There are 248 episodes

Episode one logo Episode One: But Why: Intro For Adults
This is an Episodic show. You can listen to it in any order, but episode one is always a great place to start.
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Created by: Vermont Public Radio

USA 6-1011+

Started: April 1st, 2016

Status: Active, 248 episodes

Kind: Episodic

Language: English

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Episodes

Who invented the English language?
34:30 | Episode: 268 | August 8th, 2025

Where did the English language come from? Why do words have silent letters? Why do some people have accents? Why do some words sound similar? Answers to all of your questions about English and words with sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky, host of a PBS digital show called Otherwords. 

Chameleons, jellyfish and ballerinas! Check out But Why Bites
14:02 | Episode: 267 | July 25th, 2025

For today’s episode, we’re doing something a little different! We’re going to be listening to our video series, But Why Bites! (Even without the video part, they’re really cool!) Every other week over on our YouTube channel, we answer one kid question in a short and sweet little video. You can find all of them at the But Why Kids channel while you enjoy this compilation of episodes that we’re calling a Big Bite. 

Who created math problems?
29:10 | Episode: 266 | July 11th, 2025

Who created math problems? Why does one plus one equal 2 and not 11? Why do numbers go on forever? Why are numbers for counting? Why do you need math?

Why do some people like spicy food?
28:28 | Episode: 265 | June 27th, 2025

Ever wondered why some spices burn your throat while others tickle your nose? Or why some of us live for spicy foods while others sweat at the mere thought of a habanero? How do pickles stay crunchy if they’re sitting in brine for weeks on end? And why do we have such different food preferences from our friends? We’re answering your food questions with chef and author Kenji López-Alt, author of the kids book Every Night is Pizza Night and co-host of The Recipe.

Why do we need to use sunscreen?
22:15 | Episode: 264 | June 13th, 2025

It’s summer and that means slathering yourself with sunblock before you’re allowed to go run around outside. Not everyone loves that ritual: sunscreen can be cold or sticky. Sometimes it gets in your eyes, and it always feels like it’s time to reapply JUST as you’re about to jump in the water or go kick the ball. So, what’s the deal? Is it really all that important? We get the scoop from Dr. Jeff Yu, a pediatric dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He’ll help us understand: What is a sunburn? What’s a tan? How does sunscreen work? How do you protect your eyes?

Are horseshoe crabs…crabs?
34:11 | Episode: 263 | May 30th, 2025

How did horseshoe crabs get their names? Are they even crabs? And did they really exist before the dinosaurs? Early spring presents a unique opportunity to see these living fossils up close as they scuttle up to the shoreline along the Atlantic coast of the United States to mate and spawn. But Why traveled to Cape Cod to see horseshoe crabs up close. There we met up with horseshoe crab expert Sara Grady, who works for Mass Audubon. We learn all about these arthropods and answer questions like: Can humans eat horseshoe crabs? What’s with the pointy tails? Do they pinch? How long do they live? And what’s so special about their blood? 

Why do walruses look so weird?
10:51 | Episode: 261 | May 9th, 2025

Why do walrus look the way they do? Why do they have such long tusks? Do they have other teeth? Do walruses migrate? We learn all about these majestic giants with Adam Ratner of the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California.

What’s a seal? What’s a sea lion?
28:44 | Episode: 260 | May 2nd, 2025

What’s the difference between seals and sea lions? Do seals bark? Are they gray? Do harbor seals live in snowy regions? Why do sea lions eat fish? Why do sea lions fight each other? Seals and sea lions are pinnipeds, fin-footed marine mammals, and we’re learning all about them today with a visit to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, where marine biologist Adam Ratner answers all your pinniped questions!




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5 stars for the incredible knowledge that cats can be left handed too! Mind. Blown.

(5/5)

Created by: Vermont Public Radio
Started: April 1st, 2016
Status: Active, 248 episodes
Kind: Episodic
Language: English

USA6-1011+
© 2022 by goodenough.works, because it does. Privacy Policy | Contact | This dad codes.
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