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AMA episode! (Patreon)

Published:
2023-11-07 01:57:02
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Okay, let’s do a fun little question and answer. Leave me a question below, about anything, and I’ll answer as best I can to as many as possible.

Bring it,

Ol Ward

Comments

Anna Thompson

Do you only have one of that yellow sweater or multiples?

Kelsey lore

What's your favourite book?

OpticalJedi

So after discovering you grew up in Sacramento and are almost the same age as me I have to know, which school did you go to?

Will

Answer the last two questions. What’s your favorite and least favorite things about being a podcast host?

G.Sil

What is an ology you are just dying to find an ologist for?

Samantha Freeman

What’s your favorite or weirdest holiday tradition??

Diana Murray

What’s your favorite fiction book?

Aleggxandrea

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Autumn Liston

What movie traumatized you as a child?

Meghan McLean

Whats the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? I’ve tried the Icelandic shark, and moonshine made with coca leaves (among other things)

G.Sil

Also fave type of dog (besides your lovely pupper of course)?

Amie Allen

If you could choose an age you’ve already lived to live for the rest of your life, what age would you relive?

joesyourmom

Hi dad:) What is your all time fave/ go to science geek nature movie?

Nolan Childerhose

What's your go-to type of music if you're looking for an energy boost?

Hayley

Are you never going to listen to Monster Mash again??

Anna

First time question asker here - if you could travel to any location that an ologist has discussed, which would you choose?

Levin Dotimas

If you had a chance to start the Ologies podcast all over again, what would you do differently? (This is also my way of asking for any general tips on starting a podcast lol)

Quincey Robisheaux

Are you interested in doing more episodes on mental health disorders?

James Nance

First concert/best concert?

Nicole S

How do you find scientific papers for the asides? How do you make sense of them when you read them?

Obilot

Have you considered an episode on the Museum of Jurassic Technology? I can’t help thinking that would be really interesting, despite the fact that it’s actually Art... It is one of my favorite places in the world.

Owen Goff

I heard you mention that your grandmother had "11 kids by 30". That takes some doing -- were there many twins/triplets among them? Speaking of, has there been an ologies episode on fertility? Love the podcast as always

RJ Doidge

What first made you decide on red hair? It’s stunning, but curious on the origin story!

Anna Thompson

Not a question persay but I love that you voice the Kroger commercials. Any podcast or TV commercial break could become a mini-ologies brain boost for me!

Matt Ceccato

Where is the one place you haven’t traveled to yet that you want to visit?

Isa Brillard

If you could veer in some other career path other than being the most amazing science communicator/poddad around, what would you choose?

Beau Jarvis

When is the appropriate time to decorate and listen to christmas music???

Sara Edgar

Do you have a sports science episode?

Colby Evans

How did you do in school? You’re incredibly bright and quick witted and I love your use of language - interested to hear if some of that developed later in life

Zed Shirogane

How does one become part of the ologies show? As a brand new masters student, can I reach out (in 2 years) once I complete my studies to take part of an ologies interview?

Megan Lynch

You've said you had the idea for Ologies for years and it makes me wonder - what was your relationship to science & scientists that prompted you to start the podcast? Or maybe I'm biased in focusing on science...maybe it was your relationship to research and expertise in general?

Elta Sparks

Is there an ology you have no interest in covering? Also is Grem okay? Love you Dad

Paulina Tarr

You seem like a person who knows themself so well! You have such a special voice and sense of self. How did you find that? (Asking as an early 20s person trying to find that for myself!)

Simón Gómez

What makes a person smart, in your opinion?

Jessie Pearce

What is your favorite surprise you’ve gotten out of doing an episode of Ologies? Crazy cool comments, info, or friends?

Julia Hutton

Would you rather be a bear-sized chipmunk or a chipmunk-sized bear? 💜

Hezy Anholt

How many hours/week ish do u put into Ologies? Is it your main gig? Would you make it your primary full time thing or do you have a primal need to always be involved in multiple projects simultaneously (everything everywhere all at once) hi yes I have ADHD too probably

Scott Anderson

Love this! Have you ever heard from an ologist that they were annoyed with one of the asides in which you elaborate on something they said?

Colby Evans

Is there a place in the world that you’d recommend whole heartedly to everyone?

Melissa Wise

What's the one episode you want to do but either can't or don't think it's possible?

Adam T. Berns

If you HAD to move to a new state but it couldn't be one you've already lived in (had to change your address AND driver's license) which state would you move to and why?

Penny Loader

FTQA! What is your favourite flower? And why? And also is Victorian Flower Language on the list? Please, thanks, peace and love 😘

Renee Wanger

What is your favorite kind of pie?!

Jake Rideout

How did you meet Simone Giertz? And have you two considered taking over the world together? I'd vote for that ticket

Jordan Irons

Dad ward, 1) love you, 2) favorite science author/book? 3) top 5 bands? 4) favorite sci-fi film/series? 6) thank you for your amazing show, it is like comfort food for my ears and heart. <3

Hope J 🏳️‍🌈

Which has been your favorite Ologies episode to record/your favorite ologist of 2023? Favorite podcast of 2023?

Hannah Smith

What's the best/wildest way you've gotten ahold of an ologist to be on an episode? Also what is your favorite color?

Kate Gatton

What would your baseball/etc walkout song be?

Al

What hobby(ies) are you finding yourself engaged in when you're not working on the podcast?

Naomi

Any current hyperfixations (ex. Podcasts, shows, subjects)?

Scott Anderson

Do you have any episode ideas that you can’t find the right ologist to present?

DelilahD

>Favorite childhood memory? >A song that is your personal ear worm - you just can’t shake it once you hear it? >What are your accomplishments from making ologies? (I want you to brag on yourself) >How on earth do you go through all of the questions you receive? A spreadsheet by topic? A list?

Rich Pasenow

Is it challenging working so closely with your husband?

Rachel Kendrick

When you were a kid what did you want to be/think you would be when you grew up

Rebecca Roehm

I’ve kind of been curious as to the charitable donations that are made for each ologist. Is it a flat amount? A percentage?

Nathalie Jones

How is your rock (magnet?) collection these days?

ScienceInTheArt

Are there any professional songwriters left still earning a living?

Dianna Smith

Has the podcast changed your view of the world in any way? If so, how? What’s your biggest take away to this point?

Dave DeBaeremaeker

What is your favorite fact you've learned from an ologist?

Eric Burnette

Why have you never done a CRYPTOZOOLOGY episode even though it’s in your catchy theme song!!! I want nothing else in life

Rachel Kendrick

If safety, ethics, and laws weren’t a factor, what animal would you want as a pet

Dr Laura M Smith

Have you ever fantasised about being an ologist yourself? What would be your ology of choice?

Rick Gordon

Do you have an future plans on doing more expeditions for learning.

Linda Bailey

Have you read the book, “How Emotions Are Made” by Lisa Feldman Barrett? It answered for me the question, why brainspotting doesn’t work for nearly enough people. It worked like a charm for me and was perplexed as to why not for everyone.

Dave DeBaeremaeker

What is the best thing about being a podcaster? What is the worst thing?

Caitlin Morrison

I admire so much that ologies was a project that you had has a hopefully one day kind of idea that has become a reality . How did you get yourself to really go for it and start ologies??

Dave Brewer

A friend in college said, "You'll regret the things you didn't do more than things you did." He wasn't right about a lot of things but in my experience, he was right about that. What's something you regret not doing?

Anna Reed

Do you have a favorite motto or words to live by?

Megan Ramirez

What has been a favorite memory from your time making Ologies so far?

Mariana Alvarez

what's something you learned from doing the podcast that changed your life?

Chris Whitman

No question. Just want to say you are an awesome human being! Love your podcast and love what you bring to this crazy experience of flying on a rock through space (and time)!

Charline

What is your funniest childhood memory?

Kaffeine

How do you discern who would make a good ologist to interview before you commit to interviewing them? How often do you have to throw out interviews? Asking as someone who has very bad trust issues haha.

David Villafranco

What's the deal with fungus growing on a mushroom, it's like mushroom-ception

Shanel Wilson

My 8 yr old daughter who has been a fan since Brainchild and now an avid Smologies listener would like to know what your favorite cryptid is 🩷

Kavelizrd

How long does it take to put together a podcast with all of your deep dives?

Alia Myers

What is your favorite question an ologite has ever submitted for an episode?

Chandler Witherington

What beach did you go to when you took the break a couple months ago? And, related, what’s the favorite place you’ve traveled or favorite state you’ve been to since you’ve been to 49 out of 50 (besides California!)?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

How do we harness the intersection between art and science to make the future freaking awesome? Like practically what steps do you see scientists and artists like us taking to bring this power into the future??

daniel schmaniel

when you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ellen

Would you like to come over for game night if you’re ever in Atlanta?

Claire Netto

what have your favorite or most memorable interactions with insects been over the years?

Erin R.

I first discovered you on Inovation Nation (no kiddos here but I can't resist science and puns). I've purchased 2 products I learned about from the show (food huggers and fresh paper). Have you purchased any of the products you've reported on for the show?

Leah Rebecca

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Jenny Lowe Rhodes

Do you speak any other languages? Any you aspire to learn?

Spencer Parks

What are some of your favorite podcasts, or do you even have time for them? What’s your stance on socks? Holidays. Which are great and which need to go? House chores. How do you split them up?

Sarah Nyland

Hi Aly! You’re so cool and I can’t say enough how much I respect and love Ologies. My question is, do you have an *opinion* on what consciousness is or how it evolved? I’m a layperson (neuroscience hopeful) interested in it and I think that every animate being in the universe can have a sense of what it is, since after all our identities are made of it! And I thought if I could one day get your opinion on this I’d positively swoon.

Lizzy Martinez

Dadward! What's your favorite meal for breakfast? Are you a pancakes or waffles person? Also, I sent you an IG DM but happy birthday to you here, too!!!

Kiki’s Delivery Service

What’s one thing you haven’t done yet that’s at the top of your bucket list? (Or two or five. Choosing is hard. :))

Avelyn

Hi Alie! Are there any places in the world you’re dying to go and visit? If so, why?

Rick T

I’m in Atlanta too. I wanna play!

Rick T

How do you find the audio blurbs for your asides?

Evan Davis

Do you have any plans on making another gynecology episode that's more inclusive to trans men? Ive listened to every episode except for that one because of the female targeted language for our reproductive system :(

Melissa Berger

Any recs for cool places/ways to make friends and find community in LA? Asking for a someone who is new-ish there. (Also wouldn’t mind recs for LA visitors since I’ll be there next month!). Also, happy birthday!

Jessica Rudd

If you had to swap jobs with any of the ologists you’ve interviewed so far, who would it be and why? As always, love the podcast!

mish the fish

what was your favorite part of being a ucsb gaucho? mine was the free massage chairs at CAPS

Alia Myers

Would you ever do live shows?

Catherine Jameson

Do you ever wish someone would interview you and if so, what do you wish they would ask you? (I guess that's what the AMA is for!)

Tori Baggot

What is the weirdest or wildest museum you've been to?

Diana Teeter

Any life advice about work/life balance, or keeping yourself from burnout especially when your passion becomes your job? I’m…asking for a friend 😬😬😬 Me. It’s me. I’m the “friend”

Michael Wegman

When are you going to have Cara Santa Maria on to talk about eschatological psychology?

JENN 'Benthopelagic squirrel' ALVAREZ

Have you ever been to MBARI? I'm going in Feb. If so, what is the MUST SEE thing there? Are you regretting letting us (me) ask eleventysquirrel questions?

Sophia A

If you were to choose one Ology to study yourself, what would it be and why?

marina

If you could magically be turned into a corvid, what species would you choose to be?

Michelle Lee

What is an Ologies episode that most surprised you during the interview?

Megan Skye

Has there ever been an ologist interview you didn’t release? If so, why?

Katie Hammond

How did you develop your interview style?

Aimee Bee

Bewbs!! And bras?!?! Other than keeping them from jiggle jiggling when engaged in sports or combat… why oh why (I mean you don’t have to lecture me on patriarchy and the male gaze) and when did the torture boobie contraptions start being worn leisurely?!?! And why is it still such a big damn deal to let them hang loose?

kaitsometimes

Oo how the turn tables! What do you like most about being the host of Ologies and what do you dislike the most about being the host of Ologies?

Cate Muenker

Do your dad jokes come naturally? If you did a live show do you think you could pull it off? Which ologist do you wish you got to go out into the field with? Which ologist are you glad you didn’t have to go out into the field with? Can the listeners choose which charity the donation goes to for an episode? Maybe the next AMA?

Doug Paice

Is there anyone you'd love to interview, but you just haven't been able to find an "ology" for them? e.g. a mathematician (like Hannah Fry as a non-random example) doesn't really have an ology. Or just that they are really interesting, but not really a specialist. Is there a topic you'd love to cover that you can't find an ologist and/or ology for?

Pretty Bird

Let’s hear what your favorite question you ever asked, please!

erina1967

How did you get the idea for ologies ? I'm a fairly recent ologies convert so you may have talked about it in earlier episodes. Did you ever do an episode on cats? Felinology? Lol.

Tim Pfarr

How much of a running list of episode topics do you have at a given time? How long does it take typically from conception to releasing an episode? Also, thank you for all the great episodes to date :)

Kevin Parichan

Happy Birthday! What's one birthday present you wanted as a kid but your parents refused to get you?

Lily

I want to know more about the fun little sound bites, like the audio memes y'all add. Who comes up with those? Where do you find them? Is it like you know what you want or you search until it hits? I absolutely love them and they're one of my favorite special touches. Unrelated, if you could be any insect what would you be and why? (I have been doing the "5 and 3s" practice you talked about in your last AMA every day, and its helped me tremendously, thank you <3)

GhoulNextDoor

Any favorite memories from your time as a goth teen?

Deacon Raid

What would be your “perfect day”?

Cat Baklarz

And do you have to ask a college student for access to JSTOR or hard-to-find books like I sometimes need to?? 🐙

Brian Madsen

I feel bad asking this question because I know you're already overworked and overwhelmed. At the same time, if there were a Patreon supporting membership level that included ad-free versions of episodes, I'd join that tier in a heartbeat. What would need to happen to persuade you to consider this?

Kate Oldham

Do you have a specific memory of just “fuck it, I’m gonna live a life that I love”? Because it seems like that’s how you live your life and it’s definitely inspired me to do the same 🥰

Rose McCathran

If you were to do musicology, who would you ask to do it with?

Andrew Mills

Which episodes do you recommend to people in the early stages of becoming an ologist? Were there any insights that interviewees laid out about their career path where you just knew it would be foundational to anyone going into the sciences? I have my list of your episodes and I wonder how it matches with your own list!

Cierra

Do you have a *new* favorite spot at the LA Natural History Museum?

Rachel Skiles

How are you so brave and focused when talking to such a diverse mix of super brainiacs?

Cat Baklarz

Okay, whew, lots of questions! 1. Updates on the stray dog situation? I admire that you are taking care of him and looking for a foster, but it must be stressy. You did that in spite of the stressy. Yay you.

Cat Baklarz

2. How do you manage to stay so positive? I do science communication as well and it's fulfilling but not when it feels like the world is ending.

Milan Ilnyckyj

What is your process for deciding if a potential end-of-episode secret is really OK to share? Are there any you regret making known?

Boreal Becca

Is this an Alieology episode? Then we must know what’s the best and worst parts of your job. Also, what’s the most mind blowing things you’ve learned doing ologies or has impacted you the most.

Crystal Wilson

I don't really have a question. But I just want to comend you on reaching so many hearts, being your authentic self with us and being TRULY the best God damnd poddad ever.

Milan Ilnyckyj

OMG. Whenever I listen to any given Ologies episode part of my brain is marveling at how the host does such a good job, and then the production timeline side of which I know nothing occurs to me and I am grateful and impressed

Cat Baklarz

3. What is the goth-est science book/media you've consumed?

Trevor Hagedorn

Fun question: what is the funniest story a guest has shared during an interview? Serious question: what advice can you give to us non-professional science communicators to help more people trust science and scientists?

Felicia Stelsel

Do fans frequently recognize you in public and how do you feel about having fans coming to say “hi”?

Milan Ilnyckyj

A very good question! Maybe you should share your thoughts on it more extensively as well

Average_pi

2 questions: would you rather eat 10 buttons or a worm and other podcasts you enjoy.

Colin Maydahl

Are we gonna get the psychedelic medicine episode?

Erin

I’ve always wondered how you find the audio snippets from movies-- do you usually have a specific phrase/scene in mind, do you have to google them, or is there a database somewhere?

Bookworm Erika

Of all the ologists you’ve interviewed, whose role could you see yourself in and enjoying the most? Which role would you want to be in the least? (Or, would be the most difficult for you if you don’t want to name the least.)

gg

For the last fifty years fusion reactors will produce lots of energy with water vapor as a waste product in the next ten years. Someone even invented Cold Fusion with a tabletop reactor generating power at room temperature - of course it was bogus. Any progress or will I have to ask again in ten years. A friend from Caltech said that a director asked a scientist how to see your breath on a cold day back east while in LA. So he gave him a small vial of radon or radium to put in the actors' mouth so steam would come out when he spoke. He warned not to bite down on the glass vial. It was a miracle. The actor just loved it that late in the day he forgot and accidentally bit down on it. Not much happened after the side of his head was blown off.

redtoque

What are 3 things you are grateful for? What are 3 ways you've been taking care of yourself?

Brittney Corrigan

What's something you used to dislike but then ended up liking after interviewing an ologist about it? (I know it's not ticks or mucus!)

Lee Wang

1. Favorite Cocteau Twins song/album? 2. Has any guest ever been confused/offended when you ask for their pronouns? 3. What does the editing process look like? Do you give the raw audio to the editor and they splice it into a tidy narrative? How/when do you record your asides?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

If you were to create a time capsule representing your life, what three items would you include?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

What's the most spontaneous or adventurous thing you've ever done?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

What's the most bizarre talent or skill you possess that nobody would guess?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

What's the weirdest food combination you secretly (or not so secretly😂) enjoy?

Zed Shirogane

It might be a return topic because there’s already been a sea otter ology but I am studying, through SFSU’s IMES program, the prey accessibility for sea otters in modeled low anthropogenic risks in Sn Francisco Bay. So in essence I’m working on potentially bringing sea otters back to the Bay Area, and will hopefully continue working on the implications of doing so after assessing if there’s enough food to even sustain a population here. Since they historically have been in SF Bay, there’s a lot of pros and cons of bringing them back, as the bay has changed drastically since. I could go on and on about it lol.

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

Can you share a significant life lesson you've learned that shaped who you are today?

Elizabeth Davis

How do you take your coffee? Also, you're a pretty awesome shotgun buddy on my way to work, so thanks for that.💛

Laura Kinney

What is a book that have read over and over? Or a book with a special place in your heart?

Jason Lowenthal

What's the biggest leap of faith you've taken that has gotten you to the path you're on (I suppose it's a large assumption that you're living your life on your terms and loving it, but it seems to be, despite the hardships that come with it).

Hannah Riedl

What are my Dadpod’s favorite podcasts?

Toni Spumoni

how did it all begin? ie. What made you want to make Ologies?

Melissa Hart

Happy Birthday! What are your feelings about approaching 50? I'm 53 & I'm trying to embrace gray hair and wrinkles and progressive lenses, but frankly, it's a pisser. :)

Becky Milliner

Canned smoked oysters? Seems like she mentioned those on her ARIYNBF quiz

Patricia Brewster

What are noseeums? Where do the come from and why do the leave itchy volcanoes wherever they bite, mainly on your scalp?

Abby Grieb

Alie, I just want to say that you are the best and ologies has gotten me through my PhD research when I didn’t know if I could make it! Thank you for being amazing 💕

Becky Milliner

*Current shampoo/conditioner? Or favorite from the past *Current facial cleanser/moisturizer *Favorite mascara? *please treat yourself to Thrive mascara, It's Worth it! *Please share any/all cosmetics you enjoy* #GalChat

Stephanie

I feel like the answer has been revealed as a pastry at noon but hoping that improved

Ella Whaanga

Do you read fiction books? and if so what one has your favourite world in it and what character would you tell cool facts to until they couldn't resist being your friend.

Ellie Frances

What’s your favorite pastime that someone might not guess?

Stephen Woo

Since you always are so enthusiastic about every topic, I want to ask: ever met an ology you didn't like? Has there ever been a science topic you came across and just thought, "I'll pass on that one thanks"

Danira Garcia Gutierrez

When you first started, how did you go about finding people to interview? How did you ask them? (I want to start shadowing physicians and don't know how to find them/ ask them).

Doug Pettepier

You did a podcast Slumber Party(?) before Ologies. I've wondered for a long time whether you are still in touch with your co-host.

Collenne

Or a French toast person?

Josh Frye

When you were a kid, let's say 10-12 ish, what did you imagine about adult life that is 1) closest to your life today and 2) furthest from your life today?

Abbe

What are your religious beliefs? Love the show and the light you bring to our lives Alie :)

Leslie Feldman

How did you get into science and science tangential writing and communications? And what would you recommend to someone looking to be in a similar field (ie science/medical liaison, science writer…etc.)

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

Can you share your code of ethics for interviewers and science communicators? What are mistakes you try REALLY hard not to make? What are mistakes you've made and learned from?

Becca Addison

Who would be your #1 most wished for guest, alive or dead? Or top 5 if you can't pick just one.

Keely Chavez

Happy Birthday! I want to know as a fellow (kinda) reformed goth, do you still feel those vibes? I know you know what I mean. Wife piggyback: she wants to know: does my dog know that I love her? And, can dogs be autistic? We love your energy sis, thank you for being you!

Voxothoth

If you could be an expert in any of the ologies you've had on the show, which would it be?

Deb K

Out of all of the terrifically informative episodes you’ve done, do you have a favorite? If so, which Ology takes the prize and why? Thank you for your amazing curiosity and unbridled enthusiasm. I learn new things with every ology, smiling all the while 🤩

John Stetler

Last month I listened to an episode where you said you were a big fan of fiona apple. My question is when did you first discover her music? And if your feeling generous I've got a follow up question, what are your top five songs of hers?

John Stetler

Forgot to say how much I love and appreciate you and this podcast❤️❤️❤️

Jellybean Green

What's a question you've been longing for someone to ask you during a Q&A? (And then answer it too please.)

Alyssa Berg

Any new ADHD tricks and tips you’ve found that work for you since your last life advice and ADHD episodes? SO much of the way you describe your brain, habits, strengths, and challenges makes me go “Omg wow yes EXACTLY! Same!!!” and while that is endlessly comforting, I also want an easier time for both of us!

zanabanana

I’ve wondered for a long time… why don’t school buses have seat belts?

Bonnie Detwiller

If you could permanently bring back to life any extinct animal, which lucky animal or species would you pick?

Gordon Haas

Try "Squaring The Strange". They've done many on Cryptids. Ben Radford . cohost, Is the best expert on Chupacabra.

Gordon Haas

Who are some of your BFF Ologists? Is Sarah MacAnulty one?

Holly Giorgio-Dundon

Tubular! I didn’t catch that interview. I asked her, specifically, about odd food combinations, (e.g. pickles and peanut butter or apples and cheddar cheese). Canned smoked oysters could qualify as a singularity? And a delicious one at that😋🦪

Paul Hoffman

Name two ologies you thought of and immediately said “no way” to.

Katie Murray

Do you get recognized in public much? Mostly by voice? I realize you’re not Cameron Diaz but there are a LOT of Ologists out there.

Gordon Haas

Have you ever met the Obamas (Since you worked on Ada Twist, Scientist)? Any other "celebrities" you count as friends?

Lindsay Howells

Hi Ali! I so appreciate the way you cultivate such an inclusive online community with your curiosity and willingness to authentically show up, and learn in public. I feel like you could do a whole episode on this, or teach a class, but I would love to know more about how you build inclusive community and what the challenges have been in creating it. You seem to do it so gracefully, but I’m sure there have been struggles or backlash or nasty comments at times. How do you cope with those things and maintain your unapologetic yet compassionate attitude toward those who give you shit?

Emmett

Forgive me if this a weird question from a supportive stranger on the internet, but—Would you be willing to draw a potential tattoo for me? 🥺 I love the drawings you did for the Ologies logo, and this podcast has meant so much to me I would very much get your art as my first tattoo. Just curious, no pressure :) Your work brings so much light into my life, and I want you to know that I appreciate all that you do! Keep being your amazing self Dadward!

Charlotte Fjelkegård

I came here to ask the same thing, and third this excellent question.

Charlotte Fjelkegård

It obviously takes a lot of people to make ologies and handle "everything" around it. (THANKS TO YOU ALL!) Did you know everyone on your team before you started working together, or have you had to actively recruit for some specific skill sets?

Deanna DePietro

Woo an AMA! You've touched on this in the past but curious to know since how you cope with anxiety? Being an anxious AF person (who takes everything personally and deeply), I admire your authenticity and ability to stay positive when shit is not going your way (i.e., illness, criticism...). You are an amazing role model and I'm so grateful for all that you do Ali...super inspiring to us out here so thank you!!!

Eva Haisova

What's your favourite book and why?

Lene Olszeth

If you had to spend eternity doing one thing, what would that thing be?

Yngvi

Which band was your favorite when you were goth?

kexi

What's the Favoriten Part about your Job(s)? What's the Most annoying? (I am Not a kreative Person, but I am actially curious about this!)

PopsicleEmperor

If you could study anything and be your own ologist what would you choose?

Unity

Bet this is it!

Euan Munro

When you started the podcast, how many did you think you were going to do?

Aidan Dorn

What’s your ultimate guilty pleasure food? Be specific!

Matt Hirschl

How much longer do you anticipate doing Ologies?

Naomi Jane

What one fact you've unearthed through the podcast now constantly just lives in your head rent free?

Naomi Jane

Do you collect anything? Apart from questions to ask cool people 😎

Susana Capucho

with so many ology knowledge now, if you had to choose one for a career what would it be? and why?

Susana Capucho

is there an ology you would refuse/dread to do?

RoadLesTravelled

when did you first expand your audience beyond your elementary classroom? you must have 'always' wanted to share knowledge.

Zuza

I know this might be a hard to talk about, and a possible trigger for someone (so: TW), though I will still ask it: In many episodes you mention that someone mugged you. How did you cope with that? Any details on (mental) recovery?

Zuza

What is your favourite other-than-ologies podcast?

Zuza

Classic: what is the worst thing about your job? And what is the best? :D

Anna

Or Seattle! I’ll find an ologist or two to join 😊

Olga Kolesnikova

Would you ever do a live ologies show? And if so do you think you'd ever do one in the UK?

Matthew Walcher

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

Matthew Walcher

If you could be any animal, what would you choose to be?

Matthew Walcher

What do you think is your most justified paranoia? How do you justify it?

Dave Cannon

What artists/band do you listen to? What's your biggest guilty pleasure band? Who can you not listen to anymore?

Stephanie Trout Berman

Did you ever get sent to the Principal's office? (Cuz I did and I cried so hard he let me go....haha)

Design 83

There’s the classic: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? How about … It’s a cold morning, no one is watching, socks with sandles -yes or no?

Christina Johnson

Did you ever Invision Ologies touching so many lives? It's crazy how many ppl I know who love the episodes as much as I do! I've told people about the show who have " no interest in science stuff".. and they're absolutely hooked. How did you think out creating a show to be so accessible and hilarious! Was that in the plan or did it just kind of happen organically?

Julie Glass

You, your voice, your wisdom and wit have been a shining light in some of my dark days. What media do you find inspiring and help you find humor and passion in this crazy world?

StrawbrryMom 🍓

What’s your favorite tv show? (For leisure - Nothing you’ve worked on!)

Christina Johnson

Also, how do you know so much about so much? Like how the heck do you have a super intellectual conversation with someone on taste, volcanoes, birds, evolution, weather, moss, and the universe.. I know I would be stumbling just to keep up with the ologists!! Do you do a lot of research on each topic even before you meet with the ologist?

Elisabeth Westner

Just re-listened to the ADHD episodes after finally getting a diagnosis last month. It was those episodes that led me to believe I actually had ADHD, so thank you a million times for them. Now that it's been awhile since your diagnosis, I am wondering how you've been doing ADHD-wise (and Jarrett, too) and if you are using medication or just life hacks to help with it.

Jacob Elsbree

I’m interested in knowing roughly how much gets donated to the charities each week.

Anne

Whats your most story-worthy injury?

Daniel Donaldson

When is the podcast on pachydermology coming? It is in the theme song...

Diane Heise

Which ologist surprised you the most?

Scott Anderson

How intentional or challenging is it to maintain the diversity of your ologists?

Lindsay Mayer

If you could only recommend one book that you think everyone should read, what would it be?

Dicken Crane

How do those seemingly random comments and movie clips manifest themselves in the back ground?

Zuleika Pevec

Have you ever recorded an interview and then not posted it because it was too boring or the guest was an a-hole in some way?

Rachel Cannon

Where is the best place to get a breakfast burrito in LA?

Jenna Congdon

What is the absolute most unhinged meme/quote/scene/lyric/whatever that lives in your head rent-free, and do you say it out loud when it pops up, or just keep it to yourself?

Jeff Petters

The recent Gremmie secret had me in the first half, not gonna lie. What writing or acting classes have you taken and would recommend to become a better storyteller?

Kai Kishimoto

If you could go on a wildlife safari to any period of earth's history, what would you like to see?

Liss Timm

Did you get my post card from the Mississippi Headwaters?

Rebecca Rondon

Do you have any advice for those of us trying to make our own, non linear, paths in stem? Signed, a tech/business worker by day, environmental science student by night. I'm an aspiring environmental engineer but I don't know anybody who has tried to make the shift from S(T)EM to (S)TEM 🥹

Catherine BH

What's your favorite meal? (either meal of the day, or specific favorite food to eat for a meal)

Jim Ottaviani

Have you changed your life, or your habits, or even something small because of what you learned from a guest? If so, how? I ask because I remember an episode where we could hear the sad trombone sound in your voice after an ologist suggesting — gently! — that your practice of burning incense before embarking on creative work was a bad idea, at least from your lungs' perspective.

Ja Jo: Art & Craft

Will you go to see the periodical cicada Brood XIX next year?

Colleen Sellwood

Does Gremmie see Jared as the spare human or as a second parent?

Teale Vee

What is the most important thing you’ve learned to maintain a healthy mind?

Jessie

Is Bag End in the Shire a reference to a cul-de-sac?

Field Trip Mail Club

Hello from a fellow science communicator (focused on geology)!! Do you have any advice that you wish someone told you earlier on in your scicomm career that you wish more people knew?

Alex Joseph

What are your thoughts on Jenny Lewis?

Vincent Beck-Jones

Would you do a vegan episode please? You could save both human and animal lives.

Meagan Walker

Do you get recognized in public?

Emma is Rosey

What are some of the best books you’ve read this year?

Emma is Rosey

What other podcasts do you listen to?

Meagan Walker

Do you have any advice for getting used to hearing your own voice and seeing yourself on video? I want to make more content but always feel suuuuper awkward about seeing and hearing myself! 🫣

Merryn Lush

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Why? And what animal would you *actually* be if the five people that know you best had to vote based on your personality? I remember you reading a review where someone said you had “golden retriever energy” and I think about that a lot.

Ray Holloman

Who is your favorite power ranger and why?

Jessica Cingel

Do you have any kind of daily/weekly routine? I imagine that with the nature of your work, your days are always different. And is that difficult?

Rebekah Fitchett

What is your favorite bone? Fruit? Animal? Plant? Color?

Jessica Cingel

Also, will you look into doing an episode about prosthetics? I am fascinated by the junction of form and function, art and science. If I had to do my adult life over, I would pursue a career in prosthetics in some way.

Ashlee Dent

This question is in the realm of one I saw on a tv show you cohosted, 100 Humans, when you guys asked how people fold or crumple their TP to wipe their bums. I’ve always wondered that and asked my friends and also I love how awkward it got with folks mocking their experience. We’re all just humans after all! My question is how do you dry off after a shower? Do you bring the towel in the shower or step out soaking wet? Do you dab yourself or scrub yourself? Do you follow the same pattern each time or is it always chaos? From the odd and intrigued, I thank you.

Megan Younce

Can you please link the source video that the "I haaaaaaaaate it" clip is from? I remember you talking about it as early as the Slumberparty podcast and I've tried to find the video for years to no avail. OR, do you have a favorite trinket you've collected? Could be anything. Something you keep on your desk or a on a shelf or in your car or your purse?

Yuri

What oligies episode has most impacted how you live your daily life? (Very simple example might be starting to compost. I can't think of a better example right now but you know what I mean)

joesyourmom

What episode or interview changed the way you live the most? I reference ologies all the time, i cant imagine what coukd be happening for you!

Derek Peloquin

How do you feel about meeting fans of the show (or you or Jarrett) in the wild?

Sarah Khanlian

Yes! Smiths commercials (as they are branded in Albuquerque) provide an unexpected spark of joy! Thanks Dad!!

Ed Lee

Hello Allie! What's your go to dish when you're invited over for a potluck supper with buddies? Thanks!

Sarah Khanlian

Happy belated Birthaversary! Do you have any special or unusual traditions to celebrate your birthday?

Elizabeth Warren

Are you and Gorgia still friends? If so did she get you something as cool as a metal detector for your wedding gift?

Dylan V

What is your process for coming up with questions to ask the ologists? I have several friends that are working on or have recently become ologists, and I want to ask them the insightful questions about their research!

gabriel.jones

You are such an inspiration - not only for your podcasting prowess, but also for being willing to share the personal highs and lows with everyone in such a genuine way. Do you have someone that inspires you and that you can "virtually" commiserate with (your own version of a Dadward)?

noahmplant

what are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?

Margot Louis

I’ve learned things in this podcast that have genuinely helped me. For example in the fear episode, learning to categorize my anxieties into a fear of being out of control or fear of not being good enough helps me deal with my anxiety. And the ADHD episodes just allowed for better understanding of myself, my mom, and grandma; also found resources to help manage my symptoms. I’m curious, have you learned anything while talking to your guests on this pod that has helped you?

Margot Louis

How did you get into science communications? Where did it all begin? What’s your origin story?

Margot Louis

How did Gremmie get her name?

Margot Louis

The episode about aging had me CACKLING when alie said “does he hate me?”

Margot Louis

Second this! I need all the help I can get hah

Margot Louis

Which episodes did you enjoy doing the most?

Margot Louis

Any episodes stand out as your favorite/most interesting to you?

Margot Louis

Do you constantly tell people fun facts? After listening to your pod I always tell people factoids I learn here. I can’t stop!!!!

Melanie Lee

What career advice would you give to someone looking to get into science communication / science related production gigs?

Cassie Kenton

Love the trailer park boys reference

Melanie Lee

I would love to know more about your career journey over the years and how you became our DadWard! What were some of the challenges and how did you move through them?

Sarah Sarah

what’s the best bad idea you’ve had recently? or ever?

Sarah Sarah

I loved that show, and I remember loving the funny, pretty woman with the red hair so much. then, when I listened to ologies for the first time a few years later, I was so excited to realize it was her

Sarah Sarah

how many ologists’ phone numbers do you have, how do you label their contacts (do you put the ology in there?), and how many do you remain in contact with regularly?

Gwen Kelly

Half of all the reviews say something like, “I really didn’t think I was going to be interested in such-and-such-ology, but then I listened to the episode, and it was so interesting!” Are there any -ologies you’ve come across that you were just like, “Nah, not interested?” Or “There is no way I can make this into a good episode”? Any that you initially dismissed and then changed your mind? Also who (ologists) or what (ologies) are still on your dream list to do for the podcast?

Jordan Sabolish

What was most surprising thing that you’ve learned from one of your interviews?

FondoDondo35

Who do you read? Fiction and/or non-fiction? (Or do you even have time to read?)

Suzanna Green

What aside took you the most takes to record? Also what aside was your favorite to record?

FondoDondo35

Hey, and how about an Ologists reading list???

Colby Evans

Alie did those drawings!?! Holy cow, just so talented

Chelsea Wilck

What is your fave board game and why is it trivial pursuit? Hahaha

Alexander Schwank

Was there ever (a part of) an interview that went horribly wrong? How did you deal with it?

Chelsea Wilck

Also seeing a lot of questions about book recs and I must ask, have you ever thought about doing an ologies book club? I read Braiding Sweetgrass this year because of the bryology episode and it was just so so so good so I trust your book judgement already lol

Chelsea Wilck

Oh also also! what are your fave goth bands (and songs?)

Alexander Schwank

Do you have a question you regret not asking? Are you wishing for a time machine ever since?

Earl of Greymalkin

I'd like to hear all about Gremmie ;D What are Gremmie's fav snacks? Can we get audio of the snacking? How many nicknames does she have? Derpiest incident? Favorite toy? If Gremmie was an ologist, which ology would she study?

Merryn Lush

10/10 would join this book club. You could pick an existing or upcoming ology every month and the book has to come from the show notes or on-theme fiction. Then we could also support the ologists at the same time if they’ve written books

jen baker

If you could be shrunk down and injected into any living thing (a la magic school bus or the 80’s classic inner space) what animal, person, bug, spore would you want to explore? Also: Favorite Victorian oddity Best lip smakers smell Fries or onion rings 🤣

JT

What is wrong with Florida? and can we get an Ologies to discuss it

Courtney Horowitz

Have you been to Dubai? (Context - my smologist and I were talking about our cousin Alli going to Dubai and he got very confused about which Alie was going to Dubai and I said he only knows one and he said he knows two, because he knows you and I said I have no possible way of knowing if you’ve been to Dubai but because of this maybe I do now!)

Storm

what’s your favourite animal? (also asked by my mum)

Storm

how does it feel to have impacted so many lives (like inspiring people to go to uni etc), personally my career goal is to be interviewed by you when i become an ologist!

Storm

what’s your favourite ologies episode?

Storm

favourite piece of flim flam that has been debunked?

AlyssaMalyssa

Yes, along this line is she a picky eater? Does she prefer sweet or savory?

AlyssaMalyssa

Can we get a spoon update?! I feel like it’s been a while (and that’s ok!!) so I’m wondering how you and Jarrett are doing with whittling spoons, or something else, if you’ve changed gears!! Crafty hobby things are my favorite, so whatever you’re doing to keep you hands busy!

Snarky Mermaid

Does the weirdness of quantum physics ever end, or is it like the size of the universe? Wait… did we decide the universe was infinite? As a side note I’m still recovering from the horror of you thinking your dog had passed away under your airplane seat.

michaela a. gabriel

Who's the world's top Alie-ologist and what would s/he talk about in an Alie-ology episode?

Garnet

So I originally posted this after my review but I felt like it made the review too long!! And I’ve wanted to join and support for a while! So these are my afterthoughts PS: came back here after creeping other reviews- can we get an ologist to discuss the witch episode backlash? Also my thoughts about it are if 95% of our universe is dark matter/energy and therefore by definition unknowable to us then how can anyone say something like magic spells hexes etc isn’t real?! PPS: just a comment but I’m SO offended by any negative reviews knowing that your tender heart might see them and I just want you to know that I WILL be speaking to those people’s mothers about their behavior!!!!!!

Sriya Karra

If you could ask a crystal ball any yes or no question, what would it be?

Sriya Karra

Has any university reached out to give you an honorary doctorate in ologies?

Sriya Karra

What’s a question you’ve always wanted to ask someone or an ologist, but never have?

Sriya Karra

While you're often asked about your favorite ology, I'm curious, can you share which Ologies episode has had the most significant impact on you personally, or one that you feel has contributed the most to the show's evolution? P.S. I hope that when you save an ologist’s contact information on your phone, you put a lil emoji that corresponds to their ology:) (Sree-yuh Kuh-Ruh)

Marc Albert

Who were the science communicators that inspired you as you figure it out your style?

Becky McDowell

I think you are an amazing science communicator, and I'm starting to realize that despite my science and education degrees, I suck at it. What helped you learn to phrase your questions so well? How do you break down such complex content to make it understandable to a wide audience?

Cat Baklarz

Do you have any advice for when your passion starts to feel like a burden? I've seen lots of science communicators burn out and I'm doing my best to take care of myself and set boundaries at my job. Did you learn anything that might help?

Airianna

Do you have any tattoos? If so, what are they of? (:

Zinc

do you feel like you’re maintaining a more sustainable and nourishing balance now than before your break? i and i’m sure others love your podcast and what you do so much that i know i will stick around through whatever you need.

Jeffrey Vanderlip

Based on your experience, if you could snap your fingers and become any type of ologist, what would you become?

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

Your asides are some of my favorite bits from each episode and will send me off cry-laughing in the car (I promise you haven't caused an accident!). Having ADHD myself, I have to ask, what's your process for researching and recording an aside and to keep it from completely derailing your day? I can imagine myself actually spending four hours watching barely relevant YouTube videos... do you do that too??

Fistful of Cheese

What / who were your humor influences growing up? Any particular shows / comedians / people that you felt were influential in developing your particular brand of humor (which we all love, by the way).

Dave

I’ll use my “First time question asker” token for a serious question: How’s your Mom doing? I hope your entire family has had a chance to recharge and recenter after what sounds like a pretty grueling couple years.

Ted Vician

Floridology episode needed! There is a Florida Historical Society (https://myfloridahistory.org/), who might be a good resource to find a Floridologist to interview.

Milan Ilnyckyj

If you had $1,000,000 that had to be used for a Simone Giertz useless robot, what would you two build?

Milan Ilnyckyj

Me also - plus reading the books of people you interviewed as tangible examples that it is possible to get a book done and out

Between Dumplings

After your break/re-set...what changes have you made toward better health. Did they stick?

Maité Huerta

Could you do an online quiz for us? like just take a random uquiz quiz and record yourself taking it. I feel like that would be really fun to hear!!!

Malia 🌀🩻

I know I'm a little bit late to this, but i was wondering if you would ever want to do an interview about health... specifically about kinesiology. I love to hear a specialist speak about how the muscles perform while working out and how different dietary choices effect the human body (carbs, protein, sugars; what do they even do?). I already listen to ologies while working out, it would be cool to learn what working out changes in my body while I do it. Love ya alie <3

Savannah Jessop

I don’t have Apple Music to write a review, where else can I?

Andrew Piechocki

Have you checked out Body Unboxed? That series may be interesting for you

Olivia Eliasson

How did you start this podcast? Who did you interview and how did you convince them to do this podcast?

Annette Kasprzak

Can there be a resource for all the recommendations of books, people, movies and such that come out of the episodes?

Katie D

What are your tips for casual sci comm for a PhD student who hates making videos (I really don't want to do any video/audio editing)? I really enjoy writing but we seem to be very past the era of successful blogs or anything like that

Lisa

1) What is your favorite cheese? 2) Can I come visit you while on vacation in CA? (probably in like five years because children and life are expensive)

Kathleen Sachs

How is Gremie? I was concerned…and sad at first…after hearing that she was out cold on your plane trip and you couldn’t wake her.

Emma is Rosey

Not a question - I cited your indigikitchen episode in my university essay about colonization in Canada :)

Chelsea

With the world being so polarized right now, especially in the frame work of sound bites from tiktok, could you have an episode about either, the history of Israel, or how to do your own research beyond influencers, the actual definitions of words, such as genocide, or all of the above? Thank you

April Carter

Can you do an episode on elephants? I really need to know if it's true that elephants think we're cute.

Kbat

Have you done an episode on the connection between neurodivergent & sexuality / gender diversity? Thanks for the show. I love it.