Ethnocynology (HUMANS & DOGS THROUGH TIME) with David Ian Howe
Wed, 15 Jan 2025
Ancient dogs! Domestic wolves! Anthropology! Archaeology! It’s all Ethnocynology: when humans and ...
Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES & INDIGENOUS FIRE MANAGEMENT) Mega Encore with Gavin Jones & Amy Christianson
Fri, 10 Jan 2025
As wildfires burn across L.A. — and my neighborhood evacuates — we thought it would be a good ti...
Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) Encore with Laurie Santos
Tue, 31 Dec 2024
HAPPINESS RESEARCH, straight up. What is happiness? How do our circumstances affect happiness? Why i...
Cabinology (CABINS) Encore with Dale Mulfinger
Tue, 24 Dec 2024
The time is right to revisit cabins: Log cabins, woodsy getaways, A-frame cuties, cottages, tiny hom...
Castorology (BEAVERS) with Rob Rich
Wed, 18 Dec 2024
Orange teeth! Vanilla butts! Architecture with twigs! Olde-timey joke books? Field naturalist, conse...
Mnemonology (MEMORY) Part 2 with Michael Yassa
Wed, 11 Dec 2024
Remembering names! Preventing dementia! Photographic memories! Weed! Goldfish! It’s the thrilling ...
Mnemonology (MEMORY) Part 1 with Michael Yassa
Wed, 4 Dec 2024
How are memories made? Where are they stored? Where do they go? What was I just talking about? Neuro...
Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES) with Sheila Blumberg
Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Vaping and vein health! Covid and clots! Easy bruising! Movie blood! Spider veins! Free socks! The h...
Field Trip: A Hawaiian Breadfruit Rev‘ULUtion
Mon, 25 Nov 2024
What even IS a breadfruit? How do you cook it? Why have Pacific Islanders grown it for so long? Can ...
Canistrumology (BASKET WEAVING. YES, BASKET WEAVING) with James C. Bamba
Wed, 20 Nov 2024
Thorny leaves! Embarrassing imports! Basket gossip! Making cool stuff from invasive vines! Renowne...
Ergopathology (BURNOUT) with Kandi Wiens
Wed, 13 Nov 2024
Exhaustion! Numbness! Anger! You’re stressed out. I get it. Let’s fix it. I cornered one of the ...
Odonatology (DRAGONFLIES) with Jessica Ware
Wed, 6 Nov 2024
They’re acrobatic fliers with long bodies and veined wings and their babies breathe through their ...
Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural
Wed, 30 Oct 2024
Folks, come with me. We’re hanging out under some train tracks late at night in Philadelphia doing...
Confectionology (CANDY) with Susan Benjamin
Wed, 23 Oct 2024
Licorice opinions! War chocolate! Candy corn origins, circus peanut secrets, the sourest sourballs, ...
Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) Part 2 with Salima Ikram & Kara Cooney
Thu, 17 Oct 2024
Coffin engravings! Archaeology ethics! Linen wrappings! Repatriation! Sexy hippos!We’re back with ...
Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) Part 1 with Kara Cooney & Salima Ikram
Wed, 9 Oct 2024
Linen wrapping. Expensive resins. Sarcophagi. Preserving for eternity – or until someone raids the...
Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS) Encore with Bobby Corrigan
Wed, 2 Oct 2024
Let’s kick off Spooktober with… RATS: They love pizza. They invade taquerias at midnight. They s...
Modern Toichographology (MURALS & STREET ART) with Conrad Benner
Thu, 26 Sep 2024
Murals! Frescos! Graffiti! Street art! Philadelphia is the birthplace of graffiti and the mural capi...
Tardigradology (TINY SEMI-INDESTRUCTIBLE WATER BEAR MOSS PIGLET CREATURES CALLED TARDIGRADES) with Paul Bartels
Wed, 18 Sep 2024
Smaller than you can imagine. Potato-shaped. Mysterious. Romantic. And tough enough to survive the v...
Suicidology (SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS) with DeQuincy Meiffren-Lézine
Wed, 11 Sep 2024
Give yourself a hug and take a deep breath and let’s chat with renowned Suicidologist Dr. DeQuincy...
Coffeeology (COFFEE) with Peter Giuliano
Tue, 3 Sep 2024
When did coffee get into our mouths? Who’s right when it comes to the best coffee? What’s the mo...
Museology (MUSEUMS) Encore in Memory of Ronnie Cline
Wed, 28 Aug 2024
A very special encore in memory of our favorite Museologist, Ronnie Cline. In this 2018 episode, we ...
Speleology (CAVES) with Gina Moseley
Wed, 21 Aug 2024
Caves! Caverns! Grottos! Crystals! Let's get down and dirty with Speleology with explorer, researche...
Misophonology (DISTRACTING SOUND & NOISE RAGE) with Jane Gregory
Wed, 14 Aug 2024
Forks on teeth. Lip smacking. Metal on metal. (Don’t worry, there are no sonic examples of trigger...
Funology (YES, FUN) with Catherine Price
Wed, 7 Aug 2024
What exactly is “fun?” How will you know when you’re having it? Do introverts have special alo...
Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Mega Encore with Daniel Pfau
Wed, 31 Jul 2024
It’s an updated mega-encore of one of my favorite episodes — with 2024 research — to learn: Ho...
Ambystomology (AXOLOTLS… AND LIMB REGROWTH?) with Jessica Whited
Wed, 24 Jul 2024
Feathery gills! Adorable smiles! Cultural icons! Habitat ecology! And superhuman limb regeneration? ...
Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) Part 2 with Charles Grob
Wed, 17 Jul 2024
Part 2 is here! It’s wall to wall listener questions about magic mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca ceremon...
Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) Part 1 with Charles Grob
Thu, 11 Jul 2024
Magic mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca ceremonies, DMT, ketamine: take a trip into the science and resear...
Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE) with Guinevere Chambers
Wed, 3 Jul 2024
Sexuality and disability! Invisible illnesses! Airline frustrations! How many of us are disabled! Ju...
Puffinology (PUFFINS) with Jill Taylor
Thu, 27 Jun 2024
What exactly IS a puffin? Who are they related to? Are they disco birds? WHY are they so cute? Shoul...
Andragogology (300TH EPISODE SPECIAL) with Alie Ward
Wed, 19 Jun 2024
Boy howdy hot dang, Ologies has hit its 300th new episode! In celebration of this milestone, we’ve...
Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) Part 2 with Fhallon Ware-Gilmore
Wed, 12 Jun 2024
Part 2 of mosquitoes is here! Now that you know WHY they would like to eat you mosquito expert and C...
Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) Part 1 with Fhallon Ware-Gilmore
Wed, 5 Jun 2024
They’re gorgeous. They’re picky moms, and tremendous flirts. They are sparkly. And they drink bl...
Anagnosology (READING) with Adrian Johns
Wed, 29 May 2024
Clay tablets! Printing presses! Old timey audio books! Speed reading strategies! Attention spans! Dy...
Mantodeology (PRAYING MANTISES) with Lohitashwa Garikipati
Wed, 22 May 2024
Pointy heads. Spiked arms. Tragic romance. It’s a whole episode about praying mantises with a real...
Minisode: Some Small/Smol Announcements
Thu, 16 May 2024
A short little episode to tell you about a change we're making to Ologies that I am genuinely very p...
Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) with Dirk Moses
Wed, 8 May 2024
The world is confusing, but there are experts in everything. In our least funny episode ever, we tha...
Smologies #43: CICADAS with Gene Kritsky
Mon, 6 May 2024
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Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) Encore with @BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson
Wed, 1 May 2024
Mustard gossip. Knotweed recipes. Cow parsnips. Serviceberry appreciation. Hogweed warnings. Dead ma...
Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) Part 2 with Rosemary Mosco
Wed, 24 Apr 2024
The thrilling conclusion of PIGEONS, with Columbidologist and author Rosemary Mosco of Bird and Moon...
Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) Part 1 with Rosemary Mosco
Wed, 17 Apr 2024
You love pigeons. You might not know it yet. Espionage! Fancy breeds! Internal GPS! Weird feet! Shou...
Smologies #42: TREES with J. Casey Clapp
Sat, 13 Apr 2024
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Field Trip: I Chased the 2024 Eclipse with Umbraphiles
Wed, 10 Apr 2024
Come along like a frog in my pocket for an adventure to see an eclipse. After last week’s Heliolog...
Heliology (THE SUN/ECLIPSES) with India Jackson and Michael Kirk
Wed, 3 Apr 2024
Sunset flimflam! Auroras! Eclipse tips! Let’s get to know the center of our solar system, the Sun,...
Smologies #41: PELICANS with Juita Martinez
Sat, 30 Mar 2024
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Disgustology (REPULSION TO GROSS STUFF) with Paul Rozin
Wed, 27 Mar 2024
Taboos. Intolerable foods. Sad songs. Sexy kinks. Candy that looks like poo. Let’s get a little gr...
Field Trip: Alie’s Mystery Surgery!
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
Where have I been? What surgery did I have? Am I going to die? I took you along for the whole wacky,...
Smologies #40: HAIR with Valerie Horsley
Mon, 18 Mar 2024
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Oikology (DECLUTTERING) Encore with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe Ferrari
Tue, 12 Mar 2024
Why does clutter happen? How can we get rid of it and how will it affect us psychologically if we do...
Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) Encore with Joy Reidenberg
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
Ever poked at roadkill? Watched videos of whales exploding? Drooled over a curio cabinet full of cla...
Smologies #39: ANCIENT ROME with Darius Arya
Sat, 2 Mar 2024
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Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!) Part 2 with Ronald Gamble, Jr.
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
Part 2! Black hole suns, black hole movies, wormholes, time travel, matter evaporation, scientists b...
Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!) Part 1 with Ronald Gamble, Jr.
Wed, 21 Feb 2024
How big are black holes? Is time elastic? What is spacetime foam? Why is there a place called “els...
Smologies #38: CARNIVORES with Rae Wynn-Grant
Sat, 17 Feb 2024
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Hydrochoerology (CAPYBARAS) with Elizabeth Congdon
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
CAPYBARAS! Blocky faces. Chill vibes. Spa days. Finally. Hydrochoerologist, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon, l...
Theoretical & Creative Ecology (SCIENCE & ECOPOETRY) with Madhur Anand
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
Environmental models! Poetry! Scientists who are poets! Novelists who are scientists! Art + science ...
Smologies #37: PROTEINS + DNA with Raven “The Science Maven” Baxter
Sat, 3 Feb 2024
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Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
*Content warning up top: This episode discusses sensitive themes like diet culture, caloric intake, ...
Carcinology (CRABS) Part 2 with Adam Wall
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
Hairy crabs! Shell swaps! Carcinization! Will we all evolve to be crabs? What’s with having one gi...
Smologies #36: FEATHERS with Allison Shultz
Sat, 20 Jan 2024
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Carcinology (CRABS) Part 1 with Adam Wall
Tue, 16 Jan 2024
Claw hands! Beady eyes! Pinching forces that could crack your skull! Gentleman, scholar, curator of ...
Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) with Leigh Joseph
Tue, 9 Jan 2024
The what, where, and who of native plants is … ethnobotany! Which is under the umbrella of Ethnoec...
Smologies #35: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING with Iddris Sandu
Thu, 4 Jan 2024
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Alieology (YOUR HOST): an Ask-Me-Anything Goofy Hang
Wed, 27 Dec 2023
It’s like a whole episode of secrets. And your questions. And your podmom, Jarrett, hanging out in...
Smologies #34: PENGUINS with Tom Hart
Sat, 23 Dec 2023
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Lemurology (LEMURS) with Lydia Greene
Wed, 20 Dec 2023
How did these tree-hopping furry angels evolve to be the cutest thing in the world, objectively spea...
Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES) with Bruce Greyson
Wed, 13 Dec 2023
Tunnels of light. Unconditional love. Visions of dead aunts. And a lot of questions. What happens wh...
Smologies #33: SCORPIONS with Lauren Esposito
Mon, 11 Dec 2023
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Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) with James Burke
Wed, 6 Dec 2023
He’s the guy pointing to a NASA launch behind him, in the most legendary shot in television histor...
Audiobook Mixtape 3: Gift Ideas from the Ologists’ Brains
Wed, 29 Nov 2023
You like Ologists. Ologists write books. You like books, so let’s dive into a new, curated sampler...
Smologies #32: CLOUDS with Rachel Storer
Sat, 25 Nov 2023
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Abstract Mathematology (UH, IS MATH REAL?) with Eugenia Cheng
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
Math wants to be friends. Let mathematician, author and Abstract Mathematologist Dr. Eugenia Cheng i...
Road Ecology (ROAD KILL) with Ben Goldfarb
Wed, 15 Nov 2023
Deer in headlights! Alligators in crosswalks! A possum in the oven? If you love wildlife, this is a ...
Smologies #31: INDIGENOUS COOKING with Mariah Gladstone
Sat, 11 Nov 2023
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Garology (LONG CUTE ANCIENT PATIENT BOOPABLE NIGHTMARE FISH) Encore for GAR WEEK with Solomon David
Wed, 8 Nov 2023
November 6-12 is GAR WEEK! What is a gar, you ask? Picture: A long snout. Hundreds of teeth. Scales ...
Neuroparasitology (NATURE ZOMBIES) with Matt Simon
Wed, 1 Nov 2023
What’s on your mind? ZOMBIES. The planet is full of mind-controlling foes, and “Plight of the Li...
Smologies #30: SPIDERWEBS with Randy Lewis
Mon, 30 Oct 2023
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Teratology (MONSTERS) with W. Scott Poole
Thu, 26 Oct 2023
Frankenstein’s Monster! Hungry ghosts! Moaning bloodsuckers! Goat draining goblins. Babadooks. Gor...
Pomology (APPLES) with Susan K. Brown
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
Green, yellow, striped, red, shiny, russet. Tart, sweet, sour, crunchy. Big, small, wild, heirloom, ...
Smologies #29: PUMPKINS with Anne Copeland
Sat, 14 Oct 2023
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Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT) Part 2 with Fio Gede Parma
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
More witches! History! Lore! Wardrobes! Movie trivia! And some advice from your elders? Part 2 is he...
Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT) Part 1 with Fio Gede Parma
Wed, 4 Oct 2023
IT’S HERE. Witches. Not just a witch expert, but also a witch. Author Fio Gede Parma is a practici...
Smologies #28: AGING with Caleb Finch
Sat, 30 Sep 2023
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Benthopelagic Nematology (DEEP SEA WORMS) with Holly Bik
Wed, 27 Sep 2023
Weird little mouths! Hairy skin tubes! Demon nematodes! Antarctic explorer and Nematologist Dr. Holl...
Gustology (TASTE) with Gary Beauchamp
Wed, 20 Sep 2023
Sweet! Salty! Umami? What’s up with MSG? Why do you like your coffee black? Come down to flavortow...
Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) Part 2 Encore with Katie Mack
Tue, 12 Sep 2023
Dr. Mack returns with a new introduction and updates on… listener questions! The universe, dimensi...
Smologies #27: MARS with Jennifer Buz
Fri, 8 Sep 2023
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Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) Part 1 Encore with Katie Mack
Tue, 5 Sep 2023
Stars. Black holes. THE GAWDANG UNIVERSE. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Katie Mack (@astrokatie...
LIFE ADVICE Encore: For anyone who is tired & needs some hacks
Tue, 29 Aug 2023
Alie takes a teeny tiny break from her vacation to reintroduce you to this laid back, super helpful ...
Smologies #26: POOP with Rachel Santymire
Fri, 25 Aug 2023
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Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) Encore with Helen Zaltzman
Tue, 22 Aug 2023
The brilliant and dazzling Helen Zaltzman pops in with some new asides in this encore episode of Olo...
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 2 Encore with Mike Natter
Tue, 15 Aug 2023
Wrapping up our Diabetology 2 parter encore, diabetic diabetologist and wonderful person Dr. Mike Na...
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 1 Encore with Mike Natter
Thu, 10 Aug 2023
Dr. Mike Natter hosts this encore episode of Ologies (hosted by Alie Ward), it's a classic 2 parter:...
Minisode: Dadward Takes a Break
Thu, 10 Aug 2023
Listen, kids... give your father a break, okay?Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of...
Neurotechnology (AI + BRAIN TECH) with Nita Farahany
Wed, 2 Aug 2023
Machine poets. ChatGPT fails. Neurological surveillance. Brain implants that treat depression. Is it...
Sciuridology (SQUIRRELS) with Karen Munroe
Wed, 26 Jul 2023
Flying squirrels. Fox squirrels. Giant squirrels. Tiny ones. Grey ones. Black ones. Fluorescent ones...
Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) Encore with Crystal Dilworth
Thu, 20 Jul 2023
Hi! I’ve been in the hospital with pneumonia! But enjoy this banger of an encore about: Serotonin!...
Smologies #25: LIGHTNING with Chris Giesige
Wed, 19 Jul 2023
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Curiology (EMOJI) Part 2 with Various Emoji Experts
Wed, 12 Jul 2023
The thrilling conclusion of all-things-emoji! Eggplants, peaches, jumping ska dudes, gray hearts, fa...
Curiology (EMOJI) Part 1 with Various Emoji Experts
Thu, 6 Jul 2023
Thumbs up? Thumbs down. Skulls of joy. And so many expressions of pain and comfort. This, my babies,...
Field Trip: Birds of Prey and Raptor Facts
Thu, 29 Jun 2023
Grab your stuff and hop in our van full of weirdos to check out Boise Idaho’s finest attraction: a...
Smologies #24: SHIPWRECKS with Chanelle Zaphiropoulos
Mon, 26 Jun 2023
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Native Melittology (INDIGENOUS BEES) with Krystle Hickman
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
Honeybees get all the attention, but native bees are the underbugs to root for. Photographer, author...
Pectinidology (SCALLOPS) with Samantha Lynch
Wed, 14 Jun 2023
They clap. They swim. They have dozens of eyes and 2 million babies. They are scallops. Pectinidolog...
Smologies #23: MAMMALS with Danielle N. Lee
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
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Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES & INDIGENOUS FIRE MANAGEMENT) Mega Encore with Gavin Jones & Amy Christianson
Thu, 8 Jun 2023
Once again: the world is on fire. As wildfires burn across Canada and their smoke pours down the con...
Black American Magirology (FOOD, RACE & CULTURE) with Psyche Williams-Forson
Wed, 31 May 2023
What’s the difference between Southern cooking and “soul food?” Is there a correct type of mac...
Field Trip: A Hollywood Visit to the Writers Guild Strike Line
Fri, 26 May 2023
Jump in, we’re going to the Valley to talk to cool, funny screenwriters about ... Artificial intel...
Acaropathology (TICKS & LYME DISEASE) Updated Mega Encore with Neeta Pardanani Connally & Andrea Swei
Wed, 17 May 2023
It’s 2-for-1! Ticks AND Lyme: together in one helpful, disgusting, gossipy, empowering episode. T...
Invisible Photology (INVISIBILITY CLOAKS) with Greg Gbur
Wed, 10 May 2023
Invisibility cloaks. Transparent frogs. Stealth bombers. Gorilla mischief. Theoretical optical physi...
Stem Cell Biology (CELLS MAKING CELLS) with “Science Sam” aka Samantha Yammine
Wed, 3 May 2023
How do our bodies build our bodies? What does a stem cell look like? How do they know what to do? Wh...
Smologies #22: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS with David Steen
Mon, 1 May 2023
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Delphinology Part 2 (DOLPHINS) with Justin Gregg
Wed, 26 Apr 2023
Wow. It gets weirder. Military dolphins, dolphins on drugs, sensory deprivation, deciphering dolphin...
Delphinology Part 1 (DOLPHINS) with Justin Gregg
Wed, 19 Apr 2023
Giant brains! Communication mysteries! Infamous sensuality! Dolphins are here to blow your relativel...
Field Trip: My Butt, a Colonoscopy Ride Along & How-To
Thu, 13 Apr 2023
Come check out my butt with me! 1 in 16 people in the U.S. will have colon cancer, and 0 in 16 want ...
Chickenology Part 2 (HENS & ROOSTERS) with Tove Danovich
Wed, 5 Apr 2023
We’re back for Part 2! If you missed Part 1, start there for the chicken basics and then come back...
Chickenology Part 1 (HENS & ROOSTERS) with Tove Danovich
Wed, 29 Mar 2023
Yes, Chickenology is a real word. And we have questions. Such as: should you get a chicken?! Chicken...
Smologies #21: SLEEP with Chris Winter
Tue, 28 Mar 2023
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Domicology (ABANDONED BUILDINGS, RECYCLED HOUSES & GHOST TOWNS) with Rex LaMore
Thu, 23 Mar 2023
What’s inside that boarded up house? Should you explore an abandoned mall? A vacant factory? And h...
Chronobiology (CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS) Encore + 2023 Updates with Katherine Hatcher
Tue, 14 Mar 2023
Ahh, Daylight Savings Time: does it mess up your brain? What time should you go to bed? Are you slee...
Smologies #20: FISHES with Chris Thacker
Tue, 14 Mar 2023
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Detroitology (DETROIT) with Aaron Foley
Wed, 8 Mar 2023
Why an episode on Detroit?! It’s got a great story. Standalone, this episode is a fascinating look...
Field Trip: An Airport Full of Neuroscientists
Thu, 2 Mar 2023
I’m at the airport and there are hundreds of brain scientists everywhere. So I swallowed my dignit...
Environmental Toxicology (POISONS + TRAIN DERAILMENT) with Kimberly K. Garrett
Wed, 22 Feb 2023
Chemical spills, historical disasters, water quality, airborne toxic events, clear gasses, White Noi...
Melaninology (SKIN/HAIR PIGMENT) with Tina Lasisi
Thu, 16 Feb 2023
Skin color! Hair texture! Biological anthropology! The incredibly informed and infectiously funny Dr...
Scotohylology (DARK MATTER) with Flip Tanedo
Wed, 8 Feb 2023
It’s invisible. It’s mysterious. It’s all around us – and no one knows what it is. Let’s h...
Laryngology Part 2 (VOICE BOXES) with Ronda Alexander
Wed, 1 Feb 2023
Part 2 is here! Pull up a seat for singing techniques, baby talk, baritones, whistle notes, stroke r...
Laryngology Part 1 (VOICE BOXES) Ronda Alexander
Wed, 25 Jan 2023
Voices! Singing! Anxiety busters! Breathing! The absolutely magnetic, charismatic Laryngologist and ...
Aperiology (MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY) Encore with Joseph Saunders
Wed, 18 Jan 2023
Lights! Cameras! Arachnids! And lizards and bees and beetles. Macro photography is like magic: curve...
Oneirology Part 2 (DREAMS) with G. William Domhoff
Wed, 11 Jan 2023
Part 2 is here: Lucid dreaming! Teeth falling out! Medications and dreaming! The source of creativit...
Oneirology Part 1 (DREAMS) with G. William Domhoff
Wed, 4 Jan 2023
WHY do we dream? What do dreams mean? What parts of our brain are working after-hours? We sought out...
Bonus Episode: Secrets, Advice + Ask-Me-Anything
Sat, 31 Dec 2022
It’s a weird rambling bonus episode for the lonely week between the holidays and New Years! I thou...
Smologies #19: EVOLUTION with John McCormack
Thu, 29 Dec 2022
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P-22: The Life & Death of an L.A. Cougar with Miguel Ordeñana & Beth Pratt
Fri, 23 Dec 2022
Very special episode for a very special cat. The day after the legendary Los Angeles mountain lion P...
Meteorology (WEATHER & CLIMATE) with Marshall Shepherd
Wed, 14 Dec 2022
Bomb cyclones! Polar vortices! Atmospheric rivers! And rained out barbecues. One of the world’s le...
Enigmatology (WORD PUZZLES) with David Kwong
Tue, 6 Dec 2022
Crosswords! Puzzles! Wordles! Magic? Ah yes, world-renowned Enigmatologist David Kwong drops in to c...
Special Ep: Mycology (MUSHROOMS) Tom Volk Memorial Encore
Thu, 1 Dec 2022
In celebration of Dr. Tom Volk’s life: Mushrooms! Psilocybin! Humongous fungus! Black mold! Foragi...
Indigenous Pedology (SOIL SCIENCE) with Lydia Jennings
Wed, 23 Nov 2022
Soil! Dirt! Earth. Dr. Lydia Jennings, aka Native Soil Nerd, breaks down the stuff under our feet an...
Smologies #18: FEASTS with Katherine Spiers
Tue, 22 Nov 2022
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Bryology (MOSS) Encore with Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer
Tue, 15 Nov 2022
It’s November and you need chill vibes. And Native American Heritage Month is the perfect time to ...
Discard Anthropology (GARBAGE) with Robin Nagle
Wed, 9 Nov 2022
Landfills! Treasures in the trash! Corporate conspiracies! Composting! An instantly classic conversa...
Smologies #17: FLAGS with E. Tory Laitila
Tue, 8 Nov 2022
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Vampirology (VAMPIRES) Part 2 with Jeff Holdeman
Mon, 31 Oct 2022
Start with Part 1 for all the folkloric history, superstition, and Dracula basics. And then this Par...
Vampirology (VAMPIRES) Part 1 with Jeff Holdeman
Wed, 26 Oct 2022
Fangs! Capes! Undead bloodlust! Are vampires soul-draining ghouls or a hot prom date? No better pers...
Smologies #16: INSECTS with Lila Higgins
Mon, 24 Oct 2022
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Metropolitan Tombology (PARIS CATACOMBS) with Erin-Marie Legacey
Thu, 20 Oct 2022
Let’s get spooky. Venture below Parisian streets and into the catacombs: hundreds of miles of subt...
FIELD TRIP: I Go France and Learn Weird French Stuff
Sat, 15 Oct 2022
Consider this an audio postcard from my first vacation in 13 years. I travel a lot for my other job ...
5th Anniversary Special! Xylology (LUMBER) with Jeff Perry
Tue, 4 Oct 2022
What’s the customary 5th Anniversary gift? Apparently… WOOD! So we wrangled our favorite sawmill...
Geology (ROCKS) Part 2 with Schmitty Thompson
Wed, 21 Sep 2022
We’re back! Listen to Part 1 first, then hit this follow-up with your favorite geologist Schmitty ...
Smologies #15: FAMILY TREES with Stephen Hanks
Wed, 21 Sep 2022
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Geology (ROCKS) Part 1 with Schmitty Thompson
Wed, 14 Sep 2022
What is a rock? How big is a boulder? Why are they pretty and heavy? It’s rock talk with a true en...
Oreamnology (MOUNTAIN GOATS ARE NOT GOATS) with Julie Cunningham
Thu, 8 Sep 2022
Mountain goats are not goats. And there’s only one living species, Oreamnos americanus. WHAT?? Mon...
Diplopodology (MILLIPEDES & CENTIPEDES) with Dr. Derek Hennen
Wed, 31 Aug 2022
How many legs? Why so many legs? What's a millipede versus a centipede? And again WHY SO MANY LEGS. ...
Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) with Suzanne Pierre
Tue, 23 Aug 2022
How do societal structures affect the planet? Why should we get to know our neighbors? What’s the ...
Thanatology — NEW Interview (GRIEF & MOURNING) with Cole Imperi + tips for Going Through It
Tue, 16 Aug 2022
If you have a physical body, or know someone who does, this episode is for you! Hello, we’re all g...
Thanatology (DEATH & DYING) Updated Encore with Cole Imperi
Wed, 10 Aug 2022
As I round out my bereavement leave following your beloved Grandpod’s passing, we’re serving up ...
Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES) Encore with Camryn Allen
Tue, 2 Aug 2022
Hope you dug tortoises because we’re back, shellin’ out the good stuff, with this week’s encor...
Testudinology (TORTOISES) Encore with Amanda Hipps
Tue, 26 Jul 2022
We're bringing back one shell of an episode with today's encore. What's a tortoise? What's a turtle?...
Zymology (BEER) Encore with Quinton Sturgeon
Thu, 21 Jul 2022
Nothin' like crackin' open a cold one with the Ologites, amirite? If you like booze, you'll love... ...
Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) Encore with Simine Vazire
Wed, 13 Jul 2022
A few personal updates from your internet dad and then … WHO ARE WE? This one is a banger, folks. ...
Smologies #14: ALIENS with Kevin Peter Hand
Wed, 13 Jul 2022
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Lutrinology (OTTERS) with Chris J. Law
Thu, 7 Jul 2022
YOU’RE NOT READY. But it’s time. Otters. Sea otters. River otters. Big beefy otters. Tiny otters...
SUMMERSODE: Balmy Vibes & Seasonal Factoids with various Ologists
Wed, 29 Jun 2022
I NEEDED TO MAKE THIS, OKAY? I needed to get excited about summer wonders. So we toiled over the ult...
Smologies #13: CORALS with Shayle Matsuda
Wed, 22 Jun 2022
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Dipterology (FLIES) with Bryan Lessard
Tue, 14 Jun 2022
DO NOT YOU SKIP THIS ONE. Listen. Give flies a chance. Everyone loves a bee, but meanwhile flies are...
Gorillaology (GORILLAS) with Tara Stoinski
Thu, 9 Jun 2022
Gorillas. These chest-beating, salad-munching, communal living, thick-furred beauties have so many s...
Somnology (SLEEP) Part Two Encore with Dr. W. Chris Winter
Thu, 2 Jun 2022
Have you listened to Part 1 yet? No? Go on, git. Here's a link to it! Go do that. Now if you have, ...
Smologies #12: EATING BUGS with Julie Lesnik
Wed, 1 Jun 2022
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Somnology (SLEEP) Part One Encore with Dr. W. Chris Winter
Thu, 26 May 2022
Birds do it. Bees do it. Why the hell can't we do it? Called "The Sleep Whisperer," neurologist and ...
Conotoxinology (CONE SNAIL VENOM) with Joshua Torres & Sabah Ul-Hasan
Wed, 18 May 2022
Predatory. Sneaky. Deadly. Lifesavers? You think you don’t care about cone snails. But that’s ab...
Urology (CROTCH PARTS) with Fenwa Milhouse
Thu, 12 May 2022
We’ve done Nephrology, Gynecology, and Phallology — but nothing prepared us for this. Penis impl...
Acoustic Ecology (NATURE RECORDINGS) with Eddie Game
Thu, 5 May 2022
Insects humming. Birds squawking. Chainsaws buzzing? What does the rainforest sound like? Or the oce...
Classical Archaeology (ANCIENT ROME) Encore with Darius Arya
Thu, 28 Apr 2022
If you LIVE for drama, you will LOVE dead Romans. Wars, backstabbing, opulence and uprisings: a litt...
Teuthology (SQUIDS) Encore with Dr. Sarah McAnulty
Thu, 21 Apr 2022
THE SQUIDMOBILE HAS ARRIVED. Get in losers; we’re talking cephalopods. Yes, she drives a vehicle w...
Environmental Microbiology (TESTING WASTEWATER FOR DISEASES) with Amy Kirby
Wed, 13 Apr 2022
Oh boy. This episode may seeeeem crappy but it is certainly not a waste of your time. We’re not ki...
Echinology (SEA URCHINS & SAND DOLLARS) with Rich Mooi
Tue, 5 Apr 2022
The hedgehogs of the sea: echinoids are spiky, spiny, pokey, be-toothed, venomous, mysterious, gorge...
Carnivorous Phytobiology (MEAT-EATING PLANTS) with Hali’a Eastburn
Wed, 30 Mar 2022
Flesh hungry plants. The world’s fastest hunters. Botany with brains? Seymour, it’s time to fe...
LIFE ADVICE: For anyone who is tired & needs some hacks
Tue, 22 Mar 2022
Pomodoro timers! Bullet journals! Apps, tips, tricks and philosophies. Also: the most mellow episode...
Smologies #11: SNAILS & SLUGS with Jann Vendetti
Wed, 16 Mar 2022
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Ferroequinology (TRAINS) Encore with Matt Anderson
Wed, 9 Mar 2022
Trains. Locomotives. Choochoos. Bullet trains. Hyperloops. Subways. How fast can they go? How did th...
Part 2: Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) with How to ADHD, Black Girl Lost Keys, Jahla Osborne + more
Thu, 3 Mar 2022
Did Part 1 leave you informed and now you need a pep talk? Get ready for an absolute banger of an ep...
Part 1: Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) with Russell Barkley
Wed, 23 Feb 2022
Focus. Productivity. Relationships. Distraction. Neurodiversity. How do you know if you have ADHD? H...
Cycadology (RARE PLANT DRAMA) with Nathalie Nagalingum
Wed, 16 Feb 2022
Gather 'round fellow nerds, you’re about to learn about the wildest not a fern not a bush not a ca...
Carnivore Ecology (LIONS, TIGERS, & BEARS) with Rae Wynn-Grant
Wed, 9 Feb 2022
Ah, charismatic megafauna! Teeth, claws, fur, hibernation, bear hugs, hiking, cougar attacks, nature...
Myrmecology (ANTS) Encore with Dr. Terry McGlynn
Tue, 1 Feb 2022
You have ants. We all have ants, but do we KNOW ants? Get ready for cult-leader queens, bullet ant s...
Smologies #10: BODY HEAT with Shane Campbell-Staton
Tue, 1 Feb 2022
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Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) with Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen
Wed, 26 Jan 2022
Shoving elk into a dorm room freezer. The wildest tasting rice. Flower bulbs, acorn whoopie pies, fr...
Screamology (LOUD VOCALIZATIONS) with Harold Gouzoules
Thu, 20 Jan 2022
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… a brand new, screaming hot episode of Ologies. Be warned ...
Bovine Neuropathology (HEADBUTTING) with Nicole Ackermans
Thu, 13 Jan 2022
Slamming heads together to impress someone: why does this happen? Let’s ask Dr. Nicole Ackermans, ...
Smologies #9: GAMING with Jane McGonigal
Tue, 11 Jan 2022
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Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS) with Mary Alexis Iaccarino
Wed, 5 Jan 2022
Hi, last week I fell down a flight of stairs. Then I went to the hospital. Then I emailed Dr. Mary A...
Raccoonology (PROCYONIDS) with A Gaze of Raccoonologists
Wed, 29 Dec 2021
Here we go: SIX more raccoon experts, because one episode is not enough for the wonders of these ter...
Procyonology (RACCOONS) with Suzanne MacDonald
Wed, 22 Dec 2021
Tiny hands! Round rumps! Chaos! Compost! Delicious garbage and sweet faces make raccoons as mysterio...
Smologies #8: HAGFISH with Tim Winegard
Tue, 21 Dec 2021
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Genicular Traumatology (BAD KNEES) with Kevin Stone
Thu, 16 Dec 2021
How do your knees feel? How do YOU feel about your knees? Buckle up to better your relationship with...
Audiobook Mixtape 2: Gift Ideas from the Ologists’ Brains
Fri, 10 Dec 2021
From crisp cider to blistering lava, life advice, climate solutions, the comforts of venison stew, c...
Smologies #7: CATS with Mikel Delgado
Tue, 7 Dec 2021
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Forensic Ecology (NATURE DETECTIVE) with Tiara Moore
Tue, 30 Nov 2021
Yep -- it’s detective work! But instead of crime scenes, environmental scientist, marine biologist...
Booster Coronasode: Shots & Holidays with Vaccine Infodemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera
Wed, 24 Nov 2021
You’re six to ten times LESS likely to catch COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated, and thus less likely...
Smologies #6: WOLVES with Bridgett vonHoldt
Mon, 22 Nov 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT: SMOLOGIES NOW HAS ITS OWN FEED! SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY. Subscrib...
Tiktokology (THE TIKTOK APP) with Hank Green
Wed, 17 Nov 2021
Who’s on it? What’s on it? And why does the interface feel like you’re on a prank show? Scicom...
Dolorology (PAIN) with Rachel Zoffness
Wed, 10 Nov 2021
PAIN. What is it? Where does it come from? And how can we hurt less? Which hurts more, a kidney ston...
Teuthological Ludology (ACTUAL SQUID GAMES, NOT THE TV SHOW) with Sarah McAnulty
Wed, 3 Nov 2021
This is NOT about the Netflix show, Squid Game. It's about shapeshifting, flirtatious trickery, livi...
Smologies #5: VETERINARY BIOLOGY with Vernard Hodges & Terrence Ferguson
Mon, 1 Nov 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT: SMOLOGIES NOW HAS ITS OWN FEED! SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY. Subscrib...
Taphology (GRAVESITES) with Robyn S. Lacy
Wed, 27 Oct 2021
Bidding farewell to the sweetest and spookiest month, we traipse past graves with archeologist, cons...
Kinetic Salticidology (DANCING SPIDERS) with Sebastian Echeverri
Wed, 20 Oct 2021
They dance. They flirt. They will steal your heart. They are spiders. Jumping spiders, specifically,...
Chiropterology Part 2 (BATS) Encore with Merlin Tuttle
Tue, 12 Oct 2021
PART 2: The stunning conclusion of a 3-hour gab session about frickin' bats with America's favorite ...
Chiropterology (BATS) Encore with Merlin Tuttle
Tue, 12 Oct 2021
“People fear most what they understand least." Words of wisdom from explorer/American treasure/bat...
Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS) Encore with Kaeli Swift
Tue, 5 Oct 2021
Crows have funerals? CROWS HAVE FUNERALS. The inky black bird with the big brain warns and maybe mou...
Pyrotechnology (FIREMAKING) with Ellery Frahm
Tue, 28 Sep 2021
Grab your fire extinguisher and hang on to your eyebrows, we’re building FIRES today. Now, this is...
Opossumology (O/POSSUMS) with Lisa Walsh
Tue, 21 Sep 2021
Teeth. Tails. Concentric nipples. This not-at-all-rodent has the distinction of being North America’...
Ciderology (DELICIOUS APPLE BEVERAGE) with Gabe Cook
Wed, 15 Sep 2021
How ya like them apples?! Well, liquified. And fermented. Author, podcaster, cider-maker and globall...
Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) with Laurie Santos
Wed, 8 Sep 2021
HAPPINESS RESEARCH, straight up. What is happiness? How do our circumstances affect happiness? Why i...
Spesh Ep: Drawdown Design Project with C. Andrew Hall
Wed, 1 Sep 2021
Art meets science! Problems meet solutions! Climate change meets … hope? In this atypical episode,...
Is Your Carbon Footprint BS?: How to Save a Planet takes over Ologies
Tue, 24 Aug 2021
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. You loved her Oceanology episode and now she is in your feed to address...
Smologies #4: BEES with Amanda Shaw
Mon, 23 Aug 2021
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Indigenous Fire Ecology (GOOD FIRE) with Amy Christianson
Tue, 17 Aug 2021
Cultural burns. Prescribed blazes. A healthy forest. What exactly is “good fire?” Let’s ask In...
Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES) with Gavin Jones
Tue, 10 Aug 2021
As Smashmouth said, “My world’s on fire, how ‘bout yours?” Why yes, Mr. Mouth, it is, indeed...
Smologies #3: TOADS with Priya Nanjappa
Thu, 5 Aug 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT: SMOLOGIES NOW HAS ITS OWN FEED! SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY. Subscrib...
Systems Biology (MEDICAL MATHEMATICS) with Emily E. Ackerman
Tue, 3 Aug 2021
Biological mysteries solved with numbers! Graphs! Patterns! Data points! Systems biology! You never...
Lampyridology (FIREFLIES) aka Sparklebuttology with Sara Lewis
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
We’re BACK! With a fresh new episode to light up your life and butt. World renowned firefly expert...
Smologies #2: DINOSAURS with Paleontologist Michael Habib
Tue, 20 Jul 2021
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Elasmobranchology (MORE NEW SHARK STORIES) with MISS_Elasmo Shark Scientists
Fri, 16 Jul 2021
Lemon sharks! Goblin sharks! Bonnet sharks! Whale sharks! And ...sawfish? WE NEEDED A BIGGER BOAT. O...
Selachimorphology (SHARKS) Encore with Chris Lowe
Tue, 13 Jul 2021
SHAAAARKS. Leading shark researcher Dr. Chris Lowe dishes about bad shark PR, behind-the-scenes Jaws...
Matrimoniology (MARRIAGE) Encore with Ben Karney
Tue, 6 Jul 2021
A special encore as your dad hastily preps to wed your podmom, Jarrett. Refresh your brain about you...
UFOlogy (UNEXPLAINED AERIAL PHENOMENA) with Sarah Scoles and Kate Dorsch
Tue, 29 Jun 2021
UFOs are real. Straight up. There are unidentified objects flying around — but does that mean they...
Spheksology (WASPS) with Eric Eaton
Tue, 22 Jun 2021
Wasps!? Don’t even THINK of skipping this one, my beautiful chickens. You’re about to change you...
Quarantinology (UM, WHAT HAPPENS NOW?) with Various Ologists
Tue, 15 Jun 2021
Lifted restrictions! Discarded masks! Vaxxing & relaxing! Parties. Variant confusion. FOMO while als...
Wildlife Ecology (FIELDWORK) with Corina Newsome
Tue, 8 Jun 2021
Human-sucking mud holes. Beautiful birdsongs. Early mornings. Eyeball gnats. Stunning vistas. The lo...
Phallology (PENISES) with Emily Willingham
Tue, 1 Jun 2021
Dongs. Schlongs. Peters. Intromittent organs. Gamete cannons. Biologist, gonad researcher, and Phall...
Pinnipedology (SEALS & WALRUSES) with Luis A. Hückstädt
Tue, 25 May 2021
Seals. Sea lions. Walruses. Walrus dongs. Classic Ologies. We sit down with Luis A Hückstädt, PhD ...
Bonus Feed Drop: Implicit Bias on the REAL GOOD podcast
Sat, 22 May 2021
Ohulloh! This is not your regular Ologies episode (which will come on Tuesday per usual.) It’s act...
Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) with @BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson
Tue, 18 May 2021
Mustard gossip. Knotweed recipes. Cow parsnips. Serviceberry appreciation. Hogweed warnings. Dead ma...
Biomineralogy (SHELLS) with Robert Ulrich
Wed, 12 May 2021
Bones. Shells. Reefs. Teeth. Biomineralogy. The wonderful UCLA geochemist Rob Ulrich answers a giant...
Speech Language Pathology (TALKING DOGS... AND PEOPLE) with Christina Hunger
Tue, 4 May 2021
Talking dogs. Rolled Rs. That dangly thing in the back of your throat. Speech impediments. Alternati...
Maritime Archaeology (SHIPWRECKS) with Chanelle Zaphiropoulos
Tue, 27 Apr 2021
Shipwrecks. Treasure. Sunken planes. Scuttled submarines. New life forming around old machinery. The...
Proptology (THEATER & FILM PROPS) with Jay Duckworth
Wed, 21 Apr 2021
Real skulls. Fake pistols. Vegan steaks. Onstage bonfires. Cursed productions. Industry secrets and ...
Ursinology Part 2 (BEARS) with Thea Bechshoft, Lana Ciarniello, Drew Hamilton, Wes Larson, Tsalani Lassiter & Danielle Rivet
Wed, 14 Apr 2021
Because one bears is not enough bears, SIX more ursinologists join to answer your questions about po...
Ursinology (BEARS) with Chris Morgan
Wed, 7 Apr 2021
Grizzlies. Pandas. Black bears. Chonkers. The episode you’ve begged for with scientist, explorer, ...
Oology (EGGS) Encore + Bonus Material with John Bates
Tue, 30 Mar 2021
This encore includes tons of previously cut and never-before-heard bonus material (and maybe an eggr...
Fanthropology Pt. 2 (FANDOM) with Meredith Levine
Tue, 23 Mar 2021
PART 2 with legit professional Fanthropologist Meredith Levine. In this thrilling conclusion, we tak...
Fanthropology (FANDOM) with Meredith Levine
Tue, 16 Mar 2021
Why does some music give us butterflies? Why do we loooove certain comic books, social media account...
Nephrology (KIDNEYS) with Samira Farouk
Tue, 9 Mar 2021
What’s in pee? Should you donate a kidney to a stranger? Which hurts worse: childbirth or kidney s...
Cicadology (CICADAS) with Gene Kritsky
Wed, 3 Mar 2021
They are numerous. They are patient. They are COMING for the United States in droves this spring: Th...
Gluteology (BUTTS) with Natalia Reagan
Tue, 23 Feb 2021
Yes, an entire episode on butts. Primatologist and anthropologist Natalia Reagan joins to chat about...
Molecular Biology (PROTEINS + SCIENCE COMMUNICATION) with Raven “The Science Maven” Baxter
Tue, 16 Feb 2021
This one’s got it all: teeny tiny cellular factories, obscure trivia, historical gossip, sick beat...
Carobology (NOT-CHOCOLATE TREES) with Megan Lynch
Wed, 10 Feb 2021
You might only know carob as not-chocolate, which is a tragedy of its disco-era branding. This tough...
Economic Sociology Pt. 2 (MONEY/FREAKONOMICS) with Steven Levitt and Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
Tue, 2 Feb 2021
Part 2 is here! Gamestop, #stonks, Universal Basic Income, how to incentivize things that are good f...
Economic Sociology Pt. 1 (MONEY/FREAKONOMICS) with Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Steven Levitt
Tue, 26 Jan 2021
Choices! Trade-offs! Money! How much should you save? And how much should stimulus checks be? Don’...
Bilharziology (BLOOD FLUKES) with Anouk N. Gouvras
Tue, 19 Jan 2021
A LOST EPISODE! Three years in the making, this interview features vials of vile creatures, worm dra...
Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS) with Bobby Corrigan
Tue, 12 Jan 2021
RATS: They love pizza. They invade taquerias at midnight. They scurry. They cuddle. They outsmart. T...
Vaccine Infodemiology (COVID-19 IMMUNITY) with Jessica Malaty Rivera
Tue, 5 Jan 2021
The Coronasode we’ve been waiting for! Vaccines. Finally. But what does this mean? As a Vaccine In...
Part 2: Dendrology (TREES) with Casey Clapp -- UPDATES + NEW INTERVIEW
Tue, 29 Dec 2020
Part 2 of a very special duo! The fresh catch-up interview to learn what the world’s most charming...
Part 1: Dendrology (TREES) with Casey Clapp -- Encore
Tue, 29 Dec 2020
Part 1 of a very special duo: Do trees have feelings? How do they talk? How old can they get? Are th...
Scorpiology (SCORPIONS) with Lauren Esposito: Encore Presentation
Tue, 22 Dec 2020
This specific episode was cited in The New Yorker this week, so we’re giving it an encore refresh ...
Garology (LONG CUTE ANCIENT PATIENT BOOPABLE NIGHTMARE FISH) with Solomon David
Tue, 15 Dec 2020
A long snout. Hundreds of teeth. Scales that could slice you. What is a gar and should we fear it? S...
Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK) with Alice Gorman
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
Gaze into the cosmos and wonder at broken satellites, retired rockets and shattered contraptions. Ar...
Alligator Ecotoxicology (GATOR POISONS) with Laura Kojima
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
Alligators, crocodiles and … a shut-down nuclear weapons plant? The excitement never ends when you...
Awesomeology (GRATITUDE) with Neil Pasricha
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
Gratitude: what’s the deal? Does it really make us happier? Even when the world seems terrible? Or...
Biological Anthropology (APE SEX) with Lara Durgavich
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
Sexy apes: you’re one of them. And Biological Anthropologist Dr. Lara Durgavich joins to chat abou...
Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING) with Riley Kucheran
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
Fashion! Trends! Not really! This lively chat with Riley Kucheran, an Assistant Professor of Design ...
Pedagogology (SCIENCE COMMUNICATION) with Bill Nye
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
BILL NYE. That’s right. Bill Freakin’ Nye sits down to get grilled by your Dadward (that’s me,...
Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS) Encore with Anne Copeland
Wed, 28 Oct 2020
HERE IS SOME SAFE, COZY COMFORT: a platter of pumpkins. We have a new episode up this week: Desairol...
Desairology (MORTUARY MAKE-UP) with Monica Torres
Tue, 27 Oct 2020
What happens when you die? Cosmically, no one knows. But cosmetically, Desairologist Monica Torress ...
Anthropodermic Biocodicology (HUMAN LEATHER BOOKS) with Megan Rosenbloom & Daniel Kirby
Wed, 21 Oct 2020
Anthropodermic bibliopegy is a long, fancy way of saying “HUMAN SKIN BOOKS” and the study of con...
Forest Entomology (CREEPY CRAWLIES) with Kristen Wickert
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
Spooktober continues with … CrEePy cRawLies. And dark woods and solo hiking and Forest Entomologis...
Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES) with Jonathan C. Hall
Wed, 7 Oct 2020
To kick off SpooOoktober, we’re looking at huge birds that DEVOUR DEATH: the giant, majestic and c...
Political Sociology (VOTER TURNOUT & SUPPRESSION) with Mindy Romero
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
If you need fuel to get excited about voting: here it is. How low is U.S. voter turnout? And why? Ar...
Fulminology (LIGHTNING) with Chris Giesige
Wed, 23 Sep 2020
Thunder and lightning: very, very frighteningly interesting! Wildfire researcher and lightning scien...
Mammalogy (MAMMALS) with Danielle N. Lee
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
Mammals: you’re one. Your dog is one. So are giant rats. What do we have in common? Nipples. The i...
Cervidology Part 2 (DEER) with Rhiannons Jakopak & Kirton
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
The spirited, laughy chatter with a duo of deer scientists named Rhiannon continues in the thrilling...
Cervidology (DEER) Part 1 with Rhiannons Kirton & Jakopak
Wed, 2 Sep 2020
What IS a deer? And an elk? And a moose? And a Rhiannon? One thing they all have in common: cervidol...
Dasyurology (TASMANIAN DEVILS) with Jarrah Dale
Tue, 25 Aug 2020
Tasmanian devils! Quolls! Carnivores! Wait … what is a quoll? In what will become an instant-favor...
Oceanology (THE OCEAN) with Ayana Johnson: Encore Presentation
Tue, 18 Aug 2020
With some fresh updates, ocean and policy expert Dr. Ayana Johnson guests in an encore presentation ...
Experimental Archaeology (OLD TOOLS/ATLATLS) with Angelo Robledo
Tue, 11 Aug 2020
Spears! Sharp rocks! Ancient blades, bows and arrows and ...atlatls? What’s an atlatl? Experimenta...
Toxinology (JELLYFISH VENOM) with Anna Klompen
Tue, 4 Aug 2020
Jellyfish stings: what are they and why do they hurt? And who studies them? Toxinologist Anna Klompe...
Medusology (JELLYFISH) with Rebecca Helm
Thu, 30 Jul 2020
What even *is* a jellyfish?! How do they eat? What are they made of? Can we eat them? Your new favor...
Minisode: Listeners Interview Alie
Thu, 23 Jul 2020
Update! This episode posted on Tuesday per usual, then somehow un-published itself! Weird. Harrumph!...
Aperiology (MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY) with Joseph Saunders
Wed, 15 Jul 2020
Lights! Cameras! Arachnids! And lizards and bees and beetles. Macro photography is like magic: curve...
Agnotology (IGNORANCE) with Robert Proctor
Wed, 8 Jul 2020
Yes, there is an -ology for that. Dr. Robert Proctor is a Stanford professor of the History of Scien...
Bryology (MOSS) with Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer
Tue, 30 Jun 2020
An instant classic. You’ll listen on repeat as world-renowned author, botanist, Indigenous ecology...
Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Part 2 with Daniel Pfau
Tue, 23 Jun 2020
The wonderful neuroscientist and endocrinology researcher Dr. Daniel Pfau is back for Part 2 to answ...
Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Part 1 with Daniel Pfau
Tue, 16 Jun 2020
How many genders are there? How do you know if you’re queer? Is sexual orientation biological, and...
Very Special Episode: BlackAFinSTEM with various Ologists
Wed, 10 Jun 2020
The most ologists in one Ologies. And maybe my favorite episode ever. #BlackBirdersWeek was such a f...
Pelicanology (PELICANS) with Juita Martinez
Thu, 4 Jun 2020
Spine mysteries, saggy sacs, limericks, flim flam, flags, #BlackBirdersWeek, sandals, divebombs, por...
Oikology (DECLUTTERING) with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe Ferrari
Tue, 26 May 2020
Why does clutter happen? How can we get rid of it and how will it affect us psychologically if we do...
Planariology (VERY COOL WORMS, I PROMISE) with Oné Pagán
Wed, 20 May 2020
Who cares about flatworms? Guess what: you do. Planarian expert Dr. Oné Pagán shares his infectiou...
Coronasode: Virology Update (COVID-19) with Shannon Bennett & Mike Natter
Tue, 12 May 2020
What kind of masks should you wear? How many people have had COVID-19 and don’t know? Do antibody ...
Architectural Technology (COMPUTER PROGRAMMING) with Iddris Sandu
Tue, 5 May 2020
Iddris Sandu is only 22, but his life story is already legendary. This Architectural Technologist le...
Nassology (TAXIDERMY) with Allis Markham
Tue, 28 Apr 2020
Glass eyes! Pelts! Antlers! Hides! Bones! Tanning! Hilarious, charming and globally celebrated taxid...
Penguinology (PENGUINS) with Tom Hart
Tue, 21 Apr 2020
Do penguins have flippers or wings? Why do they waddle? Do they really mate for life? What’s up wi...
Gastroegyptology (BREAD BAKING) with Seamus Blackley
Tue, 14 Apr 2020
Sourdough starters! Ancient yeasts! Why we need/knead dough! And why you don't need to buy a starter...
Philematology (KISSING) with Robin Dunbar
Tue, 7 Apr 2020
Why do we kiss? What makes a good kiss or a bad kiss? How many microbes do we exchange? Is it good f...
Plumology (FEATHERS) with Allison Shultz
Tue, 31 Mar 2020
Plumage! Sexy dances! Feather heists! Possible holographic disco birds? Natural History Museum of LA...
Lepidopterology (BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS) — Encore Presentation with Phil Torres
Wed, 25 Mar 2020
Since we just put out the "All (Washed) Hands on Deck" episode on Sunday, we figured a happy Springt...
Coronasode: All (Washed) Hands on Deck -- How to Help Yourself & Others Right Now with Dr. Michael F. Wells
Sun, 22 Mar 2020
CALLING ALL OLOGISTS: If you’re a scientist who wants to help with the COVID-19 pandemic -- boy ho...
Veterinary Biology (CRITTER FIXING) with Dr. Vernard Hodges & Dr. Terrence Ferguson
Wed, 18 Mar 2020
At long last: an episode dedicated to veterinary medicine! Dr. Terrence Ferguson & Dr. Vernard Hodge...
Coronasode: Virology (COVID-19) with Dr. Shannon Bennett + various ologists
Tue, 10 Mar 2020
Folks, it’s a megasode. Not one, but 4 ologists. “Coronavirus” is on everyone’s lips -- and ...
Scatology (POOP) with Rachel Santymire
Tue, 3 Mar 2020
Yep. Here it is. Let’s dive right in ... to poop. Hippo poop. Ferret poop. Octopoop. Dogs. Cats. Y...
Volitional Psychology (PROCRASTINATION) with Dr. Joseph R. Ferrari
Tue, 25 Feb 2020
“Everyone procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator,” quoth Dr. Joe Ferrari, a charmi...
Cryoseismology (ICEQUAKES) with Celeste Labedz
Tue, 18 Feb 2020
Glaciers: Where are they? What are they made of? What happens when chunks splinter off into the sea?...
Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) with Stephen Hanks
Tue, 11 Feb 2020
Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author a...
Nephology (CLOUDS) with Rachel Storer
Tue, 4 Feb 2020
Cumulus! Lenticular! Venti sugar-free stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus! Those light...
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 2 with Dr. Mike Natter, MD
Tue, 28 Jan 2020
Diabetic diabetologist and wonderful person Dr. Mike Natter, MD is back to answer all of your questi...
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 1 with Dr. Mike Natter, MD
Tue, 21 Jan 2020
Your blood sugar can make you happy, moody, sweaty, unconscious and possibly even homicidal. In this...
Bisonology (BUFFALO) with various bisonologists
Wed, 15 Jan 2020
Bison bison! Not just something to holler into the sky, but also the scientific name for North Ameri...
Futurology (THE FUTURE) with Rose Eveleth
Tue, 7 Jan 2020
"The future's not ours to see..." OR IS IT? Professional futurologist Rose Eveleth -- host of the po...
Fearology Pt. 2 (FEAR) with Mary Poffenroth -- Encore Presentation
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
FEAR. Anxiety. Stress. Dread. It's all the same dang thing, as it turns out. Biologist and fear expe...
Fearology Pt. 1 (FEAR) with Mary Poffenroth -- Encore Presentation
Tue, 24 Dec 2019
Every day, your brain tries to save your life by being terrified. Thanks, brain! Also, calm the f*ck...
Audiobook Mixtape: Gift Ideas from the Ologists’ Brains
Wed, 18 Dec 2019
Need holiday gift ideas? GET BOOKS. This episode is like an audiobook… but also a mixtape? It's go...
Chronobiology (CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS) with Katherine Hatcher
Tue, 10 Dec 2019
What time should you go to bed? Are you sleeping enough? Is Daylight Savings good for us? Is shift w...
Phonology (LINGUISTICS) with Nicole Holliday — Encore Presentation
Tue, 3 Dec 2019
Alie is delirious with the flu, so it’s an encore presentation of a favorite episode. If you slept...
Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?) with Adam Becker
Tue, 26 Nov 2019
Is anything real? How many universes are there? Do we know what dark matter is all about? Is everyth...
Lupinology (WOLVES) with Bridgett vonHoldt
Tue, 19 Nov 2019
Wolf howls, wolf packs, wolf pups and more! As the holiday Wolfenoot approaches, lupinologist and Pr...
Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) with Crystal Dilworth
Tue, 12 Nov 2019
Serotonin! Dopamine! Norepinephrine! Neurotransmitters: what's their deal? Dr. Crystal Dilworth, aka...
Chiropterology Part 2 (BATS) with Merlin Tuttle
Tue, 5 Nov 2019
PART 2: The stunning conclusion of a 3-hour gab session about frickin' bats with America's favorite ...
Chiropterology (BATS) Part 1 with Merlin Tuttle
Tue, 29 Oct 2019
“People fear most what they understand least." Words of wisdom from explorer/American treasure/bat...
Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS) with Alyssa Beall
Wed, 23 Oct 2019
Demons, spooky spirits, devils, fallen angles, hungry ghosts: every culture has them. And West Virgi...
Spidroinology (SPIDERWEBS) with Randy Lewis
Tue, 15 Oct 2019
Invisible but stronger than steel. Complex architectural marvels. Things that stick to your face. S...
Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS) with Anne Copeland
Tue, 8 Oct 2019
PUMPKIN PUMPKIN! Not only a thing to scream while passing a patch, but also the name of author and h...
Osteology (SKELETONS/BODY FARMS) with Daniel Wescott
Wed, 2 Oct 2019
Let's dig right into Spooktober with ... BONES. You're a steak-covered skeleton and it's nothing to ...
Phenology (FALL/SEASONS) with Libby Ellwood
Tue, 24 Sep 2019
The seasons are a-changin'! It's sweater weather in both hemispheres and seasonal researcher and exp...
Potterology Part 2 (WIZARD SCIENCE) with Rebecca Lai
Tue, 17 Sep 2019
**UPDATE: since this episode was first released, J.K. Rowling has said and written some deeply trans...
Potterology Part 1 (WIZARD SCIENCE) with Rebecca Lai
Tue, 10 Sep 2019
**UPDATE: since this episode was first released, J.K. Rowling has said and written some deeply trans...
Vexillology (FLAGS) with E. Tory Laitila
Tue, 3 Sep 2019
Flags! How long have we flown them? Will you get arrested for stomping on one? Which ones are cute a...
Paleontology (DINOSAURS) Encore Presentation with Michael Habib
Wed, 28 Aug 2019
It's a trip back in time to a baby podcast! Hear the humble beginnings of Ologies as your Ol' Dadwar...
Disasterology (DISASTERS) with Samantha Montano
Wed, 21 Aug 2019
Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, explosions, hurricanes, oil spills, bombings, BAD THINGS: W...
100th Episode: Best Life Advice from Ologists + 100 More Ologies
Wed, 14 Aug 2019
ONE HUNDRED EPISODES, kiddos. From slimy hagfish coils on the ocean floor to the outer reaches of sp...
Saurology (LIZARDS) with Earyn McGee
Tue, 6 Aug 2019
Saurologist and professional lizard scientist Earyn McGee visits Alie to go on a little lizard hunt,...
Graphology (HANDWRITING/FORGERY) with Sylvia Kessler
Wed, 31 Jul 2019
Is it weird to have different handwritings? How do you forge ancient documents? What pen should you ...
Cnidariology (CORAL) with Shayle Matsuda
Thu, 25 Jul 2019
Will changing your sunscreen save coral reefs? What even IS a coral? Where do they grow and what do ...
Disinfectiology (BLEACH) with Evan Rumberger
Tue, 16 Jul 2019
It lives under your sink and may have saved your life but… WHAT THE FUNK IS BLEACH? Hot off of a ...
Nomology Part 2: (THE CONSTITUTION): Let's read the whole friggin thing.
Wed, 10 Jul 2019
Have you ever read every word of The U.S. Constitution? You don't have to, because ol' Dadward here ...
Nomology (THE CONSTITUTION) with Franita Tolson
Tue, 2 Jul 2019
If you've never read The Constitution, you're like most of us. What does it even say?! Most American...
Cabinology (CABINS) with Dale Mulfinger
Tue, 25 Jun 2019
Log cabins, woodsy getaways, A-frame cuties, cottages, tiny homes, lake houses: WE GET INTO IT. Worl...
Disease Ecology (LYME/TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES) with Andrea Swei
Tue, 18 Jun 2019
Lyme Disease! Powassan virus! That Lonestar tick meat allergy! Paralysis ticks! Acarology taught us ...
Island Ecology (ISLANDS) with Andy Kraemer
Tue, 11 Jun 2019
What IS an island? How do birds and plants and mammals GET there? Why do we like going to islands? D...
Acarology (TICKS) with Neeta Pardanani Connally
Wed, 5 Jun 2019
Ticks: They’re tiny. They’re thirsty. They’re drooling vectors of various illnesses and they w...
Psychological Traumatology (PTSD & STRESS) with Nicholas Barr
Tue, 28 May 2019
What happens to the brain under extreme stress? Why do past traumas haunt us? What kind of therapies...
Behavioral Ecology (REPRODUCTIVE TRADEOFFS) with Amy Worthington
Tue, 21 May 2019
Why do we bone? Why should we have kids? When should we have kids? Crickets might answer all these q...
BONUS Minisode: Preview of Alie on Bill Nye's "Science Rules!"
Thu, 16 May 2019
Announcement: BILL NYE HAS A PODCAST. And Alie's his first guest. Bill Nye’s on a mission to chang...
Mycology (MUSHROOMS) with Tom Volk
Tue, 14 May 2019
Mushrooms! Psilocybin! Humungous fungus! Black mold! Foraging! The incredibly charming and warm Dr. ...
Bufology (TOADS) with Priya Nanjappa
Tue, 7 May 2019
Toaaaaads! Friend or foe? Dive into a toad hollow with bufologist and charming human Priya Nanjappa,...
Minisode: All of My Secret Travel Trips + Some Updates
Tue, 30 Apr 2019
THAT'S RIGHT IT'S A MINISOHDA FROM MINNESOHDA. On the last stop of a six-state Midwest tour intervie...
Addictionology (ADDICTION) with Erin Parisi
Tue, 23 Apr 2019
"Addiction doesn't have to be a bummer!," quoth addictionologist Erin Parisi, who has some uplifting...
Hagfishology (HAGFISH) with Tim Winegard
Tue, 16 Apr 2019
Hagfish: these floppy hot dogs of the deep sea deserve our undying respect. Tim Winegard is a profes...
Scorpiology (SCORPIONS) with Lauren Esposito
Tue, 9 Apr 2019
Scorpions: the victims of undue shade. If you've ever wanted to impress a date with weird facts THIS...
FIELD TRIP: How to Change Your Life via the Natural History Museum of LA
Tue, 2 Apr 2019
After last week's heavy episode, Alie takes a little break with a Field Trip to one of her favorite ...
Victimology (CRIME VICTIMS) with Callie Rennison
Tue, 26 Mar 2019
In a world saturated with CSI spinoffs and true crime documentaries, we look at a criminology subset...
Astrobiology (ALIENS) with Kevin Peter Hand
Tue, 19 Mar 2019
ALIENS! EXTRATERRESTRIALS! MARTIANS! Let's. Get. Into. It. The phenomenal Dr. Kevin Peter Hand of NA...
Ludology (VIDEO GAMES) with Jane McGonigal
Tue, 12 Mar 2019
Video games! Tabletop games! IRL role-play gaming! The ... lottery? Dr. Jane McGonigal is a video ga...
Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) with Helen Zaltzman of The Allusionist Podcast
Tue, 5 Mar 2019
The brilliant and dazzling Helen Zaltzman, host of The Allusionist podcast and person who technicall...
Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) with Shane Campbell-Staton
Tue, 26 Feb 2019
This episode, and Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton, are a true joy. The UCLA professor, host of the Biology...
Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) with Simine Vazire
Tue, 19 Feb 2019
WHO ARE WE? Personality researcher & psychology professor Dr. Simine Vazire dishes about introverts,...
Matrimoniology (MARRIAGE) with Ben Karney
Tue, 12 Feb 2019
Love! Romance! Intimate relationships! Marriage! Divorce! Remarriage! Clowns! This episode has it al...
Biogerontology (AGING) with Caleb Finch
Tue, 5 Feb 2019
How long can we live? How much of aging is genetics vs. environment? What does oral hygiene have to ...
Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES) with Camryn Allen
Tue, 29 Jan 2019
If you think you like sea turtles, get ready to become wildly obsessed with them. Cheloniologist Dr....
Testudinology (TORTOISES) with Amanda Hipps
Tue, 22 Jan 2019
What's a tortoise? What's a turtle? Why do they live so dang long? What's up with their junk? Wildli...
Snow Hydrology (SNOW & AVALANCHES) with Ned Bair
Tue, 15 Jan 2019
It's tiny! It's beautiful! It's cold! It can kill you. Snow and avalanche expert Dr. Ned Bair meets ...
Minisode: Ologies Upgrades & Changes for 2019
Tue, 8 Jan 2019
A few things are changing in the world of Ologies and I just wanted to take a few minutes in this ba...
Entomophagy Anthropology (EATING BUGS AS SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN) with Julie Lesnik
Tue, 1 Jan 2019
DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE? Okay cool. No matter what your diet, get this episode in your ears...
Ornithology (BIRDS) Encore Presentation with James Maley
Tue, 25 Dec 2018
Birds! Horned screamers! Winged pirates! Just in time for the Audubon's winter Christmas Bird Count ...
Mixology (COCKTAILS) with Matthew Biancaniello
Tue, 18 Dec 2018
Foraging, infusing, shaking, stirring: this one's got it all. How do you make weird, fancy drinks at...
Selenology (THE MOON) with Raquel Nuno
Tue, 11 Dec 2018
Are we crazier during a full moon? What is the Moon made of? Can we move to the Moon? Was the Moon l...
Classical Archaeology (ANCIENT ROME) with Darius Arya
Tue, 4 Dec 2018
If you LIVE for drama, you will LOVE dead Romans. Wars, murders, opulence and uprisings: a little so...
Microbiology (GUT BIOME) with Elaine Hsiao
Tue, 27 Nov 2018
LOVE YOUR GUTS. 90% of your serotonin is made in your guts and you have hundreds of trillions of fri...
Grateful-ology (GRATITUDE) is not totally a real word
Tue, 20 Nov 2018
A (perhaps) much-needed refresher course on last year's gratitude minisode. As a friend of a friend'...
Food Anthropology (FEASTS) with Katherine Spiers
Tue, 13 Nov 2018
Loosen your belts and tuck a napkin under your chin because feasting season is here. Katherine Spier...
Eschatology (THE APOCALYPSE) with Phil Torres
Tue, 6 Nov 2018
Doomsday. The apocalypse. The End. Join scholar, author and professional existential risk philosophe...
Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS) with Kaeli Swift
Tue, 30 Oct 2018
Crows have funerals? CROWS HAVE FUNERALS. The inky black bird with the big brain warns and maybe mou...
Somnology (SLEEP) Part 2 with Dr. W. Chris Winter
Tue, 23 Oct 2018
Have you listened to Part 1 yet? No? Go on, git. Go do that. Now if you have, this Part 2 is a bonan...
Somnology (SLEEP) Part 1 with W. Chris Winter
Tue, 16 Oct 2018
Birds do it. Bees do it. Why the hell can't we do it? Called "The Sleep Whisperer," neurologist and ...
Surgical Oncology (BREAST CANCER) with Donna-Marie Manasseh
Tue, 9 Oct 2018
(Bonus: I bleeped any curse words so you can share this episode with your kids and your grandma.)Yes...
Ologiesology with Alie Ward (1-Year Anniversary Episode)
Fri, 5 Oct 2018
Ever wanted to know how an episode of Ologies is made? Are you curious to learn about your host Alie...
Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) with Joy Reidenberg
Tue, 2 Oct 2018
Ever poked at roadkill? Watched videos of whales exploding? Drooled over a curio cabinet full of cla...
Myrmecology (ANTS) with Terry McGlynn
Tue, 25 Sep 2018
Cult-leader queens. Bullet ant stings. Kitchen pest hacks. The dynamics of a billion-sister megacolo...
Egyptology (ANCIENT EGYPT) with Kara Cooney
Tue, 18 Sep 2018
After a decade of fandom, Alie finally meets famed Egyptologist Dr. Kara Cooney -- and forgets her e...
Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING) with Shah Selbe
Tue, 11 Sep 2018
THIS IS UPLIFTING, I PROMISE. And it might just make you switch careers. As a bookend to last week's...
Oceanology (OCEANS) with Ayana Johnson
Tue, 4 Sep 2018
Are plastic straws really that bad? What's the oldest message in a bottle? Any scuba vs. snorkel str...
Ferroequinology (TRAINS) with Matt Anderson
Tue, 28 Aug 2018
Trains. Locomotives. Choochoos. Bullet trains. Hyperloops. Subways. How fast can they go? How did th...
Bonus Minisode: Kalology -- Your Letters
Tue, 21 Aug 2018
As a companion to Kalology (BEAUTY STANDARDS) Alie reads your thoughts about appearance and beauty c...
Kalology (BEAUTY STANDARDS) with Renee Engeln
Tue, 21 Aug 2018
We love it. We hate it. BEAUTY CULTURE.Looking good can make us feel decorated, empowered and more c...
Oology (EGGS) with John Bates
Tue, 14 Aug 2018
The biggest eggs! The smallest eggs! The people arrested for stealing the most eggs! Oologist Dr. Jo...
Ophthalmology (EYES) with Reid Wainess
Tue, 7 Aug 2018
75% of adult Americans have wonky vision of some kind, your host included. Longtime pal and real-lif...
Epidemiology (DISEASES) with 'This Podcast Will Kill You's' Erins Welsh & Allmann-Updyke
Tue, 31 Jul 2018
TWO epidemiologists-named-Erin -- and hosts of the stellar This Podcast Will Kill You -- chat with A...
Selachimorphology (SHARKS) with Chris Lowe
Tue, 24 Jul 2018
SHAAAARKS. Leading shark researcher Dr. Chris Lowe dishes about bad shark PR, behind-the-scenes Jaws...
Malacology (SNAILS & SLUGS) with Jann Vendetti
Tue, 17 Jul 2018
Crazy dongs! Gardening tips! Snail-based beauty products! Weather the LA heatwave and slug along wit...
Areology (MARS) Part 2 with Jennifer Buz
Tue, 10 Jul 2018
Last week we got a big thicc primer on ol' Mars, that dusty desert doomsday cabin millions of miles ...
Areology (MARS) Part 1 with Jennifer Buz
Tue, 3 Jul 2018
The Red Planet. A mysterious dusty orb millions of miles away. Our emergency escape bunker. Alie sit...
MINISODE: Aestaology (SUMMER) should be a word
Tue, 26 Jun 2018
Melons. Fire. Waterfights. It's finally summer and Alie's into it. So with this solo mini-ep, learn ...
Deltiology (POSTCARDS) with Donna Braden
Tue, 19 Jun 2018
Why were postcards invented and why do they still exist? Why do we lie to people and say our lives a...
Rhinology (NOSES) with John Craig
Tue, 12 Jun 2018
Allergies. Nose jobs. Smell nostalgia. Street drugs. Septum piercings. Snoring. Hang on to your face...
Phonology (LINGUISTICS) with Nicole Holliday
Tue, 5 Jun 2018
Vocal fry. Code switching. Black Twitter. Valley girls. Culture vultures. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TALKIN...
Cynology (DOGS) with Brandon McMillan
Tue, 29 May 2018
Your best friend is a hairy beast and that's something to celebrate. This episode is a little differ...
Lepidopterology (BUTTERFLIES) with Phil Torres
Tue, 22 May 2018
Butterflies are gross. Yes they are delightful and beautiful and part of any idyllic picnic-scape bu...
Trichology (HAIR) with Valerie Horsley
Tue, 15 May 2018
Peach fuzz. Chin hairs. Mammalian ponytails. WHY DO THEY HAPPEN. Yale researcher and associate profe...
Dendrology (TREES) with J. Casey Clapp
Tue, 8 May 2018
Do trees have feelings? How do they talk? How old can they get? Are there any tree stories that will...
Fearology Pt. 2 (FEAR) with Mary Poffenroth
Tue, 1 May 2018
FEAR. Anxiety. Stress. Dread. It's all the same dang thing, as it turns out. Biologist and fear expe...
Fearology Pt. 1 (FEAR) with Mary Poffenroth
Tue, 24 Apr 2018
Every day, your brain tries to save your life by being terrified. Thanks, brain! Also, calm the f*ck...
Radiology (X-RAY VISION) with Varshana Gurusamy
Tue, 17 Apr 2018
Hey, kiddo, it's what's INSIDE that matters -- like your guts and bones and squishy brain and intest...
Evolutionary Biology (DARWINISM) with John McCormack
Tue, 10 Apr 2018
Celebrate your lucky mutations with an episode about natural selection, agonizing boat trips, redemp...
Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH) with Philippa Ribbink
Tue, 3 Apr 2018
Let's get intimate with the mechanics of nether parts via a frank chat with the calmest, coolest gyn...
Zymology (BEER) with Quinton Sturgeon
Tue, 27 Mar 2018
If you like booze, you'll love... fungus! Alie goes Rogue and takes a field trip to a brewery in New...
Melittology (BEES) with Amanda Shaw
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
BEES! Hives, honey, and how to keep them as outdoor pets. Meet melittologist and President of the Ur...
Museology (MUSEUMS) with Ronnie Cline
Tue, 13 Mar 2018
Museums! Mummies! Paintings! Hot dogs! Alie sits down with her dear internet friend and museologist ...
Gizmology (ROBOTS) with Simone Giertz
Tue, 6 Mar 2018
YouTube's Sh*tty Robots machine-maker, very funny human being, professional tinkerer and potential a...
Mythology (STORYTELLING) with John Bucher
Tue, 27 Feb 2018
Superhero movies. Bastardized fairy tales. The psychology of celebrity. Star Wars. And yes, some anc...
Teuthology (SQUIDS) with Sarah McAnulty
Tue, 20 Feb 2018
Squids. Cuttlefish. Octopusseseses. The world's most impassioned squid nerd, Sarah McAnulty, gets lo...
Sexology (SEX) with Shan Boody aka Shannon Boodram
Tue, 13 Feb 2018
Sex. Sex. Sex. Sex. Also sex. Buckle up, Ologites, because clinical sexologist and author Shannon Bo...
Gelotology (LAUGHTER) with Lee Berk
Tue, 6 Feb 2018
The. Study. Of. Laughter. It exists, and it's called gelotology. In one of the oddly more somber epi...
Ichthyology (FISHES) with Chris Thacker
Tue, 30 Jan 2018
ALL. ABOUT. FISH. Hilariously charming fish expert and LA County Natural History Museum Curator of I...
Herpetology (SNAKES, FROGS, ETC.) with David Steen
Tue, 23 Jan 2018
Sea turtles, frog storms, Indiana Jones trivia, the triumph of will that was Snakes on a Plane, plus...
Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE) with Sari Shepphird
Tue, 16 Jan 2018
Sweaty palms before a date. Racing heart during a presentation. Needing a diaper while delivering a ...
Hematology (BLOOD) with Brian Durie
Tue, 9 Jan 2018
Bloooood. In this special episode, Alie sits down with Scotsman and hematologist Dr. Brian Durie to ...
Glycobiology (CARBS) with Michelle Dookwah
Wed, 3 Jan 2018
Carbohydrates: no longer just for your piehole. Stuff some knowledge into your ears with sugar scien...
Cosmology PART 2 with Katie Mack
Tue, 19 Dec 2017
Listener questions! The universe, dimensions, asteroid bags and cosmic vertigo with the amazing Dr. ...
Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE) with Katie Mack, Part I
Tue, 12 Dec 2017
Stars. Black holes. THE GAWDANG UNIVERSE. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Katie Mack (@astrokatie) jo...
Entomology (INSECTS) with Lila Higgins
Tue, 5 Dec 2017
Buuuugs. We cover perhaps Alie's favorite ology ever with an ologist who changed her life. Meet Lila...
Minisode: Grateful-ology is not a real word...
Wed, 22 Nov 2017
As a friend of a friend's hairdresser once said: "it's hard to be hateful with a plateful of gratefu...
Cosmetology (GLAM/GROOMING) with Alysha Sherri Marcantonio
Tue, 14 Nov 2017
Skin care! Beard care! History! Grooming! Men's concealer! Make-up! And most importantly: what is se...
Ornithology (BIRDS) with James Maley
Tue, 7 Nov 2017
Birds! Horned screamers! Winged pirates! Professional bird-person and all around cool dude James Mal...
Thanatology (DEATH & DYING) with Cole Imperi
Tue, 31 Oct 2017
Hoooo boy. We're all up in death and dying's bizness and to Alie's shock, it's not a bummer. Confron...
Minisode: Fall Ologies! ... Fallogies?
Tue, 24 Oct 2017
It's hot and Alie is nostalgic for fall. So here's a mini episode on the world's best autumn ologies...
Horology (WATCHES) with Cameron Weiss
Wed, 18 Oct 2017
Million-dollar watches, World War II's role in watchmaking, and how much caffeine a watchmaker drink...
Gemology (CRYSTALS & GEMS) with Kelly Sitek
Tue, 10 Oct 2017
Professional gemologist Kelly Sitek talks about adventures in mining, the chemical composition of di...
Paleontology (DINOSAURS) with Michael Habib
Wed, 4 Oct 2017
Did Ross Gellar ruin being a paleontologist? What's the hot goss on dino feathers? How did some dino...
Primatology (MONKEYS & APES) with Kate Gilmore
Tue, 26 Sep 2017
Settle in with Alie Ward and guest Kate Gilmore, a professional primatologist and lead keeper of the...
Volcanology (VOLCANOES) with Jess Phoenix
Tue, 19 Sep 2017
In this first episode of Ologies, Alie Ward chats with volcanologist Jess Phoenix who also happens t...
Episode 0
Mon, 4 Sep 2017
Comedy podcaster and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people dumb questions to learn about...