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.
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Cycadology (RARE PLANT DRAMA) with Nathalie Nagalingum
Gather round fellow nerds, you’re about to learn about the wildest not a fern not a bush not a cactus plant you never knew you never knew about: CYCADS. These endangered ancient plants have been around for 270 million years, give or take, and now they’re some of the most valuable vegetation in the world. Come along to learn about these uncomfortably sexy gymnosperms and the international crimes people do to steal them. Also: neurotoxins, Jurassic Park, and one the best fixes for procrastination we’ve ever heard with the world’s favorite botanist and cycadologist Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum.Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum’s websiteFollow Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum on Twitter and tell her you love her at Dr. Nagalingum’s profile at California Academy of SciencesSpeaking of which, Alie will be moderating a Women in Science Nightlife event there coming up March 3rd, and you can get tickets for that hereA donation was made to Ovarian Cancer Australia Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
Carnivore Ecology (LIONS, TIGERS, & BEARS) with Rae Wynn-Grant
Ah, charismatic megafauna! Teeth, claws, fur, hibernation, bear hugs, hiking, cougar attacks, nature preserves, and living your childhood dreams with Alie’s longtime -ologist crush, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. The large carnivore ecologist, researcher and TV presenter tells us all about her field work, what it’s like to stuff a baby bear in your coat, how carnivore plasma may one day save your life, balancing a few different stellar careers at once and the launch of her own PBS podcast, Going Wild. Also: how to revive a bear you’ve given ketamine and surprises she’s found in the woods. We love her. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant’s website: https://www.raewynngrant.com/Follow her at Twitter.com/raewynngrant and Instagram.com/raewynngrantMore links at alieward.com/ologies/carnivoreecology Beautiful bear, wildlife & nature pics: Instagram.com/tsalani A donation went to BlackOutside.orgDr. Wynn-Grant’s podcast, Going Wild https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/podcast/Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes at alieward.com/smologiesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photoGoing Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-GrantNot Your Average Field Trip https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hkRUPP0Oq3Z3Q-vi4va5XQXmMEgdjImE/editAlso follow: http://www.tsalani.com/
Myrmecology (ANTS) Encore with Dr. Terry McGlynn
You have ants. We all have ants, but do we KNOW ants? Get ready for cult-leader queens, bullet ant stings, kitchen pest hacks, the dynamics of a billion-sister megacolony. Dr. Terry McGlynn sits down to have a BIG discussion about itty-bitty creatures in this encore because I was out of town seeing my family and just needed a week off. Learn about tropical ants, urban ants, how they walk on water, which ones are picky eaters, which ones make weird sounds, what ant movies are bunk, and some help-help takeaways. Also: sniffing your relatives before deciding to kill them. Ooooh, it’s a classic. Dr. Terry McGlynn's website and TwitterA donation went to the SEEDS Field Trip fundSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Steven Ray Morris & Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
Smologies #10: BODY HEAT with Shane Campbell-Staton
Bundle up for a smol, classroom-friendly episode with Princeton University evolutionary biologist and Thermophysiologist Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton. You’ll learn about everything from heat tolerance to frostbite, anti-freeze woodfrogs to icy alligators, why some people run hot, why your toes run cold, how a fever is like a honeybee, how geography influences our body composition, why mammoths are big, and why you should grab your hat before running out the door. Also: what counts as “balmy” in Alaska.
Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) with Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen
Shoving elk into a dorm room freezer. The wildest tasting rice. Flower bulbs, acorn whoopie pies, frybread debates, mushroom foraging tips, corn magic, puffball mythology, decolonized diets, squash lasagna, bison harvests, small worlds, Instapots and – most importantly – food sovereignty with the WONDERFUL Indigikitchen cooking show host, environmental scientist Mariah Gladstone, who reminds us all that native foods aren’t a part of a past, but an essential and exciting aspect of the future. LINK PARTY, SO MANY LINKS HEREMariah’s website, Twitter and InstagramA donation was made to FASTBlackfeet.orgSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
Screamology (LOUD VOCALIZATIONS) with Harold Gouzoules
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… a brand new, screaming hot episode of Ologies. Be warned *slaps the top of this ep* you can fit so many screams in this bad boy. (Seriously though, there’s a lot of screaming in this episode, it’s probably not the one to gently fall asleep to.) What kinds of screams you ask? We got birds, foxes, caterpillars, movie stars, children, James Bond? YES. What is a scream? Is it the same as yelling? How far can you hear a scream? Why do we scream at concerts? What’s up with primal scream therapy? Join us as we hoot and holler with internationally acclaimed Emory professor of psychology Dr. Harold Gouzoules for the answers to these and so many more of your questions as we learn about the study of that most animal of vocalizations: screaming.Dr. Gouzoules’s Emory University Bioacoustics LabA donation was made to American Diabetes AssociationSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media and Steven Ray MorrisTheme song by Nick Thorburn
Bovine Neuropathology (HEADBUTTING) with Nicole Ackermans
Slamming heads together to impress someone: why does this happen? Let’s ask Dr. Nicole Ackermans, whose current job involves receiving sheep heads and painstakingly counting damaged neurons from headbutting concussions. The Neuropathology episode last week gives all the concussion basics, but this one turns the microscope away from accidents and points it right at intentional behaviors in nature, from bighorn sheep to musk oxen, goats, woodpeckers, and some other animals that will freak you out. Also: questionable helmet ideas and horny hogs. Get all the background on head trauma, including my recent brainwhack concussion alieward.com/ologies/neuropathologyFollow her at Twitter.com/AckermansNicoleMore links at alieward.com/ologies/headbuttsHer website: https://www.nicoleackermans.com/A donation was made to SWHR.orgSponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media Transcripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/web-design
Smologies #9: GAMING with Jane McGonigal
Games! Play! Fun! Addiction? Flim-flam? From the origins of tabletop classics to the future of VR, Dr. Jane McGonigal answers our burning questions. This video game developer, TED speaker and bestselling author is an expert on how playing -- and especially video games -- can motivate, soothe and connect us. Will video games turn your child into a future car thief? How do they make you stronger? How much is too much? What about slot machines? Everyone who loves games (and everyone who hates games) should hear this one.The uncut, adult version of Ludology is up at alieward.com/ologies/ludologyMore Smologies episodes: alieward.com/smologiesDr. McGonigal’s new book “Imaginable” is due out March 22, 2022Dr. McGonigal’s website: https://janemcgonigal.com/A donation went to: AbleGamers.org Dr. Jane McGonigal on Twitter: @AvantgameSponsor links: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped full episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardEditing by Zeke Rodrigues Thomas & Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media Smologies theme song by Harold MalcolmSpecial thanks to Susan Hale, Noel Dilworth, Kelly Dwyer and Emily White.
Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS) with Mary Alexis Iaccarino
Hi, last week I fell down a flight of stairs. Then I went to the hospital. Then I emailed Dr. Mary Alexis Iaccarino, a Harvard Medical School professor and specialist in rehabilitation from traumatic brain injuries. I asked her all about what happens during a concussion, when to be worried, how long it takes to heal, when a person should get their ass to a hospital, what a brain scan can tell us about a head injury, what it CAN’T tell us about a head injury, if you can fall asleep after a head injury, and the differences between mTBI, TBI, SRC, CTE and even ATGATT. Plus, bike helmets, Natasha Richardson, fruit fly role models and some truly infuriating statistics on who gets mTBI treatment and who doesn’t. And stay tuned later this week for a bonus episode on what happens when bighorn sheep bash their skulls together. Follow Dr. Mary Alexis Iaccarino at Twitter.com/IaccarinoMDMore links at alieward.com/ologies/neuropathologyA donation was made to HomeBase.orgSponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTranscripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo
Raccoonology (PROCYONIDS) with A Gaze of Raccoonologists
Here we go: SIX more raccoon experts, because one episode is not enough for the wonders of these terrific trash bandits. Revel in the raccoon love and hear about presidential pets, neuronal density, why raccoonologists walk out on the job, their fabled intelligence, how Aesop factors into raccoonology, and the comfort of the male gaze? Also, treat yourself and your timeline to an upgrade by following these wildlife experts:Hannah J. Griebling, MScanimalcognitionlab.orgTwitter: @HannahGriebling Kelly E. Lane-deGraaf, PhDklanedegraaf@fontbonne.edu Jessica M. Andersenhttps://www.blueridgewildlifectr.org/Twitter: @Jess_inthewild Lauren A. Stanton, Ph.D.laurenastanton.wixsite.com/cognitive-ecologyTwitter: @lauren_stanton_ Jessi Knudsen Castañeda Animalwonders.orgTwitter: @Animal_WondersInstagram: @animalwondersmontanaYouTube: @animalwondersmontana Jennifer ColbourneTwitter: @Raccoonologist Donations went to: Center for One HealthBlue Ridge Wildlife Center Animalwonders.org More episode resources & linksSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts & bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, totes, masks… Follow @ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @alieward on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. Dwyer
Procyonology (RACCOONS) with Suzanne MacDonald
Tiny hands! Round rumps! Chaos! Compost! Delicious garbage and sweet faces make raccoons as mysterious as they are adored. World class raccoon expert, psychologist and animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne MacDonald of Toronto’s York University explains tree sleeping, brain worms, cartoon raccoons, queer icons, whether you should keep one as a pet and also: some of the best career and life advice from midnight gremlins eating chicken bones in your driveway. Stay tuned for next week’s part 2 with half a dozen more raccoon experts. Follow Dr. Suzanne MacDonald at https://twitter.com/yorkpsycMore links at alieward.com/ologies/procyonologyHer website: https://suzannemacdonald.ca/A donation was made to https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/Sponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisTranscripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo
Smologies #7: HAGFISH with Tim Winegard
Who doesn't love a floppy, slime-filled, hot dog shaped creature of the deep sea? On this Smologies (It's like if Ologies were more Smol) we return to our conversation with Tim Winegard, a professional hagfishologist (YES IT'S A WORD) at Chapman University, and he dishes on the world's slimiest treasures. You're gonna learn about things like why you don't always need a spine and how special ketchup is and, of course, lots and lots about mucus.Also in case you didn't know, Smologies is indeed an abbreviated, de-filthed episode of Ologies for when you only have 20 minutes to learn something interesting about the thing your date said they're into in their profile you've got kids with you in the car who are definitely going to repeat the curse word they learned from their ol' GrandfatherWard all through fingerpainting class.More links at alieward.com/smologies/hagfishThe uncut, adult version is up at: alieward.com/ologies/hagfishologyStitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get podcasts.A donation went to:Sponsor links: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped full episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and STIIIICKERS!Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSmologies editing/direction by Zeke Rodrigues Thomas of MindJam MediaSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisSmologies theme song by Harold MalcolmSpecial production thanks to Susan Hale, Noel Dilworth, Erin Talbert, Boni Dutch, Shannon Feltus, Caleb Patton, Kelly Dwyer and Emily White
Genicular Tramatology (BAD KNEES) with Kevin Stone
Genicular Traumatology (BAD KNEES) with Kevn StoneHow do your knees feel? How do YOU feel about your knees? Buckle up to better your relationship with what some listeners call their most hated and contentious joint. Globally-lauded orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Stone agreed to sit on a porch and explain everything from cracking to popping, patellas to tendons vs ligaments, cartilage donuts, physical therapy, self-surgery, joint juices, sporty injections, cadaver tissues, pig legs, if weight has any effect on knee health, types of arthiritis, bionic body parts, and if knees are really out to get us. Also if you’re still reading this description, this episode has some long-ass bizarre asides with some trivia that will haunt you. Meet… your knees. Follow Dr. Kevin Stone’s work at instagram.com/stoneclinic/His book, “Play Forever: How to Recover From Injury and Thrive” More links at alieward.com/ologies/kneesHis links: https://linktr.ee/stoneclinicA donation was made to www.stoneresearch.org/aboutSponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSmologies episodes at alieward.com/smologiesSmologies editing by Zeke Rodrigues Thomas & Steven Ray MorrisSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media Transcripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo
Audiobook Mixtape 2: Gift Ideas from the Ologists’ Brains
From crisp cider to blistering lava, life advice, climate solutions, the comforts of venison stew, cockroaches in orbit, UFO culture, social justice, dongs, worms, wasps, fireflies, bear orgies, makeouts, disasters, the deep ruts of the patriarchy, and desperate horny bugs. This second-ever “Audiobook Mixtape” has it all. So if you’re near a fireplace but have no book, or haven’t started holiday shopping (like your dear old Dadward VonPodcast) let this casserole of literary snippets serve as a refresher of favorite episodes, a teaser for ones you haven’t heard or just a gentle nudge toward a bookshop. Links to these books (& the Ologists’ episodes) are up at alieward.com/ologies/bookworm22019’s Audiobook Mixtape 1 episode: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/bookwormDonations went to 826LA.org and Bookshop.orgSponsors of Ologies: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo
Smologies #7: CATS with Mikel Delgado
CATS! Kittens. Tigers. Purring. Toys. Litterboxes. We cover it all in this abridged and G-rated Felinology version for Smologites, or just anyone who doesn’t want to listen to swearing with their science. Professional cat behavior expert Dr. Mikel Delgado dishes on domestication, cats on leashes, why they want to sit on your laptop, how to play with cats the right way, if tigers make biscuits, and so much more. Get inside the head of your favorite, furry enigmas and you'll love them even more. Also: scoop that box. Doctor’s orders. Dr. Mikel Delgado's Twitter, website, and business FelineMinds.comFull, uncut and NSFW Felinology episode: www.alieward.com/ologies/felinologyA donation was made to www.KittenCentralofPlacerCounty.orgMORE Smologies episodes up at alieward.com/smologiesSponsor links: alieward.com/ologies-sponsorsOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and now… MASKS. Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologiesFollow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray MorrisBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologiesTranscripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extrasTranscripts by Emily White of www.thewordary.com/Website by Kelly R. Dwyer https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photoSmologies version of theme music by Harold MalcolmSpecial thanks to Susan Hale, Boni Dutch, Noel Dilworth, Shannon Feltus, Caleb Patton, Kelly Dwyer and Emily White.