

Ologies with Alie Ward
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 36min
Heliology (THE SUN/ECLIPSES) with India Jackson and Michael Kirk
 Learn all about the Sun and upcoming eclipses from NASA's heliologists. They discuss solar science, solar phenomena, evolution of stars, solar eclipses, and mysteries of solar physics. Exciting insights into the giant plasma ball we revolve around! 

Mar 30, 2024 • 25min
Smologies #41: PELICANS with Juita Martinez
 Pelicanologist Juita Martinez discusses the mysterious world of pelicans, from their unique hunting habits to conservation efforts. Topics include sibling rivalry, limericks about their bills, and the joy of observing these glorious dinosaurs up close. 

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 29min
Disgustology (REPULSION TO GROSS STUFF) with Paul Rozin
 Foremost expert in disgust, Paul Rozin, chats about what triggers our revulsion and how psychologists study disgust. Topics range from food aversions to xenophobia, exploring horror movies and germaphobia. They discuss the origins of disgust, humor, and emotions, dissecting evolutionary and cultural aspects of repulsion. The conversation delves into relationships, cleanliness standards, and phobias, touching on the psychology of dietary choices and the appeal of hot peppers. 

21 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 47min
Field Trip: Alie’s Mystery Surgery!
 Join the host on a personal journey of a mystery surgery, sharing fears, preparations, and emotional reflections. Learn about hormonal imbalance, anesthesia prep, and the rollercoaster of emotions from anxiety to relief. A reminder to prioritize proactive health planning and take control of your future. 

4 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 25min
Smologies #40: HAIR with Valerie Horsley
 Discover the intricate world of hair with a Yale researcher. Explore the science of hair growth, stem cells, genetic influences, varying hair types, and the importance of hair in animals. Delve into the biology of hair follicles, the role of melanin in coloration, and the fascinating parallels between nails and hair growth. 

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. 


