DeepSummary
In this episode, the 300th of the Ologies podcast, the tables are turned as lead editor Mercedes Maitland interviews host Alie Ward about her career in science communication. They discuss Alie's winding path from selling art in LA to working as a columnist, her struggle to launch Ologies independently, and the importance of keeping the show authentic and inclusive for adult audiences.
Alie shares insights into her process for interviewing experts without over-preparing, instead asking basic questions from the audience's perspective. They explore challenges like political polarization of science, combating misinformation, and making science appealing amidst a constant stream of fear-based narratives. Alie emphasizes curiosity, passion, and uniqueness as key ingredients for aspiring science communicators.
Mercedes and Alie reflect on the best and worst aspects of the job, with Alie cherishing the constant learning and ability to make experts feel like 'rockstars,' but struggling with inclusivity pressures and the distractions of social media. The episode provides an inside look at the making of a popular science podcast.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Authenticity and uniqueness are crucial for effective science communication, rather than trying to imitate others.
- Aspiring science communicators should foster curiosity, passion for their topics, and find creative mediums that suit their voice.
- Empathy and emotional relevance are key for engaging audiences, more so than lecturing or fear-based messaging.
- Science communicators must navigate political polarization by avoiding partisan framing and appealing to shared humanity.
- Behind a successful podcast is constant learning, inclusivity efforts, and personal struggle with anxiety/self-doubt.
- Having a community for advice, perspective, and collaborating makes science communicating easier.
- Making experts feel like 'rockstars' and facilitating learning for the audience are driving rewards.
- Persistence in reaching out for opportunities is valuable for breaking into the field.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I forget that all of the weird stuff I know are things that the audience knows. Like, I forget that they're getting what I'm getting, too. And so I think a lot of times when people are like, oh, it's a good show, I'm like, is it? And then I'm like, oh, they're getting what I'm getting, too.“ by Allie Ward
- “If you don't see yourself in the room, that doesn't mean that you don't belong there. It means that the room needs you more.“ by Allie Ward
- “I always think that's so 100% true. And it's like, you have to have something that people can put in their pocket. You know, every time you tune into anything, whether you're scrolling, whether you're down a wikihole, whether you're online shopping for a laundry basket, like, you want something out of it.“ by Allie Ward
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Episode Information
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
6/19/24