

Ologies with Alie Ward
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

18 snips
Jul 31, 2019 • 1h 3min
Graphology (HANDWRITING/FORGERY) with Sylvia Kessler
Sylvia Kessler, a forensic document examiner and graphologist, dives into the fascinating world of handwriting analysis and forgery detection. She discusses how different handwriting styles can reflect personality traits and shares intriguing tales from legal cases. Kessler explains the history and evolution of penmanship, revealing its significance in communication. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding handwriting analysis in crime dramas, as well as the cultural implications of cursive writing in today's digital age.

Jul 25, 2019 • 1h 22min
Cnidariology (CORAL) with Shayle Matsuda
Will changing your sunscreen save coral reefs? What even IS a coral? Where do they grow and what do they eat and why are they so pretty? Is it reefs or reeves? The wonderful and charming coral biologist and cnidariologist Shayle Matsuda of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology/UH Mānoa takes time out of his busy schedule during a coral spawning event to chat about how magical and beautiful coral can be and why reef health is important. Also: whether or not "Finding Nemo" got coral right, making transitions during grad school, and how to pursue your ambitions while being bravely authentic. He'll quickly become you favorite cnidariologist.Follow Shayle Matsuda on Twitter @wrong_whaleDonations went to paepaeoheeia.org and pointfoundation.org Shayle's blog post about coral spawningSponsor links: linkedin.com/ologies, kiwi.com/ologies, calm.com/ologiesBecome 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.

Jul 16, 2019 • 52min
Disinfectiology (BLEACH) with Evan Rumberger
Bleach scientist Evan Rumberger discusses the science of bleach, its history, uses, and misconceptions. Topics include tie-dye for goths, pool chlorination, stain removal, and partnerships for safe water. Learn about the impact and versatility of bleach in daily life.

Jul 10, 2019 • 1h 21min
Nomology Part 2: (THE CONSTITUTION): Let's read the whole friggin thing.
Dive into a lively reading of the U.S. Constitution, where humor meets legal insight. Discover the framework of Congress, the importance of the Bill of Rights, and the adaptability of the Constitution through its amendments. The hosts share personal anecdotes about civic engagement and the power of advocacy, urging listeners to understand their rights and use their voices. Join in on a light-hearted yet informative journey that melds history with a call to action, all while supporting individual freedoms.

10 snips
Jul 2, 2019 • 1h 30min
Nomology (THE CONSTITUTION) with Franita Tolson
Join Professor Franita Tolson, a constitutional law expert from USC, as she unpacks the U.S. Constitution with wit and clarity. Discover the critical role this document plays in voting rights and civil liberties. She reflects on her time with Barack Obama as a professor, discusses the challenges of the Supreme Court's diversity, and explores the ongoing fight against voter disenfranchisement. With an engaging mix of history and modern relevance, Tolson inspires listeners to connect with their rights and advocate for change.

Jun 25, 2019 • 59min
Cabinology (CABINS) with Dale Mulfinger
Dale Mulfinger, a world-famous Minnesota architect and professional cabinologist, discusses what makes a cabin a cabin, the appeal of wood and Scandinavian hygge-ness, cabin history, and vacation activities. The chapter also explores different types of cabins and sheds, the process of making and reassembling cabins, and the challenges of off-grid living.

Jun 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Disease Ecology (LYME/TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES) with Andrea Swei
Disease Ecologist Dr. Andrea Swei discusses Lyme Disease, testing, treatment, animal carriers, 'chronic Lyme', post-treatment Lyme, helpful proteins in lizards, Ukrainian princesses Babesia and Borrelia, Lyme vaccines, pet care, symptoms, prevention, and tick-borne illness vaccines. Entertaining and informative episode on tick-borne illnesses with valuable insights on tick control and disease ecology.

Jun 11, 2019 • 49min
Island Ecology (ISLANDS) with Andy Kraemer
What IS an island? How do birds and plants and mammals GET there? Why do we like going to islands? Dr. Andy Kraemer studies how life populates and survives on hunks of remote rock and chats all about the Galapagos Islands -- where he does his research. We address the smallest island in the world, the largest, some bananas biological adaptations, Darwin's finchy mistakes, some nude people and a Baroness who got caught up in a homicide scandal, and shrinking skeletons. Also: pirates and prison islands.Follow Dr. Andy Kraemer at www.twitter.com/andykraemerDonations went to: islandconservation.org and ecologyproject.orgSponsor links: Podcast "YOU" by Okta, TakeCareOf.com (code OLOGIES), Trueandco.com/ologies (code: OLOGIES), Progressive.comMore links at alieward.com/ologies/islandecologyYou Are That podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/00WJ2qzCeIeetwRy23ABEZBecome 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.

Jun 5, 2019 • 1h 20min
Acarology (TICKS) with Neeta Pardanani Connally
Dr. Neeta Pardanani Connally, an Acarologist and tick expert, discusses tick removal, yard spraying, landscaping's impact on tick exposure, and the spreading of Lyme Disease. She also covers protecting pets, the Lone Star Tick, and the CC poppyseed muffin mishap.

29 snips
May 28, 2019 • 1h 28min
Psychological Traumatology (PTSD & STRESS) with Nicholas Barr
Traumatologist Dr. Nicholas Barr discusses PTSD treatments, mindfulness, and intergenerational trauma. The podcast explores the brain under stress, resilience strategies, and the healing power of animals in therapy. Self-help tips and affordable therapy resources are also shared.