
Ologies with 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.
Latest episodes

Dec 29, 2020 • 24min
Part 2: Dendrology (TREES) with Casey Clapp -- UPDATES + NEW INTERVIEW
Part 2 of a very special duo! The fresh catch-up interview to learn what the world’s most charming and enthusiastic tree expert, Casey Clapp, has been up to since his 2018 episode aired. He’s been busy. Listen to hear if he’s gotten more pine cone tattoos, what other trees he hates, which ones he gives 10/10, musical blunders, winter pagan traditions, and why trees may play a huge role in his personality. Also: his new podcast for your ears and heart.
Follow Casey Clapp at Instagram.com/Clapp4Trees and his new podcast Instagram.com/arbortrarypod
Sponsor links: www.alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
A donation went to EcoTrust.org
Listen to Completely Arbortrary: https://linktr.ee/arbortrarypod/
Casey's tattoo artist, Shawn Hebrank at Blood Root: https://www.instagram.com/bloodroottattoo
Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies
OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

4 snips
Dec 29, 2020 • 1h 30min
Part 1: Dendrology (TREES) with Casey Clapp -- Encore
Part 1 of a very special duo: Do trees have feelings? How do they talk? How old can they get? Are there any tree stories that will make me cry? Spoiler: YES. This episode aired in May 2018 and is worth a revisit, especially since Part 2 is a brand new 2020 interview with possibly the world's most enthusiastic tree expert, J. Casey Clapp. Learn about his many tree tattoos, new additions to those tattoos, how roots communicate to each other, "crown shyness,” social media shyness and the mental health benefits of tree proximity. Also: banana facts and Casey f*cking hates apples.
Be sure to hear the fresh catch-up interview in Part 2 to learn what Casey’s been up to since this originally aired. He’s been busy.
Follow Casey Clapp at Instagram.com/Clapp4Trees and his new podcast Instagram.com/arbortrarypod
Sponsor links: www.alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
A donation went to EcoTrust.org
Listen to his podcast, Completely Arbortrary: https://linktr.ee/arbortrarypod/
Casey's tattoo artist, Shawn Hebrank at Blood Root: https://www.instagram.com/bloodroottattoo
Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies
OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!
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
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
Support the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Dec 22, 2020 • 1h 14min
Scorpiology (SCORPIONS) with Lauren Esposito: Encore Presentation
This specific episode was cited in The New Yorker this week, so we’re giving it an encore refresh with bonus material and a 2020 update from Dr. Esposito herself!
Scorpions: the victims of undue shade. If you've ever wanted to impress a date with weird facts THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU. A handful of people on planet Earth have a PhD in scorpions and Dr. Lauren Esposito is one of them. She spills the beans on how venom works, what's up with the blacklight glow effect, how dangerous they *really* are, what all the movies get wrong, the best names for scorpions, where she's traveled to look under rocks, where a scorpion's butt is, if scorpions dance or make out (SPOILER: YES), what good mothers they are, how big they used to be millions of years ago and how -- technically speaking -- they are not poisonous. Also: how much does a gallon of venom cost? Oh, and why she started the visibility campaign 500 Queer Scientists. Get this one in your ears right away.
Follow Dr. Esposito at twitter.com/arachnologynerd or instagram.com/caribales and check out 500QueerScientists.com
Mention in The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/podcasts/lolita-podcast-12-28-20
This week's donation went to: www.Islandsseas.org
Sponsor links: www.alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
More links at alieward.com/ologies/scorpiology2
Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies
OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

12 snips
Dec 15, 2020 • 1h 14min
Garology (LONG CUTE ANCIENT PATIENT BOOPABLE NIGHTMARE FISH) with Solomon David
Dr. Solomon David, an assistant professor and ardent gar enthusiast, takes us on a deep dive into the world of gars—those ancient, toothy fish with ganoid scales. He shares his lifelong passion, delightful personal stories, and surprising culinary uses for these misunderstood creatures. Learn why gar caviar is a definite no-go and hear about their impressive resilience to climate change. Through humor and science, Solomon sparks a newfound appreciation for these unique fish, quashing myths and showcasing their ecological importance.

Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 17min
Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK) with Alice Gorman
Gaze into the cosmos and wonder at broken satellites, retired rockets and shattered contraptions. Archaeologist Dr. Alice Gorman is a leading expert on orbital debris and chats about what’s up there, how it got there, and how to get it down. Strap in to hear about everything from Sputnik to sports cars, flaming garbage bonking us, alien clutter, collision potential, the most adorable space rubbish, cosmic burials and how one does this type of archeology without boarding a rocket. Also: steaming hot cruise ship gossip.
Follow Dr. Alice Gorman at Twitter.com/DrSpaceJunk
A donation went to Deadly Science: https://deadlyscience.org.au/
Dr. Gorman’s book: Dr. Space Junk vs. The Universe
Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
More links and info at alieward.com/ologies/spacearchaeology
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
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
Support the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

19 snips
Dec 1, 2020 • 1h 24min
Alligator Ecotoxicology (GATOR POISONS) with Laura Kojima
Laura Kojima, an alligator ecotoxicologist, brings a fascinating twist to wildlife science. She shares thrilling stories from her fieldwork, including the wild antics of alligators and the peculiarities of conducting night research. Laura dives into the serious impacts of mercury levels on these reptiles, blending humor with vital ecological concerns. Listen for her adventurous recount of an alligator bite and the unique relationship between alligators and invasive pythons. From funny encounters to serious conservation, it's a captivating glimpse into the life of reptiles!

54 snips
Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 26min
Awesomeology (GRATITUDE) with Neil Pasricha
Gratitude: what’s the deal? Does it really make us happier? Even when the world seems terrible? Or is being appreciative a bunch of hokey flim-flam? Author Neil Pasricha started a blog of 1000 Awesome Things in 2008 and it led him down rabbit holes looking into the science of gratitude and how to better survive some really tough times. Learn about your new morning ritual, how much of happiness is genetically determined, why you should sniff a tree, honeymoon drama, simple appreciation, singing while making dinner, the gambles you take while scrolling, and how your brain means well -- but can make you miserable on purpose. Also, buy one more cactus.
Follow Neil Pasricha at Twitter.com/NeilPasricha and Instagram.com/NeilPasricha
Neil’s website: Neil.blog
3 Books Podcast: https://www.3books.co/
A donation went to https://performancespacenewyork.org/
Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
More links and info at alieward.com/ologies/awesomeology
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Nov 17, 2020 • 1h 23min
Biological Anthropology (APE SEX) with Lara Durgavich
Sexy apes: you’re one of them. And Biological Anthropologist Dr. Lara Durgavich joins to chat about everything from monogamy to PMS, male birth control pills, freezers of orangutan urine, imposter syndrome and testosterone, how the Pope makes you buy more tampons, which species has better sex, pancakes vs. boners, and boobs as a life preserver. It’s wall to wall gonad gossip and just may change the way you see yourself, you hairy, horny beautiful beast.
Follow Dr. Lara Durgavich at Twitter.com/tinkeringprim8
A donation went to pasa.org/
Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
More links and info at alieward.com/ologies/biologicalanthropology
Neuroendocrinology episode with Dr. Daniel Pfau: alieward.com/ologies/neuroendocrinology
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Nov 11, 2020 • 1h 12min
Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING) with Riley Kucheran
Fashion! Trends! Not really! This lively chat with Riley Kucheran, an Assistant Professor of Design Leadership at Ryerson University’s School of Fashion, covers everything from the history of industrialized clothing manufacture to current Indigenous designers he loves, political statements through beadwork, Indigenous art markets, and a dissection of Coachella headdresses. From Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Nation, Riley also describes his experiences climbing the corporate ladder in the fashion retail world vs. learning from elders and advising younger students during land-based education, while tanning hides in the bush. Also: uniforms, the good and the bad.
Follow Riley Kucheran at Twitter.com/RSKucheran or Instagram.com/RSKucheran
A donation went to Dechinta.ca
Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsors
More links and info at alieward.com/ologies/indigenousfashionology
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Nov 3, 2020 • 1h 12min
Pedagogology (SCIENCE COMMUNICATION) with Bill Nye
BILL NYE. That’s right. Bill Freakin’ Nye sits down to get grilled by your Dadward (that’s me, Alie) all about Pedagogology, the art and science of science communication. How did the modern day hype man of facts and wonder get his start? What does he love about his job? What are the most important elements of spreading knowledge? WHICH TIE IS HIS FAVORITE TIE? We chat about everything from comedy to TV crews, what he thinks about when he goes for walks, taking risks to follow your dreams, advice from Carl Sagan, tackling climate change, what makes him optimistic and … how to be the next Bill Nye. Truly one of my most cherished episodes; it brought me to tears. Enjoy. And listen to Bill’s own podcast, Science Rules! With Bill Nye.
For more on Bill Nye, see https://billnye.com/
Follow Bill Nye at Twitter.com/BillNye, Instagram.com/BillNye or TikTok.com/BillNye
A donation went to www.planetary.org
Listen to Science Rules! With Bill Nye at AskBillNye.com or wherever you get podcasts!
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
Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies