Minisode: Some Small/Smol Announcements

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: In this announcement mini-sode, Allie Ward explains that Smologies is now its own dedicated, kid-safe and classroom-friendly feed, allowing Ologies to stay more authentic, unfiltered, and adult-oriented. She thanks supporters, previews upcoming field trips, and frames the change as a relief for both listeners and the show’s creative direction.

Main Topics: Smologies becomes a separate show (Priority: 5/5): The biggest announcement is that Smologies, the shorter G-rated versions of Ologies episodes, now has its own podcast feed with new artwork and dedicated subscription options. Why the split matters for tone and authenticity (Priority: 5/5): Ward argues that separating the family-friendly cuts from the main feed lets her stop self-censoring and keep Ologies more spontaneous, weird, and true to its original voice. Audience use cases and accessibility (Priority: 4/5): She emphasizes Smologies as useful for parents, classrooms, road trips, and listeners who want science content without profanity or mature topics. Mission: science for adults and kids alike (Priority: 4/5): Ward reflects on why she created Ologies for adults who still want wonder and curiosity, while still supporting science content for children through Smologies and other work. Upcoming changes to Ologies programming (Priority: 4/5): With Smologies spun off, Ward says Ologies will increasingly feature one or two field trip episodes per month alongside standard long-form episodes. Production credits and gratitude (Priority: 3/5): She thanks patrons, merch buyers, reviewers, and the team behind the show and the new Smologies branding and edits.

Key Arguments: Smologies should live in its own feed so listeners can easily find and subscribe to the kid-safe versions instead of searching the main Ologies archive. Separating the feeds helps maintain the main show’s authenticity because Ward feels she has been censoring herself more when she knows children may be listening. Science content for adults is still underserved, so Ologies intentionally keeps swearing, nuance, and unusual or mature topics that make it distinct. Smologies increases accessibility for families, teachers, and younger audiences without forcing the main show to become more generic. The new format allows Ologies to expand into field trip episodes, giving the host more freedom and variety in future content. Starting tasks and creative projects is easier when “done” is treated as better than perfect, especially when dealing with avoidance or perfectionism.

Data Points: May 16 launch: May 16 - The date Ward says the Smologies news had been teased for and when the new show/feed is now live. Age of project: 3 years - Ward says she started Smologies three years earlier after hearing feedback that the content should be accessible to children. Audience-friendly output: 1 new show - Smologies is launched as its own dedicated show/feed rather than remaining embedded in Ologies. Upcoming cadence: 1 or 2 field trip episodes a month - Ward says Ologies will include monthly field trip episodes going forward. Weekly release: Every week - Smologies will be populated weekly, alternating between new and previously released short cuts. Task-starting timer: 7 minutes - Ward suggests using a seven-minute work timer as a way to overcome avoidance and start projects.

Pivotal Quotes: "Smologies is becoming its own show." — Allie Ward: The central announcement explaining the podcast split. "I just I hesitate a little bit more. And this show is much more fun when I can just be myself." — Allie Ward: Her reason for separating family-friendly episodes from the main feed. "the actual worst it can be is not done or not started." — Allie Ward: Advice at the end about overcoming perfectionism and avoidance.

Implications: Listeners now have cleaner access to kid-safe episodes, while the main show can remain more candid and experimental. The split should improve discoverability, preserve authenticity, and open space for more field-trip storytelling.