Ologies with Alie Ward

19,855
All Genres #50Science #3

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.

Recent Episodes
  • Reality TV Sociology (‘TRASH’ TV) with Danielle Lindemann
    Mar 5, 2025 – 01:14:24
  • Field Trip: Activism Art Panel Recorded at WonderCon
    Mar 1, 2025 – 00:35:06
  • Cardiology (THE HEART) with Herman Taylor
    Feb 26, 2025 – 01:21:24
  • Erethizonology (PORCUPINES) with Tim Bean
    Feb 19, 2025 – 01:12:56
  • Agnotology (WILLFUL IGNORANCE) Updated Encore with Dr. Robert Proctor
    Feb 12, 2025 – 01:20:03
  • Hippopotomology (HIPPOS) with Rebecca Lewison
    Feb 5, 2025 – 01:06:09
  • Thyroidology (THYROID GLAND) with Kepal Patel
    Jan 29, 2025 – 01:17:18
  • Eco-Odorology (SCIENCE-SNIFFING DOGS) with Kayla Fratt
    Jan 22, 2025 – 01:04:00
  • Ethnocynology (HUMANS & DOGS THROUGH TIME) with David Ian Howe
    Jan 15, 2025 – 01:13:57
  • Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES & INDIGENOUS FIRE MANAGEMENT) Mega Encore with Gavin Jones & Amy Christianson
    Jan 10, 2025 – 02:36:49
  • Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) Encore with Laurie Santos
    Dec 31, 2024 – 01:13:09
  • Cabinology (CABINS) Encore with Dale Mulfinger
    Dec 24, 2024 – 01:02:23
  • Castorology (BEAVERS) with Rob Rich
    Dec 18, 2024 – 01:25:06
  • Mnemonology (MEMORY) Part 2 with Michael Yassa
    Dec 11, 2024 – 01:03:34
  • Mnemonology (MEMORY) Part 1 with Michael Yassa
    Dec 4, 2024 – 01:15:08
  • Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES) with Sheila Blumberg
    Nov 27, 2024 – 01:18:10
  • Field Trip: A Hawaiian Breadfruit Rev‘ULUtion
    Nov 25, 2024 – 00:37:00
  • Canistrumology (BASKET WEAVING. YES, BASKET WEAVING) with James C. Bamba
    Nov 20, 2024 – 01:06:43
  • Ergopathology (BURNOUT) with Kandi Wiens
    Nov 13, 2024 – 01:07:24
  • Odonatology (DRAGONFLIES) with Jessica Ware
    Nov 6, 2024 – 01:14:10
  • Field Trip: I Take You to the Making of a Mural
    Oct 30, 2024 – 00:33:57
  • Confectionology (CANDY) with Susan Benjamin
    Oct 23, 2024 – 01:46:59
  • Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) Part 2 with Salima Ikram & Kara Cooney
    Oct 17, 2024 – 01:00:19
  • Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) Part 1 with Kara Cooney & Salima Ikram
    Oct 9, 2024 – 00:52:23
  • Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS) Encore with Bobby Corrigan
    Oct 2, 2024 – 01:19:00
  • Modern Toichographology (MURALS & STREET ART) with Conrad Benner
    Sep 26, 2024 – 01:19:01
  • Tardigradology (TINY SEMI-INDESTRUCTIBLE WATER BEAR MOSS PIGLET CREATURES CALLED TARDIGRADES) with Paul Bartels
    Sep 18, 2024 – 01:15:26
  • Suicidology (SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS) with DeQuincy Meiffren-Lézine
    Sep 11, 2024 – 01:59:29
  • Coffeeology (COFFEE) with Peter Giuliano
    Sep 3, 2024 – 01:32:55
  • Museology (MUSEUMS) Encore in Memory of Ronnie Cline
    Aug 28, 2024 – 01:00:14
  • Speleology (CAVES) with Gina Moseley
    Aug 21, 2024 – 01:12:00
  • Misophonology (DISTRACTING SOUND & NOISE RAGE) with Jane Gregory
    Aug 14, 2024 – 01:12:53
  • Funology (YES, FUN) with Catherine Price
    Aug 7, 2024 – 01:28:05
  • Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) Mega Encore with Daniel Pfau
    Jul 31, 2024 – 02:02:39
  • Ambystomology (AXOLOTLS… AND LIMB REGROWTH?) with Jessica Whited
    Jul 24, 2024 – 01:28:05
  • Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) Part 2 with Charles Grob
    Jul 17, 2024 – 01:06:42
  • Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) Part 1 with Charles Grob
    Jul 11, 2024 – 01:08:15
  • Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE) with Guinevere Chambers
    Jul 3, 2024 – 01:35:38
  • Puffinology (PUFFINS) with Jill Taylor
    Jun 27, 2024 – 01:07:42
  • Andragogology (300TH EPISODE SPECIAL) with Alie Ward
    Jun 19, 2024 – 01:56:36
  • Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) Part 2 with Fhallon Ware-Gilmore
    Jun 12, 2024 – 01:05:55
  • Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) Part 1 with Fhallon Ware-Gilmore
    Jun 5, 2024 – 00:59:06
  • Anagnosology (READING) with Adrian Johns
    May 29, 2024 – 01:15:53
  • Mantodeology (PRAYING MANTISES) with Lohitashwa Garikipati
    May 22, 2024 – 01:35:28
  • Minisode: Some Small/Smol Announcements
    May 16, 2024 – 00:17:47
  • Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) with Dirk Moses
    May 8, 2024 – 02:11:40
  • Smologies #43: CICADAS with Gene Kritsky
    May 6, 2024 – 00:25:07
  • Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) Encore with @BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson
    May 1, 2024 – 01:24:54
  • Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) Part 2 with Rosemary Mosco
    Apr 24, 2024 – 01:02:30
  • Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) Part 1 with Rosemary Mosco
    Apr 17, 2024 – 01:02:16
Recent Reviews
  • taylor0647
    Ologites in the wild!
    Been listening to Ologies for years and I’m obsessed. I recently started working in a tasting room at a brewery and a few people came in, one who was wearing an Ologies sweatshirt and I yelled/blurted “I LOVE OLOGIES” at him/in his general direction and he didn’t miss a beat and replied “ALIE WARD’S GREAT” with the same level of enthusiasm and it was just a nice, chaotic moment. Anyway, love ya DadWard!
  • Pickblooms
    You helped me!
    Thank you pod dad! Your hysterectomy episode was a comforting insight as I went into my own surgery. Fun fact! You can take your organs home in the state of Colorado! I’m sorry you were not here for your procedure as all you need to retrieve your organs is a photo ID. I was baffled with ease, and so grateful. I will ceremony and eat cake!
  • Katie Sylvis
    Proud PhD in Ologies!
    I just finished listening to the entire back catalog, and am very happy to have earned what I am calling my PhD in Ologies. As an insatiably-curious person, having so many different guests and topics has been a true pleasure for my ears! My friends and colleagues are used to me saying, “I have an Ologies episode for you” anytime a relevant topic comes up in conversation (which is often). Also, having the grown-up show when it’s just me in the car is great, and I love being able to play Smologies with my kids on our way to activities. Thank you Pod Dad for this incredible show! As long as you’re making Ologies, I will be listening and sharing!
  • Ellen Orleans
    Curiosity & Expert Editing Lure Us in Like a School of Anglerfish
    Ologies is a mash-up between your favorite over-enrolled college class and a spontaneous boozy sleepover party. It’s an honor to be invited.
  • Ayden😙
    Occupations
    I want to be a guest on this show one day for occupations and OT! I’ve never learned so much during bath time.
  • Mt9876543
    Proof that the scientists aren’t the bad guys
    So as a scientist, I am aware that this podcast doesn’t truly prove that “the scientists” aren’t hiding the truth about, well, everything, but if everyone could just take a break to really listen to science nerds talk about science. Listen to this series, where fully grown adult scientists talk with a fully grown, delightful host (yay Allie Ward) who giggles, gasps and rambles her own passionate asides- just listen and enjoy learning something from a scientist. Science isn’t the enemy- it’s not scary, or inaccessible or elitist- science is for everyone, and everyone should be listening.
  • CopernicusAgain
    Joy for the soul
    Dear Podfather Alie, with you in my ears, I can walk for miles. Which is exactly what I do, as this is my favorite podcast for long walks on the beach. Or the rail trail, or anywhere, for that matter. I don't even care what people think when I burst out laughing as I pass them, which is often. Your wonderful mind cocktail brings knowledge, humor, and joy to a world that desperately needs it. I picture you sitting in a sound booth somewhere, but it feels like you're talking to each and every one of us as individuals, and from the heart. Much love and gratitude!
  • 🪼🪸🐠
    I LOVE OLOGIES
    This podcast is so good and even though I can’t listen to it on my phone (I’m 13) I love it and listen to it on my moms phone all the time. Ologies is awesome!!!! Some episodes are good for studying too so that’s also great.
  • AudioAura45
    The Perfect Painkilling Pod
    While I also love this podcast while I’m well, Alie and ologies have gotten me through many a migraine. It’s the perfect thing to sit in the dark with and let Alie and her guest’s conversation whisk me away from my little island of pain.
  • austiwa
    Thank you internet father
    You are quite handsome and appealing daddy Ward! But truly, thanks for such a fun and interesting podcast. You bring me joy and knowledge. I can’t wait to share smologies with my daughters when they are older. Keep on keepin on! K burbye
  • DrAmanda206
    Thesis-writing fuel
    I started listening to Ologies last year while I was writing my PhD thesis (on understanding genetic drivers of lung cancer), and Dad Ward got me through an incredibly stressful time. I defended my thesis (now a doctor!), took some time off to exhale, sleep, and travel, and recently started a postdoc position. I finally caught up on all episodes and love how this podcast has been with me through some major milestones. I’m here if you want to learn about pulmonary oncology (from a genomics perspective!) 🧬
  • Teenie_B
    We Love You!
    I can’t tell enough people about you! My kids get to pick a topic for long car rides and we all learn something we didn’t even know we needed to know!
  • Huntsmfkg
    Yippe ki yay
    This show is A++ I love learning about disciplines I never thought to consider. Alie, you operate with sharp intelligence, integrity, clear communication and you make science so fun. Please though, one request, you have to stop saying, “sorry for my dumb question.” There are no dumb questions! Especially for those of us being introduced to a topic for the first time. Quit it! Absolutely love Ologies!!!!! <3
  • Amy in Arlington
    Best podcast ever
    I can’t believe it took me so long to find this podcast. You learn new stuff each time; Alie Ward is witty and sounds like she’s talking just to you. Plus, you come away amazed by all the smart and good people in the world — something we all need nowadays.
  • Tom in ABQ
    Porcupine providence
    I love this podcast. I just listened to the erithizology episode while riding home through the cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande; and as I listened to a porcupine expert I saw 10 (!) porcupines in various trees, including three in the same tree! Also, I look forward to every new episode, and skip over other newsy podcasts happily to get more fun science knowledge. Thanks for making the world better!
  • ozzie price
    Liberal gobiligook
    Don’t wast your time listening to liberal years talking about fascist presidents and safe spaces and made up issues
  • Teaspoon32
    Now more than ever!
    I’ve been meaning to write a review for years and always got hung up on the right thing to say. But I think now more than ever even if it don’t have the right words we need to celebrate voices and communities and conversations that show learning, diversity, love, and joy. And this is the podcast for all of that! So here is finally a review, because it’s important we have science and learning podcasts accessible and up in the charts! 🩷 thanks Pod Dad!
  • Sarzygray
    In the world of Severance.
    Alie Ward is the “outie” Helly R. deserves.
  • S Rudra B
    Thank you!
    This is one of my favorites. And I love to listen to smologies wjth
  • DrCharmanda
    Thanks, Science Dad!
    I love this podcast so much! It is one of my top three most-listened-to podcasts, along with Sawbones and This Podcast Will Kill You. In fact, I introduced it to my Little from Big Brothers Big Sisters, and now (by her request) we listen to it every time we’re driving to and from an activity. Imagine if Bill Nye and your best friend got mashed into one. Alie has an amazing ability to find incredible guests that have such passion for their subject that each episode leaves you wanting to pursue a Masters degree in that field. Alie’s interviewing skills are also top-notch, and her ability to pull the best out of each guest keeps you completely hooked. If you love science, love learning, or are just bored and are looking for a way to pass the time at the DMV, this is the podcast for you!
  • Snakes 🐍 rule
    Awesome (even for a kid)
    I’m 11 years old and love this podcast. No, I’m not kidding. No I do not listen to smologies. No, I do not listen to the bleeped ones. Yes, I actually understand it. You keep doing you Allie!
  • Lauratha97
    Dad Ward is the best podcast host
    I love this podcast with my whole heart. Admittedly, I don’t listen to every episode as not all the topics interest me, but the ones I do listen to are gold. Alie is the best host, I could listen to her ask dumb questions to smart people for hours. My science nerd heart is so happy this podcast exists.
  • NJ roadrunner
    Mind expansion
    This is my favorite podcast of all time. Alie’s love of learning absolutely shimmers as she chats with her guests with the most amazing kindness, humor, and humility. If science could embody itself as a warm hug, this show would be it.
  • Danjari
    Keep it up!
    Thank you Alie, for what you do!
  • Ang Jel
    Wow I love oologies!
    What’s not to love? Digestible way to learn new stuff about subject I otherwise never would? Hippos?! Happiness? Memory? Oh my. Alie is a great pal for any car ride. Even an existential *im in a bad place (the US)* drive or 2! Oh and my 8 year old nephew enjoys smologies and I just like saying it. 10/10 Alie Ward!
  • WelbornPaperCuts
    Like minded
    I’m in the middle of the episode recorded on 02-10-25 and you mentioned how a certain person is very Rasputin like. I’m so excited to hear you say this because I’ve been thinking about it for weeks and have seen no one say anything about it. Thank you Dadpod!
  • D Jenver
    It’ll change your life (maybe)
    This podcast explores so much about life and the universe in the best of ways. Aly is a wonderful host, and every Ologist on this show provides so much knowledge of the world that is informative and relentlessly entertaining. Five years ago I listened to the episode on Thanatology. It hit me really hard and made me reflect on what I want to do with my life before I die, and what sort of impact I make on the world. It truly gave me the push I needed to decide how I want to go forward in this big beautiful world of ours, and how we can protect it for generations to come. I realized what I wanted to do with life, worked hard for these past few years and now I’m a happy to say I’m in my third year as a teacher teaching art, and art history, subjects I love dearly. Ologies showed me that I can help cultivate my own love of knowledge and learning, and I’m not helping my students find their path to learning how to love ourselves and our world. I never thought I could do it until Ologies made me reflect on what is possible! It’s also funny sometimes ;^)
  • ekordulak
    The best!
    Came here from the Handsome pod and I’m obsessed. I’m learning so much and I’m excited to share with friends and family
  • ARE-New podcast follower
    So much to learn and not enough time
    Alie and team always brings fascinating topics. I’m not a science person, but yet the Ologist’s passions is what makes the show interesting. The candy episode stands out in recent memory as the guest was very passionate about candy and the history captured my attention. I love how Alie asks questions I want to know and might feel shy asking, Alie asks them head on. Keep it up please.
  • Addiesm
    Love this show!
    Thank you for all the deep dives, such a great show to get lost in. I just listened to the eco-odorology episode and I loved it. Last summer I went truffle-hunting with trained dogs in Italy who sniff for truffle mushrooms underground and this episode reminded me of that!
  • heeelllpp
    Thanks Handsome
    Heard from another podcast and hooked. Really enjoy. Passing on to friends.
  • Sherrard24
    Oh my!
    I am not interested in most of this stuff and I’m too dense to ask interesting questions about it—until Alie sprinkles her fairy dust and shows me the joy in it. Thanks to my niece Laurel for turning me on to this informative and spirit lifting marvel.
  • Curious painter
    How have I not known about this podcast?!
    This pod is bringing so much joy to my life! I heard about it on another pod and my curiosity was immediately piqued. I’m seven episodes deep (hello binge listening), and just can’t stop. Love the facts, love the way it feels like I’m listening to a friend tell me a crazy story, and love that while immensely entertaining, I’m also learning!
  • JayEllPea
    Education is resistance
    Alie! Your podcast is the perfect way to get introduced to new subjects or think about things in a whole new way. I’m spending many hours in my studio, dissociating from the world, and you and your delightful guests are making my dumb questions feel not so silly. I’m starting with absolutely every episode about the universe and physics (since I’m legit physics illiterate), and I can’t think of a better way to get an introduction to more complex ideas to explore. I’m so happy Ologies was recommended by a friend… it’s just perfect.
  • Nateriggsart
    Ditching this pod because…
    Love this podcast but the constant listing of names of people who have questions is super exhausting. Unsubscribing unfortunately.
  • Jessie turret
    El primo
    EEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLL PPPPPPRRRRRRIIIIIMMMMOOOO
  • Natalia_jade
    please alie…orcas
    long time listener and i continue to be delighted by Alie’s talents in science communication..now onto the real business, as a communication ologist myself and animal nerd, i neeed an orcinus orca ologies episode STAT! (pretty please)
  • Zolequa
    New Listener
    I’ve seen this listed over the years and finally came to check it out. The newest episode was about thyroids and having finished four years of on and off thyroid cancer treatment this year, I thought I’d give it a shot. I can say this episode was a delight! I learned a bunch of new things and the expert was so sweet, I wish he had been my doctor. And a gentle PSA: even if you mean well, please don’t inform people they have a “good” type of cancer or that they are “lucky” for a curable cancer (unless you know them and their situation very well).
  • Chris Eff
    Genuine review from a real and definitely bipedal human person
    Even if I were a many-legged winged insect (I’m not, I swear) I still wouldn’t have enough appendages to count all the times I’ve thrown a “Did you know this bizarre and uniquely entertaining fact about X, Y or Z” at an unsuspecting friend since I started listening to this podcast. I was once an unfocused pupa teeming with useless knowledge of b-movies and 80s goth music but since I began shmearing my free time with this creamy beige podcast, I have emerged my cocoon with a veritable cornucopia of useful and peer-reviewed factoids sure to inspire countless “you don’t says” and “no effin ways”. Three cheers to you, weird podcast dad, and to forever remaining a student of life wholly unafraid to dip a toe or two (or six, maybe) in the glorious babbling brook of science. Six, I mean, FIVE stars!
  • ksuex97
    Charming Conversation & Intelligent Interviews
    Alie is a delightful host and “boy howdy” do I wish we were friends. Tune in to Ologies to get your regular dose of cool facts & interesting people while learning more about what’s going on in the world(s) around (and in!) you. (One of my secrets… I always walk away from an episode of Ologies smiling. Thanks, Alie & Team!)
  • timtom357
    Amazing podcast
    I love this podcast, it’s the best science podcast I’ve heard. I love the wide variety of topics that are on the podcast.
  • the ghost of amelia bedelia
    Ol’ Dad Ward is a National Treasure
    I stumbled upon Ologies via Wine & Crime, where Alie appeared as a guest some time ago. For years, my podcast queue was filled with true crime content. The last few months, though, I found myself feeling overwhelmed listening to depravity and injustice every day. As someone in the social work field, it felt like bringing my work home. Enter Ologies. Alie’s passion for her work is contagious. She expertly navigates interviews with a wide range of personalities, granting her audience insight into fields I didn’t know existed. As someone living in the increasingly dystopian reality of the United States, Alie’s pursuit of knowledge is refreshing and inspiring. She reminds us all that our world opens when we ask questions and remain curious. Thank you, Alie, for being the voice so many of us cherish every day. Some days, when the world feels too heavy, you’re the voice that makes it bearable. TLDR: Alie Ward’s Ologies podcast is a deliciously eccentric foray into the oft intimidating world of science.
  • ElenaElated
    It’s that good.
    No one is safe from hearing about Ologies. In the last week I have proselytized about the Beavers episode both to cousins at my grandfather’s funeral and while consoling a friend going through a breakup. No place is too sacred to hear about how their teeth self sharpen and they used to be the size of black bears. I love this show. Every episode has at least one jumpscare line that makes me laugh out loud and immediately text my friends. Thank you, Alie!!!
  • CommunityS2E14
    Sciencey Goodness
    In this New Age of Anti-Science you are a breath of Freshness. Somehow we hopefully will all survive but at what cost. Very scary times ahead. PLEASE keep up your good works.
  • Justine the art witch
    Informed, grateful & inspired… thank god you’re here
    My absolute favorite podcast and I’m so glad it exists. It’s a pleasure to learn about science and life from a normal person’s AND scientist’s perspective. And now I bug my friends by sharing episodes that make me happy as a way to cope with our messed up world. ALSO, Alie’s method of conducting interviews inspired me to create my own versions of “podcast convos” from experts in my selected passions (witchcraft and art) and maybe someday I’ll make a podcast of my own, based on Ologies but for art and occult nerds.
  • JMBJMB8
    Great questions
    The topics are often not my cup of tea, but the host is so enthusiastic, it drags me in and I BECOME interested. And there is always at least one time per episode that I say to myself, Oh I never would have thought to ask that but I am so glad Alie did! I especially live for the medical content as I work as a nurse - more please!
  • Nezzy Sheppard
    Time-Travel-Ologist!
    EDIT: ALL CAUGHT UP!!! That’s what you will be calling me when you read this review! It is currently March 8, 2024 and I am listening to Condorology from October 7, 2020 after having started from the very first episode of Ologies! So if you are reading this right now, hello from the past! Can’t wait to continue to learn and catch up to where you are now! You have helped me start to achieve my goal of learning one new thing each day! No matter how small! Thanks!
  • Maine Squeeze 24
    Best pod & pod dad ever
    If you are at all curious about nature, the earth, the cosmos, or even your colon, this is the podcast for you. It answers all the questions you never knew you had. Warmly hosted by someone I hope to accidentally run into in an airport so I can give her a big hug. Thanks for the ride, pod dad!
  • Kansasbryan
    Amazing!
    Absolutely fascinating. Every ologist is completely interesting. Hooked!
  • TooTallTia
    Love her perspective
    Initially, the little sound effects and side comments interjected in the interviews bothered me and I had to take a break. Then, I listened to the episode on misophonia and everything clicked. Thanks for your wonderful questiosn and excitement for learning. It is now pure bliss in my ears.
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