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Ologies with Alie Ward

Latest episodes

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9 snips
Feb 9, 2022 • 1h 34min

Carnivore Ecology (LIONS, TIGERS, & BEARS) with Rae Wynn-Grant

Rae Wynn-Grant, a large carnivore ecologist and TV presenter, shares her passion for wildlife and conservation. She recalls adventurous moments, like stuffing a baby bear in her coat and the surprising discoveries she's made in the field. The conversation dives into the impacts of urbanization on carnivores, the emotional depths of wildlife research, and the unique adaptations of bears during hibernation. Rae also discusses her mission to connect Black youth with nature and the comedic science of carnivore scat—better known as poop!
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28 snips
Feb 1, 2022 • 1h 23min

Myrmecology (ANTS) Encore with Dr. Terry McGlynn

Dr. Terry McGlynn, a myrmecologist and biology professor, dives into the captivating world of ants. He shares stories about cult-leader queens and bullet ant stings, exploring the dynamics of mega-colonies and their unique communication methods. Discover which ants are picky eaters, how some walk on water, and the curious practice of sniffing relatives before deciding to kill them. With a mix of humor and fascinating facts, he highlights the ants' impact on ecosystems and even discusses their surprising culinary potential!
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Feb 1, 2022 • 30min

Smologies #10: BODY HEAT with Shane Campbell-Staton

Join Shane Campbell-Staton, a Princeton evolutionary biologist and thermophysiologist, for a fascinating dive into body heat management. Discover how animals like antifreeze wood frogs and jumping desert lizards survive extreme temperatures. Learn about the intriguing variations in body temperature, why some people feel hotter or colder, and the unexpected role of fevers in fighting infections. Plus, uncover the reasons behind the size differences in heat retention and the mystique of thermoregulation in different climates.
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Jan 26, 2022 • 1h 26min

Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) with Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen

Mariah Gladstone, an environmental scientist and host of Indigikitchen, passionately discusses Indigenous food sovereignty and the role of traditional ingredients in modern cooking. She shares wild tales of shoving elk into dorm room freezers and diving into frybread debates. The conversation touches on mushroom foraging, the significance of bison ranching for community health, and the cultural importance of decolonizing diets. Listeners are encouraged to reconnect with indigenous food sources while celebrating culinary heritage and practices.
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Jan 20, 2022 • 1h 17min

Screamology (LOUD VOCALIZATIONS) with Harold Gouzoules

Harold Gouzoules, an acclaimed Emory psychology professor, dives into the wild world of screams. He explores the difference between yelling and screaming, sharing insights from his bioacoustics research. Discover the fascinating reasons behind why we scream at concerts and its cultural implications. Gouzoules also touches on the evolutionary purpose of screams across species and their role in emotions. Plus, hear about the iconic movie screams that shaped the scream queen legacy and the therapeutic insights of primal scream therapy.
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Jan 13, 2022 • 33min

Bovine Neuropathology (HEADBUTTING) with Nicole Ackermans

Slamming heads together to impress someone: why does this happen? Let’s ask Dr. Nicole Ackermans, whose current job involves receiving sheep heads and painstakingly counting damaged neurons from headbutting concussions. The Neuropathology episode last week gives all the concussion basics, but this one turns the microscope away from accidents and points it right at intentional behaviors in nature, from bighorn sheep to musk oxen, goats, woodpeckers, and some other animals that will freak you out. Also: questionable helmet ideas and horny hogs.Get all the background on head trauma, including my recent brainwhack concussionCheck Dr. Nicole Ackerman's website and TwitterA donation was made to Society for Women's Health ResearchMore episode sources and linksSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, 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
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Jan 11, 2022 • 31min

Smologies #9: GAMING with Jane McGonigal

Jane McGonigal, a game designer and bestselling author known for her work on SuperBetter, dives into the fascinating world of gaming. She discusses the cognitive and psychological benefits of video games, revealing how they can boost resilience and foster community support. Addressing concerns around gaming addiction, Jane also explores the transformative effects of games for individuals with disabilities. Plus, she shares insights on the future of gaming, including the impactful role of VR and AR in personal development.
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Jan 5, 2022 • 1h 12min

Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS) with Mary Alexis Iaccarino

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mary Alexis Iaccarino, a Harvard Medical School professor specializing in brain injury rehabilitation, sheds light on concussions and their aftermath. She explains what happens during a concussion, the often-invisible symptoms, and the importance of timely medical attention. The conversation dives into recovery strategies, including nutrition and movement, while debunking myths like the safety of sleeping post-injury. Iaccarino also emphasizes the long-term effects of repeated head trauma and the challenges faced in treatment and diagnosis.
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Dec 29, 2021 • 27min

Raccoonology (PROCYONIDS) with A Gaze of Raccoonologists

Discover the charm of raccoons as experts share their fascinating behaviors and urban adaptations. Learn about the historical presidential pet, Rebecca, and how these clever creatures navigate human environments. Hear quirky anecdotes alongside serious discussions about raccoon intelligence, their social dynamics, and the importance of wildlife rehabilitation. Plus, enjoy life lessons inspired by these scrappy survivors! Unravel the meaning of 'raccoonology' and challenge stereotypes surrounding these lovable trash bandits.
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Dec 22, 2021 • 1h 4min

Procyonology (RACCOONS) with Suzanne MacDonald

Tiny hands! Round rumps! Chaos! Compost! Delicious garbage and sweet faces make raccoons as mysterious as they are adored. World class raccoon expert, psychologist and animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne MacDonald of Toronto’s York University explains tree sleeping, brain worms, cartoon raccoons, queer icons, whether you should keep one as a pet and also: some of the best career and life advice from midnight gremlins eating chicken bones in your driveway. Stay tuned for next week’s part 2 with half a dozen more raccoon experts. Follow Dr. Suzanne MacDonald on TwitterHer websiteA donation was made to Toronto Wildlife CentreMore episode resources & linksSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts & bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, totes, masks… 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. Dwyer   

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