertSmologies theme song by Harold Malcolm

Helen Zaltzman, an etymologist, discusses word origins, gender in language, slang, emoji decoding, step parents, babies wearing glasses, Greek kimonos, language evolution, tomatoes, avocados, and fish trails with Alie.