Ologies (podcast)

Ologies with Alie Ward
Presentation
Hosted by	Alie Ward
Genre	Science
Language	English
Updates	Weekly
Production
Theme music composed by	Nick Thorburn
Publication
Original release	2017–present
Related
Website	www.alieward.com/ologies

Ologies with Alie Ward, also known as Ologies, is a weekly science podcast hosted by Alie Ward. Each episode, Ward interviews an expert from a distinct scientific field (somnology, bryology, philematology, etc.).[1] Ologies is usually one of the top three science podcasts on Apple Podcasts.[2] It is often cited by university newspapers and blogs as an example of how to make science communication more accessible and interesting.[3][4][5]

When recording the episodes, Ward aims to avoid "expert sound bites" in favor of a more conversational tone, and she cuts in segments to explain concepts that her guests introduce.[6]

History

Ward first had the idea for the podcast in 2002.[2] Further inspiration built when a visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in 2013 led into a weekly volunteer shift and a career change into science communications for Ward.[7] After building a following on Patreon,[8] Ward launched Ologies in 2017.[2] By February 2021, Ologies released more than 130 episodes and acquired more than 50 million downloads.[2]

In July 2021, Ologies began releasing shortened versions of classic episodes called "Smologies." Edited specifically for classrooms, Smologies episodes run roughly 20 minutes, and do not have profanity.[9]

Awards and recognition

• 2019: Time Magazine named it one of the 50 best podcasts of the year.[10]
• 2022: the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards named Ologies “Best Science Podcast” and the Webby Awards honored Ward “Best Podcast Host.”[11][12]
• 2023: named as one of Town & Country's "top 23 podcasts of 2023."[13]
• 2024: won Best Science & Technology Podcast at The Shorty Awards and was listed under "Best Science Podcasts" in Wired's list of 60 best podcasts of 2024.[14]

See also

• List of science podcasts

References

1. "Ologize With Alie Ward". Wisconsin Public Radio. September 4, 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
2. Ito, Robert (25 February 2021). "'Ologies' Host Alie Ward Is Making Science Wonderfully Entertaining". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
3. Burns, Lexey (2023-01-22). "Ologies has something for the scientist in all of us". The Varsity. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
4. Mattoon, Ellie Rose (2023-02-09). "Five science podcasts to listen to while you pipette". The Johns Hopkins News-Letter. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
5. Ancona, Emily (2022-11-11). "Three Ways to Engage Students in Real-Life Science". Loyola University of Maryland School of Education. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
6. Rajan, Kanaga (2024-02-01). "Alumna's authentic curiosity leads to science podcasting success". SF State News. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
7. Chang, Alisa (2023-09-11). "All Things Considered: How a friendly museum tour invite shifted 'Ologies' podcast host Alie Ward's life". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
8. Locker, Melissa (3 February 2021). "Alie Ward's Listeners Truly Love Ologies". Timber. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
9. "Smologies #1: THE MOON". alieward.com. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
10. "The 50 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now". Time. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
11. "2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards: See The Full List of Winners". iHeart. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
12. "Top Best Host: Podcasts". The Webby Awards. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
13. "The 23 Best Podcasts of 2023". Town & Country. 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
14. "Science & Technology Podcast in Social Media - Shorty Awards". The Shorty Awards. Retrieved 2024-06-19.