Slamming heads together to impress someone: why does this happen? Let’s ask Dr. Nicole Ackermans, whose current job involves receiving sheep heads and painstakingly counting damaged neurons from headbutting concussions. The Neuropathology episode last week gives all the concussion basics, but this one turns the microscope away from accidents and points it right at intentional behaviors in nature, from bighorn sheep to musk oxen, goats, woodpeckers, and some other animals that will freak you out. Also: questionable helmet ideas and horny hogs.Get all the background on head trauma, including my recent brainwhack concussionCheck Dr. Nicole Ackerman's website and TwitterA donation was made to Society for Women's Health ResearchMore episode sources and linksSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Ologies with Alie Ward
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Critical Ponerology (WHAT IS “EVIL”?) with Kenneth MacKendrick
22 Oct 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward
Bonus Episode: COCKROACH MILK with Joshua Benoit and Sinead English
20 Oct 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward
Blattodeology (YES, COCKROACHES) with Dominic Evangelista
15 Oct 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward
Haunted Hydrology (SPOOKY LAKES) with Geo Rutherford
08 Oct 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward
Serpopsychology (WHAT’S CREEPY?) with Frank McAndrew
01 Oct 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward
Revolutionology (REBELLIONS & SOCIAL CHANGE) with Jack Goldstone
24 Sep 2025
Ologies with Alie Ward