Ologies with Alie Ward

Renown Penguinologist Dr. Tom Hart, a research fellow with Oxford University, talks about life on Antarctica, counting penguin colonies, their behaviors, and why he thinks penguins are stoic and majestic. They also discuss penguins' smell, flippers vs. wings, monogamy, and the origin of the word 'penguin'.

Sourdough starters! Ancient yeasts! Why we need/knead dough! And why you don't need to buy a starter to start. Polymath, particle physicist, inventor of the Xbox, and truly delightful fermentation nerd Seamus Blackley joins to chat about his kitchen adventures resurrecting dormant yeasts from 4,000 Egyptian baking vessels, plus wild yeasts, the infuriating myth of “yeast scarcity,” the beauty of everyday objects, the debt we owe our ancestors, the joy of getting to know your dough plus tons of tips for newbie and experienced bakers. The first half is all about the history of baking and yeasts and some hot Egyptian gossip, then we roll up our sleeves in the second half for how-tos. Forward this episode to anyone who bakes, who wants to bake, who lovingly feeds their jar of yeasts, who is intimidated by it or who just needs a lesson on how to slow down and enjoy the dormancy period we’re in right now. This episode’s got it all. Including some truly shameless bread puns. Follow Seamus @SeamusBlackley and here’s one recipe tutorial megathread: https://twitter.com/SeamusBlackley/status/1135328857660305408 Follow: Egyptologist Dr. Serena Love, microbiologist Richard Bowman @RBowman1234 and the coiner of “Gastroegyptology,” Kieran Donnachie A donation went to Boys and Girls Clubs of America: https://www.bgca.org Sponsor links: Sakara.com/ologies; Kiwico.com/ologies More links at alieward.com/ologies/gastroegyptology 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

Robin Dunbar, a Professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Oxford, explores the fascinating world of kissing. He discusses its evolutionary roots and how it plays a role in social bonding and communication. Topics include the science behind a good or bad kiss, the surprising microbes exchanged, and the cultural significance of kissing not just in romance but in fostering friendships. Dunbar also shares insights on loneliness, intimacy, and how emotional states can impact those around us, with a touch of humor on personal first kisses.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

“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