Ologies with Alie Ward

Listen to Ambystomologist Dr. Jessica Whited of Harvard discuss axolotls, their limb regeneration abilities, color morphs, pet care ethics, conservation efforts, genetic modification, and the role of axolotls in popular culture like Minecraft. Delve into the fascinating world of axolotls, their unique traits, evolutionary significance, limb regeneration process, genome size comparison, and challenges in a scientific career.

Dr. Charles Grob discusses listener questions on magic mushrooms, LSD, neuroscience, FDA hearings, safe psychedelic consumption, Stoned Ape Theory, and being a good trip sitter. Topics include reality, neurodivergence, avoiding barfing, and following clinical guidelines for a big trip in Oregon.

Renowned psychiatry professor Charles Grob discusses the history and therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Topics include ethnobotanical origins, brain chemistry during trips, who should avoid psychedelics, antidepressants with mushrooms, and future research paths.

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.