Ologies with Alie Ward

Guest Guinevere Chambers, a Disability Sociologist, discusses Disability Pride Month, historical perspective on disability rights, challenges of eugenics, misuse of disability accommodations, invisible illnesses, supporting caregivers, and navigating invisible disabilities.

Field researcher and legit Puffinologist, Jill Taylor, talks about the fascinating world of puffins including their diet, life expectancy, and mating habits. They explore puffin behavior, rescue efforts, and conservation, touching on topics like puffin colonies, UV vision, and the controversial taste of puffin meat. The conversation ends with a look at the obsession and adorableness of puffins in popular culture and the challenges of studying them in the wild.

Alie Ward, a science communicator, discusses her career journey, building Ologies podcast, importance of adult SciComm, fear killing curiosity, and tips for aspiring communicators. Topics include changing beliefs, engaging audiences, and navigating challenges in the field.

Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore, a mosquito expert and Culicidologist at the CDC, dives into solutions for avoiding mosquito bites, the itchiness they cause, safe repellents, climate change impact, potential extinction scenarios, and learning to appreciate mosquitoes. The episode covers mosquito-related topics like genetically modified mosquitoes, preventing mosquito-borne diseases, skepticism about health products, global concerns on vector-borne diseases, and the ecological role of mosquitoes.

Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore, a CDC officer and Culicidologist, discusses fascinating mosquito facts like their feeding habits, attraction to specific hosts, high-pitched sounds, and mouthparts. She sheds light on keeping mosquitoes at bay and upcoming topics on diseases and repellents. Discover the world of mosquitoes and why they're more than just blood-sucking pests.

Historian and author Dr. Adrian Johns discusses the evolution of reading from clay tablets to audiobooks, literacy campaigns, attention spans, and dyslexia history. He touches on phonics, e-readers, and literacy rates. The conversation reflects on the impact of technology and societal changes on reading habits.

Lohitashwa Garikipati, a Mantodeologist and UC Davis entomology graduate, shares myths and facts about praying mantises, from cannibalism to maternal care. He discusses mantis behavior, habitat, morphology, and invasive species, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on their fascinating world.

In this episode, the host announces a kid-friendly version of the show called Smologies, touching on fascinating nature facts, the benefits of video games for kids, and promoting summer activities. The chapter also reflects on wonder, expressing gratitude, and offering advice on overcoming procrastination.

Global expert Dr. Dirk Moses discusses genocide, war crimes, and humanitarian law. The episode delves into the complexities of defining genocide, the evolution of international laws, challenges in proving and prosecuting genocide, patterns of violence in colonized societies, and preventive measures. The conversation also explores racialization, securitization in conflicts, genocide discourse, conflict resolution, and navigating misinformation in news media.

Cicada expert Gene Kritsky delves into the fascinating world of cicadas, discussing their yearly vs. periodical cycles, survival tactics underground, mating rituals, and the loudness of their songs. Learn about their timekeeping abilities, evolution, and how to engage with them through photography. Get ready for the upcoming cicada emergence this spring in 18 states!