Ologies with Alie Ward

Pteridology (FERNS) with Fay-Wei Li

Fronds. Forest dwellers. Spores. Houseplants. Queer icons. We’ve got ferns. The charming and hilarious professor and author of “Ferns: Lessons in Survival from Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants,” Dr. Fay-Wei Li, tells me all about fern evolution, what ferns not to have in your house, the most expensive ferns, the tastiest ferns, mathematical mysteries, and a genome that makes no sense, to me or a lot of Pteridologists. Also, can Between Two Ferns save science? This episode is, in Fay-Wei’s words, “ferntastic.” Visit Dr. Li’s lab website [https://www.fernway.net/] and follow him on Google Scholar [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7rl7ZLwAAAAJ&hl=en] Buy his book, Ferns: Lessons in Survival from Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants, on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/p/books/ferns-lessons-in-survival-from-earth-s-most-adaptable-plants-fay-wei-li/2d12b92c946ca872?ean=9781958417850&next=t&] or Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Ferns-Lessons-Survival-Earths-Adaptable/dp/1958417858] A donation went to the ASPT Herbarium Emergency Fund [https://members.aspt.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?id=2&reset=1] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/pteridology] Other episodes you may enjoy: Bryology (MOSS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/bryology], Domestic Phytology (HOUSEPLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/domesticphytology], Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/neuroendocrinologyencore], Paleontology (DINOSAURS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/paleontology], Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/foragingecology], Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ethnoecology], Dendrology (TREES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/2018/5/7/wdppyiv1wrcs8gchoslvhhuuboanau], Myrmecology (ANTS), [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/myrmecology] Forest Entomology (CREEPY CRAWLIES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/forestentomology] 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic [https://www.alieward.com/ologies-by-topic] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Sponsors of Ologies [https://alieward.com/ologies-sponsors] Transcripts and bleeped episodes [https://alieward.com/ologies-extras] Become a patron of Ologies [https://www.patreon.com/ologies] for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com [https://www.ologiesmerch.com/] has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ologies] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/ologies.bsky.social] Follow Alie Ward on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alieward] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alie_ologies] Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions [http://maitlandaudio.com/] and Jake Chaffee [https://www.jecmusic.com/] Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek  Website by Kelly R. Dwyer [https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo] Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NEW 2025 Interview: Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) Part 2 with Dirk Moses

Note: if you haven’t already heard it, please start with our original, May 2024 episode with Dr. Moses:  Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) Part 1 [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/genocidology] A lot has happened since then, and author, scholar and genocide expert Dr. Dirk Moses was kind enough to return for a 2025 episode. We cover how public and legal sentiment has changed since our first episode, and discuss his recent paper, “Introduction: Gaza and the Problems of Genocide Studies,” which includes a roundtable discussion with dozens of experts. Also: some behind-the-scenes influences regarding Gaza in the media, humanitarian law precedents, munitions and the Geneva Conventions, myths, the problems surrounding the language of transgression, new research, up-to-date statistics, and how protests have been criminalized.  Like that first Genocide episode, this one would not be possible without the input, research, producing, and additional writing of Mercedes Maitland, who joined me on this interview once again with her questions for our expert. So, huge thanks to her for that passion, hard work, and tireless advocacy for human rights.  Donations went to Gaza Hand of Salvation Initiative [https://chuffed.org/project/hand-of-salvation] and the City College of New York Colin Powell School – Student Emergency Fund [https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/colinpowellschool/student-emergency-fund?srsltid=AfmBOorLNe8QhCxolDuTd_aenP8ZfnM8ugkKcX4GeP_ncJOCw5m84gwK] Visit Dr. Dirk Moses’s website [https://www.dirkmoses.com/] Read his book, “The Problems of Genocide: Permanent Security and the Language of Transgression [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-problems-of-genocide-a-dirk-moses/14730813?ean=9781107503120]” More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/genocidology2] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://alieward.com/smologies] Other episodes you may enjoy:  Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) Part 1 [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/genocidology], Agnotology (IGNORANCE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/agnotology], Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/genealogy], Nomology (THE CONSTITUTION) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/nomology], Indigenous Fire Ecology (GOOD FIRE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/goodfire],  Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE FOODS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/indigenouscuisinology], Indigenous Pedology (SOIL SCIENCE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/indigenouspedology],  Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ethnoecology], Bryology (MOSS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/bryology], Black American Magirology (FOOD, RACE & CULTURE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/blackamericanmagirology], Bisonology (BISON) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/bisonology?rq=BISON] 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic [https://www.alieward.com/ologies-by-topic] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://alieward.com/smologies] Sponsors of Ologies [https://alieward.com/ologies-sponsors] Transcripts and bleeped episodes [https://alieward.com/ologies-extras] Become a patron of Ologies [https://www.patreon.com/ologies] for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com [https://www.ologiesmerch.com/] has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ologies] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/ologies.bsky.social] Follow Alie Ward on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alieward] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alie_ologies] Editing by Mercedes Maitland [https://www.instagram.com/mercedesdigsit/] of Maitland Audio Productions [http://maitlandaudio.com/], Jake Chaffee [https://www.jecmusic.com/], and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media [https://www.mindjammedia.com/] Additional producing, writing, and research by Mercedes Maitland Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth  Transcripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. Dwyer [https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo] Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bisonology (BUFFALO) Encore with various bisonologists

Bison bison! Not just something to holler into the sky, but also the scientific name for North America's majestic wild bovines. In this encore, we explore a beast that once roamed the plains in the tens of millions. What's up with their humps? On what occasion do they wear capes? What noises do they make? How many are out there? What are the best ways to help them? In this special episode, you get 4x the usual number of ologists as we talk to archeologist Dr. Ken Cannon, wildlife biologist Dr. Dan McNulty, Alie's cousin Boyd and his wife Lila Evans, of the Blackfeet Tribe, who are bison ranchers based in Northern Montana. Also, once and for all: is it buffalo or bison? And can Alie hug one? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Strigiformology (OWLS) Part 2 with R. J. Gutiérrez

We’re back with Dr. R.J. “Rocky” Gutiérrez to answer listeners’ questions on owls. How much wisdom lies behind those big, immovable eyes? Are owls good or bad omens? What’s their proclivity for snatching hats? Is The Staircase owl theory plausible? Is it ok to hoot back at them? What do you mean one of their toes is reversible? This episode’s got the answers, plus info on owl migration, conservation, burrowing, disco dancing, and more. Follow Dr. Gutiérrez on Google Scholar [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=l2B2iLsAAAAJ&hl=en] Donations went to the International Owl Center [https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/] and Northcoast Environmental Center [https://www.yournec.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/strigiformology] Other episodes you may enjoy: Ornithology (BIRDS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/2017/11/7/ornithology-with-james-maley], FIELD TRIP: Birds of Prey and Raptor Facts [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/birdsofprey], Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/condorology], Plumology (FEATHERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/plumology], Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/corvid-thanatology], Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/chickenology], Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/columbidology], Ophthalmology (EYES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ophthalmology], Lutrinology (OTTERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/lutrinology], Lemurology (LEMURS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/lemurology], Procyonology (RACCOONS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/procyonology], Opossumology (O/POSSUMS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/opossumology], Scatology (POOP) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/scatology] 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic [https://www.alieward.com/ologies-by-topic] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Sponsors of Ologies [https://alieward.com/ologies-sponsors] Transcripts and bleeped episodes [https://alieward.com/ologies-extras] Become a patron of Ologies [https://www.patreon.com/ologies] for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com [https://www.ologiesmerch.com/] has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ologies] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/ologies.bsky.social] Follow Alie Ward on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alieward] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alie_ologies] Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions [http://maitlandaudio.com/] and Jake Chaffee [https://www.jecmusic.com/] Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek  Website by Kelly R. Dwyer [https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo] Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Strigiformology (OWLS) Part 1 with R.J. Gutiérrez

OWLS. FINALLY. In no particular order: what’s up with their eyes, legs, hoots, feathers, silent flight, nests, folklore, necks, barfs, conservation status, and omens? Go take a walk or sit on a porch in the dusk and make friends with Rocky. Dr. R.J. “Rocky” Gutiérrez is a celebrated researcher, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, a legend in the owl world, and simply one of the loveliest ologists. He’ll take us on a trip next to a river, scrambling up some trees, over rocky terrain and through the forest to learn why owls are so magnetic. Yeah, I called owls the best bird. Not backing down.  Follow Dr. Gutiérrez on Google Scholar [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=l2B2iLsAAAAJ&hl=en] Donations went to the International Owl Center [https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/] and Northcoast Environmental Center [https://www.yournec.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/strigiformology] Other episodes you may enjoy: Ornithology (BIRDS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/2017/11/7/ornithology-with-james-maley], FIELD TRIP: Birds of Prey and Raptor Facts [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/birdsofprey], Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/condorology], Plumology (FEATHERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/plumology], Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/corvid-thanatology], Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/chickenology], Columbidology (PIGEONS? YES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/columbidology], Ophthalmology (EYES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ophthalmology], Lutrinology (OTTERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/lutrinology], Lemurology (LEMURS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/lemurology], Procyonology (RACCOONS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/procyonology], Opossumology (O/POSSUMS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/opossumology], Scatology (POOP) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/scatology] 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic [https://www.alieward.com/ologies-by-topic] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Sponsors of Ologies [https://alieward.com/ologies-sponsors] Transcripts and bleeped episodes [https://alieward.com/ologies-extras] Become a patron of Ologies [https://www.patreon.com/ologies] for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com [https://www.ologiesmerch.com/] has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ologies] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/ologies.bsky.social] Follow Alie Ward on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alieward] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alie_ologies] Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions [http://maitlandaudio.com/] and Jake Chaffee [https://www.jecmusic.com/] Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek  Website by Kelly R. Dwyer [https://www.kellyrdwyer.com/photo] Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.