Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author and genealogist Stephen Hanks -- who teaches genealogy classes in Portland, Oregon and has contributed to PBS genealogy documentaries -- sits down to chat in this encore episode about what ignited a passion for learning about his own history. Also: how to find your family through census records, county archives, death certificates and more, plus which DNA tests he’s taken, our most recent common ancestor, and how America can try to heal from its past. Also: capes, detectives and hairy fanny packs.Stephen Hanks books: “1619 -- Twenty Africans,” and “Akee Tree”Publisher: Inkwater PressA donation went to: BlackPast.orgMore episodes to celebrate Black History Month 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Tall ears. Huge teeth. Underestimated wit. And vocalizations that would make a songbird envious. Let’s talk donkeys with researcher and Director at The Donkey Sanctuary, Asinologist Dr. Faith Burden. We cover pop culture donkeys, their road to domestication, how much they can carry, whether you should ever saddle up on a donkey, mule genetics, zoo sexism, how to care for a donkey, what their noises mean, milky baths, emperor gossip, squats versus donkey kicks, and why these beautiful beasts deserve all of our love. Follow Dr. Burden on Google ScholarVisit The Donkey Sanctuary website and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeA donation went to The Donkey SanctuaryMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Egyptology (ANCIENT EGYPT), Classical Archeology (ANCIENT ROME), Momiology (MUMMIFICATION), Gastroegyptology (BREAD BAKING), Paleohistology (WHY TEETH EXIST), Oreamnology (MOUNTAIN GOATS ARE NOT GOATS), Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS), Mammalogy (MAMMALS), Fromology (CHEESE)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Excuse me, why do you have teeth? How did they get in your mouth and where did they come from? Let’s ask researcher, tooth enthusiast, and Paleohistologist Dr. Yara Haridy.  She opened up the archives at Chicago’s Field Museum to chat about ancient skulls, drawers of bones, and the evidence that changed how we think about chompers. Drop your jaws as we discuss the origins of teeth, why yours hurt, the long-debated rumors of extinct species, how particle accelerators and paleontology worlds collide, what tools fossil pickers rely on, teeny tiny mysteries, why you should hug a tree before it kills you, and why a catfish might become your overlord. Visit Dr. Yara Haridy’s website and follow her on InstagramA donation went to the Sameer ProjectDoodl: Join the Beta!More episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Osteology (SKELETONS/BODY FARMS), Selachimorphology (SHARKS), Elasmobranchology (MORE SHARK STORIES), Paleontology (DINOSAURS), Evolutionary Biology (DARWINISM), Functional Morphology (ANATOMY), Genicular Traumatology (BAD KNEES), Castorology (BEAVERS), Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS), Biomineralogy (SHELLS), Scorpiology (SCORPIONS), Garology (LONG CUTE ANCIENT PATIENT BOOPABLE NIGHTMARE FISH)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Tongue twisters. Frosty holidays. Scandals. Big ol’ rodent butts. Let’s talk groundhogs with UCLA conservationist, field biologist, professor and Marmotologist, Dr. Daniel Blumstein. We cover what broadly is a marmot, the Buddhism and paganism of the midwinter slump, marmot parenthood, what they are singing into the wind, how to co-exist with one in your garden, why they don't get stressed about holiday bingeing, the real estate layout of a groundhog lair, how and why we celebrate Groundhog Day, romantic advice you should not take from a marmot, what to do if you want a marmot as a pet, why their blood boggled science, and the wandering etymology behind their aliases. It’s an episode you’ll want to hear over and over. And over. And over. And over. Visit the Blumstein Lab and follow Dr. Blumstein on Google ScholarA donation went to the Rocky Mountain Biological LaboratoryMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Sciuridology (SQUIRRELS), Hydrochoerology (CAPYBARAS), Castorology (BEAVERS), Erethizonology (PORCUPINES), Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS), Mammalogy (MAMMALS), Procyonology (RACCOONS), Lutrinology (OTTERS), Urocyonology (LITTLE GRAY FOXES), Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT), Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT), Acarology (TICKS), Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Environmental Toxicology (POISONS + TRAIN DERAILMENT), Road Ecology (ROAD KILL)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Gassy veils! Orange sunlight! Alien life? It’s the sole goddess of our solar system: Venus. And to tour us through her beauty is the charming and enthusiastic planetary geologist and Venusian expert Dr. Vickie Hansen, a Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. In what is sure to become an instant classic, Vickie will delight you with tales of space probes past and future, dazzling terrain, myths, melting machinery, “noodle data,” analogues to Earth, tectonic misconceptions, and reactions to self-help books that capitalize on our solar geography. Also: what does Venus smell like? Donations went to the Planetary Science Institute and the Nature ConservancyMore episode sources and links: alieward.com/ologies/venusologyJan. 15, 2026: "Bad Art for Good" Los Angeles event ticketsOther episodes you may enjoy: Heliology (THE SUN/ECLIPSES), Areology (MARS), Astrobiology (ALIENS), Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE), Selenology (THE MOON), Mythology (STORYTELLING), Astrobromatology (SPACE FOOD), Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!), Scotohylology (DARK MATTER), UFOlogy (UNEXPLAINED AERIAL PHENOMENA), Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK), Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Did Part 1 leave you informed and now you need a pep talk? Get ready for an absolute banger of an encore episode with 5 experts: René Brooks of BlackGirlLostKeys.com, TEDTalk speaker and How to ADHD YouTuber Jessica McCabe and neuroscientist Dr. Jahla Osborne of University of Michigan. What is it like to get diagnosed? How do you know which medication – if any – is right for you? Why is there such a spike in ADHD diagnoses during the pandemic? Autism and ADHD: what’s the deal? What accommodations should a person ask for? How can you have a strong relationship with one (or more) ADHD brains? What if your boyfriend juggles flaming swords for fun? Sure there are tips and tricks, but get ready for the pep talk and self-acceptance honestly everyone needs to hear. Plus: two cameos from past Ologists: Dr. Tiara Moore (Forensic Ecology) and Dr. Adam Becker (Quantum Ontology). Oh, and how this relates to Alie’s own Dadbrain. HERE WE GO.Start with Part 1 with Dr. Russell Barkley René Brooks of Black Girl Lost Keys on Bluesky, Instagram and FacebookJessica McCabe of How to ADHD on Instagram, YouTube and TikTokJahla Osborne on Google Scholar and InstagramAnd check out these previous episodes with our cameo guests: Forensic Ecology (NATURE DETECTIVE) with Dr. Tiara Moore, Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?) with Adam BeckerMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you might enjoy: Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD), Bonus Episode: The OCD Experience, Somnology (SLEEP), Chronobiology (CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS), Volitional Psychology (PROCRASTINATION), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Mnemonology (MEMORY), Traumatology (PTSD)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Focus. Productivity. Relationships. Distraction. Neurodiversity. How do you know if you have ADHD? How can you get others to understand your ADHD brain? What are your treatment options and how can they help? In this encore of our wildly popular Part 1 episode, we talk racing thoughts, brilliant brains and the causes and effects of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with the world’s leading expert, Dr. Russell Barkley who is A BIG DEAL. Psychologist, retired professor of clinical psychiatry, author and speaker, Dr. Barkley has a personal connection to ADHD and has studied it for nearly 40 years. Is it all cute quirks? Nope. It’s serious business. But next week, we’ll hear about tips and tricks and self-love from 3 more experts — Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD, René Brooks of Black Girl Lost Keys and ADHD researcher Dr. Jahla Osborne. I’M TRYING NOT TO USE A BUNCH OF EXCLAMATION POINTS. It’s exciting. Dr. Russell Barkley’s website dedicated to education and research on ADHDDr. Barkley’s book: Taking Charge of Adult ADHDAdditional books and papers by Dr. BarkleyDr. Barkley’s seminar: 30 Essential Ideas you should know about ADHDDonations were made to CHADD and Partners in HealthMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you might enjoy: Obsessive-Compulsive Neurobiology (OCD), Bonus Episode: The OCD Experience, Somnology (SLEEP), Chronobiology (CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS), Volitional Psychology (PROCRASTINATION), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Mnemonology (MEMORY), Traumatology (PTSD)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Duck bills. Beaver tails. Underground lairs. Eggs. Milk. Venom? A platypus has it all. Scholar, conservationist, and Ornithorhynchologist Dr. Tahneal Hawke is here to run through the baffling anatomy and answer all of our WHAT’S THE DEAL, WHAT EVEN *ARE* THEY questions, and chat about field work, evolution, how to spot a platypus, why you can’t have one in your bathtub, and myths about platypus espionage. Also, a platypus might be sexier than you. Follow Dr. Hawke on Instagram and Google ScholarA donation went to the Platypus Conservation InitiativePods Fight Poverty is raising money for Rwandan families via GiveDirectly.org/ologiesMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Mammalogy (MAMMALS), Oology (EGGS), Dasyurology (TASMANIAN DEVILS), Lutrinology (OTTERS), Castorology (BEAVERS), Evolutionary Biology (DARWINISM), Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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The microbiome is back! In 2018, we chatted with Dr. Elaine Hsiao - a UCLA microbiome researcher– and learned all about the hot cauldron of your guts. In this 2025 update bonus, we chat again with Dr. Hsiao to get updates on the last 7 years of her research. We also stop by White Plains, New York to hang out with Dr. Miguel Freitas, lead nutritional microbiologist and director of the non-profit Danone Institute North America, and ask a million questions about good vs bad microbiota, how they simulate a human gut in a lab, what exactly is a pre-biotic vs. probiotic, why are they such good friends, how diet can impact not only your gut health but also your heart and your brain — and if friendly yogurt critters are robust enough to make the journey from your mouth to your toilet.  Browse Dr. Freitas’s publications on ResearchGateVisit the Hsiao Lab at UCLA and follow Dr. Hsiao on Google ScholarDonations went to GiveDirectly.org/ologies and the Los Angeles Regional Food BankMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Microbiology (GUT BIOME), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Fromology (CHEESE), Scatology (POOP), Gustology (TASTE), Cardiology (THE HEART)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions, Jake Chaffee, and Jarrett Sleeper of Mindjam MediaManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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Dehydrated eggs. Airborne tortillas. Pouches of chicken. Tang. Work up an appetite for space food with artist, designer and Astrobromatologist, Maggie Coblentz. She shares how the intersection of design and science led her skyward, doing experiments on zero G flights, and shipping miso into space. We also talk Martian gardening, stinky roommates, booze bans, contraband corned beef, velcro fatigue, the ethics of space tourism, how to make barbecued wings in orbit, and addressing the conspiracy of astronaut ice cream. Visit Maggie’s website and follow her on InstagramA donation went to AstroAccessPods Fight Poverty is raising money for Rwandan families via GiveDirectly.org/ologiesMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE), Areology (MARS), Selenology (THE MOON), Entomophagy Anthropology (EATING BUGS), Futurology (THE FUTURE), Gustology (TASTE), Gastroegyptology (BREAD BAKING), Microbiology (GUT BIOME)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn
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