
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

6 snips
Oct 16, 2018 • 1h 14min
Somnology (SLEEP) Part 1 with W. Chris Winter
Birds do it. Bees do it. Why the hell can't we do it? Called "The Sleep Whisperer," neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. W. Chris Winter joins Alie for a thrilling 2-parter about why we need sleep, the ideal amount of it, what sleep does to the brain, insomnia, sleep stages, ideal bedtime conditions, and even the historical lore around sleep paralysis. Next week, we'll answer listener questions about everything from sleeping pills to brain performance to insomnia cures to apnea to sleepwalking to parenthood and shift work. Think of it as a free seminar to fix your life. Maybe.Dr. W. Chris Winter's sleep clinicDr. W. Chris Winter's bookFollow twitter.com/sportsleepdocBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter or InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter or InstagramMore links at www.alieward.comSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Oct 9, 2018 • 1h 23min
Surgical Oncology (BREAST CANCER) with Donna-Marie Manasseh
A surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer discusses prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. Topics include self-care, mammograms, and genetic screening. Also, the evolution of breast implants and embracing body positivity. Resources for breast cancer awareness and the impact of early detection on treatment paths.

Oct 5, 2018 • 1h 7min
Ologiesology with Alie Ward (1-Year Anniversary Episode)
Explore the host's journey into science communication, blending art and science, and the balance of educational content with entertainment. Discover the significance of emotional storytelling, dedication in science, and showcasing lesser-known individuals. Dive into various ologies, personal authenticity, and exciting collaborative projects!

Oct 2, 2018 • 1h 12min
Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) with Joy Reidenberg
Dr. Joy Reidenberg shares insights on fascinating anatomy topics like exploding whales, taxidermy, unique animal structures, and their significance for human health. She discusses her journey into functional morphology, challenges in blending science and art, and studying animal adaptations for medical advancements. The podcast also covers topics like whale evolution, olfactory fatigue, and the joy of pursuing a career aligned with passion.

Sep 25, 2018 • 1h 23min
Myrmecology (ANTS) with Terry McGlynn
Cult-leader queens. Bullet ant stings. Kitchen pest hacks. The dynamics of a billion-sister megacolony. Dr. Terry McGlynn sits down to have a BIG discussion about itty-bitty creatures. Learn about tropical ants, urban ants, how they walk on water, which ones are picky eaters, which ones make weird sounds, what ant movies are bunk, and some self-help takeaways. Also: sniffing your relatives before deciding to kill them.Dr. Terry McGlynn's website and Twitter More episode sources and links Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn

15 snips
Sep 18, 2018 • 1h 21min
Egyptology (ANCIENT EGYPT) with Kara Cooney
Join Alie and Dr. Kara Cooney for a fascinating dive into ancient Egypt, discussing female rulers, mummies, and curses. Explore the parallels between ancient authoritarian regimes and modern politics, uncover the mysteries of King Tut's tomb, and learn about phallic imagery in ancient Egyptian coffins.

4 snips
Sep 11, 2018 • 1h 24min
Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING) with Shah Selbe
THIS IS UPLIFTING, I PROMISE. And it might just make you switch careers. As a bookend to last week's Oceanology episode, Conservation Technologist Shah Selbe chats about saving the planet with some well-intentioned technology. Wind turbines, solar cars, and all the ways in which sensors, drones, recycled smartphones and real-time data reporting can help conserve species, spaces and communities that are threatened. Hear inspiring tales of travel, art, adventure and putting engineering to good use from a former rocket-science turned professional do-gooder.Also discussed: crocodile astrology, fishing vests and hippo power displays.Conservify.orgShah Selbe on Twitter and InstagramMore episode sources and linksBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn

20 snips
Sep 4, 2018 • 1h 16min
Oceanology (OCEANS) with Ayana Johnson
Are plastic straws really that bad? What's the oldest message in a bottle? Any scuba vs. snorkel strategies? Does sunscreen kill coral? Can we reverse ocean warming in our lifetime? In a conversation with ocean and policy expert Dr. Ayana Johnson, Alie struggles with finding a balance between the wonders and the bummers. For the first 15-20 minutes, learn weird ocean trivia, why we love the sea, and facts about the ocean's depths and beauty. Then, we get to the sad stuff: ocean health, climate change, acidification, pollution, policy and what we can all do.If you've been feeling helpless, this episode gives you all the tools you need to understand and help our friend, the World Ocean.Also: some great information about whale pee.Dr. Johnson's OceanCollectiv.coDr. Johnson's website, Twitter and InstagramMore episode sources and links Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Aug 28, 2018 • 1h 4min
Ferroequinology (TRAINS) with Matt Anderson
Dive into the fascinating world of trains with discussions on their historical significance, emotional connections, and evolution in America. Explore railroad track adventures, learn about high-speed rail development, and discover the joys of working in a train-focused museum. From childhood fascination to dream jobs, this episode covers it all!

Aug 21, 2018 • 44min
Bonus Minisode: Kalology -- Your Letters
As a companion to Kalology (BEAUTY STANDARDS) Alie reads your thoughts about appearance and beauty culture in this, a bonus minisode. You wrote in about how make-up is a creative outlet, how beauty standards can be an oppressive time suck, about hairy pits and culture clashes, money burdens, appearances in different professions, trans and non-binary perspectives, and what you wish the next generation did differently. Y'all made Ol' Ward tear up more than once, and it's an honor to share your stories.Dr. Renee Engeln's work"Beauty Sick," the bookDr. Crystal Dilworth's TEDx TalkMore episode sources & linksBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn