This podcast would make a great syllabus for an undergrad degree. And way more useful than a lot of them. If you listen randomly, pick a subject you don’t think you like and get a great surprise! The best!

I have been listening to Ologies since the very beginning and have listened to most episodes 2 or more times. I can honestly say that this podcast alone has gotten me through some of the toughest times of my life and I genuinely feel like a better person now than I felt before I discovered this podcast. Thank you so much for everything that you do Alie, and thank you to every single guest that took the time and energy to meet with you and educate us listeners on their amazing passions. I honestly think the world would be a better place if listening to Ologies became mandatory. Every single episode from volcanoes to burnouts and everything in between is absolutely riveting and I have slowly become the annoying fun fact guy in every social situation and I am not ashamed of it. Thank you again, and please continue to make these episodes for as long as physically possible. I truly don’t know what I would do without them ): P.S. PLEASE do arachnology

I saved the Dragonflies episode for my birthday and it was the perfect way to learn and laugh today! Even better - bought myself a little Patreon/Ologies membership for my birthday so Alie can keep bringing this amazing show to my brain. Thanks!

Ologies is one of those things that you forget about for a bit until you suddenly remember it again and wonder why you ever put it down. Definitely worth a listen

This is my favorite podcast. I often have to rewind podcasts when I realize my brain has wandered but NOT HERE, KIDS! The asides help me understand what’s going on, pique my interest more, but don’t stray so long from the path that I’ve forgotten where we are. The pacing is *chef’s kiss* impeccable. I inevitably go from “okay, I guess I’ll learn about rats” to “DID YOU KNOW—“ing my friends and family. The empty cookie sleeve that has a surprise cookie left, DadWard never fails to pleasantly delight me. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a podcast. I love science, I love people who are passionate about what they do, I love listening to people who are passionate about what they do, and I love that Alie asks all the questions I wish I knew to ask. I recommend this to anyone who will listen to me. (Trying not to think about the possibility of this review being chosen bc I will turn into a glitter cannon from sheer excitement)

This is the one podcast that I keep coming back to over and over again, never get sick of, and am always able to find something new to learn or enjoy. Thanks Alie for sharing so much of yourself with us!

You are the ultimate podcrush and the friend everyone wishes they had. Every episode is fresh, funny, smart, inclusive and inspiring. Your passion for life and learning is truly awesome. Thanks for being a bright spot in my life for the past 5 years. With the political climate it is more important than ever that things like this continue to bring together people who care about each other and the earth. I send you so much gratitude and love! Thank you, Alie!

Ologies with Alie Ward is hands down one of my favorite podcasts! Alie has this amazing ability to make even the most complex topics—like marine biology, psychology, or animal behavior—so easy to understand and incredibly interesting. She’s such a fantastic interviewer, asking thoughtful, sharp questions while keeping the conversation light, fun, and full of energy. I love how she makes every episode feel like a fun learning adventure. If you're into discovering new things and love hearing brilliant people share their knowledge, Ologies is a must-listen, and Alie is definitely one of the best interviewers out there.

I’m a long time listener and Patron but first time reviewer. Ologies is one of the three podcasts I listen to every week without fail. No matter the topic, I learn something interesting and fun. The way Alie explains often complex topics in her asides to make them more digestible to Jon experts is a gift and an art. A bonus: as a patron for a mere $4 per month, you get to ask questions for each episode that sometimes are asked to the ologist along with a shoutout with your name. Well, I found out recently that whenever my question is asked, it reminds my friend (you know who you are 👀) that she should text me back. Who knew this podcast could also keep a friendship alive.

I love this show! i've learned so much. thank you alie and all the amazing scientist. I'm dying for an episode on see anemones

Love this so much, even the topics I don’t like, she still makes it fun , interesting ,and informative. I have friends who have tweens who prefer this show to the brain rot of gen alpha.

Alie does a great job of researching her topics and finding interesting experts to interview. Her sense of humor moves the program along. She loses points for the long breaks and the most irritating podcast feature ever which are all the shoutouts to her patrons. The fast forward button of your app is an essential tool in listening to this podcast. Keep your phone close!

Alie ward is a hilarious, unique, and intelligent truth teller and fact finder. She truly gets the people. Not only is she someone who makes any topic from animals, to candy, to mummies fun, but she brings on the people with the expertise and qualifications to talk to us—actually making learning new things something to look forward to. She even has her amazing sidebars with us splice in during the podcast where she gives us historical background, clarifying something the guest said or just to tell listeners a joke or a personal story. It’s weird how you can feel like you know someone through their podcast, but Alie makes you feel like you’re just a friend she’s chatting with at dinner. And big props to whoever edits this show together. It is fantastic and I am soooo glad Ologies exists. Lots of love, Amari

I discovered Ologies during a cross country road trip a couple years ago, and I’m so glad I did. Saying that Alie is a joy to listen to is a complete understatement. Thank you, Alie, for your dedication to education, especially during a time when scientists and educators are so often scrutinized and dismissed. Listening to Ologies is what’s going to keep me motivated and optimistic over the next 4 years.

Our family has been listening to Ologies and Smologies for years and it’s one of the true joys we share. This morning, we woke up to find that the election did not go the way we hoped. And before sending my 7 year old off to school, I told her that while there may be those out there in the world spreading messages of hatred and division, to remember that there are people like Alie Ward, people spreading knowledge, humor, wonder, and hope. And honestly, that is what is going to get me through my day. Thank you for being you, Alie. It means more than you know.

This is how it is freaking done and I would know because I know everything thanks to this podcast and Dad Ward!!

I just listened to an airport field trip episode. My new life goal is to run into Alie Ward at an airport and talk about all the things I love to study! Seriously, this podcast is an amusement park for your brain- every ride is amazing and none of them give you motion sickness. -Dr. Lisa B.

I couldn’t possibly care less about the making of street murals. At least that’s what I thought until Alie explained it all to me. That’s happened to me at least a dozen times with this podcast and it’s why I love it. Partly it’s just Alie’s enthusiasm. But it’s also all the research and production that goes into it. Amazing, really, the frequency with which they come out. If I could change ONE thing, it’d be Alie taking better care of herself. She is a national (global? Galactic?) treasure.

I didn’t find this podcast until it had been around for an embarrassingly long time. Since there were quite a few episodes available and there’s no need to go in order I poked around a bit for a while. It didn’t take long before I was hooked. Alie has a melodic voice and makes every episode feel like it’s your birthday or Christmas and the episode is the gift you’ve been hoping for. She has clearly done her homework on the topic at hand but isn’t afraid to ask the dumb/embarassing/off the wall questions that you just know you’d likely ask if you had the chance to talk to those she’s interviewing. AND you do get to ask questions of the interviewee as you can submit questions to her to ask. She’s not shy about breaking the 4th wall (do podcasts HAVE 4th walls? Idk, idc) to let you in on what’s going on in her mind or provide some context for something. I can’t afford to be a patreon at this time but when I can it is at the top of my list of podcasts that I will support. I listen to many and varied podcasts but this is one of the few I can’t wait to see what’s dropping next as well as many episodes to explore and relisten to. And I love the idea of smologies!

Obsessed with this show as someone who has been a nerd since birth! In an age of brainrot and doomscrolling, Ologies is a pinnacle of hope and brain growth.

This show is great. I recently listened to coffeeology and got hooked. I recommended it to my evolution professor at Harvard Extension School to discuss the idea of phenotypic plasticity among the different flavor profiles. She proceeded to share the link with our whole class during our lecture, so I’m hoping you get a bunch of new listeners soon!

Hi Alli ! I love the show so much. You do an amazing job. You’ve inspired me to pursue a career in maritime archaeology. I would love to hear the ologists’ answer to the questions “why is your work important?” I have been struggling with the notion of wanting to do something “important” with my life and career, and I’d love to know why each ologists’ work is important to them because it would make me feel more empowered as I pursue what I want to pursue.

I absolutely love Allie and all the fun learning that goes on! I love the dad jokes, and absolutely love hearing her witty banter with her guests 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Yes yes yes yes YES yes yes yes YES YES YES yes yes YES yes. Yes. Thank you AW.

#1 science podcast on the charts.

I’m an introvert who loves to cancel plans, or at most, show up early and leave ASAP. But I am SO LATE to this party and I want to stay forever. This is the podcast my brain needed, and if I’m being honest, my heart, too. I am so grateful for Alie’s enthusiasm and swearing. Hopefully when I catch up in like 279 episodes a few years from now, I’ll get to hear my hero Ward read this review.

listening to this podcast as my partner and I drive across the USA! so far on day 9, 13 more days to go and hours more of interesting, in depth, and most importantly fun learning!

I love Ologies! The topic doesn’t matter, I just find this podcast to be like a giant weighted blanket. I often listen to it to fall asleep, not because it’s boring but mainly because Alie has a really familiar non-abrasive voice and I find it to be very relaxing. My 9yr daughter agrees and also listens to the Smologies version every night to fall asleep. Top-tier listening!! Love love love it!

The perfect mix of humor and science. Alie really lets the scientist shine in the interview, but she also provides extra asides that help to clarify science jargon or make you laugh. I’m always texting my hubby the amazing things I’ve learned.

I love listening to Ologies! I always learn something and I love how relatable Alie is. I say this as a former Circuit City employee as well who also had to find loose change under the floor mats for food.

I love all the fun information you give, things I would never think to ask and some things I would want to ask but am too embarrassed! Too bad school wasn’t this fun.

I looooooove ologies with my whole heart. Hearing ologists discuss their ologies so passionately makes me so happy! I’ve been obsessed w going back and listening to old spooktober episodes bc one a week is not enough. I also hear Alie several times a day outside of ologies bc my Spotify only gives me Kroger ads but I don’t even mind <3

Hi Alie! I love your podcast sooo much! I never really listened to podcasts before this one and yours is my absolute favorite!! I work at an aquarium and love listening to them when I’m cleaning tanks or feeding fish. I’ve listened to all of the ones on animals at leave 3 times each! Thank you so much for this podcast and thank you for introducing me to my second favorite podcast the wild with Chris Morgan! I love your show and can’t wait for all the new amazing episodes! PS I just got some ologies merch for my bday and I’m obsessed with it!! ❤️

This podcast is such a joy to listen to no matter the episode. I love every topic even when I don’t think I will, and it’s been a hoot going back through the years and binging all the topics. My family and friends looooooove it when I share it with them and I feel so lucky to be alive to listen to this podcast. Thank you for being you, Alie!

Not enough stars to rate. Needs ten, possibly more.

I hyperfixate on audio at work to be productive with other things. This is the perfect podcast for it. Even when I don’t have an innate interest in the subject, it draws me in. Well done!!!

Keep up the great work and don’t change a thing. Don’t let the pew dwellers tell you not to swear. Potty language is the spice of life, as long as you wash your hands before afternoon tea. Jim the melon farmer

Funny, smart, thoughtful and brings out the best in me. I’m down on one knee. Also, you should get the cicada earrings from Larissa Loden.

I’ve listened to every episode of Ologies and it took me until right now to realize that Alie Ward and Ologies are the Ms. Frizzle and Magic School Bus I have needed as an adult. Who knew that I was subconsciously seeking a curious, warm, creative and thoughtful redhead teacher of science and encourager of curiosity? Not me but I’m so glad to dive deep into curiosities I didn’t even know I had with Alie every week.

Allie Ward has a great talent — she finds unique subjects to dive into, she finds experts to talk about them, and the conversations flow so easily. Every episode is captivating. I never knew I wanted to learn so much about so many things! Thank you for producing this amazing podcast.

I really love this podcast because I love learning new and interesting things, and Alie not only does SO much work to research her topics, but she’s really funny, too! Also breaks it down very nicely. Wonderful. My only gripe is having to sit through the exhaustive lists of names preceding any listener question. I guess enough people like it that this might be an unpopular opinion, but I COULD NOT CARE LESS who asked the question! It sometimes takes 30 seconds to list everyone out, including first time askers, and it really bums me out in the middle of an otherwise very enjoyable podcast. Not bad enough to lose a star, but I’d love to have the option to not bother with the names and just skip right to the question.

Since you read all of these… first, your show is amazing. Pretty confident I’ve been able to convince everyone I know to listen to at least one episode I think would interest them. I love most episodes, surprisingly even the out of the box Halloween themed ones from last (?) year. Second, a request, can you do one on animal nutrition (specifically domestic dogs and cats)? So much information and misinformation out there and as a newer dog owner trying to navigate this area is hard! You do advertise a dog food on your show and I’m curious to see some additional science to support any particular brands or diy approaches! Excited to keep listening!

Oh hey, it’s that one listener who can’t go one episode without sharing it to all her friends and any stranger who will listen. This podcast is what i look forward to hearing in a world of constant noise. Thank you Alie, and every scientist human person whom Alie finds to speak on their life’s work <3

If you want to manifest more delight in your life, putting this in your ears might help. Honestly, the one about the solar eclipse made me cry. Shout out to the 2-part episodes… they’re usually the best ones because the person being interviewed has a lot to say about the topic and if people have a lot of interest in it, there’s lots of questions. Better than polite 40-50 mins most podcasts abide by. I’ll take an impolite two hours, thank you very much.

I have been scouring the podcast universe for a science podcast that A: focuses on things I’m interested, and 2: teaches me things. This podcast does one of them… so at first I thought! Turns out I didn’t want hundreds of episodes about dinosaurs or sharks or even things closely related to those two (trust me, I tried) what I really needed in my life was a woman with a sailor’s mouth to teach me all of the things! From one sailor to another, I thank you Alie Ward for giving me exactly what I didn’t know I needed!

There was a girl at a hat store in New Orleans wearing a shirt that said “for squid facts text…”. So I did and it sparked a convo about ologies! As I podcast connoisseur I was shocked I was not aware of this one. Fast forward a year later, I have made it to 2019 Spooktober topics along will at least 50+ episodes from various years. This is my favorite podcast and share with other likeminded nerdish friends! Thank you so much Alie for all your hard work and dedication to your passion for asking smart people stupid questions! Love & Light -Carina from Minooka IL

I listened to the Coffeeology episode and loved it. I heard Alie reference a Roth IRA in there—and I’d love to help her understand what those are! (UseCommas.com) P.s. I also loved the felinology episode! My cat appreciates me understanding his tendencies and temperament.

the science of surviving a viciously long hospital stay after a boulder fell on my car on my first drive along the PCH. to my dadward, thank you for helping me pass long sleepless pain filled nights & piquing the interest of every nurse giving me a new dose of morphine. they think it’s so neat that this lil ole actor loves the science of so many different things. every visit we review a new fact! alas, I have a long road to recovery (my friend is typing out this review because far too concussed to do it on my own) & you are helping me through. I just wanted to say thank you for, like my real life father who flew across the country to make sure I was OK, being a great dad & helping me survive what is arguably the worst time of my life. long time listener- first time reviewer, forever indebted.

I scroll my two subscribed podcasts: Ologies and Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. The depth both of these shows could be studied for a millenia. I choose ologies… which episode? It’s the finger-scrolling equivalent of throwing a dart at a map. If it is available to listen to, it is literally the best episode of the show. This show is so good. Alie is such a related person. I always feel happier and optimistic-ier with the world around me after I listen. And way. way. WAY effin smarter than I was before! I could write paragraphs more about how seen and safe and loved I feel from A (clap) POD (Clap) CAST (CLAP!!), but this will do. Thank you so much for making this show, and to everyone of the weird little weirdos like me who listen. You are all my favorite!

I *lurve* this voluminous collection and the sparkly comfort of the company it brings. I only discovered Ologies a few months ago, and frequent tuning in to has kept my explorer’s spirit well-sparked while navigating a newly acquired disability (MCS/TILT) that necessitates I remain predominantly homebound. Ali’s kind, relatably human wonder, joy, humbleness, and curiosity make for an excellent panacea in these strange, amazing times. big smile, warm thanks!