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Created by: American Public Media

USA 11+6-10

Started: July 25th, 2013

Status: Active, 396 episodes

Kind: Episodic

Language: English

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Episodes

How does music get recorded and stored?
00:30:56 | Season: 15 | Episode: 335 | November 25th, 2025

Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and follow a sound waves as it is recorded and stored. They meet a robot who really loves to eat old school media, like cassettes and CDs. And they learn how speakers turn information into the music we hear. All that plus a new mystery sound. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here or a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do dogs know that they’re dogs?
00:26:18 | November 18th, 2025

We treat dogs like they’re part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they’re just short, four-legged people? In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question. We’ll also find out what happens (or doesn’t) when a dog looks in the mirror. Dogs are always dozing, and we’ll check in to see if they are dreaming too. And, we take a quick trip around the world in the language of barks. All that, plus a brand new Mystery Sound! Guest: Alexandra Horowitz – Dog Cognition Lab Guest: Vanessa Woods – Duke Puppy Kindergarten Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mystery Sounds from the natural world
00:33:28 | Season: 15 | Episode: 334 | November 11th, 2025

Today’s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be heard to be believed. Plus, we turn the tables on Thomas and ask him to guess some sounds you sent in. Put on your detective hat, break out the magnifying glass, and listen close! It’s time for the Mystery Sound extravaganza! Guest: Thomas Rex Beverly Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are octopuses so smart?
00:30:55 | Season: 15 | Episode: 333 | November 4th, 2025

Octopus, more like ROCK-topus! Because these creatures bring the excitement. They can shape shift to match their surroundings. They have three hearts and teeth on their tongues! And they are super smart. Join fill-in host Rosie duPont and co-host Izumi as they explore the world of their eight-armed wonders. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Mathers, a biologist and psychologist who studies octopus cognition, and Ophelia, who is a chatty octopus. You can also play along with our octopus themed game show. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and mail from our listeners! Guest: Dr. Jennifer Mathers, author of Octopus Mind Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do electric cars sound so unique?
00:28:27 | Season: 15 | Episode: 332 | October 28th, 2025

You may have noticed that electric cars sound different from gas powered cars. The engine doesn’t rumble; instead, it might sound like a hum or even a song. Why is that? Ride along as we learn how electric cars work and why there is so much shush in their woosh. Plus, Molly and co-host Asher interview Jay Kapadia, a sound designer who programs the special noises of electric cars for General Motors. And speaking of special noises, we’ve got a car sounds game show plus a new Mystery Sound!Guest: Jay Kapadia, Creative Sound Director of General Motors Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org to subscribe or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do fidget toys really help people focus?
00:33:48 | Season: 15 | Episode: 383 | October 21st, 2025

Fidget toys are everywhere. There are ones you can squeeze, or click, or spin. Others are puzzles or have cool textures to touch. Some classrooms even have fidget toys for students, but do they help kids concentrate or are they just a distraction? Molly and co-host Penelope team up with an unconventional band to learn why we fidget in the first place.Plus, neuroscientist Dr. Julie Schweitzer, from the UC Davis MIND Institute, answers questions about the science of fidget toys. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and peek into what’s happening at the brand new Brains On Headquarters! Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org to subscribe or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
00:07:30 | October 8th, 2025

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you! See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ! Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case.  While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won’t be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They’ll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you’ll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase.  See you there!

A big update about the Brains On Universe
00:02:56 | June 11th, 2025

We’re moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can’t wait until it’s ready for you to visit. In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/events to get tickets. We can’t wait to high five you all in person! And, if you want to be the first to hear about our shiny, new home, sign up for our newsletter. There will be six more bathrooms, 10 more water slides and, we’re finally going to fix the doorbell! Also, if you have any questions or want to reach out to us, you can still head to brainson.org/contact to get in touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.




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This just makes me want marshmallows so bad.

(4/5)

by sunsmith

Created by: American Public Media
Started: July 25th, 2013
Status: Active, 396 episodes
Kind: Episodic
Language: English

USA11+6-10
© 2022 by goodenough.works, because it does. Privacy Policy | Contact | This dad codes.
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