Ologies with Alie Ward1 Aug 2025

Bonus Episode: Optical Technology (HISTORY OF EYEGLASSES + MODERN DAY VISION)

When were glasses invented? What happened back then if your horse stepped on them? How is the digital age changing adults’ and kids’ vision? The first half of this special bonus episode about Optical Technology features the charmingly hilarious director of the Museum of the Eye in San Francisco, Jenny Benjamin. Then we bop over to Houston, Texas for the ultra-knowledgeable real-life optometrist, Dr. Nadia Sledge to chat about the importance of annual exams and where our eyesight is trending in the digital age. Also: dark Roman trivia, Downton Abbey fashion, how online eye tests overlook critical conditions, and how you would have survived in the past without spectacles.

Donations went to Onesight and the Museum of the Eye

Episoder(530)

Party Psychology (WHY WE CELEBRATE) with Danielle Brick & Kelley Gullo-Wight

Rituals. Gatherings. Celebrations. Surprise parties. Weekend getaways. Campfires and birthday candles are in our DNA, and colleagues/social psychologists Dr. Danielle Brick & Dr. Kelley Gullo-Wight ex...

5 Sep 44min

Deep Sea Microbiology (UNSEEN OCEAN CRITTERS) with Peter Girguis

Creatures in inky trenches. Exploring the sea floor. Mud medicine. Tube worms. Harvard professor and Deep Sea Microbiology legend Dr. Peter Girguis tells tales of ocean expeditions and answers questio...

2 Sep 1h 24min

Mephitology (SKUNKS) Part 2 with Jerry Dragoo

What happens when you've been sprayed nine times in the face by a skunk? Part 2 with Mephitologist Dr. Jerry Dragoo answers that question. Also on the agenda: pet skunks, lavender skunks, skunk family...

26 Aug 1h 7min

Mephitology (SKUNKS) Part 1 with Jerry Dragoo

It’s here. SKUNKS. My dream guest, Dr. Jerry Dragoo of the Institute for the Betterment of Skunks and Skunk Reputations is finally on Ologies, and I can barely contain myself. Come to Albuquerque to m...

19 Aug 1h

Noctohabitology (SLEEP PROCRASTINATION) with Vanessa “Nessy” Hill

Late night scrolling. Couchlock. Habitual insomnia. You want to sleep — so why won’t you turn off the light, dumplin’? We’ve got someone for that: sleep scientist, globally known PBS correspondent, h...

12 Aug 1h 37min

Hyaenidology (HYENAS) with Christine Wilkinson

Giggles. Pseudopenises. Matriarchies? Media slander. Hyaenidologist Dr. Christine Wilkinson delivers stories about the nature of matrilinearity, hot Lion King gossip, bristle backs, tiny heads, big te...

5 Aug 1h 16min

Sciuridology (SQUIRRELS) Encore with Karen Munroe

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 ...

30 Jul 1h 40min

Bonus Episode: Menopause Advice for You & Loved Ones

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, gi...

30 Jul 46min