Curious kids never stop asking questions - and “are” is one of their favourites. These are the episodes that lean right into that curiosity, each one opening with a big “Are”. Brilliant for inquisitive minds who want to understand how the world really works.
This week on a brand new episode of The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult expert is fibbing about CRACKERS
With parts of the U.S, Canada, Spain and France all ablaze with wildfires, you might be wondering: Are wildfires on the rise? If so, know that you mind-melded with the entire Short Wave staff. We had the exact same thought – and then went down some reporting r…
A race started by President Trump is leading to the rapid construction of new, experimental nuclear reactors. If they work, they could power data centers for artificial intelligence. But critics worry that the breakneck pace is compromising safety and public t…
On this week's episode hairdresser for werewolves and brilliant author Jo Cotterill joins Tiernan to answer a question about socks and jam.
Why is Area 51 called Area 51? Why do people think there's a UFO there? What really goes on in Area 51?
What would happen if the Moon disappeared? How big is the universe, really? And what happens to atoms inside a black hole? Marshall and Lindsay get the answers to some cosmic questions in this special mailbag episode!
How smart are Pigeons? What jobs have Pigeons performed? How many types of Pigeons are there?
This week on The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult expert is fibbing about ALLIGATORS.
This Week’s Big Questions!
This week on The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult expert is fibbing about Flowers.
Can’t get enough of lizards? We’re back with a bonus episode answering more of your lizard questions with Adam Clause of the San Diego Natural History Museum. This week, chameleons, Komodo dragons, iguanas, monitor lizards and tuatara! How do chameleons change…
A special “tickle attack” Mailbag edition of Tumble! We’re tackling your questions about whether animals can be tickled, and why we laugh when we’re tickled. David Leavens, a professor of psychology, helps us break down the not-so-silly science of tickling. Pl…
Talking about poop can be taboo, and this social norm may be hurting our health. Dr. Trisha Pasricha says around 40% of people in the U.S. have bathroom issues so bad it affects their daily lives. Pasricha, a gastroenterologist, says her patients' bathroom and…
How big are the biggest Elephants? How much does an Elephant eat? Where can you find Elephants?
What is Artificial Intelligence? What does AI do? How does AI work?
This week, we’ve got loads to chat about, including a monkey’s cuddly friend, a charity founder who’s made a difference in Sudan, and whether audiobooks are better than reading.
Does the availability of “hemp-derived” THC products have you dazed and confused? A legal loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill lets these items be sold over the counter. But state actions, and a federal law that could come in November, aims to snuff these products o…
Lewis and Carly cross paths with two other VERY familiar science explorers/podcast hosts while investigating the Arctic mystery of the legendary Yeti! Originally aired 9/18/24.
In this Squiz Kids Science Short, Christie untangles one of science’s most popular claims — and asks whether something as delicate as a cobweb could ever build something as big as the Eiffel Tower.
What does it mean to be a wild animal in a world dominated by humans? A recent study found that city-dwelling raccoons’ snouts are getting shorter—a sign of domestication. Another study on dark-eyed juncos living on a Los Angeles college campus found that thei…
‘Tis the season for exercise resolutions. For a select few, an ultramarathon—a race of 50, 100, or even more miles—may be on the table for 2026. But is there a limit to what our bodies can endure? And what makes ultramarathoners capable of these tremendous fea…
Kids are meeting chatbots everywhere, from homework helpers to pop‑ups on websites, and many of them think the robot “feels” things. We cut through the hype with a friendly, practical guide that shows how chatbots really work, why they sometimes sound brillian…
Curious talking toys are popping up everywhere, from plush buddies and dolls to tiny robots that listen and talk back. In this AI for Kids episode, we kick off our “AI in Real Life” series by breaking down AI toys for kids in plain language so families know wh…
Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and a humungous scarab beetle as they investigate whether any of today’s plants are as old as dinosaurs.
This week on The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult expert is fibbing about AMUSEMENT PARKS.
This week, we’re sharing a special episode from TED Tech exploring Gen Z slang words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algor…
What is a Brine Pool? What causes a Brine Pool? What creatures can survive a Brine Pool?
Are ghosts real… or not? That’s what Lily wants to know. To find out, we talk to a real-life Ghostbuster and science historian Efram Sera-Shriar, who takes us on a journey back in time to when the world’s most famous scientists became ghost investigators: Sitt…
What is an Ice Age? Are there different kinds of Ice Ages? Can Humans survive an Ice Age?
This week Bex and The Week Junior team discuss whether AI actors are a good idea, and how green turtles are making a big comeback!
What were the first Flags used for? What do the colors on Flags mean? Why are Flags (mostly) Rectangular?
How big do Capybara get? Where do Capybara live? Are Capybara friendly?
Are Whale Sharks dangerous? How big can Whale Sharks get? Can people swim alongside Whale Sharks?
This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts:
This week on a brand new The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult expert is fibbing about PINBALL.
The podcast returns! Charlotte Cropper joins Tiernan to talk about losing an entire continent and whether clouds are evaporated oranges painted white.
What do Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, lime Jell-O, and Kraft Creamy French Salad dressing have in common? They've all gotten a glow-up from artificial food dyes. Petroleum-based food dyes have become a target of RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda—but what do…
Have you ever wondered how your dog sees the world? Do dogs see all the colors we do, or is their vision totally different? In today's episode, we learn what it really means to be colorblind and whether dogs fall into that category. You'll discover how their e…
How many kinds of Jellies are there? Can the sting of some Sea Jellies hurt or even kill a human? Can a Jellyfish actually live...forever?
If social media and certain influential podcast hosts are to be believed, cold plunges can do everything from boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation to acting as an antidote for depression. But what does the science say? Joining Host Flora Lichtm…
Max and Molly follow a cryptic ice cream clue to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, where they meet a Sherpa named Amarita and learn about the legend of the Yeti. As they explore the region’s history, they uncover how myths can protect culture, ecology, and eve…
It's the last Radio Nonsense before the summer and Tiernan is joined by Rich and Matt aka The Listies! They return to the show to talk oranges, poffertjes and solar powered monks!
Download your materials here! ➡️ https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/
Are you ready to become a mindfulness master?! 👉 Start here!
This week top wheel increaser Cerys Bradley brings their expertise to the podcast as they help Tiernan answer a Q about hamsters and ham.
Are Fairies helpful, naughty, or both? Do all Fairies fly? Do most Fairies live in the woods?
A mysterious disease called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) has been appearing in emergency rooms for about a decade. The disease has caused otherwise healthy children to lose the ability to move their arms and legs, and some become completely paralyzed. AFM is c…
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 Un…
In recent years, digital touchscreens have replaced many of the buttons and knobs that control various functions in cars. But when Host Ira Flatow went shopping for a new car, he noticed that physical controls seemed to be making a comeback. But will the rise …
Quick, picture a brain! Did you imagine a rosy-colored little meatball? Us too! But are brains actually pink when they’re inside our skulls? We asked brain expert Gwenaëlle Thomas to help us find the answer.
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newslette…
In “Into the Unknown,” an astronomer explores the mysteries of the cosmos and the limits of what science can test.
Cappy & Tito will launch on May 7th! To unlock this Koko Club exclusive series, upgrade to Koko Club Today! 🔓👑
In its first 100 days, the Trump administration — specifically, the Department of Government Efficiency — shuttered agencies and slashed budgets pertaining to foreign aid, scientific research, food safety and more. How will this impact people's health and well…
Who invented Wigs? Why did early wig wearers powder their Wigs? Did George Washington wear a Wig?
What are drums made from? What are different types of drums? How are drums used to communicate?
In a new episode of The Big Fib we find out if our child contestant can spot which adult is lying about HIPPOS.
What amazing things can Axolotls do? What does the name Axolotl mean? Why are they so adorable?
We're going to be talking about the world's biggest iceberg, finding out how a man's blood saved millions of lives, and having a big debate on whether poems are better than stories.
What are the chances we are Alone in the Universe? How are Scientists trying to find life in outer space? Is finding Space Aliens a good idea?
In cool, misty forests along the coast of New South Wales Australia, a group of lyrebirds is suspected of singing human songs they learned in the 1920s. A team of researchers sets out to investigate.
Fleas, lice, tapeworms and ticks - these are all examples of parasites, living organisms that live on or in a host species and need this other organism to complete their complex life cycles. Sounds bad, but parasites are essential to a healthy ecosystem! And o…
Are all cats afraid of water? Do wild cats bury their poop? How are the cats that live in your house related to lions and tigers roaming in the wild? We take a walk in the woods with wildlife biologist Emily Carollo. She works with a conservation and research …
Baleen whales sing. Toothed whales click. But how and why do they make these musical sounds?Join Molly and co-host Tyler as they dive into the wonderful world of whale sounds. First, they run into Anna Goldfield on her way to audition for a whale choir. She te…
It's Christmas which means Howard Read has popped back to Radio Nonsense to help answer an intriguing question about stinky hippos and secret bananas.
SpaceX's Starship rocket took off again Tuesday for its sixth test flight. Crowds, including President-elect Donald Trump, gathered at the launch site in Texas to watch it fly part way around the world to the Indian Ocean.
Are cats evil? Are they hatching a plot to take over the world? Or are they just misunderstood? Scientist and cat expert Mikel Maria Delgado will tell us how the domestication of cats and dogs changed the way we think of our pets today, and she’ll explain how …
What is a Ghost? What different types of Ghosts are there? Why do Ghosts supposedly haunt certain places?
Can a chatbot become your best friend? Join us as we explore the intriguing world of AI chatbots and the deep emotional connections they can sometimes spark, especially among kids and families. In this episode of AI for Kids, we dive into the potential risks t…
Listen to this podcast, audiobooks and more on Storybutton, without your kids needing to use a screened device or your phone. Listen with no fees or subscriptions.
Lewis and Carly cross paths with two other VERY familiar science explorers/podcast hosts while investigating the Arctic mystery of the legendary Yeti!
Evolution keeps making crabs. In fact, it's happened so often that there's a special scientific term for an organism turning crab-like: carcinization. But how many times has it happened, and why? When did the very first crab originate? What about all the times…
Bananas are a delicious, nutritious fruit! You can pack them in a picnic lunch or bake them into a sweet nutty banana bread. But are bananas radioactive? We asked Dr. Robert Chin to help us find the answer.
Adam Kay and Henry Paker join Tiernan to answer Marce's amazing question about zebras, and also talk about their new book Dexter Proctor - The 10 Year Old Doctor. Plus a competition to win a copy of the book!
What makes Owls such feared predators? Do Owls like to stay up all night? What crazy tricks can Owls play?
Humans hallucinate. Algorithms lie.
In 2023, 60% of Americans chose to be cremated instead of having a traditional burial. If that trend continues, do cemeteries need to be worried about the future? Loren Rhoads, author of 222 Cemeteries To See Before You Die (which is coming out on August 27), …
The space elevator has been a staple of science fiction for decades, from The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke to the Apple TV show “Foundation.” But the work and theories to make it a reality have been in development since the late 19th century.
https://www.patreon.com/c/natureandscience4kids
The amazing Eleri Morgan joins the podcast this week to talk about big sand, and help Tiernan answer a question from 'Not Banana' about pillows.
How strong are Kangaroos? How high can Kangaroos jump? What's going on inside a Kangaroo's pouch?
Embark on a delightful journey of secrets and suspense with The Mystery Narrator podcast!
On this week's show, Kirk tells us about a fascinating discovery that may mean feathers are older than dinosaurs.
How fast can a Slug move? What are Slugs made of? Are Slugs good or bad for a garden?
Looking for an escape? Join Molly and co-host Julian as they explore Antarctica! They’ll learn about Antarctica’s massive ice sheets and active volcanoes — plus they’ll meet the largest land animal on the continent! (Hint: it’s black, shiny, and can perch on a…
At first glance, you might think bats and birds are close relatives. After all, they both flap their wings and fly! But are they actually close cousins or just coincidental copycats? We asked bird expert Amanda Bender to help us find the answer.
How do Trains work? How do Trains stay on the tracks? How fast can Trains go?
Can a Great White smell blood in the water? What makes a Great White such an effective hunter? Are Great Whites the most ferrocious shark?
We love a good mystery, and UFOs are magnificently mysterious! But are they real? In this episode, Marc and Sanden take over the Brains On feed with a new episode of their radio show, Hoax Hunters. They’ll look into the myths and hoaxes surrounding UFOs (which…
Are Capybaras the largest rodents? How big do Capybaras grow? Are Capybaras friendly?
Nuclear fusion could one day change the world by producing energy at lower costs than we generate it now — without greenhouse gas emissions or long-term nuclear waste.
Crop circles are the strange patterns found in cereal crops all across the world. We know some are definitely made by artistic humans but where have the others come from? Athena and Tiernan examine the field of evidence and harvest all the useful information t…
What does the word Dragon mean? Are Dragons good or evil... or both? What's the difference between Eastern & Western Dragons?
Earthquakes happen when the rocky plates that make up the surface of our planet move against each other. But what about quakes in other parts of our galaxy? Do the stars shake? Do planets get their crusts crumbled? We asked astrophysicist Ian Hall to help us f…
Quick, look up at the sky! Do you see any fluffy puffy cotton candy clouds? Or maybe long, wispy ones? What about dark storm clouds? There are so many different types of clouds on Earth. But what about space? Are there clouds up there, too? We asked astrophysi…
Star Wars famously starts with “A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…” And boy are there some amazing galaxies in Star Wars. But a planet with two suns is just the stuff of science fiction, right? Maybe not! We asked astronomer Mark Popinchalk to help us …
What kinds of gasses are Nebulae made of? How are Nebulae so colorful? Why are Nebulae so important to the Universe?
Are Squirrels friendly? Do Squirrels make good pets? Should you feed Squirrels?
Are UFOS real? ??? When did UFO sightings become 'a thing?' Where do most UFO sightings occur? What evidence is there of UFOS?
Are teachers aliens from the planet zargnok-17? asks Blip Blooper, who may or may not be a dance DJ. Howard Read pops by in-between lip wibbling to answer the big Q.
What are your Bones made of? What part of your body has the most Bones? What are the biggest & smallest Bones in your body?
Are Capybaras the largest rodents? How big do Capybaras grow? Are Capybaras friendly?
Which modern animals are related to dinosaurs? Which animals survived mass extinction? How old are some of the oldest living animals?
This week, New York City crowned Kathleen Corradi its first rat czar. The new position is part of a multipronged approach from city officials. Reporter and New Yorker Anil Oza called up rodentologists to understand — does their approach withstand the test of s…
Mr Jim’s Puzzle Is Now Available
Are Space Aliens real? What is the likelihood that Space Aliens exist? Do Aliens have to be smart?
Pre Order Your Mr Jim Book
Join 5th grader Alex as he dives into what you are afraid of and what you should not be. Alex will be joined by fellow 5th grader Easton along with 4th graders Alex and Angelina. Kindergartener Veehan will be tickling your funny bone (AHH BONES!) with The Jo…
Pre Order Your Mr Jim Book
Ad-Free Subscription to HEYMRJIM Podcasts
Ad-Free Subscription to HEYMRJIM Podcasts
10% off First Month of Therapy on your schedule, from anywhere - for adults & teens. www.BetterHelp.com/WhoSmarted Better Help
So far, the only intelligent life we know of is right here on Earth — us! But could there be life on other planets just waiting to be discovered? In this episode, Tai goes deep in the cosmos to explore how scientists are searching for signs of life beyond our …
Hey Gen C Changemakers. This is Generation Carbon. The podcast where kids like you, help grownups like us, save the planet.
Why do you have Fingerprints? What are the 3 types of Fingerprints? Do animals also have unique Fingerprints? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
What is plastic made of? How was plastic invented? What are ways plastics are both good and bad for the environment? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
What inventions did the Ancient Egyptians create? Why did the Ancient Egyptians build pyramids? Were only wealthy Egyptians mummified? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
Last episode we found out that our Emerson Robotics Team qualified for States, now we are going to hear from eighth grader Sameer to tell us how they did. We are also kicking off two new segments called, "Joke of the Week" with third grader Jacob and "Are You…
What are Boogers? Why do people pick their noses? Is nose-picking unhealthy besides being gross? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
How does the rain cycle work? What causes rain, snow and hail? What would happen if it stopped raining? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
Have you ever pranked your brother or sister by freezing their bowl of cereal and milk the night before and then serving them a solid, icy breakfast? Or have you replaced salt in the saltshaker with sugar? Or put big, heavy rocks in a friend's school bag when …
How do rainbows magically appear? What are rainbows made of? How many colors are really in a rainbow? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
Learn about common ancestors shared by every human; evolution’s multiple directions; and universal facial expressions.
Are seeds alive? What are they made of? Here in Vermont it's planting time, and we've been getting a lot of questions about seeds from kids around the world. In this episode we'll explore the importance of preserving seed diversity with Hannes Dempewolf of the…
How did Zeus become the king of the Gods? Why were the Greek Gods invented? Which superheroes and superpowers are based on The Greek Gods. For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
How do worms move with no arms or legs? What do worms eat? How are worms good for the Earth? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com
What makes a planet habitable? How many other habitable planets are there? Could the existence of habitable planets mean there is other life in the Universe? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa…
What exactly are lice? How do lice feast on your head? How do you get rid of lice (or avoid them in the first place)? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art1…
What was the very first video game? How did video games become so popular? How much video games should you play a day? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:/…
Are you tired of the same old toilet? Mindy is! And thanks to a team of engineers at Stanford University, a newer, smarter, toilet is on the horizon! Join Mindy, Guy Raz, and Dennis at the Bathroom Showcase, as they learn the latest in new toilet technology! I…
What are allergies? What happens in your body during an allergic attack? If you're allergic to something, will that ever go away? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at …
How were cookies accidentally invented? Who came up with the chocolate chip cookie? Why are they called cookies? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com…
Learn about why men who sleep more are seen as less masculine and what exactly makes radiation harmful. Then, test your podcast knowledge with this month’s Curiosity Challenge trivia game.
Learn about why people prefer round numbers over precise ones, thanks to a principle behavioral economists call attribute framing; and whether there really are wasps inside figs.
Are you tired of the same old toilet? Mindy is! And thanks to a team of engineers at Stanford University, a newer, smarter, toilet is on the horizon! Join Mindy, Guy Raz, and Dennis at the Bathroom Showcase, as they learn the latest in new toilet technology! I…
This season we look at one of the curliest questions of them all, are you really free? We say all the time that someone made good choices or bad choices. Or that they should be punished or rewarded for the choices they make. But did you really choose to like a…
Molly and Carl might be great friends but that doesn't mean they don't fight sometimes. But when they do get into conflict they have very different ways of dealing with things. So, what should you do if you're feeling hurt or angry with someone? Is it best to …
Are unicorns real? Who made them up? Where do they come from? What do they eat, how big are they, and do they have rainbow manes? We're answering all of your questions about unicorns-and learning about other mythical creatures as well with Adam Gidwitz, creato…
In this episode we're answering a few short questions about animals! Are jellyfish made of jelly? Do fish stink in the water or on land? Where do fish sleep? Do chickens have tongues? Can spiders sleep or not? How many types of animals are there in the world? …
"Do as I say, not as I do!" Does this sound like the adults in your life? Short & Curly listeners often complain that their parents tell them to do one thing but then do something completely different themselves. So unfair! Or is it?
In this episode, we climb up, down and all around our evolutionary family tree. When did we branch off from our more ape-like ancestors? And will we evolve one day into a different species altogether? We'll meet a bearded scientist from 160 years ago (no, not …
Learn about the worst year to be alive, according to at least one medieval historian; why you never hear about heart cancer; and why women prefer hotter showers than men do.
In this episode, we answer a question from 5-year-old Wyatt in Los Angeles and learn about ancient underground cities in Turkey, the subterranean passageways of Montreal and the dug-out houses of Coober Pedy, Australia. Also in this episode: Why is it so warm …
In movies, when someone has a poison they can be given an antidote to cancel out the effect. Hallux explore these in real life.
Yawning is very common – and very contagious. Hallux investigates why.
Why are yawns contagious? Why do we hiccup? How do teeth get loose? Why do your ears hurt when you drive up over the mountains? Why do we get dizzy when we spin? Why do people slip? Why do people faint? Why do we have saliva and mucus? Why do people cry when t…
Many cultures believe it's good luck if a bird poos on your head, like what happened to Carl (eww!). Others say it's bad luck if you break a mirror. For centuries, humans have tried to understand things like right and wrong, fair and unfair. So, how much does …
No episodes for this age just now - check back soon.
Sound Carrot is your source for Family Podcast Discovery. Verified awesome, 0% boring.
Distraction free website, no flashing banners or adverts to steal your attention.
(Some shows do contain their own ads however).
At first I made this site for my kids, but like any dad I got a little over excited. I hope you find it as useful as they do.
Whether you want to listen to them together in the car, or alone in your room - the content is all safe for younger ears.