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Happy week-between-national-holidays! I took some time to eat a lot of carbohydrates and nap and  do a fast and loose episode featuring wall-to-wall Patreon questions! Your podmother Jarrett Sleeper launched them at me as we lounged in his sister's guest room and what resulted is some backstory, some podcasting tips, favorite holidays, future plans, secrets about episodes that never aired and more. 

It's a weird one, and quite personal, and long, and I hope it keeps you company as you clean up casserole dishes and recycle wrapping paper. 

Also, as promised, NO edits. Off the cuff, au natural, vulnerable, and a peek behind the scenes. Let me know what you think. 

Hope you're cozy and got a little downtime. 

Off to board a plane to see my mom, 

Ol' Poddad VonVulnerable

Files

Alieology (YOUR HOST): an Ask-Me-Anything Goofy Hang - alie ward

It's like a whole episode of secrets. And your questions. And your podmom, Jarrett, hanging out in a guest room answering all kinds of inquiries.

Comments

Jon Boyer

I came late to the Ologies family - what’s the story behind being the podfather?

Christa Avampato

Oh I'm so excited to listen to this. Love you, Alie!

Willow Hall

So stoked to listen! Thank you Poddad! Enjoy the holiday sandwich that is this time of year!!!

Karen Underwood

What a treat! Thanks, doll, enjoy those carbs and naps😃

Nick

Such a great episode! More AMAs, and more with podmom Jarrett, you two are adorable together!

Felix Lasselle

Thanks pod-mom Jarrett for getting Alie to answer questions about herself. Genuinely super interesting. I love hearing mini-biographies of people whom I admire so this was great. Thanks for the cozy chat and happy holidays!

Donoiw

I know you hated it, Dad Ward, but it's kinda your own fault. You be that awesome, for that long, we're going to want to know a little bit more about you 🥰 ( Thank you )

Sara in Montana

All I really, really wanted for Christmas from my husband and kids was a Patreon account so I could support Ologies- and I got it! You have me contemplating how I want to spend the rest of my life and what is truly important to me. Thank you so much for sharing your learning adventures with the world! ❤️ from NW Montana!

Lainie McKeating

No question but a dose of gratitude, you once shared your fall-asleep secret and it's been nearly life changing for me! I use the prompt, "things I like" and list them alphabetically. It should start with - A: Alie Ward I barely get to letter C or D and boom, I'm asleep!

morbidbarbie

This is one of my favorite things I've ever listened to

Amy Goldfine

Alie, so glad you’re getting into cross-stitching! My fave hobby. Have you seen SubversiveCrossStitch.com? Great funny patterns, very much your taste I think, and easy to do.

Fi Cameron

How is it that you are so cool and weird in the best possible ways? But for real, what things/people in life contributed most to make you who you are today?

Margaret Downs

I have this downloaded and I'm going to try to save it for my flight home in a few days, but I may not be able to hold out that long. Shit's WEIRD in my life right now, not bad, mostly, just weird, and the week-between-national-holidays ep you put out last year is one I've returned to several times and it never fails to make me feel less alone.

Derek Peloquin

I haven't listened yet, but I already know I will be thanking you for putting yourself out there and always continuing to educate and share and help us all to be better humans. Thanks PodDad!

Hankie Mundane

‘Do your own asides episode’ was the laughter I needed today.

Hankie Mundane

I come from a red headed people, but didn’t get the phenotype… I look so natural when I dye red… and I’m easily the most red headed nature of the family. Also known as Sagittarius sun, Scorpio rising, Aries moon. You’re a great red head.

Connor they them

I loved this episode!!! Your chemistry is amazing. I had so many genuine laugh out loud moments. I loved hearing so much about you. And though turtles are my favorite animal, I definitely listen to ologies because of you. You are an incredibly cool, intelligent, and funny person. I respect you so much. Additionally as a gender queer person I really appreciate you normalizing asking and respecting pronouns. Also I thought the witchology episode was really cool. Hearing that perspective on witches was fascinating. Hope you had a happy holidays and wishing you the best in 2024!

GhoulNextDoor

This was such a fun episode to listen to! Thank you for doing it! I also now have Lets Get Loud stuck in my head

Ry_ofthetiger

How pissed were you when you saw the script for the Fred Meyer ad that was all about tomatoes???

Pam

This was such a fun episode! I GASPED when you talked about getting your hand stuck in the escalator handrails... the exact same thing happened to me when i was 4-ish. It sounds like your burns were way worse than what I experienced :(

Kaitlin J

Podmom is right, we could Google the turtle facts. Brace yourself, complement incoming: this podcast only works because you are an excellent science communicator and we love listening to YOU. You’re hilarious and I would listen to you read the phone book (I bet there would be asides about interesting last name etymologies and how phone numbers were invented). Follow your passions and make the content that is true to you because you built a community that’s here for it all, science, personal, and everything in between. Loved this episode to get to know my fave podcaster 🥳 Y’all had me cracking up and googling tailless iguanas

Miranda Garniss

I love these episodes so much, and the chemistry between you and our podmom is so good, and fun, and easy to tell its rooted in love

Frida

This episode is fantastic! The chemistry between you and Jarrett is absolutely amazing. I just loved the joy in Jarretts voice when he got to ask you questions that he did not know the answer to. What a lovely way to spend time with your spouse. Thank you both for this episode! Alieology is a great ology. Cold and snowy greetings from Sweden.

Noel Dietz

So fun! Thanks for the reminder about "My Side of the Mountain." I'm heading for a re-read.

Ja Jo: Art & Craft

Just listened, so sad it’s over! Thanks for taking the time to do this episode. Centaurs. I think of their possible anatomy too much. How many digestive tracks? How many hearts? How many belly buttons? I’m disappointed Boston dynamics hasn’t made wheel chair alternatives that turns us into cyborg centaurs.

Brenden O'Donnell

I loved listening to this one — the two of you clearly have such a wonderful connection. Thanks to Jlo.

Kristin

Loved the chill vibe of this episode. I wanted to say I appreciated the Witchology episode just as I appreciated the Gemology. Even if I don't necessarily believe all those things, doesn't mean it isn't valuable to have those voices on. Especially when it's something spiritual, we need an insider voice.

Emmett

The chill nature of this episode was much appreciated—I loved getting to know more about our Dadward! Thank you for all that you do Alie! ❤️

Amy Goldfine

I also read both of Hank Green’s novels this year. So good! I couldn’t put them down.

Hankie Mundane

I feel really annoyed that people got made at you for the witchology. That guest was an expert in their field! And a practitioner; and an historian. That episode was packed with information and joy and expertise. The upset people sound very western and ethnocentric.

Kathleen Sachs

Just popping in to say that I loved the episode on Witchcraft. I’m also a witch and it’s nice to feel represented.

Susan G

I adored this episode. It was so lovely! I do want to know more about Guess My Fart, though.

Margaret Downs

This was exactly how I felt! It's not what I believe, but I loved hearing about it. I saw a parallel between parts of the Witchology episode and the Bill Nye episode - both of them talk about being in awe/reverence of the world around us, and both of them came to me at times when I needed to be reminded to find things to be in awe of.

Anna Thompson

I took up cross stitching during the pandemic when I was unemployed and wanted something to do while I watched TV. I love the hobby! Can't wait to see some of your finished projects one day!

Maria Armero

I loved this episode. We are going to need an annual Alieology episode!!

Jae Steinbacher

Nonbinary person here grateful to Alie for asking pronouns and generally always trying to learn more to benefit trans listeners! Also, I too loved the Witchology episodes, and having visited Bali and spoken with someone who has seen sorcerers at work there... shit's real af. I'm very grateful you spoke to a person steeped in the culture who was also queer and not white!

James Jakes

I LOVE smoked oysters. Apart from my dad, I've never met anyone who more than tolerates them. Just found a recipe for smoked oyster dressing (stuffing). 😊

Autumn Lewis

I literally just joined Patreon to be able to tell you that I love hearing about you! Your husband is right! Even though we value your brains we also love your soul! You make me smile and laugh out loud every single time I listen to you! Thankyou for that. And thankyou for all you do. ❤️

Corey

I started listening to Ologies in 2019 and it has been one of the most joyful wonderful additions to my world. I've since listed to every episode (many of them twice) and I remember when You started adding the little secrets at the end, and started asking for pronouns- and (as a nonbinary person) I felt so seem and heard. Mainly just a big hug pod-dad, and a big ol' thankyou for role modelling- and reigniting-a love for learning courageously which has played a big part in saving my life. Thankyou for showing that People Like Me can exist, well, and do cool things: I remember an Ologies who exclaimed "I didn't know you could 'be a scientist'" and SAME! Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou. And would you ever do a trans healthcare episode? (It popped into my mind regarding the gynecology episode)

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

I’d just like to say I LOVED this episode and how obvious Jarrett’s love for you is 😍

Max G

The Laundry Guy might have some info on how to get the stain out of your beloved yellow sweater :)

Courtney Peterson

This was definitely one of my favorite episodes! Thank you podparents! ❤️

Rachel Cannon

Ahhh, I can't wait to listen. I would have asked if that's you I keep hearing on a Fred Meyer radio ad. It's been driving me bonkers. If not, you have a voice twin.

JENN 'Benthopelagic squirrel' ALVAREZ

Alie, I'm listening to it again. 😍 Listening to this episode was like a chill hang with friends getting to know each other better. Its comforting. P.S. we're never going to stop listening (you're our poddad! We love you! )

Surisitee

I loved this episode! Even as a pretty new listener it was so cool getting to learn about you. Especially appreciated the words of wisdom for young adults unsure of what to do

Meagan Walker

Jared is so right! We come to you for turtle facts through the lens of Alie Ward! There are a zillion places to learn about turtles and we choose you for a reason ❤️🐢

Scott Sheldon

I love love LOVE the alie-ology ep! New tradition? We love learning about spiders and dark matter and math, but we do love you every step of the way! These insights makes us feel like we are genuinely apart of your life and apart of the pod. With all the love 💙

Gabrielle Heiss

I loved this episode. I have been bopping to Let’s Get Loud all day. Thank you pod mom and dad. 🥰

Violet Sarah

Alie! That was amazing! Would you be willing to share a written list of your questions? Your episode inspired me- in 2024 I’m going to interview each one of my family members and record it as something we can all have forever 🥹 I could just listen to the whole episode over again with a pen and paper, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask! Thank you for your work!!!!

Sarah Williamson

This episode was so good! It was nice to get to know more about you and I really enjoyed listening to the part where you talked about the figeater beetle

Jude Sullivan

Oh no Let’s Get Loud lives in my brain now ALIE WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

Margaret Downs

Popping back into say a) I loved the ep and it was a lovely companion as I traveled home and b) right after I listened to this episode, I had queued up another podcast that uses locally inserted ads and who should be reading that ad but ALIE WARD! It threw me for a second because I was like "wait I thought I was done with the ep, and also why is she talking about Fred Meyer" but then I realized what was going on!

Margaret Downs

She does do some ads - I actually heard her on an ad for another podcast right after I listened to this one!

Bethany B

This episode literally made me immediately go sign up for your Patreon! I can’t believe I missed the opportunity to ask you to be my bestie! Oh well, next time for sure. I’m not missing another! Consider me a Patreon member for life…or the life of the podcast. Whichever is longer. I’ll find a way after death.

James Nance

This was so wonderful to listen to. Thanks for your vulnerability and willingness to be interviewed!

Spencer Parks

Obviously a fantastically wonderful episode. I love how Alie kept on trying to answer non-personal questions! :) Alie! YOU are a HUGE reason why Ologies is as successful as it is! I loved the shower routine question because you know we all have one! I actually have a very specific drying off routine. I even fold my towel in a very specific way. The phrase "dispensing information" (or close to that) came up which really struck a chord with me because that's how I end my podcast episodes (The Dictionary)! "This has been Spencer dispensing information." I REALLY appreciated the callout to the consciousness of animals. My wife and I are vegan for the animals and we think it's pretty clear that they have unique personalities, feelings, consciousnesses, etc. And I, too, am really curious about the future of the science of consciousness. What is it?! How/Why are we "alive"?! What is a soul if it exists?! Are we the same thing just split into different bodies? Are animals included in that too?! What is going on? Everything means nothing and nothing means everything and I'm trying to take life less seriously. That's all I've got on this "first day" of "2024". I love you all.

Mat

This episode was beautiful. Thanks for sharing delightfully whimsical details about you. Dadology is a top 3 ologies for me. PS - I think I now have a crush Jarrett. His voice combined with his clear adoration of you makes him a little slice of perfect.

Staci Pinkowitz

I’m only thirty or so minutes in but I had to comment because for MONTHS when you said Jarrett’s name in the credits I was like….that name sounds so familiar. And it is in fact because my friends and I all LOVED MyMusic in middle school lmfao!!!! Thirteen year old me was subscribed as hell to all his adjacent youtube channels and like lowkey I’m pretty sure our whole crew had little crushes on him. Please find comfort in knowing I’m now in my mid/late twenties and not interested anymore buuuuuut it was a hilarious and wild connection when I pieced this all together a couple years back!!!! The shoutout made me crack up.

Lisa N

I really loved this episode!!! The setting and no cuts was so cosy and real! Love to hear more about Alieology

Cindy Teixeira

I've been procrastinating, but this episode pushed me to action to become a Patreon supporter. I love the way your brain works. I will cry if you ever ever stop this podcast. Please do it until I'm gone. I'm 65 in February, so please continue for 30 more years. Also, I'm an unapologetic optimist. 😉

Jude Sullivan

As a fellow non-binaryologite, I second this strongly. Hearing you ask pronouns at the start of every episode means a lot!

Kevin Tiemeyer

Yup, this is the episode the got me to do the Patreon thing as well, but it has been a long time coming! Never ever stop this podcast, unless it's for a brief moment to work out some kind of Ologies "Is Darkmatter Ghosts" merch, because I would totally hit pause for a moment to go buy that. Or I guess you should stop because of life, it's okay to stop once and a while because just ...life. Just don't stop forever, at least not for a good long while. Multiple decades if possible. I'll even keep listening if it changes directions a little and becomes something like Ology Tales from Poddad's Nursing Home. It will have it's audience, I promise.

Regina Kurandina

This episode was fantastic! I think you gotta give yourself more credit and know we want to get to know you just as you want to get to know your guests on the show! There's still so many unanswered questions. I'm curious about your journey from young bebe to where you are now. Once in a while you'd reveal a little gem of things you got to do or opportunities you've had and I find them all fascinating!

Merryn Lush

Thank you for this episode and letting us get to know you and experience a tiny piece of your love story. Pod mom was so right - we don’t come for the turtle facts, we come for the turtle facts through the lens of Alie. Hearing him encourage you was so genuinely sweet I smiled through the whole episode. I vote the next one you do Jarrett should interview you as a podcastologist or communicatorologist (I’ll leave the etymology in your capable hands) and we can get all the tidbits you actually wanted to share and then do the standard Patreon questions at the end. We couldn’t resist getting to know you more but don’t think because the questions were more personal that we don’t also realize you are an actual expert in creating an engaging and informative podcast. I would love to hear how you got started and how you figured it out and built it to what it is today. Hearing how to actually start and build something like this would be an amazing episode. That being said, this was delightful and a welcome holiday treat. I think we can all pretty much guarantee your fear of losing all listeners will absolutely never happen. Stay weird ✌️

Therese Enders

First, I loved this episode! Alie, we want to hear about you (as long as you're willing to share)!! As a fellow late-diagnosed ADHDer especially, you're a role model for taking that energy and making it into something beautiful. Next, gotta admit that I noped out of the Witchology episode after a bit and wasn't excited about it. But, upon reflection, I realized that A) that says a lot more about me and my relationship to religion/spirituality and B) a HUGE part of what makes Ologies special is that it includes the human/sociological side of stuff as well because science does not exist in a vacuum. And after hearing what *could* have been with that episode - thanks, PodDad, for making this a safe and awesome place that respects everyone. That's the best part.

Dorit

This was very conveniently exactly the length of my flight from Edinburgh to Berlin, so thank you very much for the delightful company!

Diane Heise

So I looked up the fig beetle and it is related to my friend the June bug.

Lizzy Martinez

"Podcast hosts, they're just like us!" Hahah thanks MomWard and DadWard!

Bernadette Escamilla

Ok what was the volcanic ash body scrub method called!?! I loved the ep!

Joey Zweig

I cannot BELIEVE that Jarrett was Metal from MyMusic. I watched every episode of that when I was younger. Such a funny realization that THAT is who the pod-mom is. Anyways loved this episode!! I hope you do more AMAs in the future :)

Pluffy

Great episode! You were both adorable.

Diane Heise

At a Lady Topper basketball game and the Topperettes just danced to Let’s Get Loud and I thought I wish my pod friend Ali were here. (Western Kentucky University)

Bassist Ex Machina

I think Ghost Glitter would be a great name for an Indie Rock band.

Alison Muller

1:00:02 My mother caught me watching The Omen (1978 edition) on our “new” cable. OTC shot: sunny bedroom, female lead stirs, sits up, quietly whimpers while a white sheet billows to the sleeping man. Camera zooms in on the dozens of jagged, serrated scratches on her naked back. My mother says, “You see that? THAT’S why you NEVER go home with a stranger!” Then she hustled me back upstairs. I was 10. Forty-three years later: innumerable opportunities, but never dared a one night stand. P.S. 38:40 Fuck that Frog Man. In S. Florida, big fat bastard iguanas devour FLOWERS—from roses to rudbeckias! I took a video in my own backyard (then set to Jaws theme : https://youtu.be/jLCt_niJlzk?si=L6dEjiCtw2Clg3-A)

Alison Muller

1:27:02 RX: Eckhart Tolle. Audiobooks or YT videos. Depth and humor learning about the individual and collective consciousness. Side effects of extended use include mind STILLNESS even in the throes of ADHD, anxiety, and panic. For real.

Mamabee & DadAussie

ALIE YAS! TINNED SMOKED OYSTERS! I had an addiction to these for a while, I loved eating them with tinned pineapple, lemon juice and cracked pepper. I'd get a toothpick then put a little cube of pineapple, an oyster or two and then squeeze the lemon juice on top and then cracked pepper. Yes, very fancy! Unless you're not a pineapple person you should try this and report back. - Mamabee

Keri Turner

Who is up for a Secret Admirers Valentine's Day Card Exchange?

Saoirse Fern

I love this episode! Jarrett is a sweetheart, and he's right, we listen to Ologies bc of you Alie not the guests you interview (who are great too by the way). Every time I listen to another podcast with my girlfriend we both say to each other "Alie has spoilt us for other podcasts" your commentary, asides, the questions you ask, your humour, its all what makes Ologies so special. Sometimes I'll be listening to another podcast and they will just mention something offhand like a magpie that can make R2D2 sounds and then they DONT play the audio clip??? And I think, Alie would NEVER leave that out!! You're the best! - Fern

Barbara Blackie

That’s fantastic news about the 100 best podcasts! I’m glad to see that Time Magazine agrees with me! 😉😁 Big congrats and thanks to you and the team!