
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

9 snips
Apr 7, 2020 • 1h 6min
Philematology (KISSING) with Robin Dunbar
Why do we kiss? What makes a good kiss or a bad kiss? How many microbes do we exchange? Is it good for us? One of the world’s most accomplished researchers on kissing, social behavior and relationships, Dr . Robin Dunar of Oxford University reluctantly agrees to be interviewed and explains how kissing may have evolved, how discos are research labs and friends are people you can invite yourself to have a beer with. Also: how to deal with the loneliness of isolation, autism and intimacy, why your cheerfulness may impact people you don’t even know and … Alie’s first kiss.
Dr. Dunbar’s books are available here
A donation went to: www.alaseniorliving.org
Sponsor links: TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/ologies; EMBRWave.com/ologies; betterhelp.com/ologies (code: ologies)
More links at alieward.com/ologies/philematology
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 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

Mar 31, 2020 • 1h 20min
Plumology (FEATHERS) with Allison Shultz
Learn about the world of bird feathers from professional plumologist Dr. Allison Shultz. Topics include fossilized dinosaur feathers, silent owl flight, bird legs, pigeon noises, peacock tails, feather thieves, Vantablack feathers, and birdwatching. Dive into the intriguing world of feathers with insights on plumage, coloration, and the evolution of bird species.

Mar 25, 2020 • 1h 20min
Lepidopterology (BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS) — Encore Presentation with Phil Torres
Since we just put out the "All (Washed) Hands on Deck" episode on Sunday, we figured a happy Springtime encore about fluttery, colorful cuties was in order -- with a few new updates and asides. Because ... Butterflies are gross. Yes they are delightful and beautiful and part of any idyllic picnic-scape but lepidopterologist, TV host and jungle explorer Phil Torres is here to gossip about how shamelessly disgusting our favorite bugs actually are. Learn their secrets, their mating habits, how they turn themselves into goo and then into another creature, what moth is the most goth, what flowers to plant to attract them, the scariest thing about the jungle and what it feels like to help discover new species. Also butterflies get sloppy drunk and we talk all about it.
For more info, see:
Phil-Torres.com
Follow Phil on Twitter and Instagram and TikTok
More info on the COVID-19 volunteer scientist database: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19SciVolunteers
Sponsor links: hellofresh.com/ologies10; linkedin.com/ologies
Donations went to Xerces.org & MealsonWheelsAmerica.org
Follow Phil's inspiration, @AndyBugGuy, on Twitter
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 @Ologies on Twitter or Instagram
Follow @AlieWard on Twitter or Instagram
Transcripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras
Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
More links at www.alieward.com/ologies/lepidopterologyencoreSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Mar 22, 2020 • 1h 6min
Coronasode: All (Washed) Hands on Deck -- How to Help Yourself & Others Right Now with Dr. Michael F. Wells
CALLING ALL OLOGISTS: If you’re a scientist who wants to help with the COVID-19 pandemic -- boy howdy have we got an episode for you. Dr. Mike Wells, a neurobiologist at Harvard University and the Broad Institute, knows we need tests in the U.S. and is coralling all the wonderful scientists willing to pitch in. He explains how testing for the SARS CoV-2 virus works, what other countries are doing, and even the book that inspired him to pursue science. Also: if you’re feeling helpless and want to help, Patrons give dozens of ideas on how to help those around you, and where to go for resources if you need help, and how to take care of your own mental and physical well being during an uncertain time. Also the album I’m listening to too much and how much toilet paper I have left.
To sign up -- or for access to the database -- click here:
https://tinyurl.com/COVID19SciVolunteers
Follow Dr. Michael F. Wells at Twitter.com/mfwells5
A donation went to: LAFoodBank.org
More health info at EndCoronavirus.org
Sign the petition for nurses’ protection
Links to more articles + kid-friendly shows at alieward.com/ologies/handsondeck
Have extra masks? Try the website www.mask-match.com
Brainchildshow.com
100 Humans on Netflix
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 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

Mar 18, 2020 • 1h 4min
Veterinary Biology (CRITTER FIXING) with Dr. Vernard Hodges & Dr. Terrence Ferguson
At long last: an episode dedicated to veterinary medicine! Dr. Terrence Ferguson & Dr. Vernard Hodges have been friends for nearly 30 years and have co-owned their rural Georgia veterinary clinic, Critter Fixers, for over 20 years. The two wonderful buddies talk about getting accepted into vet school, caring for spiders & camels & lizards & toads & kittens & doggos, the weirdest things they’ve extracted from animal tummies, if our pets love us back, keeping kidneys healthy, grain-free diets, what to do if your (Alie’s) dog is plumping up by a few pounds, what they wish animal owners knew, when it’s time to let go vs. keep treating a pet, the daily rollercoaster of emotions that come with vet med -- and their charming, informative new show “Critter Fixers: Country Vets” on NatGeo Wild.
Watch “Critter Fixers: Country Vets” on National Geographic
Their vet practice: critterfixerveterinaryhospital.com
Follow Dr. Hodges & Dr. Ferguson
A donation went to: ittakesavillagefoundation.com
Sponsor links: betterhelp.com/ologies; Sakara.com/ologies; StitchFix.com/ologies
More links at alieward.com/ologies/veterinarybiology
100 Humans on Netflix
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 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

Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 24min
Coronasode: Virology (COVID-19) with Dr. Shannon Bennett + various ologists
Folks, it’s a megasode. Not one, but 4 ologists. “Coronavirus” is on everyone’s lips -- and some people’s hands -- but what is it? Where did it come from? How does it spread? How dangerous is it? What should we do? Who’s most at risk? Was it biowarfare? Do bats spread it? Should you wear a mask? Can we still smooch our dogs on the face? Do we need to doomsday prep? What’s it like to live in a leper colony? Alie sits down with Dr. Shannon Bennett: a microbiologist, a molecular epidemiologist, a virologist and the Chair of Science at the California Academy Science. She is deeply informed and warm and charming and patient. All these questions will be answered and your panic will be swapped out for informed, empowered action and compassion. You will also wash your hands a lot. Whether or not you bathe in whiskey is up to you.
Follow: Dr. Shannon Bennett at twitter.com/microbeexplorer and Instagram.com/microbeexplorer
Listen to Chiropterology (BATS) with Dr. Merlin Tuttle
Listen to Disasterology (EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT) with Dr. Samantha Montano
Listen to Disinfectiology (BLEACH) with Dr. Evan Rumberger
A donation went to: California Academy of Sciences
Sponsor links: Kiwico.com/ologies; HelixSleep.com/ologies; AurateNewYork.com/ologies
More links at alieward.com/ologies/virology
100 Humans on Netflix
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 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

Mar 3, 2020 • 1h 6min
Scatology (POOP) with Rachel Santymire
Yep. Here it is. Let’s dive right in ... to poop. Hippo poop. Ferret poop. Octopoop. Dogs. Cats. Yours. The charming and informative Dr. Rachel Santymire -- aka Dr. Poop -- has a background in animal physiology and endocrinology and is elbow deep in dung as a research director at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Dr. Poop sits down with Alie to talk turds and how she uses poo to determine the health and stress of wild and captive animals, plus: poop vs. poo, why some animals poop pellets, muck middens, taking glitter pills, why the Bristol Stool Scale is “the best thing in the universe,” and why the Lincoln Park Zoo has 17 freezers full of dookie. You’re welcome.
A donation went to: https://www.lpzoo.org
Sponsor links: TakeCareOf.com (code: ologies50); betterhelp.com/ologies
More links at alieward.com/ologies/scatology
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 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

112 snips
Feb 25, 2020 • 1h 6min
Volitional Psychology (PROCRASTINATION) with Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari
“Everyone procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator,” quoth Dr. Joe Ferrari, a charming, hilarious expert on the subject. The research psychologist, author and DePaul University professor sits down for a truly delightful exploration of why we procrastinate, how prevalent it is, when it becomes harmful, some myths about procrastination, why it’s similar to gambling, how decision-making can feel paralyzing, how to trust your own abilities, and most importantly -- what to do if you’re a chronic procrastinator. Also: how and why you should embrace failure. Oh and a weird ASMR pencil trick.
Dr. Ferrari’s book “Still Procrastinating? The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done”
A donation went to: www.vasculitisfoundation.org
Sponsor links: stitchfix.com/ologies; sakara.com/ologies (code: ologies); hellofresh.com/ologies10 (code: ologies10)
California Academy of Sciences on March 5; Natural History Museum of LA County March 6; SXSW EDU on March 11
More links at alieward.com/ologies/procrastination
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 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 Thorburn
Jarrett & Dr. Nick’s Sunday livestreams: mixer.com/mygoodbadbrainSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Feb 18, 2020 • 57min
Cryoseismology (ICEQUAKES) with Celeste Labedz
Glaciers: Where are they? What are they made of? What happens when chunks splinter off into the sea? There are ICEQUAKES? CalTech Cryoseismologist Celeste Labedz sometimes wears a cape with her snowpants and spends part of her career shooting explosions into giant chunks of ice and recording the seismic activity, analyzing the rivers that flow through glaciers, and keeping tabs on glacial melt. Also discussed: the most goth way to honor a glacier, and whether or not you should visit them IRL.
Follow Celeste at Twitter.com/celestelabedz or Instagram.com/celestelabez
A donation went to: https://theiagd.org
Sponsor links: gabi.com/ologies; betterhelp.com/ologies
More links at alieward.com/ologies/cryoseismology
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 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

Feb 11, 2020 • 1h 8min
Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) with Stephen Hanks
Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author and genealogist Stephen Hanks -- who teaches genealogy classes in Portland, Oregon and has contributed to PBS genealogy documentaries -- sits down to chat about what ignited a passion for learning about his own history. Also: how to find your family through census records, county archives, death certificates and more, plus which DNA tests he’s taken, our most recent common ancestor, and how America can try to heal from its past. Also: capes, detectives and hairy fanny packs.Stephen Hanks books: “1619 -- Twenty Africans,” and “Akee Tree”Publisher: Inkwater PressA donation went to: BlackPast.orgSponsor links: StitchFix.com/ologies; Kiwico.com/ologies; LinkedIn.com/ologiesMore links at alieward.com/ologies/genealogyTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome 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