Published by Alie Ward
Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life.
Listen on Apple Podcasts1 hr 40 min
Flying squirrels. Fox squirrels. Giant squirrels. Tiny ones. Grey ones. Black ones. Fluorescent ones? Alie is losing her mind talking to dream guest and Sciuridologist, Dr. Karen Munroe. This Baldwin Wallace University professor has studied squirrels for decades and addresses where they sleep, how many babies they have, if they bite each other’s junk, how they find their acorns, Marvel movies, birdfeeder drama, imported squirrels, melanistic morphs, world domination, fistfights with birders, the rarest squirrel, the best place for squirrel tourism and more. You’ll scatter hoard so many nuggets of squirrel trivia. Enjoy. Follow Dr. Karen Munroe on Instagram Donations were made to: Letters to a Pre-Scientist and Squirrel Mapper More episode sources and links Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Crotalology (RATTLESNAKES) with Dr. Emily Taylor Other episodes you may enjoy: Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) , Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) , Dendrology (TREES) with J. Casey Clapp , Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS) , Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES) , Indigenous Fire Ecology (GOOD FIRE) , Fulminology (LIGHTNING) , Field Trip: Birds of Prey and Raptor Facts , Entomology (INSECTS) , Mammalogy (MAMMALS) , Carobology (NOT-CHOCOLATE TREES) , Felinology (CATS) , Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS) , Oreamnology (MOUNTAIN GOATS ARE NOT GOATS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
46 min
Advice. Hot tips. Book recs. Perspective. It’s the third and final installment of our Emmenology series on perimenopause and menopause, and it’s all wise words from Patrons. Dealing with brain fog, giving spouses grace, finding estrogen patches amid short supply, what to ask the HR department at work, and analogies that would melt even the coldest haters. Tune in, hang on, and sweat it out. More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Urology (CROTCH PARTS) , Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH) , Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) , FIELD TRIP: Alie’s Mystery Surgery , Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES) , Cardiology (THE HEART) , Biogerontology (AGING) , , Biological Anthropology (SEXY APES), Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) , Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) , Somnology (SLEEP) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2 hr 2 min
Hormones or no hormones? Itchy ears. Disappearing pussy syndrome. Estrogen by land, by sea, by patch, by pill, or by cream. When is it T time? What's the deal with herbal remedies? Should your moisturizer have hormones in it? Is HRT safe? Four experts weigh in on bioidentical versus synthetic, getting better sleep, what to put in or around your vagina, tips for trans folks, protein research, and why you should go pick up a brick or something. OB/GYNs and menopause experts Dr. Monica Christmas and Dr. Mary Claire Haver – who wrote the book The New Perimenopause – are back for this Part 2 all about science-backed fixes to your menopausal probs. Joining the chat is Smith College exercise physiologist Dr. Sarah Witkowski with a cameo from anthropologist and bone expert Dr. Daniel Wescott. Again, bonus Part 3 this week will be tips for your loved ones. We’re all in this together, kiddos. Start with Emmenology (MENOPAUSE) Part 1 Browse Dr. Christmas’s papers on ResearchGate and follow her on Instagram Visit Dr. Haver’s website and follow her on Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and Substack Buy Dr. Haver’s books, The New Menopause , The New Perimenopause , The Galveston Diet Learn more about Dr. Sarah Witkowski’s work Donations went to the Center for Food Equity in Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Menopause Society RosebudWoman.com (owned by my wonderful in-laws!) will give you 15% off with the code OLOGIES Tortoise Sword from Jarrett Sleeper’s JB Stink brand shirts More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Urology (CROTCH PARTS) , Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH) , Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) , FIELD TRIP: Alie’s Mystery Surgery , Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES) , Cardiology (THE HEART) , Biogerontology (AGING) , , Biological Anthropology (SEXY APES), Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) , Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) , Somnology (SLEEP) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 5 min
Hormones. Mood swings. Brain fog. Night sweats. And why doesn’t your shoulder work? The time is here for this whopper of a 3-part series on menopause with a total of five Ologists. No matter what your age or gender, you owe it to the people in your life who go through this to understand it. Brilliant and charming Dr. Mary Claire Haver is an OB-GYN who wrote bestsellers “The New Menopause” and the just-released “The New Perimenopause” and hosts the podcast unPAUSED. The wonderful and warm Dr. Monica Christmas is a professor and clinician with decades of experience in menopause treatment, and repeat guest Dr. Lara Durgavich is a primatologist who has some answers about why our species goes through “the change.” Part 2 covers what to DO about symptoms of menopause, from vagina creams to hormone replacement therapy to libido to brain clarity and the importance of lifting heavy stuff. And finally, Part 3 has advice for loved ones to help support people in their lives who are sailing the stormy seas of hormonal change. Browse Dr. Christmas’s papers on ResearchGate and follow her on Instagram Visit Dr. Haver’s website and follow her on Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and Substack Buy Dr. Haver’s books, The New Menopause and The New Perimenopause Follow Dr. Durgavich on Bluesky Donations went to the Center for Food Equity in Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH) , Urology (CROTCH PARTS) , Biogerontology (AGING) , Sexology (SEX) , Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) , Biological Anthropology (SEXY APES), Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) , Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) , Somnology (SLEEP) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , FIELD TRIP: Alie’s Mystery Surgery 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
50 min
Social anxiety icebreakers. Third spaces. Slumber parties with old friends. Helping out strangers. And why primates are wired to be better connected than we are now. Dr. Nicholas Epley – a distinguished Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago and the author of “A Little More Social” – explains how important social activity is for physical and mental health, why people are experiencing a friendship recession, how texting affects your hormones, how seeing other cultures can shape your life, the world’s friendliest cities, and the low expectations keeping us feeling lonely. Also: don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Visit Dr. Epley’s website Buy his books, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection and Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want A donation went to Ruby’s Rainbow More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) , Awe Psychology (WONDER) , Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS) , Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE) , Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) , Mythology (STORYTELLING) Jarrett Sleeper’s “ 30 Words for Love – a long poem ” 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 27 min
Scoville units. Nightshades. Hot ones. Sweet ones. Scandalous data. Pull up a seat for a wild, hot ride through New Mexico. Pepper expert, horticulturist, and Capsicumologist Dr. Paul “The Chileman” Bosland of New Mexico State’s Chile Pepper Institute dishes up stories of how chile peppers got from the wild into your mouth, what parts of peppers are the hottest, why mild peppers don’t get enough credit, how to grow peppers at home, how to recover from the burn, some lore behind your favorite hot sauces, red vs. green, Guinness World Records, Ig Nobel Prizes, why you can’t handle peppers but your mom can, hot foods in hot places, seeds, walls, piths, myths, bigger lips, pepper roulette, and so much more. Also: I abuse myself with Ashes to Ashes. Follow Dr. Bosland on Google Scholar A donation went to NMSU Chile Pepper Institute Visit the Chile Pepper Institute website and online store and follow them on Instagram More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Gustology (TASTE) , Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) , Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) , Dolorology (PAIN) , Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) with @BlackForager , Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) , Pomology (APPLES) , Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS) , Scatology (POOP) , Allergology (ALLERGIES) , Optical Technology (HISTORY OF EYEGLASSES + MODERN DAY VISION) , Ophthalmology (EYES) , Nomology (THE CONSTITUTION) , Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 27 min
What is your Roman Empire? It’s about to be this episode. What causes the big dogs to stumble and fall? Do societies collapse suddenly, or would one notice as it happens? What *is* a complex society – and is it better than a simple one? Depends on who you ask, and we went straight to the source: the legendary anthropologist, scholar, historian and author of “The Collapse of Complex Societies,” Dr. Joseph Tainter. New obsession awaits you in the fall of the Roman Empire, cities lost to the desert dust, diminishing returns, fiddling amid the flames, the worst beard in history, fossil fuels, fertilizer, bread, circus, hanging chads, and if you should go live on a small goat farm. Happy 250th birthday to the currently United States of America! Follow Dr. Tainter on Google Scholar Buy his book, The Collapse of Complex Societies A donation went to Utah State University's Ecology Center More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Classical Archeology (ANCIENT ROME) , Revolutionology (REBELLIONS & SOCIAL CHANGE) , Futurology (THE FUTURE) , Nomology (THE CONSTITUTION) , Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) , Agnotology (IGNORANCE) , Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) , Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) , Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK) , Astrobromatology (SPACE FOOD) , Paternology (FATHERHOOD) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
55 min
The promised follow up bonus episode to our biomusicology episode with theoretical, neuro- and biomusicologist Dr David Bashwiner. This one is guest hosted by Podmother Jarrett Sleeper and we steer the discussion more toward the process of creating music, where creativity comes from, the relationship between theory, technique, and creativity, how to unleash or access one’s own creativity, synthesizers, whether new sounds are possible, emulation vs simulation, music as it exists in nature, whether or not animals use instruments, why we know the instinctively the difference between purring and growling, and perhaps a bit about the effects of drugs on mixing? Visit Dr. Bashwiner’s website and follow him on Google Scholar You can find Jarrett on Instagram and Bandcamp A donation went to Gaza Hand of Salvation Initiative More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) , Ornithology (BIRDS) , Mantodeology (PRAYING MANTISES) , Primatology (APES & MONKEYS) , Misophonology (DISTRACTING SOUND & NOISE RAGE) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Funology (YES, FUN) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 32 min
Music. Emotion. Brain waves. Whale songs. Toadfish. Distant moons. Loud apes. And why it’s worth it to practice piano. Brilliant and warm musician and assistant professor at Albuquerque's University of New Mexico, Dr. David Bashwiner is a theoretical, neuro- and biomusicologist. Settling into his office (with a baby grand) we covered everything from bird songs to aquatic echolocation, how scales work, major vs. minor keys and their impact on the brain, music therapies, white noise, binaural beats, mole crickets, fandom as identity, spider guitar strings, Baby Mozart, so-called perfect pitch, and so much more. Stay tuned for a bonus episode hosted by Podmother Jarrett Sleeper about getting more creative musically. Go bang on something. Hard. Visit Dr. Bashwiner’s website and follow him on Google Scholar A donation went to APS International High School More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) , Ornithology (BIRDS) , Mantodeology (PRAYING MANTISES) , Primatology (APES & MONKEYS) , Misophonology (DISTRACTING SOUND & NOISE RAGE) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Funology (YES, FUN) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 21 min
Will changing your sunscreen save coral reefs? What even IS a coral? Where do they grow and what do they eat and why are they so pretty? Is it reefs or reeves? The wonderful and charming coral biologist and cnidariologist Shayle Matsuda takes time out of his busy schedule during a coral spawning event to chat about how magical and beautiful coral can be and why reef health is important. Also: whether or not "Finding Nemo" got coral right, making transitions during grad school, and how to pursue your ambitions while being bravely authentic. He'll quickly become your favorite cnidariologist. Catch up with Dr. Shayle Matsuda’s work at the Shedd Aquarium’s Center for Conservation and Research Shayle's blog post about coral spawning Donations went to paepaeoheeia.org and pointfoundation.org More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Pride Month: Guests to Know and Love , Oceanology (OCEANS) , Zoohoplology (ANIMAL DEFENSES) , FIELD TRIP: A Hawaiian Breadfruit Rev'ULUtion , Climate Fervorology (ECO-ADVOCACY WITHOUT IT BEING A BUMMER , Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING) , Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) , Macrophycology (SEAWEED) , Biomineralogy (SHELLS) , Nudibranchology (GLAMOROUS SEA SLUGS) , Echinology (SEA URCHINS & SAND DOLLARS) , Medusology (JELLYFISH) , Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES) , Selachimorphology (SHARKS) , Teuthology (SQUIDS) , Carcinology (CRABS) , Ichthyology (FISHES) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media , Steven Ray Morris , Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 21 min
DADS. What makes a good one? What if you had a bad one? And how can fatherhood turn the tides on toxic masculinity? Also: diapers. The brilliant USC research psychologist, fatherhood expert, and thus Paternologist Dr. Darby Saxbe covers everything from prehistoric family systems to social media expectations as we chat about male hormones during and after pregnancy, division of labor, dad bods, gorillas, TV dads, seahorses, trans dads, oxytocin, gender reveals, and how it truly takes a community to raise a kid. Her brand new book is “Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How it Shapes Men's Lives,” and it’s great reading for anyone who was the result of a sperm and egg. Including frogs. Visit Dr. Saxbe’s website and follow her on Instagram , Bluesky , Substack , and YouTube Buy her book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives A donation went to Homeboy Industries Zach Bogart ’s “Oh hey” cataloguer site ohheyitsthe.site More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Pride Month: Guests to Know and Love , Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) , Matrimoniology (MARRIAGE) , Evolutionary Biology (DARWINISM) , Trolleyology (MORAL DILEMMAS + THE TROLLEY PROBLEM) , Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) , Sexology (SEX) , Biogerontology (AGING) , Mammalogy (MAMMALS) , Dasyurology (TASMANIAN DEVILS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
39 min
Awe?! You can study this? You can, and it turns out it’s really important for our mental health. Dr. Dacher Keltner, the legendary UC Berkeley psychology professor, author, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center, lent us some time to chat about his research into what makes us feel awe, and how that sense of vastness can make our lives and relationships richer. From spending some time under starry skies, to walking past ancient ruins, to listening to a favorite song, these big and little moments can help us feel smaller in the best way. Also: hop into a mosh pit. Visit Dr. Keltner’s website Buy his book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life , on Bookshop.org or Amazon Listen to his series, Cities of Awe , on the Science of Happiness podcast A donation went to the Bay Area Freedom Collective More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) , Museology (MUSEUMS) , Fanthropology (FANDOM) , FIELD TRIP: I Chase the 2024 Eclipse with Umbraphiles , FIELD TRIP: How to Change Your Life via the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 13 min
Wineries vs. vineyards. Metal vs. oak. DIY wine. Carbonic fermentation situations? Enologists Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó – co-owners of the boutique California winery Camins2Dreams – join us to chat about how grapes are harvested, why some are juiced with the stems, Indigenous perspectives on wine making, weird balloon chambers, wooden teabags, labcoat envy, tips for making your own wines, how they met and the surprising story of how they became a married duo in life and work. This couple needs a rom-com made in their honor. Raise a glass. Visit Tara and Mireia’s winery, Camins 2 Dreams Follow Camins 2 Dreams on Instagram A donation went to House of Pride & Equality Other episodes you may enjoy: Zymology (BEER) , Mixology (COCKTAILS) , Ciderology (DELICIOUS APPLE BEVERAGES) , Pomology (APPLES) , Coffeeology (YEP, COFFEE) , Fromology (CHEESE) , Gastroegyptology (BREAD BAKING) , Food Anthropology (FEASTS) , Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) , Black American Magirology (FOOD, RACE & CULTURE) , Melittology (BEES) , Gustology (TASTE) , Disgustology (REPULSION TO GROSS STUFF) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 14 min
To chill or not to chill? That is the question. And then a bunch more questions. Thankfully, author, winemaker, sommelier, and Enology expert, André Hueston Mack is on hand to explain Old World vs. New World wines, corks vs. caps, red, rosé, orange, and white wines, stemware, judging a wine by its label, the best glass of wine he’s ever tasted, needless snobbery, aeration, decanting, and what those legs are doing dancing around your glass. Also: how to open a bottle with no corkscrew. Next week: how to make wine. Stay tuned. Visit André’s website and follow him on Instagram and Threads Shop André’s wines at Maison Noir Wines Buy his book, 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines , on Bookshop.org or Amazon Pre-order his upcoming book, Wine for Good Times: A Guide for Curious Drinkers , on Bookshop.org or Amazon (publishing February 23, 2027) A donation went to Food Bank for NYC More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Zymology (BEER) , Mixology (COCKTAILS) , Ciderology (DELICIOUS APPLE BEVERAGES) , Pomology (APPLES) , Coffeeology (YEP, COFFEE) , Fromology (CHEESE) , Gastroegyptology (BREAD BAKING) , Food Anthropology (FEASTS) , Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) , Black American Magirology (FOOD, RACE & CULTURE) , Melittology (BEES) , Gustology (TASTE) , Disgustology (REPULSION TO GROSS STUFF) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
53 min
Listen. Sometimes we like to shake it up. So while we’re finishing up next week’s episode, I decided to open a sound file and spilled only secrets. This was an exercise in just chilling with you, and not editing a thing. Think of it as my exposure therapy + life advice and embarrassing tales from me, your actual biological father from the internet. Is it too long? Too bad! Is it too boring? I don’t know! But in these uncertain times, it’s important to remember that showing up is what matters. I don’t know, probably. A donation went to the Hand of Salvation Initiative More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Oikology (DECLUTTERING) , Entomophagy Anthropology (EATING INSECTS) , Disgustology (REPULSION) , Enigmatology (WORD GAMES) , Political Sociology (VOTER TURNOUT & SUPPRESSION) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 25 min
Wattles. Snoods. Struts. Vibes. It’s not November, which is exactly why we’re putting this episode out. All day every day, turkeys are out there like beanbags with stick legs. Let’s take a moment, or 90 minutes, with Archaeologist, Meleagrologist, and turkey researcher, Dr. Cyler Conrad. We’ll find out if they can fly, do they like to kiss, where did they get their audacity, turkeys versus my car door, if they can survive a rainstorm, the deep connections between Indigenous cultures and North American turkeys, creepy turkeys, alternative universes, if one can eat turkey eggs, where do they nest, what’s up with the wishbone and so many inconvenient facts that will have you questioning what you thought you knew about these so-called thunder chickens. Follow Dr. Conrad on Google Scholar A donation went to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS) , Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES) , Ornithology (BIRDS) , Food Anthropology (FEASTS) , Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING) , Plumology (FEATHERS) , Indigenous Pedology (SOIL SCIENCE) , Oology (EGGS) , Experimental Archeology (OLD TOOLS/ATLATLS) , Araneology (SPIDERS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 13 min
Mile-thick ice. Dry, rocky valleys. Tiny creatures. Red parkas. Seal mummies. We’re going to Antarctica with National Geographic Explorer, microscopic photographer, and Antarcticologist Ariel Waldman. She hosts the gorgeous PBS series “Life Unearthed” and answers a blizzard of questions about camping in the middle of an ice sheet, hauling microscopes to the ends of the Earth, what’s living in a drop of melted snow, potty protocols, microplastics, and the research that happens on a giant continent that carries many mysteries. Also: why you should cold email someone. Like, today. Visit Ariel’s website and follow her on Instagram , YouTube , and Bluesky Watch Life Unearthed with Ariel Waldman on PBS A donation went to the San Francisco Microscopical Society More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Cryoseismology (ICEQUAKES) , Oceanology (OCEANS) , Snow Hydrology (SNOW/AVALANCHES) , Tardigradology (TINY SEMI-INDESTRUCTIBLE WATER BEAR MOSS PIGLET CREATURES CALLED TARDIGRADES) , Penguinology (PENGUINS) , Pinnipedology (SEALS & WALRUSES) , Dipterology (FLIES) , Carcinology (CRABS) , Ursinology (BEARS) , Astrobiology (ALIENS) , Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 42 min
In an encore of one of our top episodes ever, Dr. Zoffness is back to chat about her brand new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts . PAIN. What is it? Where does it come from? And how can we hurt less? Which hurts more, a kidney stone or heartache? Why does chronic pain persist? Can we turn down our pain dials? To answer these huge questions, pain psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness enthusiastically explains the brain, pain and how to retrain it. She is an unabashed neuronerd and a ray of hope in a field that is misunderstood, neglected and under-explained. A true life-changer of a person. Follow Dr. Rachel Zoffness on Bluesky and Instagram Her new book Tell Me Where It Hurts on Bookshop.org and Amazon Her website, which has a resource page with a ton of free info: zoffness.com A donation was made to The Trevor Project 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris & Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions & Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek and Emily White of The Wordary Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 33 min
Neurodivergence and weed. Munchie remedies. Long term toking. The Entourage Effect. Drag a bean bag into the circle and kick back for Part 2 of Cannabinology with UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director Dr. Ziva Cooper and Smith College cannabis anthropologist Dr. Caroline Melly. We’ll probe the great mystery and misfortune of hyperemesis, the effect of THC on memory and neuroplasticity, why edibles sometimes send you to a distant galaxy, CBD and inflammation, the risks of psychosis, older vs. younger brains and cannabis, a guy named Rick Simpson, how much weed is the right amount of weed, and if any studies warrant further research. Heads up: they do. Follow Dr. Cooper on Google Scholar Visit the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids website Follow Dr. Melly on Google Scholar A donation went to Last Prisoner Project More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) , Dolorology (PAIN) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD) , Traumatology (PTSD) , Somnology (SLEEP) , Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS) , Neuropathoimmunology (MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS) , Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE) , Addictionology (ADDICTION) , Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) , Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES) , Oneirology (DREAMS) , Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES) , Cardiology (THE HEART) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 20 min
Gummies vs. pre-rolls. THC vs. CBD. Indica vs. sativa. Hemp vs. marijuana. Dad grass vs. modern trees. This extended 2-part deep dive with UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director Dr. Ziva Cooper and Smith College cannabis anthropologist Dr. Caroline Melly covers the storied history of the weed’s trek across continents, the endocannabinoid system, the “bliss” molecule, brain receptors, cancer therapeutics, edible mishaps, the munchies, legalization, titration, addiction, kief, hash, dabs, shatter, strains, and so much more. Follow Dr. Cooper on Google Scholar Visit the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids website Follow Dr. Melly on Google Scholar A donation went to Last Prisoner Project More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) , Dolorology (PAIN) , Mnemonology (MEMORY) , Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) , Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD) , Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) , Traumatology (PTSD) , Somnology (SLEEP) , Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) , Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS) , Neuropathoimmunology (MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS) , Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE) , Addictionology (ADDICTION) , Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) , Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES) , Oneirology (DREAMS) 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
United States
United States
Apple Podcasts rankings supplied by Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed July 30, 2026.
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