Ologies with Alie Ward

Science historian James Burke discusses the importance of connections in historical events and between humans. Topics covered include Napoleon's toothpick, dog pee, shipworms, writer's block, TV shoots, and his new Connections season on Curiosity Stream.

In this audiobook mixtape, the host introduces a curated collection of book recommendations from ologists. Topics covered include the history and science of invisibility, mental conditioning for success, the joy of making and creating, the importance of bat houses, protecting the earth and fighting the climate crisis, the significance of food acquisition, and gift ideas and book recommendations.

Dr. Rachel Storer, cloud doctor and nephologist, discusses various types of clouds, how they form, and why they appear white. Topics also include fog, dew point, and the joy of observing the weather. The podcast episode highlights a charity focused on pyrocumulus clouds and wildfires in Australia and touches on the potential effects of climate change on cloud formations.

Mathematician Dr. Eugenia Cheng discusses the artsy and emotional side of math, covering topics such as Fibonacci sequences, golden ratios, and imaginary numbers. They explore the intersection of math and empathy, link math to ultra-marathons, explain Common Core misunderstandings, embrace the unknown, discuss the power of failure, and explore the moment when understanding calculus clicks.

Ben Goldfarb, an award-winning science journalist, discusses road ecology and the impact of roadkill. Topics include wildlife crossings, skunk smells, moose impacts, ocelot facts, how to avoid roadkill, and the ethics of picking up dead animals. Ben's book, "Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet", is also mentioned.

Cooking show host and environmental scientist Mariah Gladstone discusses the importance of native foods and food sovereignty. Topics include ancestral recipes, debunking misconceptions, indigenous mushroom stories, decolonizing diets, and the significance of mushrooms in different indigenous cultures.

November 6-12 is GAR WEEK! What is a gar, you ask? Picture: A long snout. Hundreds of teeth. Scales that could slice you. Should we fear it? Should we hug it? One of the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable experts on this ancient, mysterious fish joins to make you fall in love with these slimy longbois. Dr. Solomon David is affable, charming, enthusiastic and absolutely shameless when it comes to fish puns. Slip into some hip waders and jump in the muck to learn all about a creature that -- despite decades of mudslinging -- is not a gar-bage fish. Also: why gar caviar is a hella bad idea.Visit Dr. Solomon David’s website and follow him on Twitter and InstagramA donation went to Ranger Rick, part of the National Wildlife FederationMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Ichthyology (FISH), Oceanology Encore (THE OCEAN), Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS), Teuthology (SQUID)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 Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris, and Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio ProductionsTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

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.