

Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2023 • 20min
Smologies #28: AGING with Caleb Finch
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.

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 15min
Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS) with Holly Bik
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.

17 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 10min
Gustology (TASTE) with Gary Beauchamp
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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 39min
Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) Part 2 Encore with Katie Mack
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.

Sep 8, 2023 • 22min
Smologies #27: MARS with Jennifer Buz
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.

45 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 34min
Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) Part 1 Encore with Katie Mack
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.

95 snips
Aug 29, 2023 • 48min
LIFE ADVICE Encore: For anyone who is tired & needs some hacks
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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 25, 2023 • 22min
Smologies #26: POOP with Rachel Santymire
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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

27 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 6min
Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) Encore with Helen Zaltzman
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.

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 23min
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 2 Encore with Mike Natter
Wrapping up our Diabetology 2 parter encore, diabetic diabetologist and wonderful person Dr. Mike Natter, MD is back with a little introduction covering some stuff that wasn't on the radar back in 2019, like what's the deal with this Ozempic stuff you've heard about, and then Natter from the past goes on to answer all of your questions about blood sugar, the cost of insulin, pancreas transplants, keto, glucagon, how exercise can save your life, his most meaningful interactions with patients, pudding theft, and the best place to cry at work. Also: why you should always keep frosting in your purse.This episode is swear-free and okay for all ages, and a bleeped version of Diabetology Part 1 can be found at this link.Follow Dr. Mike Natter on Instagram and TwitterA donation went to JDRFMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped 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 & Steven Ray MorrisTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


