alie ward
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alie ward
fields of study and the ologists obsessed with them

 Alie Ward

Science Communicator. podcaster. elective redhead.

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Who is this? It’s Dr. Jane McGonigal, a real life #Ludologist (A VIDEO GAME DESIGNER WHO STUDIES HOW THEY AFFECT THE BRAIN.) Tag your gamer friends; she told me how video games can help with depression, anxiety, physical recovery and trauma, why some board games make us hate each other, why playing Tetris can help you get over a break up, why Fortnite is so popular, how League of Legends makes you a better friend, how much gaming is too much, plus some really interesting info on brain injury, bonding online and how to be a less inhibited dancer. She also discussed violence in gaming and some related statistics. She’s phenomenal. Link in bio and also I saw this swallowtail butterfly living its last few hours on Earth and thought you might want to take a gander. Alright burbye.
DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THIS #PAINTEDLADY MIGRATION TODAY? There are billions of butterflies flying north from Mexico and I stood in the middle of them like I was crashing a parade. (Also thank you @spotalex for alerting me to them with this amazing text.)
Daylight savings was established to ensure that we pull over the car in Pasadena and fall asleep in it mid-afternoon then wake up having drooled on the seat IS ANYONE ELSE WRECKED BY THIS TODAY
LA: kind of a Monet of a city
Some folks meditate upon waking but I like to start my day in last night’s dress, then slump over like a dumpster mannequin
#InternationalWomensDay stresses me out because how can we shout out ALL the hilarious friends, ace colleagues, poets, scientists, policy makers, advocates, etc. that inspire and support us the other 364 days? Impossible. So this year I want to shine a spotlight on one of my best friends @dailynrod who is just a year or two older than me but who I look up to so much. She knows how to bust her ass but also take time to recharge, she is beyond generous, she is a showrunner and a leader with both empathy and integrity, she has shown be how to be a boss fucking betch and ask for what we deserve, how to take risks, how to forgive and how to move past the things that hurt us. She inspires me every day and over the 15 years of friendship I have asked her advice on everything from allergy doctors to mortgage rates. Behind the scenes of every woman you admire are countless women that they admire. Thank you to every woman out there supporting her friends and serving as an example by making the best life for herself. Love you, lady — and thank you to all my girlfriends for letting me be in your lives.
It’s not the best day for a bike ride (f-f-f-freezing) but y’all we’re shooting a story for Innovation Nation about compact, collapsable bike helmets that are safer, look like a baseball cap, and also FOLD UP to fit in your bag and I’m so enthused that I decided to buy one. Way to go, @park_and_diamond. I’m rooting for all your success in the world. 📸: @svhimango @cbsinnovationtv
Photographic proof that I could not contain myself meeting @helenzaltzman of #TheAllusionist podcast. This week’s @ologies episode is #Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) and Helen talks about the weird patchwork nature of the English language, gender neutrality, avocado physiology, the OED’s dark history, the context of mediocrity and delightful word nerd trivia. She. Is. A. Treasure. Link in bio, friends. Also I need a new phone FOR REALS. I promise. Soon.
 
 
 

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Latest Episodes
Ludology (VIDEO GAMES) with Dr. Jane McGonigal
Ludology (VIDEO GAMES) with Dr. Jane McGonigal
Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) with Helen Zaltzman of The Allusionist podcast
Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) with Helen Zaltzman of The Allusionist podcast
Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) with Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton
Thermophysiology (BODY HEAT) with Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton
Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) with Dr. Simine Vazire
Personality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) with Dr. Simine Vazire
Matrimoniology (MARRIAGE) with Dr. Benjamin Karney
Matrimoniology (MARRIAGE) with Dr. Benjamin Karney
Biogerontology (AGING) with Dr. Caleb Finch
Biogerontology (AGING) with Dr. Caleb Finch
Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES) with Dr. Camryn Allen
Cheloniology (SEA TURTLES) with Dr. Camryn Allen
Testudinology (TORTOISES) with Amanda Hipps
Testudinology (TORTOISES) with Amanda Hipps
Snow Hydrology (SNOW/AVALANCHES) with Dr. Ned Bair
Snow Hydrology (SNOW/AVALANCHES) with Dr. Ned Bair
Felinology (CATS) with Dr. Mikel Delgado
Felinology (CATS) with Dr. Mikel Delgado