Ologies with Alie Ward

How do societal structures affect the planet? Why should we get to know our neighbors? What’s the ecological price we pay for … stuff? Yep, there’s an -ology for that. We chat with the founder of Critical Ecology: biogeochemist, National Geographic Explorer, researcher and plant nerd, Dr. Suzanne Pierre. Dr. Pierre’s Critical Ecology Lab is involved with research on the biomes of former plantations, air pollution, agricultural runoff, and even asking questions about wildfire science and the prison system. She explains how the Big Picture can always zoom out and be a little bigger. Before you know it, you’ll see Critical Ecology everywhere you go. Dr. Suzanne Pierre’s websiteFollow Dr. Pierre on Instagram and TwitterA donation was made to Critical Ecology LabFollow Critical Ecology Lab on Instagram and TwitterYou may also enjoy our episodes on: Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES), Indigenous Fire Ecology (Good Fire), Indigenous Culinology (NATIVE COOKING), Bisonology (BUFFALO), Oceanology (OCEANS), Island Ecology (ISLANDS), Forensic Ecology (NATURE DETECTIVE), Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING)Sponsors 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 MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

If you have a physical body, or know someone who does, this episode is for you! Hello, we’re all going to die. And we’re probably all going to lose someone we love. Thanatologist Cole Imperi has become a dear friend and on July 17, 2022 we pulled up a street corner in LA to chat about what she’s been up to and how to cope with the loss of a loved one. Hear about the blooming of friendship and the passing of your Grandpod, then after the break it’s a solo advice dump from me – your internet dad –  with all of the handy tips that listeners and Cole gave me as I have been Going Through It. Everything is going to be okay. It might suck here and there, but the best we can do is love hard, live fully, and cherish the memories. Also: cut bangs, text your crush, eat a tiny ice cream cone. Cole Imperi's websiteFollow Cole on Instagram, Twitter and TikTokA donation was made to The School of American ThanatologyFollow The School of American Thanatology on InstagramGrandpod’s obituaryYou may also enjoy our episodes on: Thanatology Encore (DEATH &DYING), Fearology (FEAR & ANXIETY), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS), Hematology (BLOOD)Smologies (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 MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

As I round out my bereavement leave following your beloved Grandpod’s passing, we’re serving up a special updated Encore of an episode and an Ologist who changed my life. Hoooo boy. We get all up in death and dying's business and to my shock, it's not a bummer. Confront and perhaps OVERCOME existential anxiety as we discuss not only the science of death but the nature and goddang beauty of life. Everything from burial methods, the latest in eco funerals, what a funeral director hates most, how gnomes die, and how to regret less. Meet your new favorite thanatologist and oddly, get the guts to be the you you want to be. Life changing, this one. Cole Imperi's websiteFollow Cole on Instagram, Twitter and TikTokA donation was made to The School of American ThanatologyFollow The School of American Thanatology on InstagramSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesYou may also enjoy our episodes on: Desairology (MORTUARY MAKE-UP), Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS), Taphology (GRAVESITES), Osteology (SKELETONS/BODY FARMS), Fearology (FEAR & ANXIETY)Jarrett Sleeper’s 100 PoemsSponsors 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 MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Dr. Camryn Allen, a dedicated cheloniologist, dives into the fascinating world of sea turtles. She shares captivating insights about their impressive navigation skills using Earth's magnetic field and their unique sleeping patterns. Learn about the delicate balance of male-to-female ratios in breeding and the emotional experiences of hatchlings facing climate change. Camryn also discusses the urgent need for conservation, tackling plastic pollution and the importance of individual action to safeguard these incredible creatures.

Amanda Hipps, a wildlife biologist and testudinologist, dives deep into the captivating world of gopher tortoises. She explains the differences between tortoises and turtles, and why these creatures live such long lives. The discussion covers their unique habitats, fascinating anatomy, and the surprising social behaviors of tortoises. Amanda also shares her adventures in wildlife biology, stories from the South Florida swamps, and the ecological importance of gopher tortoises as a keystone species. Get ready to fall in love with these ancient reptiles!

Join John Quentin Sturgeon, QAQC manager at Rogue Brewery with a rich background in food science, as he dives into the frothy world of beer. He reveals the crucial role yeast plays in fermentation and shares evoking stories from the brewery. Expect tales of family pride, charitable brewing efforts, and quirky tips for aspiring home brewers. Discover the humorous side of beer history and even the complexities surrounding a peculiar Guinness diet experiment, making the science of brewing both accessible and entertaining!

Dr. Simine Vazire, a renowned personality researcher and psychology professor, dives deep into the fascinating world of personality traits. She discusses the distinctions between introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts, along with the challenges of self-perception versus how others view us. The conversation critiques popular personality tests and even touches on the role of astrology in shaping personality. Vazire shares insights on changing traits through therapy, the impact of life experiences, and the surprising links between personality and professional success.

Join Dr. Kevin Peter Hand, Deputy Chief Scientist for Solar System Exploration at NASA, as he uncovers the secrets of extraterrestrial life. He discusses the potential habitability of moons like Europa and Enceladus, emphasizing their icy oceans. The conversation dives into the significance of the James Webb Space Telescope findings and explores intriguing possibilities on Titan and Mars. With insights into astrobiology and how discovering alien microbes could transform our view of life on Earth, this is a thrilling journey into the cosmos!

Dr. Chris J. Law, a dedicated lutrinologist, dives deep into the captivating world of otters, exploring their playful behavior and social dynamics. He shares amusing stories of their dual nature, from adorable antics to surprising aggression. Discover how otters support kelp forests and navigate motherhood's challenges while fostering intriguing relationships. With insights into their unique adaptations and fascinating diets, Chris showcases the charm and complexity of these remarkable creatures. Get ready to fall in love with otters—just don’t trust them too much!

I NEEDED TO MAKE THIS, OKAY? I needed to get excited about summer wonders. So we toiled over the ultimate Summersode. Kick back for a compliation of snorkling tips, shark statistics, firefly safaris, constitutional law questions, the science of makeouts, appreciation for hornets, horniness for foraging, cabins, campfires, crevice checking, jellyfish tips, bear safety, the importance of handwritten memories and actual scientific advice on how to find joy amid difficult conditions. Your summer vibe has arrived. Just in time. Sponsors 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 MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn