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