Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Screenwise Verdict

Ologies is what happens when genuine curiosity meets scientific expertise and nobody takes themselves too seriously. Alie Ward has created something rare: educational content that adults actually want to consume for fun.

The format is simple but brilliant—find an expert in something weirdly specific, ask them everything you've ever wondered, and let their passion do the heavy lifting. The result is science that feels like eavesdropping on two friends geeking out at a coffee shop.

The catch: this is an adult show. The language, humor, and topics (slug reproduction, anyone?) aren't meant for kids, which is why Ward created 'Smologies' as a kid-friendly edit. If your teen is curious about science and can handle occasional profanity, this is gold. If you've got younger kids, grab Smologies instead.

For parents tired of true crime podcasts or looking for something that's both entertaining and actually makes you smarter, Ologies delivers. Just maybe use headphones if the little ones are around.

Age Fit

Best for teens (14+) and adults who want to learn about science without feeling like they're in school. The main podcast contains language and mature themes, but the separately-produced 'Smologies' version works for kids 8+.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Alie Ward's conversational, friend-to-friend interview style creates a warm, enthusiastic tone that celebrates curiosity and expertise without condescension. The podcast models genuine interest in others' passions and makes learning feel social and fun. However, episodes contain occasional profanity and adult humor that's edited out in the 'Smologies' kids version, indicating the main show skews mature in tone.

Imaginative

92

The premise—exploring everything from volcanoes to slug sex to drunk butterflies—sparks curiosity about wildly diverse topics most people never think about. Each episode opens doors to niche scientific fields and the passionate people who study them, encouraging listeners to find wonder in unexpected places. The 'ask smart people stupid questions' format legitimizes curiosity and makes esoteric knowledge accessible and exciting.

Safe

62

Common Sense Media notes 'mature content' and the existence of a separately-edited 'Smologies' version for kids confirms the main podcast includes language, adult themes, and topics (death, sex, anxiety) that aren't appropriate for young ears. While there's no graphic violence or toxicity, this is an adult podcast that happens to be about science—not a kids' science podcast. Parents playing it in the car should expect occasional swearing and mature discussions that could prompt awkward questions.

Enriching

94

This is pure intellectual enrichment wrapped in entertainment. Listeners gain actual scientific knowledge from credentialed experts while hearing the human stories behind academic obsessions. The format teaches that expertise is approachable, that 'stupid questions' are valuable, and that science is driven by passionate, quirky humans. Topics range from practical (beer science, anxiety management) to purely fascinating (bee drama, Mars missions), building both knowledge and appreciation for the scientific method.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Makes obscure scientific fields wildly entertaining and accessible through conversational interviews with actual experts
Celebrates curiosity and legitimizes asking 'dumb' questions—great modeling for lifelong learning
Covers an absurdly diverse range of topics (drunk butterflies! Mars missions! beer science!) so there's something for everyone
Alie Ward's enthusiasm is infectious; guests genuinely light up talking about their obsessions
Builds scientific literacy while being genuinely funny and human

⚠

What to Watch For

This is an adult podcast with occasional swearing and mature themes (sex, death, anxiety)—not for little ears
A kids-friendly 'Smologies' version exists with edited content for younger listeners
Topics vary wildly in appeal; some episodes will grab your teen, others might bore them
Episodes run long (often 60-90 minutes), so it's a commitment

Conversation Starters

"What random thing would you want to become an expert in? Like, what would your '-ology' be?"
"Did you know there are people whose entire job is studying [insert weird topic from episode]? What do you think that's like?"
"If you could ask a scientist one 'stupid question' about anything, what would it be?"
"What's the weirdest fact you learned from that episode?"

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