Ologies with Alie Ward

Who’s babysitting AI? Will it steal your job? What happens when you’re rude to a chatbot? Cognitive scientist, Trinity College professor and Artificial Intelligence Ethicologist  Dr. Abeba Birhane lets me ask her not-smart questions about legislation around AI, auditing datasets, environmental impacts, booby traps, doorbell narcs, commonly used fallacies, how the “godfathers’ of AI feel about their creation, robots doing your homework, and and whether or not AI is actually the root of all evil. Also: bacon ice cream and why Siri is a girl.  Visit Dr. Birhane’s website [https://abebabirhane.com/] and follow her on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/abeba.bsky.social] and Google Scholar [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JUsooa0AAAAJ&hl=en] A donation went to The Municipality of Gaza and UNRWA [https://www.unrwausa.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/artificialintelligenceethicology] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Other episodes you may enjoy: Neurotechnology (AI + BRAIN TECH) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/neurotechnology], Architectural Technology (COMPUTER PROGRAMMING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/architecturaltechnology], FIELD TRIP: A Hollywood Visit to the Writers Guild Strike Line [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/wgastrike], Futurology (THE FUTURE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/futurology], Gizmology (ROBOTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/gizmology], Genocidology (CRIMES OF ATROCITY) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/genocidology] 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

It’s Part 2 of how to fix your life with hobbies! Pretty much. Journalist/author of “The Connection Cure” Julia Hotz explains the science behind forest bathing, how privilege affects accessibility to hobbies and what to do about it, how to figure out what lights you up, how to schedule time for hobbies if you have no time to do hobbies, why I used to call my old job at newspaper Club Karoshi, what if social interaction gives you the willies, what if depression keeps you from doing the things that lift depression, being social without having to spend money or get wasted, why volunteering is such an antidepressant, why rehabs use social prescribing, if protesting is a good hobby, and why you should go take a walk. Also: did I go to the ukulele meeting or chicken out? Listen to Part 1 here [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/salugenology] Visit Julia’s website [https://www.hotzthoughts.com/] and follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@hotzthoughts], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGe2M2_CedbeQzciUCx1BKw], and Substack [https://hotzthoughts.substack.com/] Buy her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Connection-Cure/Julia-Hotz/9781668030332] A donation went to GrowNYC [https://www.grownyc.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/salugenology] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Other episodes you may enjoy: Dolorology (PAIN) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/dolorology], Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/eudemonology], Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/criticalecology], Post-Viral Epidemiology (LONG COVID) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/postviralepidemiology], Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/disabilitysociology], Ergopathology (BURNOUT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ergopathology], Biogerontology (AGING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/biogerontology], Canistrumology (BASKET WEAVING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/canistrumology], Domestic Phytology (HOUSEPLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/domesticphytology], Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ethnoecology], Dendrology (TREES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/2018/5/7/wdppyiv1wrcs8gchoslvhhuuboanau] 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

Crafting. Motorcycle repair. Banjo lessons. Hobbies aren’t a reward, but tools to save your mental and physical health. Journalist/author of “The Connection Cure,” — and professional Salugenology expert — Julia Hotz explains the science behind going outside, rediscovering what makes you happy, scheduling time for hobbies if you have no time for hobbies, free support, how quarantine affected mental health, what if social interaction gives you the willies, what if depression keeps you from doing the things that lift depression, the scientific deal with cold-plunging, where to volunteer, saving money by joining knitting circle or fishing club, if protesting is a good hobby, how capitalism can literally kill us, and why she hates the title of her own book. Visit Julia’s website [https://www.hotzthoughts.com/] and follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@hotzthoughts], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGe2M2_CedbeQzciUCx1BKw], and Substack [https://hotzthoughts.substack.com/] Buy her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Connection-Cure/Julia-Hotz/9781668030332] A donation went to GrowNYC [https://www.grownyc.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/salugenology] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Other episodes you may enjoy: Dolorology (PAIN) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/dolorology], Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/eudemonology], Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/criticalecology], Post-Viral Epidemiology (LONG COVID) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/postviralepidemiology], Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/disabilitysociology], Ergopathology (BURNOUT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ergopathology], Biogerontology (AGING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/biogerontology], Canistrumology (BASKET WEAVING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/canistrumology], Domestic Phytology (HOUSEPLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/domesticphytology], Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ethnoecology], Dendrology (TREES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/2018/5/7/wdppyiv1wrcs8gchoslvhhuuboanau] 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

Cleaner energy! Reasoning with climate deniers! Using fandom to pass policy! And not burning out. Adam Met, of the colossal indie pop band AJR is also a career climate activist, an International Human Rights Law PhD, adjunct professor at Columbia University, and the author of the upcoming book “Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World.” He joins to chat about breaking through the overwhelm of climate causes, what action actually matters, if petitions even work, what happens to our brains at a rock concert, how human rights and climate policy intersect, if you should drive a gas or an electric car, how to solve problems that are vexing you by not working on them, carbon footprint guilt, the similarities between writing an album and writing a book, and how to do something about climate change without bumming everyone out. It’s possible.  Visit Dr. Met’s website [https://www.adammet.net/] and follow him on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adamajrbrothers], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/adambmet.bsky.social], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-met-38274379/] Pre-order his book releasing June 3, 2025, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World, on Bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org/p/books/amplify-how-to-create-meaningful-social-change-using-the-science-and-art-of-building-fan-bases-adam-met/21788040?ean=9780593735909] or Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593735900] A donation went to Planet Reimagined [https://www.planetreimagined.com/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/climatefervorology] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Other episodes you may enjoy: Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/criticalecology], Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/conservation-technology], Meteorology (WEATHER & CLIMATE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/meteorology], Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/culicidology], Oceanology (OCEANS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/oceanology], Pedagogology (SCIENCE COMMUNICATION) with Bill Nye [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/billnye], Political Sociology (VOTER TURNOUT & SUPPRESSION) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/politicalsociology], Fanthropology (FANDOM) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/fanthropology], Coffeeology (COFFEE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/coffeeology] 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

Landfills! Treasures in the trash! Corporate conspiracies! Composting! An instantly classic conversation with the incredibly knowledgeable, frank and wonderful Dr. Robin Nagle of New York University’s Liberal Studies! She is a clinical professor, author, TED speaker and former New York City sanitation worker and truly the best person on Earth to trash talk with. We cover what you can and can’t actually recycle, sticky mustard bottles, drugs in the trash, Swedish Death Cleaning, mobsters and landfills, Bitcoin in the dump, the future of garbage and exactly how screwed we are. Enjoy.  Visit Robin Nagle’s website [https://robinnagle.com/] Follow Robin on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rznagle/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/rznagle.bsky.social] Read Robin’s book Picking Up [https://bookshop.org/books/picking-up-on-the-streets-and-behind-the-trucks-with-the-sanitation-workers-of-new-york-city/9780374534271], an ethnography of New York City's Department of Sanitation A donation was made to the Sanitation Foundation [https://www.sanitationfoundation.org/] More episode sources and links [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/discardanthropology] Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes [https://pod.link/1746567248] Other episodes you may enjoy: Oceanology (OCEANS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/oceanology2], Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/urbanrodentology], Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/spacearchaeology], Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/criticalecology], Futurology (THE FUTURE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/futurology], Disasterology (DISASTERS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/disasterology], Ursinology (BEARS) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ursinology], Eschatology (THE APOCALYPSE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/eschatology], Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/conservation-technology], Scatology (POOP) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/scatology], Agnotology (IGNORANCE) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/agnotology], Xylology (LUMBER) [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/xylology] 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 Jarrett Sleeper [https://www.jarrettsleeper.com/] of MindJam Media [https://www.mindjammedia.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