Ologies with Alie Ward

Latest Episodes:

Dolorology (PAIN) Encore with Rachel Zoffness Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

In an encore of one of our top episodes ever, Dr. Zoffness is back to chat about her brand new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts.

PAIN. What is it? Where does it come from? And how can we hurt less? Which hurts more, a kidney stone or heartache? Why does chronic pain persist? Can we turn down our pain dials? To answer these huge questions, pain psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness enthusiastically explains the brain, pain and how to retrain it. She is an unabashed neuronerd and a ray of hope in a field that is misunderstood, neglected and under-explained. A true life-changer of a person.

Follow Dr. Rachel Zoffness on Bluesky and Instagram

Her new book Tell Me Where It Hurts on Bookshop.org and Amazon

Her website, which has a resource page with a ton of free info: zoffness.com

A donation was made to The Trevor Project

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris & Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions & Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek and Emily White of The Wordary

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cannabinology (MARIJUANA) Part 2 with Ziva Cooper and Caroline Melly Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Neurodivergence and weed. Munchie remedies. Long term toking. The Entourage Effect. Drag a bean bag into the circle and kick back for Part 2 of Cannabinology with UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director Dr. Ziva Cooper and Smith College cannabis anthropologist Dr. Caroline Melly. We’ll probe the great mystery and misfortune of hyperemesis, the effect of THC on memory and neuroplasticity, why edibles sometimes send you to a distant galaxy, CBD and inflammation, the risks of psychosis, older vs. younger brains and cannabis, a guy named Rick Simpson, how much weed is the right amount of weed, and if any studies warrant further research. Heads up: they do.

Follow Dr. Cooper on Google Scholar

Visit the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids website

Follow Dr. Melly on Google Scholar

A donation went to Last Prisoner Project

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS), Dolorology (PAIN), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Mnemonology (MEMORY), Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD), Traumatology (PTSD), Somnology (SLEEP), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS), Neuropathoimmunology (MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Addictionology (ADDICTION), Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES), Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES), Oneirology (DREAMS), Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES), Cardiology (THE HEART)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies onInstagram andBluesky

Follow Alie Ward onInstagram andTikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland ofMaitland Audio Productions andJake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website byKelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cannabinology (MARIJUANA) Part 1 with Ziva Cooper and Caroline Melly Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Gummies vs. pre-rolls. THC vs. CBD. Indica vs. sativa. Hemp vs. marijuana. Dad grass vs. modern trees. This extended 2-part deep dive with UCLA’s Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids director Dr. Ziva Cooper and Smith College cannabis anthropologist Dr. Caroline Melly covers the storied history of the weed’s trek across continents, the endocannabinoid system, the “bliss” molecule, brain receptors, cancer therapeutics, edible mishaps, the munchies, legalization, titration, addiction, kief, hash, dabs, shatter, strains, and so much more.

Follow Dr. Cooper on Google Scholar

Visit the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids website

Follow Dr. Melly on Google Scholar

A donation went to Last Prisoner Project

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS), Dolorology (PAIN), Mnemonology (MEMORY), Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Traumatology (PTSD), Somnology (SLEEP), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS), Neuropathoimmunology (MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Addictionology (ADDICTION), Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES), Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES), Oneirology (DREAMS)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nudibranchology (GLAMOROUS SEA SLUGS) with Jessica Goodheart and Terry Gosliner Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Discovery. Drama. Diversity. Design inspo. Let’s squirm into the sea grass and the tidal crevices with California Academy of Sciences legend Dr. Terry Gosliner and the American Museum of Natural History’s Dr. Jessica Goodheart to discover bunny horns, finger backs, stolen weaponry, “buttflowers,” doomed first dates, high fashion, tiny eyes, gender fluidity, “Finding Nemo” cameos, the boardgame you need, and how your phone can warm a scientists heart just by slipping on a windbreaker and looking for beautiful things.

Visit the Goodheart Lab and follow Dr. Goodheart on Google Scholar

Visit the Gosliner Slug Lab and follow Dr. Gosliner on Google Scholar

Donations went to California Academy of Sciences and oSTEM

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Malacology (SNAILS & SLUGS), Oceanology (OCEANS), Cnidariology (CORAL), Medusology (JELLYFISH), Biomineralogy (SHELLS), Zoohoplology (ANIMAL DEFENSES), Ophthalmology (EYES), Optical Technology (HISTORY OF EYEGLASSES + MODERN DAY VISION)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Megafelinology (SNOW LEOPARDS + OTHER BIG CATS) with Imogene Cancellare Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Cheetahs. Tigers. Jaguars. Pumas. Panthers. Snow leopards. How big is a big cat? And who decides? Let’s ask the charming wildlife biologist, science communicator, and Megafelinologist Dr. Imogene Cancellare. She shares tales of remote field work, snow-capped mountains, narrow escapes, camera trap revelations, DNA discoveries, brinks of extinction, if big cats like big boxes, why tails can be bobbed, lioness manes, big cat attacks, and making huge biscuits. Also: how to make your cats *Obsessed* with you.

Visit Dr. Cancellare’s website and follow her on Instagram, Bluesky, and Google Scholar

A donation went to the Snow Leopard Trust

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Felinology (CATS), Carnivore Ecology (LIONS, TIGERS, & BEARS), Scatology (POOP), Mammalogy (MAMMALS), Eco-Odorology (SCIENCE-SNIFFING DOGS), Confectionology (CANDY), Ethnocynology (HUMANS & DOGS THROUGH TIME), Lupinology (WOLVES), Wildlife Ecology (FIELDWORK)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Allergology (ALLERGIES) with Zachary Rubin Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Dander enemies. Gluten intolerances. Runny noses. Shellfish bummers. Skin prick tests. Epipen pockets. Allergies? WE GOT ‘EM, folks. And we’ve got double board-certified allergist, immunologist, and author of the New York Times Bestseller “All About Allergies” Dr. Zachary Rubin. The Doc takes a quick break from his many demanding jobs to let me pepper him with questions about sneezing, allergy shots, Benadryl naps, home testing vs. office visits, oral challenges, unfriendly fruits, street tree sexism, and so much more. We’ve been itching to do this one for a while, so get it in your system ASAP.

Follow Dr. Rubin on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Buy his book, All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever and More on Amazon or Bookshop.org

A donation went to Red Sneakers for Oakley

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Rhinology (NOSES), Ophthalmology (EYES), Dendrology (TREES), Phenology (FALL/SEASONS), Fromology (CHEESE), Entomology (INSECTS), Melittology (BEES), Culicidology (MOSQUITOES), Spheksology (WASPS), Plumology (FEATHERS), Carobology (NOT-CHOCOLATE TREES)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Field Trip: My Butt, a Colonoscopy Ride Along & How-To Encore Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Come check out my butt with me (again)! 1 in 16 people in the U.S. will have colon cancer, and 0 in 16 want to talk about getting a camera up your guts to check things out. I am one of them, but after losing loved ones to colon cancer – and staring down the barrel of my first-ever colonoscope — I recorded tips, tricks, taste tests, foggy drug hazes, bar room advice, and finally my surprising results. It may save a life. Possibly yours.

Find out more about colorectal cancer here

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: Coloproctology (COLON CANCER + BUTT FUN), Gluteology (BUTTS), Scatology (POOP), Radiology (X-RAY VISION), FIELD TRIP: Alie’s Mystery Surgery, Venereology (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS), Urology (CROTCH PARTS), Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH), Phallology (PENISES), Sexology (SEX), Microbiology (GUT BIOME), Nephrology (KIDNEYS), Surgical Oncology (BREAST CANCER)
400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions, Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media and Mark David Christenson

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coloproctology (COLON CANCER + BUTT FUN) with Carmen Fong Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

So, you don’t want colon cancer, but you DO want buttsex secrets? Have we got an episode for you. Coloprotocolgist Dr. Carmen Fong charms us in a brand-new episode about prostate orgasms, shady polyps, fibermaxxing, colon cancer branding, butt plugs, heartburn, douches, bidets, farts, vacation constipation in the nation, ostomy awareness, second sphincters, Crown Jewels, pregnancy agonies, ‘roids, fissures, fixes, endometriosis, diverticulitis, IBS, hydrotherapy, a shocking shower revelation, and how a blissful colonoscopy could change and save your life.

This one pairs great with our Field Trip: My Butt, a Colonoscopy Ride Along and How-To

Visit Dr. Fong’s website and follow her on Instagram and TikTok

Buy her book, Constipation Nation: What To Know When You Can’t Go, on Bookshop.org or Amazon

A donation went to Fight Colorectal Cancer

More episode sources and links

Other episodes you may enjoy: FIELD TRIP: My Butt, a Colonoscopy Ride Along & How-To, Gluteology (BUTTS), Scatology (POOP), Microbiology (GUT BIOME), Urology (CROTCH PARTS), Gynecology (NETHER HEALTH), Radiology (X-RAY VISION), FIELD TRIP: Alie’s Mystery Surgery, Venereology (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS), Coffeeology (YEP, COFFEE)

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bonus Episode: How to Beat Perfectionism and Make a Quilt Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Our Culcitology (QUILTS) episode taught you why quilts are agents of rebellion, community, and chill vibes all in one. This bonus episode will tell you how to start and how to dive into anything creative without freaking out first, featuring advice from Joe Cunningham and Kule Haynes, plus dozens of friendly Ologies listeners/quilters. Cut up some scraps, pick up a needle, and make something. You never know where it might lead you, and who it could help in the future. Including you, kiddo.

Luke Haynes Ologies quilt pattern

The quilt Luke made for Alie!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?) Encore with Adam Becker Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Is anything real? How many universes are there? Is everything a simulation being run by a quantum computer through a wormhole from a future era? Is the answer to everything really ... 42? The affable and charming astrophysicist, author and philosopher of tiny particles Dr. Adam Becker pulls up a seat. And enjoy this encore episode as Alie has an existential crisis or two as they discuss the drama, intellectual battles and drunken debates of science past, and the hope that a new era of thinkers will figure out what exactly is going on in the world. Either way: cut bangs and text your crush.

Follow Dr. Adam Becker on BlueSky and Instagram

Purchase his book: What is Real? The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics

Or his new book: More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity

A donation went to Techbridge Girls

More episode sources & links

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts & bleeped episodes

Support Ologies on Patreon for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris