Parents' Guide to Ologies with Alie Ward

Podcast Science & STEM Average run time: 60 minutes
Ologies with Alie Ward along with illustrations of insects, bones, and other science images

Common Sense Media Review

Lakshmi Hutchinson By Lakshmi Hutchinson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Fun science pod has mature content; some edited for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's It About?

OLOGIES WITH ALIE WARD is a science podcast that takes a humorous look at STEM professions and exposes listeners to academic fields they may never have heard of before. In each episode, Alie typically interviews one "ologist" and has them share their career journey, what they do and what their favorite or most surprising moment on the job has been. The interviews are very conversational, and no two are alike. Expect fascinating stories about crow funerals, questions about what dinosaurs may have tasted like, and discussions about what it's like to be Black in STEM.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This is an educational and entertaining podcast for listeners curious about science. The guests featured on Ologies with Alie Ward do not conform to your typical science stereotypes. It's a diverse and inclusive show that demonstrates the value of representation in STEM fields. The facts discussed on the show will often surprise you: who knew crows bring offerings to their dead, or that there's actually a paleontologist named David Schwimmer? This is a great listen for mature teens and adults. The edited Smologies episodes are perfect for younger listeners as well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Ologies with Alie Ward showcases many women and people of color in STEM fields. When you think of scientists, what image usually comes to mind? Why do you think representation in STEM is so important?

  • Some of the guests talk about how they worked through perceived barriers to learning in order to get where they are in their fields. How can stories like these help change how we think about learning?

  • This show promotes curiosity and perseverance. Why are these important character strengths?

  • Some episodes discuss sex, anatomy and relationships. This can be a chance for adults to have a more in-depth discussion with how these topics are folded into the scientific theme of the show. How are these topics addressed? Do these topics add to scientific learning? Are the graphic descriptions purposeful?

  • This show uses humor to discuss more in depth scientific topics. How does learning about science through humor differ from your typical way of learning? Does it help you understand the concepts better or does it distract?

Podcast Details

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Ologies with Alie Ward along with illustrations of insects, bones, and other science images

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