Part 2: Dendrology (TREES) with Casey Clapp -- UPDATES + NEW INTERVIEW
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Gaze into the cosmos and wonder at broken satellites, retired rockets and shattered contraptions. Ar...
Alligator Ecotoxicology (GATOR POISONS) with Laura Kojima
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alligators, crocodiles and … a shut-down nuclear weapons plant? The excitement never ends when you...
Awesomeology (GRATITUDE) with Neil Pasricha
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sexy apes: you’re one of them. And Biological Anthropologist Dr. Lara Durgavich joins to chat abou...
Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING) with Riley Kucheran
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fashion! Trends! Not really! This lively chat with Riley Kucheran, an Assistant Professor of Design ...
Pedagogology (SCIENCE COMMUNICATION) with Bill Nye
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you die? Cosmically, no one knows. But cosmetically, Desairologist Monica Torress ...
Anthropodermic Biocodicology (HUMAN LEATHER BOOKS) with Megan Rosenbloom & Daniel Kirby
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anthropodermic bibliopegy is a long, fancy way of saying “HUMAN SKIN BOOKS” and the study of con...
Forest Entomology (CREEPY CRAWLIES) with Kristen Wickert
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spooktober continues with … CrEePy cRawLies. And dark woods and solo hiking and Forest Entomologis...
Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES) with Jonathan C. Hall
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thunder and lightning: very, very frighteningly interesting! Wildfire researcher and lightning scien...
Mammalogy (MAMMALS) with Danielle N. Lee
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The spirited, laughy chatter with a duo of deer scientists named Rhiannon continues in the thrilling...
Cervidology (DEER) Part 1 with Rhiannons Kirton & Jakopak
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tasmanian devils! Quolls! Carnivores! Wait … what is a quoll? In what will become an instant-favor...
Oceanology (THE OCEAN) with Ayana Johnson: Encore Presentation
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With some fresh updates, ocean and policy expert Dr. Ayana Johnson guests in an encore presentation ...
Experimental Archaeology (OLD TOOLS/ATLATLS) with Angelo Robledo
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spears! Sharp rocks! Ancient blades, bows and arrows and ...atlatls? What’s an atlatl? Experimenta...
Toxinology (JELLYFISH VENOM) with Anna Klompen
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jellyfish stings: what are they and why do they hurt? And who studies them? Toxinologist Anna Klompe...
Medusology (JELLYFISH) with Rebecca Helm
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Update! This episode posted on Tuesday per usual, then somehow un-published itself! Weird. Harrumph!...
Aperiology (MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY) with Joseph Saunders
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lights! Cameras! Arachnids! And lizards and bees and beetles. Macro photography is like magic: curve...
Agnotology (IGNORANCE) with Robert Proctor
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An instant classic. You’ll listen on repeat as world-renowned author, botanist, Indigenous ecology...
Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Part 2 with Daniel Pfau
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The wonderful neuroscientist and endocrinology researcher Dr. Daniel Pfau is back for Part 2 to answ...
Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Part 1 with Daniel Pfau
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The most ologists in one Ologies. And maybe my favorite episode ever. #BlackBirdersWeek was such a f...
Pelicanology (PELICANS) with Juita Martinez
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spine mysteries, saggy sacs, limericks, flim flam, flags, #BlackBirdersWeek, sandals, divebombs, por...
Oikology (DECLUTTERING) with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe Ferrari
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Iddris Sandu is only 22, but his life story is already legendary. This Architectural Technologist le...
Nassology (TAXIDERMY) with Allis Markham
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Glass eyes! Pelts! Antlers! Hides! Bones! Tanning! Hilarious, charming and globally celebrated taxid...
Penguinology (PENGUINS) with Tom Hart
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sourdough starters! Ancient yeasts! Why we need/knead dough! And why you don't need to buy a starter...
Philematology (KISSING) with Robin Dunbar
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Plumage! Sexy dances! Feather heists! Possible holographic disco birds? Natural History Museum of LA...
Lepidopterology (BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS) — Encore Presentation with Phil Torres
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
22 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
10 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Folks, it’s a megasode. Not one, but 4 ologists. “Coronavirus” is on everyone’s lips -- and ...
Scatology (POOP) with Rachel Santymire
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Everyone procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator,” quoth Dr. Joe Ferrari, a charmi...
Cryoseismology (ICEQUAKES) with Celeste Labedz
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Glaciers: Where are they? What are they made of? What happens when chunks splinter off into the sea?...
Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) with Stephen Hanks
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author a...
Nephology (CLOUDS) with Rachel Storer
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cumulus! Lenticular! Venti sugar-free stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus! Those light...
Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 2 with Dr. Mike Natter, MD
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Your blood sugar can make you happy, moody, sweaty, unconscious and possibly even homicidal. In this...
Bisonology (BUFFALO) with various bisonologists
15 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bison bison! Not just something to holler into the sky, but also the scientific name for North Ameri...
Futurology (THE FUTURE) with Rose Eveleth
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"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
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is anything real? How many universes are there? Do we know what dark matter is all about? Is everyth...
Lupinology (WOLVES) with Bridgett vonHoldt
19 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Wolf howls, wolf packs, wolf pups and more! As the holiday Wolfenoot approaches, lupinologist and Pr...
Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) with Crystal Dilworth
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Serotonin! Dopamine! Norepinephrine! Neurotransmitters: what's their deal? Dr. Crystal Dilworth, aka...
Chiropterology Part 2 (BATS) with Merlin Tuttle
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
“People fear most what they understand least." Words of wisdom from explorer/American treasure/bat...
Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS) with Alyssa Beall
23 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Demons, spooky spirits, devils, fallen angles, hungry ghosts: every culture has them. And West Virgi...
Spidroinology (SPIDERWEBS) with Randy Lewis
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Invisible but stronger than steel. Complex architectural marvels. Things that stick to your face. S...
Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS) with Anne Copeland
08 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
02 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
17 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
**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
10 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
**UPDATE: since this episode was first released, J.K. Rowling has said and written some deeply trans...
Vexillology (FLAGS) with E. Tory Laitila
03 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
28 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
21 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, explosions, hurricanes, oil spills, bombings, BAD THINGS: W...
100th Episode: Best Life Advice from Ologists + 100 More Ologies
14 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
ONE HUNDRED EPISODES, kiddos. From slimy hagfish coils on the ocean floor to the outer reaches of sp...
Saurology (LIZARDS) with Earyn McGee
06 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Saurologist and professional lizard scientist Earyn McGee visits Alie to go on a little lizard hunt,...
Graphology (HANDWRITING/FORGERY) with Sylvia Kessler
31 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is it weird to have different handwritings? How do you forge ancient documents? What pen should you ...
Cnidariology (CORAL) with Shayle Matsuda
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Will changing your sunscreen save coral reefs? What even IS a coral? Where do they grow and what do ...
Disinfectiology (BLEACH) with Evan Rumberger
16 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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.
10 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
02 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
25 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
18 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Lyme Disease! Powassan virus! That Lonestar tick meat allergy! Paralysis ticks! Acarology taught us ...
Island Ecology (ISLANDS) with Andy Kraemer
11 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
05 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ticks: They’re tiny. They’re thirsty. They’re drooling vectors of various illnesses and they w...
Psychological Traumatology (PTSD & STRESS) with Nicholas Barr
28 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
21 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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!"
16 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
14 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mushrooms! Psilocybin! Humungous fungus! Black mold! Foraging! The incredibly charming and warm Dr. ...
Bufology (TOADS) with Priya Nanjappa
07 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
30 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
23 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"Addiction doesn't have to be a bummer!," quoth addictionologist Erin Parisi, who has some uplifting...
Hagfishology (HAGFISH) with Tim Winegard
16 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hagfish: these floppy hot dogs of the deep sea deserve our undying respect. Tim Winegard is a profes...
Scorpiology (SCORPIONS) with Lauren Esposito
09 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
02 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
26 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In a world saturated with CSI spinoffs and true crime documentaries, we look at a criminology subset...
Astrobiology (ALIENS) with Kevin Peter Hand
19 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
ALIENS! EXTRATERRESTRIALS! MARTIANS! Let's. Get. Into. It. The phenomenal Dr. Kevin Peter Hand of NA...
Ludology (VIDEO GAMES) with Jane McGonigal
12 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
05 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The brilliant and dazzling Helen Zaltzman, host of The Allusionist podcast and person who technicall...