Ologies with Alie Ward

In this engaging discussion, Gabe Cook, known as The Ciderologist, dives into the fascinating world of cider. He draws from his journey in the cider industry, sharing memorable moments—like presenting cider to royalty. Listeners will learn about the diverse apple varieties used in cider-making and the unique flavors that can evoke nostalgia. Gabe also emphasizes cider's cultural significance and advocacy for its recognition alongside wine and beer. With a blend of history, tasting tips, and heartfelt anecdotes, this conversation celebrates this delightful beverage.

Laurie Santos, a Yale cognitive scientist and the host of The Happiness Lab, dives deep into the science of happiness. She explores how our mindset, social connections, and even daily habits shape our well-being. Santos shares insights on the 'comparison trap' of social media and how it affects self-image. Listeners will learn about practical strategies for living a fulfilling life, the emotional spectrum of happiness, and the surprising benefits of gratitude. Tune in for a fresh take on what it truly means to be happy!

C. Andrew Hall, an Emmy-nominated editor and founder of Functional Magic, blends art and activism to tackle climate change. He shares insights on creating uplifting environmental art, highlighting projects that resonate with solutions instead of despair. The conversation reveals the importance of individual responsibility and community engagement in combating climate issues. Andy also discusses the journey of founding a nonprofit and the challenges faced during the pandemic, all while maintaining a sense of humor and hope through storytelling.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and climate policy expert, joins Alex Blumberg, his co-host from "How to Save a Planet," to tackle the pressing question of our own carbon footprints. They debate whether individual actions meaningfully combat climate change or if systemic reforms are the key. The discussion covers personal consumer choices versus government accountability and emphasizes the importance of collective efforts. They also explore how personal strengths can drive community solutions and the mental health aspects of climate activism.

Amanda Shaw, President of the Urban Beekeepers Association and host of Beekeeper Confidential, dives into the buzzing realm of bees. She explains the differences between honeybees and native species, along with the myriad of hive structures. Listeners will discover the fascinating waggle dance that bees use to communicate and tips for fostering bee-friendly gardens. Shaw also shares insights on keeping Mason bees as outdoor pets and the surprising benefits of local honey in combating seasonal allergies. Buzz-worthy knowledge awaits!

Join Indigenous fire scientist Amy Christianson, a co-host of the podcast "Good Fire," as she deep dives into the fascinating world of cultural burns and Indigenous fire management. She shares her journey from geology to fire science amid wildfires in Canada. The discussion highlights the clash between colonial fire suppression and Indigenous practices, the concept of 'good fire,' and the vital role of community involvement in fire ecology. Christianson also reflects on the lasting impacts of residential schools on First Nations and the importance of traditional knowledge for ecosystem health.

As Smashmouth said, “My world’s on fire, how ‘bout yours?” Why yes, Mr. Mouth, it is, indeed, on fire. As so many of us around the globe are sharing in this burning sensation, what better time than now to sit down and fire off a lot of questions at Fire Ecologist, Dr. Gavin Jones. We talk about what fire is, how hot it burns, fire trends, tinderboxes, lots and lots of forest fire flim-flam, tolerant wombats, Angelina Jolie Movies, cunning pine cones, thick bark, Indigenous fire stewardship and more. This episode might get you pretty heated but that’ll only release seeds of new ideas and hope, because it's serotinous. That bad joke will make sense after you listen.Follow Dr. Gavin Jones on Twitter A donation was made to The Common Good Community Foundation More episode sources & 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

ANNOUNCEMENT: SMOLOGIES NOW HAS ITS OWN FEED! SUBSCRIBE  FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY. Subscribe to Smologies: https://pod.link/1746567248Ohaaay another edited-down, classroom-friendly Smologies! About... toads! Are they frogs? Do they have arms? What do they eat? How long do they live? What’s with the warts? Amphibian enthusiast Priya Nanjappa joins with a toadally awesome episode that will change the way you crouch down and shake hands with your tiny backyard grumpa.(And for the full version with NSFW stories, the link is below.)New full-length episodes of Ologies drop Tuesdays, and new Smologies come out every other Thursday.More Smologies episodesFull uncut episode of BufologyFollow Priya on Twitter and InstagramA donation was made to The Amphibian & Reptile ConservancySponsors 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 Zeke Thomas Rodrigues & Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media and Steven Ray MorrisSmologies theme song by Harold Malcolm

Dr. Emily E. Ackerman is a systems biologist with a PhD in chemical engineering, focusing on the immune system and infectious diseases. In this engaging conversation, she reveals how her research evolved during the pandemic and her struggles with Excel. Emily passionately advocates for inclusivity in STEM, discussing the challenges faced by disabled scientists. She also explores the ethics of CRISPR, the use of engineered viruses in cancer treatment, and the intricate balance of chaos in biological systems. Plus, hear about a certain kind-hearted individual named Doug!

We’re BACK! With a fresh new episode to light up your life and butt. World renowned firefly expert Dr. Sara Lewis of Tufts University joins to share her love of a bug that many think is merely a mythological delight. Learn how these tiny animals illuminate the night, the dos and don’ts of firefly observation, how to take good firefly photos, femme fatales, pink glowworms, secret languages, artificial lights, what’s up with their population numbers, why Western states can chill out with their lightning bug envy, and how you can ensure the world stays aglow with these beloved bugs. Also: nuptial gifts, both human and lampyridological. Dr. Sara Lewis’s website silentsparks.com Buy her book, Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies! Follow her at Twitter.com/silent_spark More links at www.alieward.com/ologies/sparklebuttology A donation went to: Xerces.org Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors Transcripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologies Follow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWard Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris Transcripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Support the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies