Ologies with Alie Ward

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

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!

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

We love it. We hate it. BEAUTY CULTURE.Looking good can make us feel decorated, empowered and more confident -- but why?And why are certain groups subtly told to "make-up" for their appearance?What's the line between self-care and oppression?Psychologist and beauty-researcher Dr. Renee Engeln shines a huge bright floodlight on the sometimes ugly machinery of the billion-dollar beauty and "fitness" industry. This is an episode for make-up lovers, haters and the millions of us confused about being both at once. It's also an opportunity for dudes to learn just how how skewed the standards are. Buckle up -- this ologist will change the way you see the world, others and hopefully, yourself.Dr. Renee Engeln's work"Beauty Sick," the bookMore 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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dive into the world of bird eggs with oologist Dr. John Bates at the Field Museum of Chicago. From speckled eggs to pigeon mysteries, explore modern research, Easter myths, and the possibility of hatching chickens from grocery store eggs. Prepare for a wild ride of eggstraordinary facts and beautiful sights!

75% of adult Americans have wonky vision of some kind, your host included. Longtime pal and real-life eye surgeon, Dr. Reid Wainess answers all the questions that you never bring up during appointments. He and Alie chat about how eyes are just little cameras in your skull, glasses vs. contacts, Lasik, why we cry, some boggling ER stories, how marijuana effects eyeballs, floaters, cataracts, eye color, dogs in goggles and more. Also: what happens if you choke under pressure and pick the wrong options in an eye exam? HOW SCREWED ARE YOU?Dr. Reid Wainess's practiceIf you're in LA and and want Dr. Wainess to be your eye doc: 1-800-898-2020More 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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epidemiologists Erin and Erin discuss historical horror stories, the plague, cholera cocktails, flu shots, tick bombs, milkmaids, witch trials, and more. They share infectious enthusiasm for disease ecology, exploring questions about handwashing, vaccine fears, and intriguing conspiracy theories.

Dr. Chris Lowe talks about shark PR, Jaws trivia, Sharknado, immune system marvels, cannibal twins, shark personalities, sea sex, knife teeth, and sharks suffering from sensationalized reputations. Sharks are evolutionary marvels with unique adaptations and misunderstood behaviors. Learn about shark personalities, predator-prey interactions, and embracing imperfection in understanding predators.

Crazy dongs! Gardening tips! Snail-based beauty products! Weather the LA heatwave and slug along with Dr. Jann Vendetti of the Natural History Museum of LA County as she gossips with Alie about some sensual slug lovemaking, Gold Rush lore, urban snails, beer bingeing and why you should stop and high five (high one?) a gastropod for evolving into such an interesting critter. Also: should you adopt a rabbit-sized pet snail?Watch Dr. Vendetti on the The Curiosity ShowS.L.I.M.E project at the NHM.org"The Snail Song" ending lullaby by Maple Leaf LearningMore 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Alie Ward and areologist Dr. Jennifer Buz as they discuss landscaping Mars like a golf course, water balloon fights on Mars, moral dilemmas of living on the red planet with insights from Kim Staney Robinson, and Elon Musk's fascination with Mars.