
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

5 snips
Nov 26, 2019 • 1h 19min
Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?) with Adam Becker
Dr. Adam Becker, an astrophysicist and author of "What is Real?," joins the conversation to tackle the mind-bending questions of quantum physics. He shares his journey from dreams of paleontology to exploring the abstract wonders of quantum ontology. Topics include the mind-blowing implications of multiverses, the complexities of wave-particle duality, and even humorous takes on fringe theories like simulation theory. Becker emphasizes exploring the quirks of existence while encouraging listeners to embrace their curiosity about reality.

Nov 19, 2019 • 1h 16min
Lupinology (WOLVES) with Bridgett vonHoldt
Lupinologist and Princeton professor Dr. Brigette vonHoldt talks about wolf behavior, canine family dynamics, Game of Thrones direwolves, myths about alphas, similarities in dog and human genetics, the ecological impact of predators, and how social media is howling for humans.

12 snips
Nov 12, 2019 • 1h 27min
Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) with Crystal Dilworth
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Crystal Dilworth, a neuroscientist and host of CBS's *Mission Unstoppable*, delves into the fascinating world of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. She discusses their roles in mood and behavior, the science behind addiction, and what it’s like to hold a human brain. The talk also touches on topics such as mindfulness, the complexities of ADHD, and how substances like caffeine and nicotine affect our brains. Plus, hear her unique journey from ballet to brain science!

Nov 5, 2019 • 1h 2min
Chiropterology Part 2 (BATS) with Merlin Tuttle
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

Oct 29, 2019 • 1h 41min
Chiropterology (BATS) Part 1 with Merlin Tuttle
“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

Oct 23, 2019 • 1h 13min
Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS) with Alyssa Beall
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.

Oct 15, 2019 • 1h 12min
Spidroinology (SPIDERWEBS) with Randy Lewis
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.

Oct 8, 2019 • 1h 1min
Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS) with Anne Copeland
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.

Oct 2, 2019 • 1h 19min
Osteology (SKELETONS/BODY FARMS) with Daniel Wescott
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.

Sep 24, 2019 • 1h 25min
Phenology (FALL/SEASONS) with Libby Ellwood
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