Ologies with Alie Ward

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a delightful conversation, Dr. Rebecca Lai, an electrochemist and professor known for her unique course on Harry Potter's chemistry, dives into the enchanting intersection of magic and science. She discusses the wonders of disappearing ink and the chemistry behind enchanting spells. Listeners will be captivated by her insights on the medical benefits of ginger, as well as the ways magic influences well-being. Through humorous anecdotes and engaging stories, she showcases how the scientific method parallels writing a novel, encouraging curiosity and connection to the magical world.

Rebecca Lai, an electrochemist and professor who teaches "A Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s Chemistry," joins to explore the enchanting mix of magic and science. She reveals the secrets behind disappearing ink and gold nanoparticles, discussing their connection to both alchemy and the Harry Potter universe. The conversation also highlights how creativity in writing parallels scientific experimentation and emphasizes the importance of resilience. With charming anecdotes, Rebecca shares insights on hydrophobic technology, culinary chemistry, and the magical properties of wand woods.

Flags! How long have we flown them? Will you get arrested for stomping on one? Which ones are cute and which are fugly? Which colors don't we see on flags and why? How did all this flag etiquette originate? E. Tory Laitila, a textile expert who also handles Honolulu's flag protocol, gives the skinny on how to dispose of a flag, flags and conspiracy theories, history of the Pride flag, the oldest flags, which state flag needs a makeover the hardest, how to store flags, who designed our modern American flag and how you too can have ... fun with flags all year round. Also: pirate trivia.A donation went to: Connecting to Collections via CulturalHeritage.org Sponsor links: WithCove.com/ologies; barkbox.com/ologies; trueandco.com/ologies (code: Ologies); kiwi.com/ologiesMore links up at alieward.com/ologies/vexillologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Michael Habib from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County discusses dino feathers, Ross Gellar's paleontology flaws, cloning realities, and penis implants in a fun-filled Paleontology episode. Dive into the mysteries of dinosaurs, their colors, and the competitive world of paleontology. Learn about giant Titanosaurus fossils, naming new species, and the cost of paleontological expeditions.

Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, explosions, hurricanes, oil spills, bombings, BAD THINGS: Why do they happen? What can we do to prepare? What is a disaster vs. a catastrophe? Who makes it their life's work to go help? Professional Disasterologist and Emergency Management expert Dr. Samantha Montano sits down to talk about disaster movies, the addiction of helping others, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the floods, looting, doomsday prepping, keeping calm under pressure, climate change, governmental budgets, cathedrals vs. islands, the myths of disasters, looking for the helpers, and how humans tend and befriend each other in times of chaos. Dr. Montano's website: disaster-ology.comFollow Dr. Montano on Twitter @SamLMontanoSponsor links: calm.com/ologies; Trueandco.com/ologies (code: ologies); kiwico.com/ologiesA donation went to: billandersonfund.orgMore links up at alieward.com/ologies/disasterologyBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrating 100 episodes with life advice from ologists, reflections on the journey, 100 potential future episodes, gratitude, and exciting topics like garbology and bell ringing

Saurologist Earyn McGee chats with host about everything from chameleons to dragons, geckos' grip, gila monster sightings, and lion encounters. They discuss #FindThatLizard game, social anxiety advice, and field success tips. Fun and educational lizard hunt!