
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

147 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 33min
Oikology (DECLUTTERING) Encore with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe Ferrari
Discover the psychology of clutter and decluttering with professional organizers and a research psychologist. Learn about the emotional attachment to objects, the KonMari method, and why decluttering can become addictive. Find out when to call in a pro to help and explore the impact of clutter on our mental well-being.

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 13min
Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) Encore with Joy Reidenberg
Dr. Joy Reidenberg shares her passion for animal anatomy, from dissecting fish to studying unique adaptations with potential benefits for human health. Hear about whale dissections, the intersection of art and science, and finding fulfillment in a career that feels like play.

Mar 2, 2024 • 25min
Smologies #39: ANCIENT ROME with Darius Arya
Archaeologist Dr. Darius Arya delves into ancient Rome with discussions on garbage piles, tomb discoveries, construction methods, and unlikely laundry techniques. Discover what ancient Romans used before toilet paper and the importance of diverse expertise in reconstructing historical narratives.

19 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!) Part 2 with Ronald Gamble, Jr.
Black hole suns, wormholes, time travel, matter evaporation, and risk-taking advice with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Ronald Gamble Jr. Exploring the mysteries of black holes, interplay with the Big Bang theory, and quantum possibilities. Love, brilliance, and community engagement in science

19 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 49min
Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!) Part 1 with Ronald Gamble, Jr.
Discover the basics of black holes with a NASA astrophysicist, from imaging techniques to gravitational pull. Explore the mysteries of black holes, their formation, and universal consistency in physics. Dive into the math and physics of black holes, including the limitations of relativity and the need for quantum gravity theories. Delve into the classification of black holes, the singularity, event horizon, and the imaging of the event horizon of the black hole M87.

4 snips
Feb 17, 2024 • 25min
Smologies #38: CARNIVORES with Rae Wynn-Grant
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, large carnivore ecologist, shares insights on hibernation, carnivore microbiomes, and the intelligence of bears. She discusses stuffing baby bears in coats, the tasting abilities of carnivores, and the vegetarian carnivore concept. The podcast delves into the unique adaptations and behaviors of carnivores like wolves and how they interact with humans.

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 17min
Hydrochoerology (CAPYBARAS) with Elizabeth Congdon
Dr. Elizabeth Condgon, a hydrochoerologist, takes us on a delightful journey into the world of capybaras. She discusses their unique physical features, cultural significance, and the experience of studying them in the wild. The chapter also explores their behavior, presence in Florida, and their potential as pets. Additionally, it touches on the habitat of capybaras, their coexistence with cows, and the joy of talking about these snub-nosed relaxation experts.

Feb 7, 2024 • 57min
Theoretical & Creative Ecology (SCIENCE & ECOPOETRY) with Madhur Anand
Madhur Anand, a creative ecologist, climate scientist, theoretical ecologist, author, and poet, discusses the connection between storytelling and science, forest beetles, carbon stability, overcoming creative blocks, and the intersection of science and art, emphasizing their fundamental essence in humanity.

14 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 25min
Smologies #37: PROTEINS + DNA with Raven “The Science Maven” Baxter
Dr. Raven The Science Maven explores molecular biology, discussing cellular factories, curing cancer, unravelled DNA, and mysteries of the brain. Learn about the complexity of cells, DNA, proteins, and epigenetics. Find Raven's content, social media, and book recommendations.

164 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 25min
Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer
Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer: Explore debunking dieting myths, mitochondrial backstories, flaws of the Body Mass Index, crash dieting's impact on metabolism, exercise for hunter gatherers, carnivore diets, and more with Professor Herman Pontzer, a metabolism researcher.