Matt Simon, author of "Plight of the Living Dead", reveals mind-controlling parasites and their impact on different species. They discuss zombies in nature, including fungus-controlled zombie ants and wasp bunkers. The chapter also touches on ticks as parasites and the concept of individuality in the natural world. They explore the origins of life and the manipulation of crustaceans by camphosephalins worms. The discussion also includes zombies in popular culture and the horrifying behavior of the jewel wasp. They discuss protecting the earth and fighting the climate crisis, as well as toxoplasmosis infection and its behavioral effects. They further explore the evolution and nature of zombies and share a personal anecdote about a scary moment on a plane with their dog.

Spider silk expert Dr. Randy Lewis discusses the different types of spider silk, how spiders use them to build their webs, and the potential uses of spider silk in composite materials and adhesives. He also talks about genetically modifying bacteria, goats, and silk worms to produce spider silk, as well as the strength and applications of spider silk, including its role in Spider-Man's web-slinging.

Dr. W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston professor and author of “Monsters in America,” discusses monsters in popular culture, their sociological causes, the influence of religion on monsters, and explores the nature of evil and subconscious fears. They also critique the Twilight series and touch on various -ologies while covering a wide range of topics.

Dr. Susan K. Brown, a pomologist and geneticist, discusses the fascinating world of apples, including apple picking tips, genetic mash-ups, DNA trivia, and the process of breeding and marketing new apple varieties. The podcast also explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Barbara McClintock in discovering transposons, the origin of Granny Smith apples, challenges in apple breeding, the flavor of black licorice, growing apples in a backyard orchard, and common misconceptions about apples.

"Smologies #29: PUMPKINS with Anne Copeland" features Anne Copeland, author and human delight, who passionately explores the folklore, history, planting, care, and cooking of pumpkins. From creation myths to medicinal properties, Anne reveals the pumpkin's secrets. The podcast dives into the origins and traditions of Jack-o'-lanterns, the distinction between pumpkins and gourds, and offers carving tips. Discover the fascinating world of pumpkins in this entertaining and informative episode of "Ologies with Alie Ward."

More witches! History! Lore! Wardrobes! Movie trivia! And some advice from your elders? Part 2 is here with the wonderful, informed, and charming writer, speaker, spirit-worker, witch, and witchologist, Fio Gede Parma, who has most recently authored the book “The Witch Belongs to the World.” We chat cats, commercialization, witch trials, environmentalism, fashion, hallucinogenic tinctures, broomstick legends, sex positive witchery, celebrity witches, science history, cosmological ghost theories, and what to do if you think you might be a witch. Also: don’t call people wizards. Content warning: we do touch on some of the historical brutality suffered by those outside of dominant religions and the stigmas faced by people worshiping or observing religions that are considered fringe. Opinions and spiritual or religious beliefs are those of the guest and may conflict with yours, but we are learning about their first hand customs, culture, and lived experience. Visit Fio Gede Parma’s website and follow them on Instagram, Patreon and YouTubeBrowse books by Fio including The Witch Belongs to the World: A Spell of Becoming, Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit, and Ecstatic Witchcraft: Magick, Philosophy & Trance in the Shamanic CraftA donation went to Mudgin-GalMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: SPOOKTOBER episodes, Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS), Genealogy (FAMILY TREES), Geology (ROCKS), Epidemiology (DISEASES), Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER), Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS), Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, stickers, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

IT’S HERE. Witches. Not just a witch expert, but also a witch. Author Fio Gede Parma is a practicing witch and highly respected writer, speaker and teacher. They cover witch history, different types of witches, intersectional witchcraft, forest covens, teen movies, witch trials, witch fashion, midnight myths, lunar pratfalls, spells, cheerful nudists, awkward Uber rides and more. Also: how does one…become a witch? And just a warning: we touch on some stigmas and physical and emotional harm suffered by those observing religions considered fringe. Your own spiritual or religious beliefs are yours to keep, but the nature of some conflicts are discussed. (Science note: this specific episode of Ologies is a little different; not the norm. Unlike vampires or monsters, there are *real* witches among us and I wanted to include their voices in this deep dive of their beliefs. So you may not agree with everything they say and a lot of it can’t be qualified, but this episode is about culture, history and the ideology of a certain spiritual group. So listen with that in mind and  you'll learn about religious beliefs —that you may not agree with and that science has not fully figured out or upheld — but you'll get to know the real people and lifestyles behind the tropes we’ve seen in fiction. Then the rest of Spooktober we’re back to genetics and statistics and Google scholar research papers and such. Relax, and enjoy.)Visit Fio Gede Parma’s website and follow them on Instagram, Patreon and YouTubeBrowse books by Fio including The Witch Belongs to the World: A Spell of Becoming, Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit, and Ecstatic Witchcraft: Magick, Philosophy & Trance in the Shamanic CraftA donation went to Mudgin-GalMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: SPOOKTOBER episodes, Selenology (THE MOON), Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) with @BlackForager, Oneirology (DREAMS), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Philematology (KISSING), Bryology (MOSS), Mycology (MUSHROOMS), Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, stickers, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

World-renowned aging expert and biogerontologist Dr. Caleb Finch answers questions about aging, genetics vs. environment, lifespan in different species, blue zones, and the mysteries of aging. Explore the stories of Jean Calmont and the Bolivian Amazon group with slower arterial aging.

Antarctic explorer and Nematologist Dr. Holly Bik discusses deep sea (benthopelagic) worms, including their biology, habitats, and behaviors. They cover topics such as the unique features of nematodes, studying nematodes in Antarctica, the impact of glaciers on deep sea worms, and the importance of studying worm biodiversity in the ocean. They also touch on regrowth capabilities of certain worms, nematodes in humans, and artistic science communication.

In this podcast, Gustologist Dr. Gary Beauchamp discusses a range of interesting topics including tastebud flim-flam, MSG research, weaning off sugar, salt restrictions in different countries, losing taste with Covid, artificial sweeteners, acquiring a taste for foods, and the connection between a sweet tooth and booze consumption.