Serotonin! Dopamine! Norepinephrine! Neurotransmitters: what's their deal? Dr. Crystal Dilworth, aka Dr. Brain, stops by to have a spirited discussion about how chemical messengers change our moods and behaviors. We chat about depression, anxiety, what chemicals drive us to get off the couch, how antidepressants work, ADHD, addiction, the microbiome, new habits, quitting smoking, starting meditation, Oreos vs. cocaine, SSRIs vs. SNRIs, what it's like to hold a human brain in your hands and if she would donate hers to science. Also: what's up with "lizard brains?" Dr. Dilworth's website: www.crystaldilworth.comSocial media links: www.instagram.com/polycrystalhd & www.twitter.com/polycrystalhdA donation went to: seejane.orgSponsor links: withcove.com/ologies; mytruition.com/ologies; LinkedIn.com/ologies; betterhelp.com/ologies (code: OLOGIES); Stitchfix.com/ologiesMore links up at alieward.com/ologies/molecularneurobiologyTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

PART 2: The stunning conclusion of a 3-hour gab session about frickin' bats with America's favorite chiropterologist, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Learn about bat conversations, their close friendships, surprising dongs, where they keep their nipples, how to go bat spotting after the sun sets, more myths and misconceptions about bat danger, perhaps the grossest thing Merlin has ever put in his mouth, how to hang up a bat house for maximum bat party funtimes, the latest on white nose syndrome and how it feels to get slapped by a bat. Once again: Indiana Jones can get bent because Dr. Merlin Tuttle is the hero this nation needs. Learn more about bats & Dr. Merlin Tuttle's photography & work in conservation:www.MerlinTuttle.orgDr. Merlin Tuttle's bat books: www.merlintuttle.org/category/books/Social media links:www.instagram.com/merlintuttlephotowww.twitter.com/merlinsbatswww.facebook.com/MerlinTuttlesBatConservationSponsor links: kiwi.com/ologies; calm.com/ologies; hellofresh.com/ologies9, code: Ologies9; mytruition.com/ologies; More links up at alieward.com/ologies/chiropterologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

“People fear most what they understand least." Words of wisdom from explorer/American treasure/bat expert, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Alie headed to the bat capital of Austin and sat down with the legendary chiropterologist to discuss wild field stories and close calls and caves and comebacks and bat chatter and what a bat actually is and how big they get and what's up with their smushy noses, why folks are so frightened by them, the evolution of flight, echolocation, getting a bat out of your house, how they sleep upside down, which ones guzzle blood, and the latest on white nose syndrome -- which is not a drug problem. Sit back with a cup of tea or something stronger and get ready for adventure. Indiana Jones can get bent because Dr. Merlin Tuttle is the hero this nation needs. Learn more about bats & Dr. Merlin Tuttle's photography & work in conservation:www.MerlinTuttle.orgDr. Merlin Tuttle's bat books: www.merlintuttle.org/category/books/Social media links:www.instagram.com/merlintuttlephotowww.twitter.com/merlinsbatswww.facebook.com/MerlinTuttlesBatConservationSponsor links: periodbetter.com, code OLOGIES; Proactiv.com/skin; StitchFix.com/OLOGIES; Airbnb.com/animalsMore links up at alieward.com/ologies/chiropterologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

West Virginia Univ. Religious Studies professor Dr. Alyssa Beall discusses myths on demons, possession, and why humans are drawn to fear. Are demons pranksters or evil entities? Exploring the psychology behind fear and misconceptions about demonic possession. Touching on supernatural entities in pop culture and historical connections between demons and medical conditions.

Spider silk expert Dr. Randy Lewis discusses spidroins, spider silk production, genetic modification, drug effects on webs, and biomedical applications. They explore spider webs, debunk myths, and touch on the potential of spider silk in various industries.

Author and pumpkin enthusiast Anne Copeland discusses pumpkin folklore, history, recipes, and more. Topics include creation myths, pumpkin care, medicinal properties of seeds, proposing via pumpkin, and debunking pumpkin origin stories. Dive into the magical world of pumpkins and gourds with whimsical anecdotes and informative tidbits.

Dr. Daniel Wescott, an osteologist from Texas State University, discusses bones, decomposition, CSI inaccuracies, body farms, isotopes, cast iron coffins, skeleton myths, body donation, and more. The podcast explores 'dickbones,' human bone functions, historical challenges, anatomical discrepancies, growth plates, tailbones, and penis bones in humans.

The seasons are a-changin'! It's sweater weather in both hemispheres and seasonal researcher and expert Phenologist Dr. Libby Ellwood weighs in with amazing information about why fall smells so good, why leaves change color, why we like to cronch them, historical records of blossoms and twigs, bird migrations, Daylight Savings, seasonal mythbusting, pumpkin spice vs. apple cider, the best temperature to wear sweaters, why the Halloween aisle springs up in summer and how global temperature shifts affect the whole food web. Bonus: the most candid, touching thoughts Alie's ever heard from a scientist studying climate. Get this one in your ears and hearts. Follow Dr. Libby Ellwood on TwitterA donation went to SaveGPOrangutans.org Sponsor links: Zevoinsect.com/ologies; linkedin.com/ologies; calm.com/ologies; betterhelp.com/ologies; More links up at alieward.com/ologies/phenologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

**UPDATE: since this episode was first released, J.K. Rowling has said and written some deeply transphobic sentiments and for this, Alie no longer stans nor supports her. So in listening to this episode, let's marvel at the -ologist herself and her love of Chemistry and remember that feminism is intersectional and trans women are women, and trans folks are welcome and beloved in the Ologies universe.** PART 2: Your questions answered by Dr. Rebecca Lai, as a continuation of last week's foundational episode. Accio: ALL YOUR DREAMS COMING TRUE. Whether you've never read the Harry Potter series -- or you have dogeared copies on your nightstand -- there's something for everyone in this 2-part episode dissecting the science of the spells in J.K. Rowling's books. Electrochemist and professor Dr. Rebecca Lai is a devoted fan who teaches a university course called "A Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s Chemistry." Alie travels to her lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to chat about disappearing ink, gold nanoparticles, ancient alchemy, spells that burn your enemy's eyes, others that protect you from the elements, how writing a novel is like a scientific experiment and how to keep going in the face of stumbling blocks. **Bonus: I managed not to swear, so you can listen with the kiddos in your life. A donation went to PBS.org Sponsor links: Zevoinsect.com/ologies; TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/OLOGIES; betterhelp.com/ologies; kiwico.com/OLOGIES More links up at alieward.com/ologies/potterology 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 STIIIICKERS! 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

**UPDATE: since this episode was first released, J.K. Rowling has said and written some deeply transphobic sentiments and for this, Alie no longer stans nor supports her. So in listening to this episode, let's marvel at the -ologist herself and her love of Chemistry and remember that feminism is intersectional and trans women are women, and trans folks are welcome and beloved in the Ologies universe.** Accio: ALL YOUR DREAMS COMING TRUE. Whether you've never read the Harry Potter series -- or you have dogeared copies on your nightstand -- there's something for everyone in this 2-part episode dissecting the science of the spells in J.K. Rowling's books. Electrochemist and professor Dr. Rebecca Lai is a devoted fan who teaches a university course called "A Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s Chemistry." Alie travels to her lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to chat about disappearing ink, gold nanoparticles, ancient alchemy, spells that burn your enemy's eyes, others that protect you from the elements, how writing a novel is like a scientific experiment and how to keep going in the face of stumbling blocks. **Bonus: I managed not to swear, so you can listen with the kiddos in your life. A donation went to PBS.org Sponsor links: Zevoinsect.com/ologies; TakeCareOf.com (code: OLOGIES); HelixSleep.com/ologies; HelloFresh.com/ologies80 (code: OLOGIES80) More links up at alieward.com/ologies/potterology 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 STIIIICKERS! 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