Curious kids never stop asking questions — and “how” is one of their favourites. These are the episodes that lean right into that curiosity, each one opening with a big “How”. Brilliant for inquisitive minds who want to understand how the world really works.
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re exploring what it means to find your crew—whether that’s a mismatched pack of dragons on the high seas or a massive, unexpected family right here on Earth.…
In this episode, we'll learn how aerial shells are launched into the sky and what makes them so bright and colorful!…
What is Climate Change? What causes Climate Change? What can be done to reverse Climate Change?…
Welcome to Science Quest! 🚀 This week, we are celebrating a massive victory for endangered birds, tracking extreme global weather storms, and hunting down a bizarre, microscopic species of "killer fungus"!…
How do birds fly thousands of kilometres without getting lost? 🐦🧭…
Mãori storyteller Emmy Bidois tells a traditional tale about Māui that trickster demi-god who goes in search of the secret of fire. Does Mãui's fearsome grandmother Mahuika -she of the fiery fingernails - help her grandson? Listen to Emmy tell this gripping s…
Have you ever wondered how glow-in-the-dark toys, glow sticks, and fireflies light up the darkness? In this episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we learn how different glowing things create light and why some need to be "charged" first while others can glow all …
On this week's show Mr Fibbers returns for the third time to talk about worms, ladles and gerbils.…
Parents, download Mr Jim's app Riffio to create your own stories and songs inside Spyology Squad!…
We use lightbulbs everyday, but how often do we stop to think about how they work? These genius little inventions are packed with cool science. Molly and co-host Maya will explain how they work step by step. Plus we’ll hear your suggestions for what to shout w…
JOIN THE CURIOUS KIDS CLUB to participate in future episodes: SupportCuriousKids.com…
Parents, download Mr Jim's app Riffio to create your own stories and songs inside Spyology Squad!…
Magnets can pull and push without even touching! BUT HOW?! In this episode, kids explore the invisible forces of magnetic fields, learn what materials magnets stick to, and discover that even Earth is a magnet!…
Tomorrow marks one of the most remarkable moments in Earth's journey around the Sun... the June solstice. But how can the exact same day be the longest day of the year for some people and the shortest for others?…
How do walkie talkies send your voice through the air? In this episode, we learn how microphones, radio waves, antennas, and speakers work together to let two people talk from far away!…
Parents, download Mr Jim's app Riffio to create your own stories and songs inside Spyology Squad!…
In this episode we are going to try and find out what air actually is and why it counts as real matter — because it does, even though it behaves as if it has nothing to prove. Then we'll look at what your eyes actually need in order to see something, and why a…
This Week’s Big Questions!…
Have you ever wondered how a bowling alley resets all the pins and returns your bowling ball so quickly? Today, we explore the machines behind the lanes and learn how pinsetters, conveyor belts, and ball lifts make going bowling a LOT easier than it used to be…
In today's episode, we explore how a vacuum cleaner actually sucks up all the dirt and hair off the floor! Air pressure, spinning fans, and powerful motors work together to pull dust and crumbs right off the floor.…
How are video games made? Who invented the concept? Why do games have levels? Who invented them? Why are game consoles so expensive? Why do people like playing these games so much and do they turn your brain to mush? What do you do if you can’t make yourself s…
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 10!…
How does a cucumber turn into a pickle? In today's episode, we learn how salt, vinegar, and fermentation can transform a fresh cucumber into the crunchy, sour pickle many people love to eat.…
Why do dandelions change from yellow flowers into white, fluffy puffballs? We learn how a dandelion flower head makes seeds and what the fluffy white pappus does!…
What does it mean to be Autistic? Where does Autism come from? Are there different types of Autism?…
In today's episode, we explore how horses are able to sleep while standing up and why their legs don't buckle beneath them!…
How do spiders create those amazing webs without any tools? In today's episode, we discover how spiders use spinnerets to spin silk and build strong, sticky webs for catching food!…
In this episode, we learn about ThrustSSC, the official land speed record holder, and how it reached more than 763 miles per hour. We discuss drag, thrust, and the sound barrier along the way, too!…
Today, we’re resharing an episode from our archive that feels especially relevant as the World Cup men’s soccer tournament kicks off next week! “Million Bazillion” listener Alistair wants to know how professional athletes get paid. It’s perfect timing for the …
In this episode, we explore how animals use camouflage to hide from and blend into the world around them. We learn about background matching, patterns that break up an animal's outline, countershading in fish, and animals that can look like sticks and leaves!…
In this episode, we learn how maple syrup starts as watery sap inside maple trees and how it becomes the sweet syrup that you've just gotta have on your pancakes and waffles! MMM MMM MMMMM!!!…
How does a boomerang come back to you? Today, we will learn how a returning boomerang uses wing-shaped arms, lift, and a curved flight path to loop through the air and return back to the thrower!…
What exactly is the Big Bang? What caused the Universe to suddenly expand? How are Scientists able to see back in time?…
Send us Fan Mail…
How does a regular potato turn into a thin, crunchy potato chip? In this episode, we take an imaginary trip to the factory where it all happens!…
John Robertson has a break from putting water slides in the worst places to put water slides, to help Tiernan answer a question about dancing tissues.…
This Week’s Big Questions!…
“Million Bazillion” listener Cora wants to know: How does a company buy another company? But before Bridget and Ryan can answer, Borpo, host of “Learning with Borpo” and CEO of a giant educational media empire, shows up with an offer to buy “Million Bazillion!…
What did People use before Toilet Paper? How is Toilet Paper made? Why are there so many nicknames for Toilet Paper?…
In this episode, we explore how stories are built using the three-act structure and the Hero's Journey. Using the stories of Cinderella and the Grinch as examples, we learn how all stories are about "change."…
How do trampolines bounce you so high? In this episode, we learn how a trampoline uses a flexible jumping mat, stretchy springs, and stored energy to send jumpers back into the air.…
In this episode, we learn how people communicate using American Sign Language, or ASL., AND we learn how to sign "Hello, it's nice to meet you."…
In this episode, we explore what life was like for people with blurry vision before modern eyeglasses and how early tools like reading stones helped with close-up work!…
Why is Mayonnaise called Mayonnaise? What is Mayonnaise made of? How did Mayonnaise become so popular worldwide?…
This is a reading from my book 'Nanny Piggins and the Origin Story'. It tells the story of how she first met her brother, Boris when he was a tiny bear cub, newly kidnapped by the Ringmaster.…
Who tested the first Parachutes? Did Parachutes actually come before planes? What are Parachutes made of?…
In this episode, we learn how astronauts train to go on space missions!…
What if humans could regrow lost arms or legs the way some animals can?…
In this episode, we learn how Goldfish crackers are made, from mixing dough with ingredients like flour and cheese, to rolling it thin, cutting it into little shapes, baking it until crunchy, cooling it, and packaging it for snack time!…
How high can someone bounce on a Trampoline? Who invented the Trampoline? What Trampoline safety do you need to know?…
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear the answers to these questions as Joy and co-host Brooke learn about the history of the sport, plus the…
What's the difference between English and Olde English? How are words added to the English Language? Is English the most widely used language in the world?…
This is a reading from my book 'Nanny Piggins and the Origin Story', telling the story of how Nanny Piggins and Boris the Ballet Dancing Bear first met. If you like it the whole books is available as an audiobook through all the usual audiobook platforms.…
Evie wants to know, "How is soil made?"…
JOIN THE CURIOUS KIDS CLUB to participate in future episodes: SupportCuriousKids.com…
In this episode, we learn how bar codes help grocery store scanners know exactly what item you are buying. We discover how black bars and white spaces make a pattern and how the store computer matches the scanned number to the right item and price!…
In this episode, we learn why a card is not free money and what happens after a credit card purchase is "approved!"…
In this Squiz Kids Science Short, we explore what smell actually is, how your brain recognises different scents using patterns of signals, and why smell has been one of the most mysterious senses for scientists to understand.…
In this episode, we learn how saliva is made by your salivary glands and how it helps with tasting, chewing, swallowing, digestion, and keeping teeth clean!…
Hop aboard the magical Culture Train for a brand new adventure, then switch tracks and climb into a real-life 18-wheeler as we hit the highway with our new friend, Mr. Avie 🚚…
In this episode, we learn why most fish need to stay in water and how gills help fish get oxygen!…
In this episode, we explore how these colorful candies are created in the factory, from the chocolate center to the thin candy shell, unique colors, and tiny printed "m."…
How were Trains invented? What makes a Train move? What different kinds of Trains are there?…
In this episode, we explore how paint is made and why it starts out wet but dries into color that sticks!…
Welcome to Science Quest! 🧪 This week, we’re scrubbing in for surgery at the zoo, outsmarting some hungry beach birds, and taking a multi-year road trip to Saturn!…
Are there still lots of Animal Species left to Discover? How do Scientists discover new Animals? How can Scientists tell if an Animal is a New Species?…
Can anyone become a Teacher? What different kinds of Teachers are there? How do Teachers know what to Teach?…
Frankie and Timothy would like to know, "How do cars work?"…
We wash our hands all the time, but do you ever wonder why? It turns out that soap is super good at attaching to dirt and germs and carrying that gunk off skin. Join Molly and co-hosts Hope and Heaven as they zoom in on soap to see how this sudsy stuff cleans …
How is a Slinky made, and why can it walk down stairs? In this episode, we explore how the amazing slinky works!…
Welcome to Science Quest! 🚀 This week, we’re soaring from the English countryside to the edge of outer space in an episode packed with ancient mysteries and modern-day explosions.…
In this episode, we explore how scientists predict the weather using tools like radar, satellites, weather balloons, and computer models... and why we sometimes get it wrong!…
Why do Fireflies make their butts light up? How long do Fireflies live? What do Fireflies eat?…
In this episode, we explore how rubber bands can stretch, store energy, and snap back into shape!…
Today's question was sent in by a LOT of you! Lizzie, Reuben, Archie, Mack and Ruth would like to know 'How do babies grow in a mummy's tummy?', Luana wants to know "Why do babies have blood on them when they're born?" and Grayson and Mackenzie want to know, '…
Humans have visited the moon but we’ve never lived there. Could we build a home on our lunar neighbor? Join Molly and co-host Ira as they find out why the moon can be a dangerous place, and what it would take to live there. We’ll imagine a visit to a lunar hot…
In today's episode, we explore why humans can only hold their breath for a limited amount of time ans what actually makes your body feel desperate to breathe again. We also look at why trained athletes can hold their breath much longer than most people, and wh…
Why does your mouth make Saliva? What is your Spit made of? Does your Spit actually make food taste better?…
In today's episode, we explore how electric eels make electricity inside their own bodies using electrocytes!…
Deep in the basement of the San Diego Natural History Museum, there are thousands of jars filled with preserved reptiles and amphibians. In this episode, But Why takes a tour with collections manager Adam Clause to answer your questions about lizards! How do …
In today's episode, we explore how hot air balloons rise into the sky! We learn how heated air becomes less dense than cooler air and gives the the hot air balloon LIFT!…
Why is the Titanic so well known? What caused the Titanic to sink? What new laws were established after the Titanic's sinking?…
Bianca asks: How Can Chameleons Change Color? What an amazing question! It's pretty well known that they can change color, but how they do it is definitely a mystery. Luckily hosts Mike and Chanel know a lizard expert, Lenna Lamping from the Cincinnati Zoo and…
In today's episode, we talk about how long it takes to become a doctor and why that training takes so many years!…
In this episode, we explore how people build bridges over water. We learn how engineers study the site and how giant materials are lifted and assembled step by step to bring it all together!…
In today's episode, we learn how drum makers build the shell, attach the hardware, stretch on the drumheads, and test the sound of drums! We also explain why drums can handle being hit over and over again.…
In today's episode, we explore how the post office knows where to send mail. We learn learn how addresses, ZIP Codes, sorting machines, trucks, planes, and mail carriers all work together to help letters and packages travel to the right places.…
What if you could step inside your brain and see how it works?…
In this episode, we explore how juicy grapes turn into chewy raisins!…
Who invented the Drone? How long have Drones been around? How does a Drone work?…
In today's episode, we explore how the internet works! We will learn how data travels in tiny pieces and how the internet connects devices across homes, cities... even oceans!…
In today's episode, we learn how marbles are made from glass melted in a super-hot furnace and shaped into little round balls while still soft!. We also learn how the swirls and colors inside marbles become part of the glass itself!…
JOIN THE CURIOUS KIDS CLUB to participate in future episodes: SupportCuriousKids.com…
In today's episode, we explore how plain old sugar gets turned into fluffy cotton candy. A cotton candy machine is a very clever device, and we learn ALL about it today!…
In today's episode, we explore just how cold Antarctica really gets and why the middle of the continent is even colder than the coast!…
Are all Paints the same? How do they make different color Paints? Why do some Paints easily wash off?…
In today's episode, we explore what the name NINTENDO means. Did you know that Nintendo is such an old company... no one actually knows for sure what "Nintendo" means?! They started as a Japanese playing card company in 1889 eventually became one of the most f…
In tonight’s bedtime story, we follow bunnies Bertie and Bobby as they set off on another quiet adventure in Sleepy Forest, after a group of fairies lose their magic and can no longer fly.…
Today, it’s almost cliche to give someone a diamond ring to prove your love. But 100 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Back then, diamonds were seen as luxury items for the rich and famous. But thanks to some creative advertisers (and a whole lot of extra diamo…
This Week’s Big Questions!…
This week the team will be talking about cuts to air pollution in cities around the world, changes to video game age ratings, and hedgehogs’ super hearing. There’s also going to be a big debate about whether Parliament should leave London.…
Flowers are famous for their smells. Most are sweet, but a few are downright stinky. Either way, the science of how and why they make these scents is fascinating. Join Molly and co-host Isla as they learn about pollinators, flower smells and the mighty corpse …
In tonight’s bedtime story, we travel back to the very beginning of the Koala Kingdom to discover how the Koala Moon reached the sky.…
In today's episode, we explore how long crocodiles can live and why the exact age of a very old crocodile can be hard to prove.…
In today's episode, we figure out how printers turn a blank page into words and pictures and colors. From inkjet printers to laser printers and thermal printers... there are lots of different ways to print!…
In today's episode, we explore how dogs make their barking sound and why different barks can make different sounds.…
How was the Battery invented? What is a Battery made of? How long do Batteries last?…
In today's episode, we explain how a ceiling fan keeps spinning using electricity and its motor! We talk about the stator and rotor inside the motor and how a fan's motion is all about magnetic fields.…
In today's episode, we're figuring out how a refrigerator keeps food cold by using a refrigerant that changes between liquid and gas, and a loop of parts like coils and a compressor that carry heat from the inside to the outside!…
Some questions are so big they’re existential, meaning that they get right to the heart of human existence. These are also sometimes called philosophical questions, so for this episode we called up a professor of philosophy, Scott Hershovitz, who teaches at th…
In today's episode, we explain how automatic sliding doors can "tell" when someone is approaching. We explore the sensors that detect motion or heat and how safety beams help prevent the doors from closing when someone is still in the doorway.…
In today's episode, we discuss how ice cream is made! We learn about all of the ingredients and why ice mixed with salt can get colder and help freeze the dessert faster.…
In today's episode, we explore how thermometers measure your body temperature, including how different types detect heat and turn it into numbers you can read.…
In today's episode, we explore what changes in your brain and body when you fall asleep and how scientists can tell the exact moment your body shifts from being awake to being asleep.…
The very funny Abby Waumbaugh joins Tiernan this week to talk about not getting into an office and capturing snortalflaxes.…
This Week’s Big Questions!…
In today's episode, we follow the path of cardboard... from wood or recycled paper into watery pulp, then into paper sheets, and finally into the strong shipping material used for boxes, with a wavy inside layer that helps it resist being crushed!…
Why did the dinosaurs go extinct? Many of you have learned about the meteorite that scientists say hit the earth 66 million years ago and killed off many dinosaur species. But some dinosaurs survived, and the birds you see flying around today are their direct …
JOIN THE CURIOUS KIDS CLUB: SupportCuriousKids.com…
In today's episode, we explore how squids protect themselves by releasing a dark cloud and jetting away fast!…
In today's episode, we explore how smart baboons are by looking at what "smart" can mean in the animal world, including problem solving, memory, learning by watching others, and making quick decisions in the moment.…
In today's episode, we explore why your body "upgrades" itself after exercise, and how muscles grow bigger over time.…
In today's episode, we learn how doctors can take a picture of the inside of your body using invisible X-ray light and why bones show up so clearly in the image.…
Calvin asks: How long can sea otters hold their breath? Great question, Calvin! Hosts Mike Bennett and Chanel Hason answer Calvin’s question, share some other cool sea otter facts, and invite guest Moddy Himmel to share their experience educating through puppe…
Why does 'No shadow' mean less winter? Are Groundhogs accurate at predicting? Was it always a Groundhog?…
In today's episode, we explore how a screen can show moving pictures by using millions of tiny pixels that change color and brightness incredibly fast.…
In today's episode, we explore how snails move even though they don't have legs. We learn how a snail's muscular foot, slow muscle waves, and slippery slime work together to help snails crawl across the ground, up walls, and even across ceilings!…
How many generations have lived — and how do we even count…
In this episode, Culture Kids travels to New York City to explore City Works, a hands-on family exhibit at the New York Hall of Science.…
In today's episode, we explore how skyscrapers and other tall buildings stay standing without tipping over, even when strong winds blow or storms roll through. We learn how deep foundations spread out weight, how steel and reinforced concrete act like a buildi…
Do Straws actually cause pollution? How are Straws being made safer for the environment? Why can't you use a Straw in space?…
Stickers are everywhere. They label our groceries, cover our car bumpers, and decorate our notebooks. But how do they stick? We’ll zoom in on a sticker to see how a special glue helps a sticker cling to a surface. Plus, we’ll hear about stickers that can help …
In today's episode, we explore how iPhones work. From touch screens and batteries to processors and radio waves, we discuss what makes those pocket-sized computers function just right.…
In today's episode, we explore how diamonds are made and why they are so rare. We learn how simple carbon can turn into a sparkling gem deep underground with the help of heat and pressure.…
In today's episode, we explore how stuffed animals are designed, sewn, stuffed, and checked before they become a child's favorite bedtime companion.…
How did Earth get created? What did our planet begin as? Why does our world exist? What started our planet? These questions take us back billions of years to learn how Earth formed in the very beginning - and then, we’ll look to a group of mysterious asteroids…
In today's episode, we explore how birds build their nests, from choosing the perfect spot to weaving together sticks, grass, feathers, and even spider silk. We also discover how birds remember exactly where their nest is using landmarks and strong memory.…
In today's episode, we talk about the "recipe" a hurricane needs to form and why the storm begins to spin! Plus, we discuss why hurricanes can only form in certain places!…
In today's episode, we explore how firefighters use science and special tools to stop fires by removing heat, fuel, or oxygen!…
In today's episode, we learn how doctors use stethoscopes to hear heartbeats and breathing. We explore how the amazing way a stethoscope collects and guides sound!…
In today's episode, we explore how still drawings can turn into moving pictures. Kids learn how animation works and why our brains see motion.…
In today's episode, we explore how roller coasters are designed, built, and tested, from the very first big hill to the wheels that keep the train locked safely onto the track.…
How do scientists work out how old things really are — when they’re way too old for birthday candles?…
What is a UFO? Where are you most likely to see a UFO? Are UFOS evidence of Aliens?…
In this episode we are going to learn about time zones - how do they work? Why do we have them? What happens when you fly through multiple time zones? And what exactly is jet lag?…
Why do things fall down… but the Moon doesn’t?…
In today's episode, we explore how huge sea animals like sharks safely travel from one place to another and end up swimming in aquariums!…
In today's episode, we explore how a piano makes music and what's really happening inside when you press a key. From tiny hammers and stretched strings to a giant wooden soundboard, we break down how movement turns into beautiful sound.…
In today's episode, we explore how many babies are born every second and what that tells us about the way the world's population changes over time. Plus, we talk about how you could fit every single person on earth into the state of Texas!…
You can watch the episode on YouTube.…
In today's episode, we break down how calculators really work by following the exact steps they use to solve math problems. We explore base 10 (the way humans normally write numbers), base 2 (the system calculators use inside), and why binary patterns of 0s an…
Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and a monstrous midge as they travel to Antarctica to see how plants grow in the South Pole.
In our final look at metal, we explore how metal wires changed the world. Once humans figured out how to send little blasts of electricity through metal, we quickly developed lots of uses for this. One was a new way of communicating called the telegraph. Join …
Where do Comets come from? What are Comets made of? Why do Comets come back around?…
In today's episode, we explore how snowflakes are made, starting high up in cold clouds where tiny ice crystals begin forming around microscopic particles like dust!…
In today's episode, we explore how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. We learn what photons are and how silicon solar cells can set electrons into motion!…
On a rainy, windy day, But Why hopped on a ferry and headed to Governors Island in New York City with one thing on our minds - oysters! We met up with Mike McCann of the Billion Oyster Project to learn more about these very special bivalves. How do they get th…
Why is the Nobel Prize named the Nobel Prize? How do you win a Nobel Prize? What categories can you a win a Nobel Prize in?…
In today's episode, Captain Curious slows down time inside the esophagus to find out how food actually travels from the mouth to the stomach. We hear what peristalsis is, learn about the powerful sphincters at the top and bottom of the esophagus, discover how …
Humans have been fascinated by metal for thousands of years. But it took us a long time to master making things with metal. In this episode we go back in time to learn how Japanese swords were forged, how swings were used to make thin metal wires and why steel…
In today's episode, we explore how scientists figure out what dinosaurs looked like without ever seeing them in real life. Let's learn how fossils, footprints, muscle marks, and rare skin impressions help experts rebuild these amazing creatures from the clues …
In today's episode, we explore how glue sticks things together and how the process is different for different types of glue!…
Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and a super-sized koala as they discover how trees survive bushfires.
In today's episode, we explore how mountains form and what forces shape them over time. From colliding tectonic plates to rising magma and cracking crust, we learn that mountains are clues that our planet is always changing!…
Metal is amazing. It can be super strong like a steel beam. Or super flexible, like a copper wire. Humans have been obsessed with metals of all kinds for a very long time. This is part one a three-part look at how humans have used metal throughout history. Mol…
This is a very special episode of Curious Kids Every Day! It features submissions from kids in the CURIOUS KIDS CLUB! If your family would like to join, please visit SupportCuriousKids.com.…
In today's episode, we explore how something as small as a pencil requires thousands of people working together across forests, mines, factories and shipping routes. We discover how no ONE person can create a pencil all alone!…
Send us Fan Mail…
Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and an army of ants as they find out how plants get sick.
In today's episode, we explore how doctors help people fall safely and comfortably asleep using special medicine called anesthesia. We learn how it works (and how the body wakes back up afterward!).…
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…
In today's episode, we explore how fire extinguishers actually stop a fire. We'll learn about the fire triangle and how extinguishers use powder or carbon dioxide to remove the ingredients necessary for a fire to keep burning!…
Fellow kidcasts Terrestrials and Wow in the World join us for a story-stuffed special about smart chickens, mysterious duck quacks, and how the turkey got its gobble.
Nij is out of fridge magnets and discovers they can't be replaced by just any piece of metal. What gives magnets their power to pull and push, and how do they stick to things? Nij and the kids get the answer from physicist Dr Cathy Foley, who explains how magn…
In today's episode, we explore how the lights at intersections know when to change. We learn how timers, sensors, and small computers work together to keep cars moving safely and smoothly.…
What causes an Avalanche? How can you survive an Avalanche? Do Avalanches only happen on snowy mountains?…
In today's episode, we explore how telescopes gather and bend light so your eyes can see faraway moons, planets, stars, and galaxies in incredible detail. We will learn why lenses and mirrors make it happen and why bigger telescopes can reveal more of the univ…
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition. It’s been going since 1924. This year marks the 99th parade (it took three years off during World War II). It’s famous for elaborate floats and huge character balloons that bob above the streets as t…
A Cherokee 'How and Why' tale which explains why turtle's shell is cracked. It's beautifully told by storyteller from the Cherokee Nation, Gayle Ross. Warning: there are moments of violence, and things do not end at all well for the wolf in this story. Some li…
In today's episode, we discover how crayons are made! From melted wax to bright colors, learn how these drawing sticks come to life in the factory before landing in your crayon box.…
In this special episode of the show, Josh explains how he creates an episode of Curious Kids Every Day... from writing, to song selection, to uploading! As a fun example, we work on tomorrow's episode to show you how the process unfolds!…
In today's episode, we're learning how movies are made... from storyboards and filming to editing and animation! Discover what happens behind the scenes of your favorite films and find out how hundreds of people work together to bring stories to life.…
In today's episode, we discover how babies go from crying and cooing to saying their very first words. From the sounds they hear before they're even born to the way parents help them learn language through talking and reading, we explore every step of how a ba…
In tonight's kids bedtime story, we're bringing back a very special tale from the Koko Club archives! That's right, it's how our favourite doggy duo met!…
In this episode we explore how submarines dive, hover, and rise through the ocean. We'll discover the special ballast tanks that can fill with water or air to make the submarine heavier or lighter, learn about Archimedes' principle—the rule that explains why t…
In today's episode, we explore how bicycles stay balanced! Why does a bike fall over when it's still, but glide smoothly when it's moving? We explain how how motion and tiny steering adjustments work together to keep a bicycle upright, and how your brain learn…
What are Airplanes made of? How was the Airplane invented? Did people always like to fly?…
In today's episode, we explore the math behind luck and learn why 7 is the most common number when you roll two dice! We explain what probability means, how it helps us predict outcomes, and how you can test it yourself with dice or a coin!…
In today's episode, we explore how a vacuum cleaner actually sucks up dirt! Air pressure, spinning fans, and powerful motors work together to pull dust and crumbs right off the floor.…
In today's episode, we're taking a close-up look at one of the simplest yet most brilliant inventions ever made... the zipper! Learn how rows of tiny teeth lock together with the help of a special slider!…
In the previous episode of “Million Bazillion,” listener Aditya wanted to know all about the stock market, and how people make money from stocks. So what happens when a kid actually decides to try it out? Well, today we’re going to hear Joshua’s investing stor…
Where did the title 'WHO SMARTED?' come from? What major event caused WHO SMARTED? to be born? Who are the people behind WHO SMARTED?…
Unnecessarily angry Mark Watson joins Tiernan this week to talk about ear wax.…
Have you ever wondered how pressing a button on a camera can freeze a moment in time? In this episode, we'll explore how cameras capture light, use lenses and shutters, and record images on film or digital sensors. You'll find out what makes film cameras and d…
“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal needs a bit of help doing his classic “The Numbers” stock market segment so Ryan jumps in to save the day. The only problem is, he has no idea what any of it means. Ryan and Bridget head to Wall Street to learn about the stock ma…
In today's episode, we explore how satellites stay in space. We'll learn why satellites don't fall back to Earth and how rockets launch them into orbit!…
Want a green career but worried you'll have to compromise your values? Andrea Everett from the Pueblo of Ysleta del Sur shows there's another way.…
In today's episode, we're exploring the invisible world of Wi-Fi! How can information travel through the air to reach your phone, computer, or Yoto? We'll discover how Wi-Fi uses radio waves, routers, and packets of data to connect you to the internet without …
Who invented candy? Why is it so sweet? Why does hard candy melt in your mouth? How are candy corn, gummies and nerds made? What makes pop rocks pop? We talk with traditional candy makers at Sticky in California and Hercules Candies in New York about how these…
Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew, a giant mosquito and a grasshopper as they discover how Venus fly traps work.
What makes VR so amazing? When was Virtual Reality first created? What is the futrure of VR?…
In today's episode, we're learning how elevators move heavy loads smoothly up and down. From counterweights and cables to motors and hydraulic systems, discover the clever designs that make elevators safe and powerful.…
In today's episode, we explore how jellyfish sting! From the tiny harpoon-like nematocysts hidden in their tentacles to the venom they use for hunting and defense, we'll learn why jellyfish sting and what makes them such fascinating ocean survivors.…
Send us Fan Mail…
In today's episode, we explore how hearing really works... from vibrating sound waves and the eardrum, to the tiny middle-ear bones, to the fluid-filled cochlea and its hair cells that send signals along the auditory nerve to your brain! We discuss why ear pro…
In the space between stars, dark clouds of gas, dust, and ice mingle in a chemical laboratory unlike any on Earth. Ewine van Dishoeck, an astronomer who studies molecules in space and who helped develop an instrument aboard NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, e…
In today's episode, we peek inside the microwave to discover how invisible waves can cook dinner in just minutes. We learn how microwaves excite water molecules, why food heats unevenly sometimes, and which items are safe (and unsafe) to put inside.…
How far down can a Submarine go? How long can a Submarine stay underwater? When were Submarines invented, and by whom?…
In today's episode, we open up the mystery of dishwashers to find out how these kitchen machines spray, scrub, and rinse our plates sparkling clean!…
Have you ever wondered how music and voices from a radio station end up playing right inside your car? In this episode, we explain how radio waves carry sound through the air, how antennas grab those signals, and why you hear static when you change stations.…
Today we unlock the secret of how keys and locks work. From the cylinder, to the pins, the springs, the shear line, and how a key's "hills and valleys" line everything up so the bolt can move... we break it all down!…
Tonight we follow the pool’s “tiny river” to see how calm water stays clean—and why bodies float. We picture the hidden loop (skimmer → pump → filter → return jets), learn how chlorine and balanced pH keep water friendly, and then slip into the physics of floa…
Today, we discover how people got their food before they had grocery stores! We learn how people had to grow, raise, and trade their own food. Then, we discover how a little store called Piggly Wiggly changed EVERYTHING!…
How do scientists sort all the animals on Earth? In today's episode, we climb from the biggest group to the smallest one and learn how Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species work together like neat toy bins. We practice with a Poodle (and LE…
In this episode, we picture a helicopter’s spinning rotor as a moving wing that makes lift; notice how blade pitchchanges lift; and hear how pilots use the collective (up/down), the cyclic (lean the “flying circle” to drift forward/sideways), and the pedals w…
Have you or someone you know ever broken a bone? Today, we're exploring how bones heal themselves after a break. From blood clots to calluses, your body acts like a construction crew to repair damage and make bones good as new.…
Who invented the Pencil? What do the numbers on Pencils mean? Do Pencils really contain lead?…
When you flip a light switch, you're actually doing something powerful! Today we'll learn how a light switch controls the flow of electricity, what's happening inside your walls, and how those little plastic switches work like the gatekeepers of your home's li…
All aboard the Culture Train! This week we're stopping in Richmond, Virginia to visit San-J International, where soy sauce has been brewed the traditional Japanese way for over 220 years! 🍶🌱…
But Why went somewhere really cool - literally - and we’re taking you along! We visited Sólheimajökull, a glacier in southern Iceland and then talked with University of Iceland glaciologist Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir to discover how glaciers are formed, why they…
How does a tiny, wiggly caterpillar turn into a beautiful flying butterfly? In today's episode, we explore one of the most incredible transformations in nature... metamorphosis! You'll learn what happens inside the chrysalis, what imaginal discs are, and more!…
Season 5 begins! In this episode we look at how fidget toys can help some brains focus—and why bedtime calls for softer tools. We explore attention as a gentle “spotlight,” meet the hidden sense of proprioception, try tiny visualizations, and learn the Three S…
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds on Earth! They can fly backward, hover in place, and flap their wings so fast you can barely see them. In today's episode, we'll flap our imaginary wings, pretend to zoom through the air, and learn exactly ho…
Clouds can be fluffy, flat, or wispy...but did you know some clouds can stretch for hundreds of miles or grow taller than Mount Everest? In today's episode, we look up into the sky and explore just how big clouds can get. From tiny puffs to thunderstorm towers…
How big can Frogs get? How do Frogs catch prey with their tongues? What's the difference between Frogs & Toads?…
Have you noticed especially hazy skies where you live over the last few summers? While many parts of the world are experiencing more frequent and intense wildfires, even places that are nowhere near the fires are being impacted by the smoke from fires hundreds…
Lion’s voice is soft and quiet. This makes it tricky for the animals to know when lion is out hunting, and keep safely out of his way. So they need to find a way to get lion to roar. But no animal is brave enough to sort the problem. …. no one that is except …
NOTE TO PARENTS: I keep this discussion very general and don't discuss how babies are concieved. The explanation of the process begins as if the baby already exists. With that said, this episode may invite questions about how the process gets started, so use y…
Environmentalist face devastating burnout rates - 96% experience high or very high exhaustion levels from working on environmental issues. BIPOC communities bear this burden even more heavily, standing on the frontlines of climate destruction.…
It's a lesson in economics on Curious Kids Every Day! Have you ever gotten money for your birthday and used it to buy something special? Did you wonder what determines how much that thing costs? Today, we dive into the world of money! We'll talk about barterin…
Have you ever opened your eyes underwater in a pool and noticed how blurry everything looks? What do you think it's like for a fish?! Do they see things the same way we do, or do they need goggles too? In this episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we'll explore h…
Send us Fan Mail…
An old story from West China that explains how the cockerel got his red crown. An episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast for kids ages 4-10. (duration - 10 minutes)…
Who invented the Yo-Yo? Where did the name Yo-Yo come from? What What are some basic Yo-Yo tricks?…
How do trash trucks pick up your garbage, squish it down, and make room for more? In today's episode, we explore how these giant rolling machines work (from robotic arms to powerful compactors!) and where all that trash goes after it leaves your curb.…
Have you ever driven past a house being built and wondered what all those workers are doing? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we're looking at how houses are made... from the strong foundation at the bottom to the roof at the top!…
Have you ever looked at a giant cruise ship and thought, "How does that thing NOT SINK?!" Boats come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny kayaks to large cruise liners, and yet, somehow, they all manage to float. In today's episode, we'll discover what makes tha…
Video games can take you to magical worlds, exciting races, and tricky puzzles, but how are they made in the first place? In this episode, we explore every step of game creation, from the first big idea to the moment it's ready to play. We'll talk about art, c…
Have you ever stepped onto an escalator and wondered where the steps go when they disappear? Today on Curious Kids Every Day, we're taking a ride beneath the surface to find out how these moving staircases actually work. From the loop of connected steps to the…
This is a summer rebroadcast of an episode of Tumble from a few years ago.…
Who invented the Hot Air Balloon? How high & fast can they go? Can a Hot Air Balloon...pop?…
Ever wondered how long it would take to walk all the way across the United States? In today's episode, we use some multiplication and division to figure out how many days it would take to get across the USA!…
Have you ever drawn a picture, folded a paper airplane, or written a story on a sheet of paper and then wondered where that paper came from? In today's episode, we follow the fascinating journey of how trees are turned into the paper we use every day!…
Join us as we return with Professor Susan (Sue) Chiblow, one of our most beloved guests whose wisdom bridges Indigenous science with academic research. As an Ojibwe professor and International Joint Commission commissioner, Sue reveals the right way to learn f…
What exactly is a tornado, and how does something made of air get strong enough to lift cars and tear down trees? In today's episode, we explore how warm air, cool air, and changing winds come together to create these wild whirlwinds.…
Mindy is herding cats—or sleigh cats that is! But why aren't the sleigh cats listening to Mindy and Guy Raz? Well... Science suggests a different tone may help your cat understand you better! It's the Who, What, When, Where, How and WOW of talking to cats! Ori…
Have you ever touched something and felt a tiny zap? That's electricity! Znd believe it or not, it's the same kind of energy that powers your lights, your TV, and even this podcast! In today's episode, we explore how electricity is made, where it comes from, a…
Have you ever wondered what a lightyear really is? Even though it has the word "year" in it, a lightyear doesn't measure time... it measures distance! In this episode, we explore just how fast light travels and how far it can go in a single year. You'll find o…
Summer re-air!…
Can music really make you feel happy, sleepy, or even sad? In today's episode, we explore how different kinds of music can change your mood, spark memories, and make your brain light up like a switchboard! From bouncy pop songs to quiet piano tunes, you'll hea…
Bridget and Ryan get swept up in a cyberpunk adventure as they try to answer Cooper’s question about how online data thefts can lead to real world consequences for your bank account. With the help of longtime friend of the program, Scam Slammer Host Brenda Ham…
Cars are everywhere! But have you ever wondered how they're made? In today's episode, we take a trip into the factory to explore how cars go from a pile of parts to something that can drive down the street! You'll learn about the assembly line, how machines an…
Have you ever seen a tiny light blinking in the dark grass at night? In this episode, we're chasing down the mystery of how fireflies glow and the reasons they light up! You'll learn about bioluminescence, cold light, and the amazing chemicals that help firefl…
Have you ever watched a train so long it seemed like it would never end? In today's episode, we're learning how trains can pull such heavy loads across entire countries. From old-fashioned steam engines to super-fast electric trains, we'll discover what makes …
What time is it where you are right now? Did you know it might not be the same time for someone else, even if they're just a few states or countries away? That's the power of time zones! In today's episode, we explore how time zones work, why they exist, and h…
Bridget and Ryan get a question from listener Deji - who wants to know, how much debt is too much debt? Before they can answer, the pair run into Ghost Pirate Blackbeard, who has the same question! Together, they learn more about debt, and what everyone, even…
Can you draw a perfect circle? In today's episode, Josh challenges listeners to try and then reveals why it's trickier than it seems! We'll explore what makes a circle a circle, how tools like compasses and protractors help, and the surprising ways people drew…
Who owned Alaska originally? What makes Alaska such a unique and interesting place? What are the most important exports found in Alaska?…
What are Forts used for? How do you defend a Fort? What are some of the most famous Forts?…
How do glasses help people see more clearly? In today's episode of Curious Kids Everyday, we discover how special lenses bend light just right to help your eyes focus better. It's a lesson in vision, science, and seeing the world in a brand-new way!…
How does a huge airplane lift off and soar through the sky? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we explore the science of flight... from the engines that push to the wings that lift. Learn how airplanes take off, fly, and carry us across the clouds!…
How do Asteroids form? How much damage can Asteroids do to planets? Where can you find the most Asteroids in the Galaxy?…
How do we talk, sing, and laugh? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we explore how your voice works, from vibrating vocal cords to shaping sounds with your mouth. Get ready to learn about your very own built-in musical instrument!…
Being a CEO is a big job and 9-year-old Shreen is wondering how to become one! On today’s episode, Bridget and Ryan learn about the different paths people take to be the boss and what it really means to lead a company. (Hint: its not just about meetings and fa…
How do ants always seem to know exactly where the snacks are? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we follow the trail (literally!) as we discover how ants use scent, teamwork, and amazing strength to find and carry food back to their colony.…
How can snakes get around with no legs at all? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we slither into the world of snake movement—exploring how their muscles, bones, and belly scales help them wiggle, glide, and even climb trees!…
What makes soap so good at getting your hands clean? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we explore how soap molecules work like tiny superheroes—fighting dirt, oil, and even some viruses! It's the science of staying squeaky clean!…
How can your brain think… and even think about thinking? In today's episode of Curious Kids Every Day, we unlock the mysteries of the amazing human brain—from neurons and memories to problem-solving and dreams.…
PARENT NOTE: There is NO crude humor in this episode and no mentions of "poop" or "pee."…
During the Cold War, the US sought allies to support it during the war against the Soviets. Pakistan was one of those allies. In exchange, Pakistan received financial aid and military support from the US. How did the state of Jammu and Kashmir become an uninte…
Bridget and Ryan hit rewind and break out an old-school cassette tape to answer your money questions. You wanted to know: how ATMs work, why the penny’s called the penny and how airlines set ticket prices? So we’re on the case to bring you the answers with an …
In space, microgravity changes the body. Body fluids shift from the legs toward the head, the back of our eyes flatten, we lose muscle strength, our bones lose some of their density, and even the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat drops. To lea…
How do spiders create those amazing webs without any tools? In today's episode of Curious Kids Everyday, we discover how spiders use spinnerets to spin silk and build strong, sticky webs for catching food. You'll learn what makes web-building so incredible—and…
Have you ever looked closely at your eyes in the mirror? In today's episode of Curious Kids Everyday, we explore how your amazing eyes actually work—from capturing light to sending signals to your brain. Learn about pupils, retinas, and optic nerves, and get r…
Where did Mercury get its name? What is a day on Mercury like? How is Mercury not the hottest planet in the Solar System?…
What were the original Gymnastics events? What are the different modern Gymnastics events? Why are there different events for Men & Women?…
“Million Bazillion” listener Alistair wants to know how professional athletes get paid. Bridget and Ryan prepare for the semi-annual Public Radio Foosball Tournament, but their star player is drafted to the opposing team. The hosts have to scramble to assemble…
From flower to hive to toast, this episode uncovers the sweet science behind how bees make honey. Kids will love learning about nectar, teamwork, and just how much flying it takes to make a single jar.…
In a week where the UK government announced that 500,000 extra pupils in England would get free school meals and the World Crazy Golf Championships took place, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Jun…
Flap your wings and take off in this episode all about birds! Kids learn how feathers, hollow bones, and strong muscles help birds soar through the sky.…
Magnets can pull and push without even touching—how do they do it? In this episode, kids explore the invisible forces of magnetic fields, learn what materials magnets stick to, and discover that even Earth is a magnet!…
From tiny seed to towering plant—how does it happen? This episode uncovers the science of roots, shoots, and sunshine as kids learn how plants grow, with games and questions to keep their minds blooming.…
What causes The Gulf Stream? How does The Gulf Stream protect you? What if there was no Gulf Stream?…
Ouch! You got a cut—now what? In this episode, kids find out what happens inside the body after an injury, from clots and scabs to special healing cells. It's a fascinating peek at how your body fixes itself!…
They come in cool colors, catch popcorn kernels and sometimes even have spacers - it’s braces! Ever wondered how braces magically straighten teeth? We asked Dr. ArNelle Wright - a real life dentist! - to help us break down the science of these tiny metal wonde…
What's really going on inside your phone, tablet, or computer? This episode breaks down how computers think, what they're made of, and why 0s and 1s are so important—plus interactive games to help kids learn by doing.…
The Milky Way! Neptune! Uranus! Halley’s Comet! There are so many cool features in our solar system – but how did they get their names? We asked space scientist and communicator Maggie Aderin-Pocock to help us find the answer.…
Waiting for a stoplight to turn green can be really annoying, especially when you’re running late. It would be awesome if you had a magic wand you could wave to get the light to change. But alas, such things don’t exist. But how do stoplights know when to swit…
Fish don't have lungs like we do—so how do they breathe underwater? In this episode, we explore the incredible way gills work to pull oxygen out of water and keep fish alive. Dive in for fascinating facts and fun games designed to spark curiosity and focus.…
Twinkle twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are…. No, really – what are stars made of and how did they get all the way up there in the sky? Let’s find out more with astrophysicist, Dr Kirsten Banks! Get ready to blast off in 5, 4, 3, 2 1!
When the British left India in 1947, they decided to leave one lasting impression - divide the lands between two factions that had different views of the world. The partition of India and Pakistan had a large impact on the hills and valleys of Jammu and Kashmi…
There are all different kinds of yogurt: Greek, vanilla bean, blueberry, even sheep’s milk yogurt! But how did people first figure out how to make this yummy food? We asked journalist Allison Conroe to help us find the answer.…
What if you tried to walk around the entire planet? How long would it take? Get ready to explore some big numbers and surprising facts about travel, speed, and the size of the Earth. This episode is full of fun questions and playful games to stretch your imagi…
Have you ever tried to hug a tree so big you couldn't reach all the way around? In today's episode, we're finding out how scientists (and curious kids!) can figure out a tree's age—without asking it! Learn all about tree rings, discover some truly ancient tree…
In this lively story, Gayle Ross from the Cherokee Nation in the US illustrates how Rabbit's habit of playing tricks on his friends backfires, and leaves him with the stubby little tail he has to this day.…
Happy Snake Week! Every episode this week explores a different question about our slithery friends. Did you know that, out of the roughly 3,000 total species of snakes, only about 10-15% are venomous? But how do those snakes make venom in their bodies? We aske…
Why are cell phones called cell phones? When were mobile phones invented? Who made the first phone call?…
If you don’t drink water, urine trouble! It’s a wee-lly important thing to stay healthy. So how do our bodies turn this clear water into yellow pee? Nij and the kids meet Dr Sradha Kotwal to follow the journey through our bodies from water to wee!
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…
We all love stories, but where did they come from? Listen to Wangari tell this lively and imaginative how and why story from South Africa which explains all.
All aboard the Culture Train! We're heading deep into the Amazon rainforest to discover where chocolate really comes from! 🍫🌿…
Have you ever heard of a mood ring? It’s a little piece of jewelry that supposedly tells you what kind of a mood you’re in. But how the heck can it know? We asked scientist Edwin Thomas to help us find the answer.…
Joy is so excited to be going on her first big camping trip, but she needs help – STAT! How do you put up a tent, anyway? And how do you make perfect, ooey gooey s’mores?! Luckily, her Girl Scout buddy and cohost Flora is here to help!Join Joy and Flora on the…
We see glass every day, we see right through it! It’s in our windows and our fridges, our cars and our devices… But how do you make all this hard, clear stuff? Pack your bags, we’re off to Ancient Egypt to find the answers!
Send us Fan Mail…
Did you know the tallest building in the world is a skyscraper in Dubai called the Burj Khalifa? It has 163 floors and weighs as much as 100,000 elephants! But how can the Earth even support such a huge building?! Why doesn’t the ground just collapse underneat…
Happy Dinosaur Week! Every episode this week explores the ancient marvels that walked the Earth millions of years ago. Fossilized bones and footprints help scientists figure out what these prehistoric creatures looked like – but how do we know what they sounde…
Step right up for the Tiny Tour of Toxins! Nij and the kids trek through the Aussie bush and go on an underwater adventure with venom expert Dr Timothy Jackson to explore the world of venomous animals...
Megalodon was the biggest shark species that ever lived. The biggest ones were almost 60 feet long, which is longer than a school bus! These gigantic sharks went extinct millions of years ago, but why? We asked paleontologist Kallie Moore to help us find the a…
Way out in the deep blue sea, there is a remarkable creature called the immortal jellyfish. This buoyant little blob can deal with being hurt or stressed by going from its adult form back to a baby!! Then it grows up all over again. Holy moly. How does that wo…
Forever ago is back with a brand new episode all about the Native Youth Olympics! Join Joy and cohost Ali to learn all about how a group of students in Alaska started a sporting event that today has hundreds of participants! Plus, a brand new game of First Thi…
Join us as we travel to the Caribbean rainforests of Costa Rica with Robert Mora, a proud Bribri community member and cultural guide. In this heartfelt conversation, Robert shares how the Bribri maintain their profound connection with water, healing traditions…
What causes Colors? How are you able to see Colors? Are Black & White actually Colors?…
A boomerang is a specially curved wooden throwing stick that was originally used as a hunting tool by Indigenous Australians. Nowadays, you can find toy versions along with the real thing, and if you throw them just right, they’ll curve around in the air and h…
Pasta is delicious, whether it’s rigatoni, linguine, macaroni or any shape at all! When you buy pasta from the store, it’s usually hard, crunchy, and dry. But after cooking it, the pasta is tender and toothsome! How does that work? We asked cookbook author and…
Have you ever looked at an animal and wondered what they were thinking? Us, too! What’s going on in a bobcat’s brain, a newt’s noggin, or a mouse’s mind? We asked science writer and author of Innovative Octopuses, Half-Brained Birds, and More Animals with Magn…
Where do strange Flavors come from? How are Flavors added to foods & candy? Can you make one thing taste like something completely different?…
How are records made? How does a record player make sound? Why are we still listening to and buying records when there are so many digital ways to listen to music?! But Why visits Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin, Texas to learn how little plastic beads become bright…
It was just another day at the Bonkerballs Bugle when Investigative Reporter Mindy and Editor in Chief Guy Raz got the inside scoop on a story that could unravel a mystery 261 million years in the making. Join Mindy, Guy Raz and Intern Dennis as they head down…
How are Dams built? What makes Dams so important? What are the different kinds of Dams (including Beaver Dams?)…
Couscous is a delicious fluffy, starchy food that people enjoy all over the world. You can find the dried version in stores, but what if you wanted to make it fresh? How does couscous actually get made? We asked cookbook author Kenji Lopez-Alt to help us find …
Throwing a flat rock juuust right so that it skips across the surface of a pond or river is super satisfying. How many hops can you get? Two? Seven? Sixty-five? But how does the right kind of throw cause a rock to NOT sink as soon as it touches the water? We a…
Have you ever raced a cheetah? Hopefully not, that sounds dangerous. But if you have, that cheetah probably left you in her dust. We asked Rick Schwartz from the San Diego Zoo to help us figure out why cheetahs are so fast.…
Lizards are awesome creatures. Some have long forked tongues, others can move their eyeballs in opposite directions. And get this: some lizards can even drop their tails and grow new ones. But how and why do they do this? We asked lizard researcher Laura Kojim…
What does it take to become an inventor? To find out, we spoke with an inventor named Josh Miele about one of his greatest inventions: tactile maps! Tactile maps use braille technology to help blind people explore their neighborhoods with their fingers first. …
There are caves all over Earth. And people discover more every day! They’re found in rock, lava, ice, and even sand. But how do caves form? We asked geologist Hazel Barton to help us find the answer.…
Who invented the Umbrella? What were the earliest Umbrellas made of? How many different types of Umbrella are there?…
Whales are some of the biggest animals on the planet, and they often migrate incredible distances. But how fast can they go? Like, let’s say a whale swam from California to Japan – how long would that take? We asked science writer and whale expert Vicky Stein …
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 showsSolar panels capture…
Have you ever had a dream that felt so real you thought it actually happened? Our brain can cook up some really vivid images while we sleep, complete with sounds and even emotions. So how do we tell the difference between dreams and real life? We asked dream r…
A lot of people think that the career they are trained for is the one they will end up doing. That is not always the case. Take a listen to our guest, Stephanie Schmidt, who was educated as an engineer, spent time working in that career, and then switched thin…
When did Competitive Eating start? How do they eat so much? Is eating so much food bad for you?…
Have you ever used a Polaroid camera? It’s a special kind of camera that takes physical photos almost instantly. As soon as you snap the button, a little piece of paper pops out of the bottom of the camera – and in just a couple minutes, a photo appears on the…
Ballet dancers inspire us with their grace, twirls, and leaps. But how do they stand on their tip-toes? We asked contemporary ballet dancer and choreographer Penelope Freeh to help us find the answer.…
Have you ever seen a dinosaur fossil from millions of years ago and wondered how scientists figured out the age of those big ol’ bones? Us too! So we asked paleontologist Jingmai O’Connor to help us find the answer.…
Why is Big Ben named Ben? Who invented Big Ben and why? Is Big Ben the name of the clocktower, or something else?…
Why do Bagels have holes? How do they make different flavored Bagels? Are Bagels like donuts without the sugar?…
Scientists develop medicines to help fight disease and keep people healthy. Some medicines are made in a lab, some come from plants, and some…even come from mold! So how does that work? We asked microbiologist Christine Salomon to help us find the answer.…
What are Boats made out of? What different kinds of Boats are there? What are the biggest Boats in the world?…
A folktale from Ghana that explains how yams came to the Ashanti people who live there. An episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast for children ages 4-10. (duration -11 minutes).…
Coral is one of the coolest creatures in the ocean. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, from bright yellow stars to big round brains. Sometimes, coral looks like rocks or even plants – but did you know it’s actually an animal?…
Ever wish you had a frog's tongue? You wouldn’t even have to pick up a cookie with your hand…your tongue would grab it for you! How amazing is that? But really, how DO frog tongues stretch so far? We asked Kiisa Nishikawa, a professor at Northern Arizona Unive…
Caves are full of amazing stuff: bats, hidden passageways and of course – spectacular rock formations! So where do these rock structures come from? We asked geologist Hazel Barton to help us find the answer.…
Who was Saint Valentine? Why do you give chocolates & flowers? Why is Cupid a baby?…
People rubbing two sticks together and a fire magically appearing is a common thing you might see in movies or on television. But does it actually work? We asked engineer Vi Rapp to help us find the answer.…
Movies can take us to extraordinary places, sometimes using technology! Filmmakers create new worlds, incredible creatures, and mind-bending action scenes using something called a green screen. A green screen is just what it sounds like: a bright lime green ba…
Roses are red, violets are blue — or are they? Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and a beautiful butterfly as they discover how plants get their colours.
We know how important it is to wash our hands with soap and warm water. Get between the fingers, under the nails, all that good stuff. But why does soap get all foamy when you add water? Where do those bubbles come from? We asked University of Minnesota profes…
Isn’t it cool that cars can go forwards and backwards? Backwards and forwards go can cars that cool it isn’t? All joking aside, these huge, heavy machines can switch directions with just the push of a lever! But how do they do it? We asked car expert Chaya Mil…
How does vision work? That’s what Junie wants to know. And is it possible to create vision for people who don’t see? We’ll dive into the mysteries of how we see with Lucas Nadolskis, a scientist who became blind when he was five. Lucas is studying how vision w…
A game of hide and seek turns into a search for nature's hidden cubby houses. Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and a terrifying termite as they uncover the mysterious makings of tree hollows.
Clay is neat stuff. You can knead it, shape it, carve it, sculpt it, and make all kinds of beautiful creations. It goes from soft and squishy to hard and breakable when it’s baked in a kiln. But clay is…dirt, right? It comes from the ground! So how do you get …
How did life begin? It’s one of science’s biggest questions, but it’s impossible to answer on Earth, where ancient clues have been buried by the planet’s shifting surface. Instead, scientists are looking beyond our own planet, to asteroids like Bennu, a distan…
Who came up with Groundhog's Day? Why does a shadow mean more winter? Did they always use a Groundhog?…
How do people whistle? How does whistling make a sound? Why does your tongue change a whistle higher or lower? Can you get a trophy for whistling? Can people with laryngitis whistle? Get ready, we learn all about whistling with musician and champion whistler E…
We know that soil helps many things grow -- but how is it made? It must come from somewhere, right? We talked to farmer Angel Papineu to find the answer.…
What causes a Rocket to escape Earth's atmosphere? What are Rockets made of? How are Rockets built?…
Some snakes make a chemical in their bodies called venom. They use it to hunt and protect themselves. Sometimes, if a human gets bitten by a snake, they need to take a special medicine called antivenin. How does this medicine work? We asked pediatrician Emma …
Have you ever thought about how sea creatures might inspire technology? What would that even look like? Well, it's biomimicry, which is innovation inspired by nature. Dr. Karen Osborn of the Smithsonian Institution is here to talk to us all about how ocean cre…
On this episode we’re going to learn how to tame a worry beast.…
Ping pong is a super fun game. It’s like miniature tennis, where people use paddles to make balls fly across a table., and sometimes way, way up in the air! But how do those tiny plastic balls manage to bounce so high? We asked physicist Dr. Kiley Kennedy to…
Lots of cars, trucks and buses are powered by gasoline. You put the gasoline in a little hole on the side of the vehicle, it powers the engine and then it comes out of the tailpipe as exhaust fumes. But what’s going on inside that engine? And how does gas turn…
Who invented Vending Machines? What did the first Vending Machines vend? What crazy things are in Vending Machines?…
Paper is all around us. There’s toilet paper and pizza boxes, wrapping paper, and receipts. Most of the paper in the U.S. is made from trees, but it can be made out of all sorts of plant material – banana peels, cotton, rice, you name it!…
Send us Fan Mail…
Black holes are mysterious. They are so dense that no light can escape them, which makes them super hard to find! So how did we discover the first black hole? We asked NASA engineer Varoujan Gorjian to help us find the answer.…
In this powerful episode, we meet Alastair Lee Bitsóí from Naschitti, Navajo Nation, New Mexico, a water clan storyteller whose journey weaves together traditional Indigenous wisdom and modern advocacy. From the challenges of water access affecting one-third o…
A picnic turns into a voyage in a glass bottom boat. Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew, a turtle and some seagulls, as they examine the grass growing at the bottom of the ocean.
What is Snow made of? What makes better Snowballs? Are no two Snowflakes really alike?…
Records are big flat discs with circular lines on them that you can use to play music. But how does a record work, anyway? We asked audio engineer Josh Bonati to help us find the answer.…
Have you ever been to the doctor and had them listen to your body with a stethoscope? It’s that funny looking thing that looks like a long rubbery tube with a round metal circle on one end and two ear pieces on the other. Doctors always seem to have one handy,…
Most of us know that we have a heart. We know that it beats - sometimes faster, sometimes slower. But just how many times does it beat in a day? We asked Dr. Courtney Jordan Baechler to have a heart-to-heart with us about this question. (She is also the host o…
Have you ever seen a sinkhole? These are spots in the Earth’s surface where the ground has collapsed and formed a hole. Sometimes they can be more than a hundred feet deep! But how do sinkholes form? We asked geologist Hazel Barton to help us find the answer.…
A carpet of prickles is taking over the school playground. Join Costa, the Gardening Australia Junior crew and an enormous poodle as they track down the source of their weedy woes.
The Story Pirates meet a Wishing Wizard (Hannah Solow), resulting in a classic three wishes situation. Featuring two new stories: “How to Make Grilled Peaches,” a story about the wildest and weirdest recipe you’ve ever heard, written by Hanna, a 9 year old fro…
3D glasses. Those little paper spectacles with one red lens and one blue. Put ’em on, and suddenly, POW! Images seem to leap right off the screen! Do these glasses play magical mind tricks on our brain? Do they give our eyeballs multi-dimensional superpowers? …
Vocal cords are magical things. They let us speak, sing, squawk and scream. But what are vocal cords and how do they do all that? We asked pediatrician Emma Gerstenzang to help us find the answer.…
How long have Elevators been around? Who really invented the Elevator? How safe are Elevators?…
If you could turn your hair any color in the world… what color would you choose?! Sapphire blue, hot pink, lime green, neon orange?? There are dyes out there that can turn your hair every color of the rainbow! But how exactly do they work? We asked Chemist Mic…
Bricks are all around us: in walls, sidewalks, park benches, and more. How are these bodacious blocks made, and what makes them different colors? We asked construction and masonry expert Brian Trimble to help us find the answer.…
What is Poison Ivy made of? Why are Humans allerigic to it? How can you avoid Poison Ivy?…
Children come up with ideas and stories like magicians pulling rabbits out of hats—nobody knows how, but it’s endlessly entertaining. It’s a mix of imagination (and maybe a little too much candy). But how can they turn their ideas into a well-written story? Me…
Clothes are FUN. We strut our stuff in them. Laugh and play in them. Sometimes we love one article of clothing so much, we never want to take it off! But eventually, all clothes do have to be cleaned. We chatted with Tide Principal Scientist Jennifer Ahoni abo…
NASA sends so many spacecraft to both near and deep space, how do they ensure that each mission is safe during its operation? We have Lauren Clayton, NASA Chief Safety and Mission Assurance Officer at Glenn Research Center to discuss how NASA does all of this.…
We’re joined by Anagali Duncan, founder of the nonprofit Seven Ravens, who shares their inspiring mission to bring books written by Indigenous authors to Native youth. The Indigenous Book Drop initiative is about more than just books—it’s about empowerment, re…
Warts are small bumps that can show up on our skin, especially on our hands, knees, or elbows. What are they? Where do they come from? We asked Dr. Kaveh Hoda to help us find the answer.…
Platypuses seem like they were put together from other animal’s spare parts. They’ve got a bill like a duck, a flat tail like a beaver, and…venom? What’s up with that? We asked biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us find the answer.…
Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth. They’re the super sonic jets of the animal kingdom! So what does the word “peregrine” mean and how did these amazing birds get their name? We chatted with conservation biologist Imogene Cancellare to help us …
You probably know Sesame Street as a fun, fast-paced show full of talking puppets, like Elmo and Big Bird. But it actually started as a huge experiment to see if TV could change kids’ lives for the better! Join Joy and co-host Truman as tell the tale of how Se…
Most bear species spend at least part of the winter season snoozing – a.k.a. hibernating! To prepare for that extended nap sesh, bears snuggle up in cozy dens where they can stay safe and hidden. But how does a bear make a den? We asked biologist Imogene Cance…
In this episode, we’re joined by Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, a descendant of the Ashanti Empire, who shares his remarkable journey of cultural identity, ancestral heritage, and environmental advocacy. Growing up in Ghana, Nana experienced a profound spiritual calli…
This week Tiernan is joined by the brilliant Adele Cliff who helps to answer Doggy Lover Woof's very grim question about eating poop.…
Did you know that trumpets are the oldest brass instruments? Orchestras rely on them to play the highest notes in the brass section! But how do they make that bbbbrrrrrrr sound? We asked trumpet player and teacher Jim Boyle to help us find the answer.…
Why do we have to poop? Why does fiber make you poop? Why is poop brown? Why does it smell so bad? Why do farts smell bad, too? Yup, we’re going there! In this episode, Mary Roach, author of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, answers your questions abou…
What does it feel like to be in space? That’s what Elijah wants to know. So we’re taking off on a zero-gravity flight to find out! Guest reporter Jason Strother shares the story of Sheri Wells-Jensen, a blind scientist who is paving the way for people with dis…
Black holes are areas in outer space that have gravity so strong that not even light can escape its pull! Some black holes are formed from stars…so how does a star go from a burning ball of gas to a light-swallowing void? We asked UCLA astrophysicist Dakotah …
As climate change drives more frequent and intense tropical cyclones and hurricanes, coastal communities desperately need better tools to predict how bad storms will be and when and where they’ll strike—and to assess the damage afterward. From the air and in s…
The hosts visit Bridget’s grandma to answer questions from Josephina and Anna about how retirement works. Along with dancing and eating a lot of casserole, they learn about the many ways people save for retirement and how the government helps people pay for th…
Fireworks are loud and exciting! You light a fuse and the firework rockets up into the air, and then BLAM! It explodes into colorful, sparkling bouquets of light. How the heck does a firework do that? We asked chemist David Chavez to help us find the answer.…
How does a Scuba tank work? How long can you stay underwater with a Scuba tank? What does Scuba mean?…
To celebrate the release of Moana 2, coming soon to cinemas, Dan and Stevie go on a journey to Polynesia to find out how thousands of islands thousands of miles apart were settled without the use of typical instruments using a technique known as wayfinding...…
Batteries power lots of stuff that people use everyday, like cellphones, toys and laptop computers. Some batteries can even be recharged after they run out of juice. But how do batteries store electricity? We asked chemistry professor James McKone to help us f…
An old folktale from China about how people thought the moon's face changed in one single night. An episode from Journey with Story - a storytelliing podcast for kids ages 4-10. (duration 11 minutes)…
Are all Scrorpions dangerous to people? How many types of Scorpion are there? How are Scorpions able to survive the desert heat?…
Have you ever turned on a light and wondered, “How does that thing light up, anyway?” Us, too! We asked Tim Pula of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to help us find the answer.…
Tiger sharks are beautiful and amazing creatures, but did you know that they can also help the ocean ecosystem? Wells Howe, Director of the Beneath the Waves Group, explains how. Take a deep dive into the ocean and learn all about the awesome animals that keep…
Sometimes, doctors use something called anesthesia to help them treat patients. Anesthesia can be different substances, but they all prevent our bodies from feeling pain during a medical treatment or surgery. So how does anesthesia stop us from feeling pain? W…
Bug spray helps us keep mosquitoes and other insects away. But how does it work? We asked insect expert Meredith Cenzer to help us find the answer.…
Why do you wear a Costume? Why do you "Trick or Treat?" Why do people give out candy on Halloween?…
Music boxes are hand-cranked toys that play a tinkly little tune. How do they make their music? We asked music box maker Richard Upchurch to help us find the answer.…
Have you ever played with a Magic 8-Ball? They’re black and white toy balls – but with a twist! People ask the Magic 8-Ball a question, shake it, and it gives you an answer! How do these toys work? And when were they invented? We asked Chris Bensch, head cu…
Our mouths have a lot going on. They have teeth and a tongue and they help us talk and eat. But what about saliva? It seems important, right? How do our bodies know to make it? We asked otolaryngologist Dr. Laura Orvidas to help us learn all about saliva.…
You may have had a babysitter in your life, but did you know that a space station is going to have one? That's right! NASA is creating Gateway, a space station that will orbit the Moon, and it's going to have a robotic babysitter to keep an eye on it while hum…
Flannel is a soft, comfy fabric used to make shirts, cozy winter bed sheets and all kinds of other stuff. But how is it made? We asked fabric expert Susan Brown to help us find the answer.…
Election Day in the United States is November 5 this year and election officials across the country are already hard at work setting up polling places and processing mail in ballots. Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can be part of the process. You ca…
How do you become an Airline Pilot? Who really flies the plane? What does the Co Pilot/First Officer do?…
Have you ever wondered how animals work together? And does this make them happier and healthier? Dr. Lauren Robinson, psychologist and animal welfare scientist, joins us to today to talk about all of this and explain how animals cooperate with each other. List…
Our body has lots of ways to fight off the germs that make us sick. One of those ways is to crank up our internal temperature to make it too hot for harmful bacteria to survive. This is called a fever. How do our bodies reach those hot fever temperatures? We a…
A long time ago - back in the Dreamtime, the animals hold a competition to decide who is best at jumping, dancing, singing and running. Joolah the Lyrebird wants to dance, but he’s too shy and embarrassed by his straggly tail feathers to compete. So Joolah st…
QR codes are little black-and-white squares that you might have seen on food packages, movie tickets, restaurant menus, and lots of other places. You take a picture of the code with your smartphone and then your phone takes you to a certain website! But how do…
What are your Lungs made of? Are your Lungs the same size? How does air get into your Lungs?…
Solar panels absorb light from the sun and turn it into electricity. They can power everything from a calculator to a whole country! How does this sunny science sorcery work? We asked solar power expert Karl Wagner to help us find the answer.…
WARNING: This episode mentions death and dying in the context of the legal implications of death.…
3D printers are pretty awesome. Unlike the machines that print pictures or words on paper, 3D printers can create things you can hold in your hand – like fun-shaped food, cameras and even guitars. So how do they do it? We asked printing expert Robin Schwartzma…
Joy has a top secret message to deliver. There’s just one problem– she’s locked outside without her computer or phone! How will she send her VERY important message?…
Computers can do all sorts of amazing things, from solving complicated math problems to showing us videos of dancing birds. Computers do all that thanks to something called “binary code”, which is a code that is made up of only two numbers, 1 and 0. But exact…
A long time ago- back when the animals could talk, the earth is dark and cold. But when a lightning storm sets fire to a tree in the distance, the animals delight in the light and warmth - and agree they want some of that for themselves. But how can they safel…
Right this very moment, are you awake or are you dreaming? You're awake, right? But are you sure? Maybe you're just in the middle of a very realistic dream? Philosophers have been debating this question for centuries. And we are going to solve it today! Or are…
What are Bubbles made of? How are Bubbles able to float? What are the different kinds of Bubbles?…
Here in the U.S., we’re gearing up for the 2024 election! We’re about to vote to pick a new president and choose other leaders too. Maybe you’ve seen yard signs for different candidates around your neighborhood or campaign commercials on TV. All this election …
Ever wondered how dinosaurs left their footprints behind millions of years ago? We embark on a prehistoric adventure with renowned paleontologist Paul Olsen! Discover the secrets behind dinosaur tracks and how these ancient prints can tell us incredible storie…
There are thousands of species of butterflies, all with unique patterns of color on their wings. How did those designs get there? We asked butterfly collection curator Blanca Huertas to help us find the answer.…
The internet can feel like magic. You send a video of a squirrel eating an acorn to your friends and BOOM! A few seconds later, they can watch it! But how does the internet actually work?In today’s episode, Molly and co-host Kayson take a tour of the internet.…
Want to learn some cool fun facts about some of your favorite animals? And how they might have changed over time? Take a listen to our guest, Alex Re, host of the On Wildlife podcast as he chats with us and teaches us some interesting information about the wor…
An Encore episode of one of our most popular stories - a Cajun tale about a clever rabbit who teaches two bullies, the whale and the elephant, a lesson they won't soon forget. An encore episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast for kids ages 4-1…
You can use a scale to measure how heavy something is…but what if that something is really big? Like, really, REALLY big? Like the WHOLE continent of North America? There’s no scale big enough, so you gotta use science and math! We asked geoscience grad studen…
What if rivers were more than just water—they were living beings with spirit, memory, and life?…
Why do we have bones? How do they grow–and how do they know when to stop growing? How many do we have in our bodies? And when we break our bones, how do they heal? What do casts do? And how do you know if you’ve broken a bone? Broken bones are a common occurre…
Send us Fan Mail…
Bald eagles are beautiful and majestic creatures and they are our national bird. So what happens when one becomes injured? Awesome organizations like Raptor Educational Group, Inc., or REGI, are there to help. Today we are delighted to welcome Marge Gibson, fo…
The internet has been around since the 1960s, and since then it has become a huge part of our lives. We use it to look up cool facts, send messages, order pizza…and listen to podcasts! But how does the internet actually work? We asked computer scientist Vikram…
Coffee is known for giving people energy. In fact, some say they can’t start their day without coffee! It made us wonder why coffee helps us stay awake. We asked dietician and nutritionist Maria Cruz to help us find the answer.…
How do wind turbines work? How are wind turbines made? What will our energy picture look like in the future? We’re taking a deep dive into wind power, and trying to make the technology understandable, with Josh Castonguay of Vermont utility Green Mountain Powe…
Have you ever had a dream that felt so real you thought it actually happened? Our brain can cook up some really vivid images while we sleep, complete with sounds and even emotions. So how do we tell the difference between dreams and real life? We asked dream r…
Have you ever wondered how things in space get their names? Us, too! In this week’s episode, Molly and co-host Cassie hear the story of a funky little moon with a very strange name.…
A thermometer is a handy dandy little device that measures temperature. We use them for lots of things, from telling us when we have a fever to making sure our roast chicken is cooked to perfection. But how does a thermometer actually measure how hot or cold s…
Is it the wings? Is it the feathers? Is it how light they are? If you’ve ever wondered why birds can fly, this is the episode for you! We asked ornithologist Drew Lanham to help us find the answer.…
In the United States, you can’t get a tattoo until you’re 18 years old. If that seems unfair, just think about it - it’s permanent! As in…forever and ever! For all time! So how does it actually stay on your skin? We asked dermatologist Roopal Kundu to help us …
Caffeine is a chemical that occurs naturally in drinks like tea and coffee. It can make you feel wide awake and energetic, so it’s also often added to other things like sodas and energy drinks. But how do energy drink manufacturers put caffeine into their prod…
Sloths are really, really good at hanging upside down. They practically make it seem effortless! Why is that? Do they love it? Is the world just more fun from that angle? We asked zoologist Lucy Cooke to help us figure it out.…
Octopuses are incredible and intelligent ocean creatures. They’ve got talented tentacles, three hearts, and can become almost invisible to predators and prey by blending in with their surroundings. But how does an octopus do that? We asked squid biologist and …
Wifi seems like magic! It lets us send information from routers to computers through the air!. But how does it work? Are there magical computer data tubes? Lasers? Tiny invisible falcons carrying messages incredibly quickly? We asked computer scientist Vikram …
But it’s important to know how to swim if you’re going to be around water! In this episode, Upper Valley Aquatic Center Swim School Director Kana Wyman gives us swimming tips, like how to get comfortable putting our heads in the water, how to float and more.…
Did you know there are thousands of different species of crabs on Earth? Most of them live in water, but there are plenty of species that can live outside the water, too. So how do crabs breathe, both in the water and on land? We asked biologist and science co…
Send us Fan Mail…
Ever wondered how trees keep track of time? They don’t wear wristwatches, so…do they have a tree calendar? Or count their rings like candles on a birthday cake? We asked arborist Casey Clapp to help us find the answer.…
The paper money that we use in the United States is printed by the Department of the Treasury. But if money is printed…well, then why couldn’t someone print hundreds of dollars for themselves? How do you know if the crisp five dollar bill in your hand is the r…
If you need an egg to make a chicken, then where did the first egg come from? Nij and the kids meet Professor Kate Buchanan to learn about how chickens make eggs... and which came first!
If you write a song, create music or a fantastic invention, what can you do if someone copies your hard work?…
What is the 'Pickling' process? Why do 'Pickled' foods taste yummier? What foods can be 'Pickled?'…
What's in Energy Drinks? Are all Energy Drinks the same? Are Energy Drinks good for kids?…
Owls are amazing. Most are nocturnal and hunt at night. They have incredible eyesight. And a group of them is called a parliament! One of our listeners was wondering how far they can turn their heads around. We asked Lauren Smith from the Owl Research Institut…
How do giant Cruise Ships operate? What can you find on a Cruise Ship? Where did 'Cruising' the ocean first start?…
Zippers are everywhere – holding your backpack closed, keeping you snug in your sleeping bag and of course, on your pants! But how exactly does a zipper work? We asked Bryon Robinson of YKK (the world’s largest zipper manufacturer!) to help us find the answer.…
What are Hot Dogs made of? Who invented the Hot Dog? Why do Hot Dogs come on buns?…
Max & Molly travel back in time and meet famed author and humorist Mark Twain (writer of Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn). Together the three of them must help get President Abraham Lincoln to Gettysburg, by train, in time to deliver his famous speech. But it …
The U.S. plans to return to the Moon in a few years and have humans walk there again. Consistent and reliable communication between the Moon and Earth is imperative. How will NASA accomplish this? Take a listen to our guest Sirina Nabhan, project data systems …
Have you ever looked at a building and noticed the beautiful landscape around it? Perhaps you've walked along amazingly manicured lawns amidst interesting plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Just who designs this natural beauty for you to enjoy? That would be …
What is Plastic made of? Why makes Plastic such an amazing material? Is Plastic good or bad or... both?…
People think alligators and crocodiles are really scary - and lots of people don’t understand the difference between them. But wildlife biologist Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez says they are very cool and helps us get to the bottom of their distinctive qualities!…
What were the first Scooters like? Who invented the Scooter? How did Scooters get so popular?…
Did you know that more than half the people in the world lives in cities? The hustle and bustle of a city can be awesome, but cities can also be hot and polluted. Luckily, there’s a solution we can all get behind – trees! Join Molly and co-host Nallini as they…
Writer, comedian and cutter of tarantulas' hair Ryan Denham joins Tiernan this week to help answer Máire the Great's question about potatoes.…
How are injured raptors like eagles and hawks rescued, rehabilitated, and sent back into the wild? It's an amazing and time-consuming process. Our guest, Dr. Travis Wilcoxen, biologist and President of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Raptor Center, is h…
Send us Fan Mail…
In places all over the world, there are ancient paintings in caves and on cliff walls that were made thousands of years ago by the people living there. But this was way before modern paints, and those people couldn’t mosey down to the craft store to buy their …
In this story from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a small bird who mysteriously loses her song, she wanders through the forest asking for help from her feathery friends. Will she get her song back? Listen to this beautifully told rhyming tale from Maori storyteller El…
Why does the world's most popular sport have two names? Where was Soccer/Football invented? How have the rules of Soccer evolved?…
Bubbles are everywhere! Soap bubbles, fizzy seltzer bubbles, underwater bubbles – even bubblegum bubbles! But how do bubbles pop? We asked mechanical engineer Jacy Bird to help us find the answer.…
Hello again everyone! Welcome to Episode 19 of Season 7! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!!…
When our skin gets irritated, it reacts! And sometimes a rash appears. Rashes can be red, itchy, painful and bumpy… But how does our skin make them? We asked pediatrician Dr. Anjuli Gansto help us find the answer.…
Dogs have served as human’s loyal companions for thousands of years. They’ve also been trained to do some pretty cool jobs! In today’s episode, Joy and cohost Oliver learn all about the history of guide dogs. These are canine companions that are trained to hel…
It’s super helpful that each day of the week has its own name! Without these names, it’d be really hard to keep track of our calendars – and there’d be no such thing as #MotivationMonday or #TacoTuesday! But why do the days of the week have the names that the…
How much power can the Sun provide? What are Solar Panels made of? Does Solar Power work on cloudy days?…
It’s a big day for Ryan and Bridget. They’re hosting their first ever live call-in radio show to answer listeners’ questions. After some awkward stumbles in the studio, they’ll explain how the economy works, why we use money, why some stores give out coupons a…
Vacuums are full of surprises! Did you know that they blow air out to suck things up? Or that old-fashioned vacuums were so huge, they had to be hauled from house to house by horses?!…
The national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. It has brown hairy feathers, a very long beak and no wings. Listen to Maōri storyteller Emmy Bidois tell her version of this moving story written by author and broadcaster Alwyn Owen.The story explains how the Kiwi…
Drums are the backbone of rock’n’roll…and most other kinds of music, too! Where would we be without a big bass drum leading a parade, or a jazzy ba-dum-CH after a well-told joke? But how do drums actually make their sounds? We asked drum maker Liz Aponte to he…
In this episode of Indigenous Earth, we delve into the powerful story of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, the last bird of its kind, whose final song is a stark reminder of the silence left behind by extinction. Join Frank Oscar Weaver as he shares his journey into birdwatchi…
Have you ever wondered why a guitar sounds different from a violin? Or why a banjo is twangy and a cello is mellow? Then this episode is for you!Join Molly and co-host Ellie as they explore the ear-tickling world of string sounds! Together, they’ll learn about…
Who invented Seatbelts? When did all cars need to have Seatbelts? What's a Crash Test Dummy?…
Long time ago, in the African Bush, things were not as they are today. Elephant had a small nose, and Giraffe a short neck - so what happened? It all began with the little animals disobeying their parents. Listen to this lively, story told by Wangari from Ken…
Astronauts have such cool jobs! They get to blast off in rockets, experience micro-gravity, and see Earth from a whole new perspective. But how does someone become a NASA astronaut? We asked spacesuit designer Pablo de Leon to help us find the answer!…
Send us Fan Mail…
Shells come in so many amazing shapes and sizes - spirals, sand dollars, sundials, ones that whirl around, ones that twirl around, ones that twist to the side and some that even look like cookies! Our listener Lily had a great question about these shapes, and…
Humans have visited the Moon but we’ve never lived there. Could we build a home on our lunar neighbor? Join Molly and co-host Ira as they find out why the Moon can be a dangerous place, and what it would take to live there. We’ll imagine a visit to a lunar hot…
Have you ever wished that your peas could taste better? Perhaps you've avoided eating them because you don't like how they taste. Well, Christine Lewington, Founder and CEO of PIP International, the best tasting pea protein, is here to talk with us. You'll lea…
Bird eggs come in all shapes and sizes, from speckled hummingbird eggs smaller than a jellybean to mango-sized emu eggs. But how do birds make them? We asked bird expert Paul Bartell to help us find the answer.…
Welcome to Episode 16 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!!…
In this episode, Bridget and Ryan answer Aela’s question about college saving accounts and how they work with a special guest: an aspiring tooth fairy hoping to embark on her own college adventure! Together, they’ll learn all about the ways people save or pay …
Paper is made out of trees! But… how? Those tall, leafy, shade-giving beauties in your backyard don’t look anything like the piece of white paper coming out of your computer printer. We asked forest expert and educator Sanford Smith to help us find the answer.…
What is Earth made of? How hot is the center of Earth? Are Earth days getting...longer?…
Why do lizards have scales? Why are reptiles cold-blooded? Why do lizards have long tongues? How do lizards grow their tails back? Are crocodiles dinosaurs? What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Why do crocodile eyes look like they have m…
Maui the trickster is fed up with Ra the Sun. Ra is so lazy, that he’s always rushing across the sky to get back to his bed again. This leaves the days so short that Maui doesn’t have enough time to do all his chores. Maui and his brothers set out on a quest t…
About 60 miles above Earth is a line where our atmosphere ends and space begins. That boundary is called the Karman line. Of course, rockets that astronauts take go much farther than that. But just how far from earth have astronauts gone? And what do they …
Have you ever taken a big ol’ whiff of rotten milk? It probably smelled like dirty socks or stinky garbage. Blech! But why does food go bad, and how can we be sure that something is fresh and safe to eat?…
Have you ever watched birds soaring in the sky and wondered... How do they fly like that? Our guest, Alex Troutman, wildlife biologist and science communicator, is here to explain it all. A lifetime birding enthusiast, Alex turned his interest in birds into a…
Stevie and Michael dive into the topic of telepathy – the (supposed) strange ability to transmit thoughts or read minds!…
Bridget and Ryan are back for a whole new season of “Million Bazillion”! Since we’ve been away, Ryan’s developed an interest in soapbox car racing — just in time for a question from Abigail about how cars are made. Bridget and Ryan head to a car factory to fin…
Ouch! If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, gotten a paper cut or fallen off your bike, you know that getting hurt is no fun. Sometimes we can take medicine to help feel better, like ibuprofen. But how does that medicine know where to go in our bodies to stop the p…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on everyone's minds these days. What is it? How can it help me? Is it a good thing to learn to use? Our guest, Peter Kuperman Founder and CEO of HATCH Coding, answers all of those questions and more! Peter gives us a very user-…
Say cheese! Cameras can take amazing photos and videos of just about anything. But have you ever wondered how they work? We asked mechanical engineer and science educator Tiffani Teachey to help us find the answer.…
Knock knock! Everybody loves a good joke, but how did they start? And why do we think they’re so funny? We asked Brains On producer and resident funny expert Anna Goldfield to give us the lowdown on jokes!…
What are Invasive Species? What happens when Invasive Species invade? How do we control Invasive Species?…
Have you ever wondered how dolphins respond to their trainers? Do they actually recognize humans? Learn the answer on today's show from dolphin trainer Griselda Mora as she explains how smart dolphins are and talks about how you can become a dolphin trainer on…
Send us Fan Mail…
Why is April 1st known as April Fool's Day? What do you do on April Fool's Day? Is April Fool's Day celebrated around the globe?…
What is Virtual Reality? What is Virtual Reality used for? How will Virtual Reality change the future?…
Parrots are one of the few animals in the world that can mimic human speech and other sounds. But how exactly do they do it? We asked bird expert Amanda Bender to help us find the answer.…
What types of planets are way out in space and how do scientists study them? We have the awesome Dakota Tyler, astrophysicist and science communicator at DT Star Kid on our show to talk all about the fascinating field of exoplanets. You won't want to miss this…
Vacuums are like magic. You press a button and POOF – they can suck up all kinds of stuff: crumbs, cat fur, even coconut shrimp. But how do these handy dandy machines work? We asked mechanical engineer Tiffani Teachey to help us find the answer.…
How does a Trampoline make you bounce? Who came up with the idea for Trampolines? What tricks can you do on a Trampoline?…
Imagine this: you’re at a karaoke competition. You grab the microphone, belt out your favorite song, and the crowd goes wild! Everyone can hear your voice, thanks to your handy dandy microphone. But how exactly do these snazzy little machines work? We asked me…
Today our magic jeep brings us to a land where everyone seems to have bad luck. No matter how hard they try to get rid of it, nothing works! It will take the smart thinking of a group of ants to break the cycle. How will they manage to do it?
How much do we know about the ocean? And how much is there still to learn? TONS! Aquanaut and scientist Brian Helmuth is on our show today to talk about all of the amazing things he has learned about while studying the ocean for his entire career. Listen and c…
Why are there Burmese pythons and chameleons in the Florida Everglades? We might not know how those animals arrived but they are causing damage to the natural ecosystem. An invasive species out competes native plants and animals in an ecosystem. So how does th…
Have you ever gone outside after a rainy day and seen mushrooms growing in the grass or on tree trunks? How do they get there? We asked urban agriculture specialist Yolanda Gonzalez to help us find the answer.…
Hop aboard the Story Train with Birdie for a heartwarming tale of an animal circus and a plain gray bird who becomes a hero, earning his vibrant red feathers through an act of kindness
Skunks are part of a family of animals called mustelids, along with weasels, badgers, and otters. All of these animals produce a unique, musky smell, but where stink is concerned, the skunk reigns supreme. They can spray a super-smelly liquid from their butts …
Satellites are like robots in the sky: they monitor the weather, make GPS possible, and take stunning pictures of outer space! But how exactly do they work? When a satellite named Meep Moop gets delivered to Brains On HQ by mistake, Molly and co-hosts Tessa an…
Lots of people wear prescription glasses to help them see. An eye doctor helps to find the right prescription so that our eyeballs focus better on things that would otherwise look like a blurry mess. But how do glasses actually work? We asked eye doctor Stacey…
Send us Fan Mail…
Where did Lewis & Clark travel to? How dangerous was their journey? Who was Sacagawea & how did she save their lives?…
How many Animal Species have been discovered? How many Animal Species are there left to discover? Where are the most undiscovered Animal Species located?…
Have you ever seen someone strike a match? The match rubs against a scratchy strip and a split second later – poof! It makes fire! But how does a match work, anyway?…
Have you seen those giant wind turbines across the country? Ever wondered what happens to the blades when they have to be replaced? They can be recycled! Take a listen to our guest, Brian Donahue, with Canvus, a company who manufactures furniture out of old wi…
Who invented the Drone? Why is it called a Drone? How are Drones changing the world?…
Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms!…
Sand! We use it to make all kinds of things, from spectacular sandcastles to roads and bridges. But where does it come from? And why is the sand on so many beaches disappearing?…
Have you ever been walking around when you notice that your shoelaces have come untied, even though you just tied them? What’s up with that? We asked engineer Christine Gregg to help us understand.…
There are so many bacteria in the world that we still haven’t discovered them all! But because bacteria are so tiny, they’re really only visible with the help of a microscope. But what if lots and lots of those teeny tiny bacteria got together in a clump? How …
Humans have live over a year in space, but how long can they live underwater? Not many people can answer that question, but our amazing guest can. Known as Dr. Deep Sea, Dr. Joseph Dituri has spent 100 days living underwater. He is on our show to tell us what …
Did you know that you don’t have to go to university to become a lawyer? Some 17,000 people have been trained to become chartered legal executives (CILEX lawyers) who are fully qualified legal professionals.…
How can you get kids excited about STEM? Put it to music! That's exactly what our guest today has done. Victor Villegas is a Digital and Technology Coordinator for Oregon State University by day and the "DroneSinger" at night! You'll want to tune in to hear ho…
Send us Fan Mail…
Welcome to Episode 12 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!!…
Concrete is all around us. It makes up the buildings we live in, the sidewalks we walk on, the ramps we do our sick skateboard tricks on … but how is it made? How does it go from a thick, sludgy paste into a hard, smooth surface? We asked engineering professor…
Listener Gideon sent in this brilliant question: “How did ferns survive the dinosaur extinction and are they the same ferns we see now?” Our search for the answer will introduce us to James Frond, international fern of mystery, and take us flying through the a…
Cell phones and tablets are like portals into other worlds. You can play games, take photos, read books – all with just the tap of a finger! But how do touch screens work? We asked mechanical engineer and science educator Tiffani Teachey to help us find the an…
Almond milk is more popular than ever these days, but have you ever wondered how they actually get milk from almonds? We asked Gemma Aguayo-Murphy , recipe developer and creator of the cooking blog Everyday Latina, how it’s done.…
Are you aware that there will be a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024? This amazing event doesn't happen very often, so you should really try to see it. But how can you prepare to see one? Dan Schneiderman, Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the Rochester Mu…
What are the origins of human language? That’s what Elliana wants to know. Linguist Robert Englebretson joins us for a time travel adventure to unravel the mysteries of a question that has stumped scientists for centuries.…
Tree rings are kind of like a tree’s personal diary – they record everything that happens to them - from the weather, to fires and insects. One of our listeners wanted to know how tree rings form, and if you can actually tell the age of a tree by counting the …
Just how many birds are there in the world? Which one is the most common? Find out here!…
Here at Moment of Um, we love fishing for questions, and the one we’re answering now is a great catch. It comes from Marc, in Miami Florida: When lakes form, how do fish get in them? Associate Professor Megan McPhee from the University of Alaska Fairbanks help…
Welcome to the 8th season of Solve It for Kids! We start our new season off right by exploring some of the tiniest things in the universe... particles you can't even see. Dr. Katy Grimm, associate professor of physics at Cal State University East Bay and her r…
What happens to unsold food at the Supermarket? How do they decide what food goes where? How do Supermarkets fool you into buying more food than you came in to buy?…
Narwhals are sometimes called “the unicorns of the sea” because of their giant spiral tusks. It turns out that those tusks are actually a big tooth that grows right out of the narwhal’s mouth! One of our listeners wanted to know if narwhals were born with a ho…
Where and when were Bridges invented? What types of Bridges are there? What are some of the craziest Bridges in the world?…
Getting legal advice can be very expensive and many people can't afford it. Law centres are based in local communities to give free legal advice and assistance with social welfare problems such as homelessness, advice about welfare benefits and employment and …
What are Batteries made of? How were Batteries invented? How much power does a Battery provide?…
How was Uranus first discovered? Why is Uranus known as a gas giant? Does it rain diamonds on Uranus?…
If your family celebrates Christmas, you’re probably familiar with the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. Some trees are reusable and can be stored in the closet or basement, and others are real. Just how long does it take real trees to grow to their fu…
This week our wonderful guest is author Sophie Dahl answering a question about magic!…
Synthesizers are revolutionary instruments. These electronic devices use knobs, buttons and sliders to make different sounds — and you can hear them in all sorts of music, from pop to hip-hop. But that wasn’t always the case. Join Joy and co-host Lilike as the…
We can see them after a sun shower... or the spray of the sprinkler... we can even sing them! But why can't we ever catch them? Nij shares the ingredients to make a rainbow in this special episode of Imagine This...
Let's follow the slimy, shiny trail down the garden path all the way to... the Snail Whisperers! Drs John and Lorelle Stanisic will show us the secret lives of snails and how they get their famous spiral shells.
Fabric is everywhere. It's on the bus seat and the welcome mat... It's the curtains and the carpet... it's our snugly blankets and beloved teddies... and all our clothes! But what is it all made from? And how? Join textiles expert Emma Peters as we follow the …
Did you know there is a microscopic animal that can live up to 30 years without food? And that can survive in the vacuum of space? They are called tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, and they are hardy creatures. How much DNA do these adapt…
Baby with a Mustache takes a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she meets a treasure hunter (Justin Bartha). Featuring two new stories: “How To Get Into Monkey Trainer School,” a story about the most prestigious simian educational institute in the w…
There are tons of cake recipes out there, from angel food to red velvet. These recipes make different types of cake, but mostly share the same ingredients, like flour, sugar and eggs. When you mix them up and pop them in the oven, it seems like magic happens! …
Twenty-five years ago, last week (December 6, 2008), the International Space Station was created. Bob Cabana, astronaut and Associate Administrator of NASA, was on that special mission. He is with us today to talk about what it felt like to be a part of that h…
Lots of trees shed their leaves to prepare for chilly winter temperatures – but not all of them. Evergreen trees, like pines and spruces, keep their needles throughout the winter. So how do they do it? We asked science communicator and plant expert Brandi Cann…
It's Sugarplum and Sparkle's annual How to Wrap Christmas Presents workshop – and what a fabulous job they did of it too, even if Snowball did go walks for a bit...…
The reindeer are undergoing their checks ahead of the big day!…
Muffy is determined to win the cookie competition at this year’s Strawberry Festival. Together with her friends, she makes the perfect batch of cookies with a brand new recipe. But she’ll have to decide which is more important: getting all the credit, or keepi…
Today on The Ten News…
Plants do so many different things: they grow fruits and veggies, make beautiful flowers and even pump out oxygen for us to breathe. But how do they suck up water from the dirt? We asked science communicator and plant expert Brandi Cannon-Force to help us find…
How are electric guitars made? How are guitar strings made? And how, exactly, do guitars work? We’re answering questions about electric guitars with local luthier (guitarmaker) Lea in Burlington, Vermont. Creston gave us a tour of his studio–including his cust…
Send us Fan Mail…
Freeze-dried food seems like something that was invented for space travel, but this technique for preserving food is actually more than a hundred years old! Nowadays you might see freeze-dried mangos or strawberries in many grocery stores. You know, the ones t…
If you’re a movie lover, a snack lover, or just a lover of things that go “POP!”, you might be wondering what makes a kernel of corn pop. We asked food scientist Dave Dominguez for the deets on this tasty treat.…
When you have to go, where does it go? That’s what our listener Ellie wants to know. Prepare for potty humor and science as we hear from civil engineer and toilet expert Francis de los Reyes! Who invented the toilet? And what’s “The Great Stink?” We’ll be plun…
Happy Food Week! We’re excited to bring you a whole week of delicious Moment of Yums leading up to Thanksgiving. First up: cheese! Cheese is delicious! It can be stringy, stretchy, stinky, salty, or sweet. It can be eaten fresh or aged for more than a decade. …
Anyone can participate in the process of NASA science and engineering through what we call citizen science, regardless of your citizenship. You might have heard it called “participatory science” or “community science.” It all means that thousands of people aro…
Have you ever seen a snail sliming along, eyestalks a-waving, carrying its whole house on its back? What are snail shells made of, anyway? And how do they make them? We asked biologist Teresa Rose Osborne to help us find the answer.…
What are fault lines? Can an Earthquake be predicted? Where is a good place to go during an Earthquake?…
What does painting the most splendid sunset and the most radiant rainbow have in common? They both require lots of beautiful paint colors! We can blend colors to make orange, green, and purple, but how do we make primary colors like red, yellow, and blue? We a…
How many stomachs does a Cow have? What does each Cow stomach do? What do Cows eat and how do they digest it?…
When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? A few stars, or a satellite, maybe even one of the seven other planets in our solar system? But how many planets are there in all of outer space? We asked astronomer Mark Popinchalk to help us find the answ…
There are hundreds of different plants and animals on Earth that are endangered. That means they’re at risk of going extinct if they’re not protected. Lots of people and organizations all over the world are trying to protect endangered species and keep them fr…
Is Popcorn made of corn? What makes Popcorn kernels pop? How was Popcorn invented?…
How accurate are weather forecasts? What does a 50% chance of rain actually mean? How do weather patterns work?…
Join Molly and co-host Arjun on a reptilian romp, where they learn all about chameleons’ color-changing abilities, powerful eyes, and super sticky saliva. Along the way, they’ll be joined by a pair of chatty chameleon cabaret performers — Kiki and Paul — and c…
It’s a colorful world out there! When light from the sun hits surfaces on Earth, those surfaces reflect different wavelengths of light. Our eyes collect those waves and send them to our brains, which interpret the waves as colors! It’s an incredible process, a…
If you could send a message to an extraterrestrial, what would it say? What language would you use? How would you deliver it? These are all great questions and ones that we discuss in this fun and informative chat with Julia Brodsky, STEM Education lead at B…
The ocean has multiple layers, like a big, watery, salty cake. The deeper underwater you go, the more water above you – and the weight of all that water creates super strong pressure. So how do the fish that live in the deepest levels of the ocean survive with…
Send us Fan Mail…
Have you every really thought about how you learn? What are your good and not-so-great habits of learning? We have Dr. Justin Sung, medical doctor, researcher, certified teacher, learning coach, and CEO of ICanStudy.com on our show today to talk about how to …
What causes ships to sink? Do Shipwrecks contain valuable treasure? Where do most Shipwrecks occur?…
How was Glass invented? What is the main ingredient in Glass? How did Glass change the world?…
How does reading work in the brain? It’s a question that has fascinated scientists for years. Could braille - the system of raised dots that blind and low vision people use to read - be the key to understanding how it works? We talk to writer Andrew Leland (“T…
3…2…1… Blast off! Rockets launch things into space, which is no easy task. They have to push off from the Earth and zoom at great speeds to break free from gravity. But how do they do it? What makes them different from airplanes? We asked NASA aerospace engine…
Human rights are for everyone, but some groups do not get access to them equally. Why is this and what can be done?…
How is meat made in a lab? That’s what 10-year-old Nate in New Jersey wants to know! Scientists have figured out how to grow meat in laboratories. Some hope lab-grown meat will be able to help address issues like global food insecurity, agricultural pollution …
When you watch a movie, how much do you pay attention to the sound? If it's done right, sound is one of the biggest effects that makes you feel like you're really "in" the movie. We have the awesome Bob Pepek, Sound designer and owner of MelonCollie Production…
Did you know that, up until just a couple months ago, if you travelled to Korea, you would suddenly become a year or two older? This has to do with the unique way in which Koreans traditionally counted their age. Learn more about it in this snippet from our co…
The rise of Korean pop culture on a global scale, with everything from BTS to Squid Game, has gotten many people around the world excited about learning Korean, despite its challenges in terms of learning a new alphabet and grammar rules. And Buster Moon, toda…
During our conversation with comedian Ahmed Al-Kadri for Atlas Linguae, he shared an idea for a sketch inspired by a little known fact to people who aren’t Arab-American. Did you know that Americans with roots in the Middle East and North Africa have to identi…
People are really good at building homes out of everything from wood and concrete to mud and ice. But when it comes to animal homes, creatures can be more inventive than humans!…
If you've been listening to the news lately, you know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. So, is it possible to get your own robot? Maybe not now, but one day. And when that day happens, Dr. Elliott Heflin, Jr., CEO/Founder realitytechs.com is he…
Apples are a delicious treat! These crispy crunchy sweet snacks are everywhere: in our school lunches, at the farmers market, even covered in caramel at the fair. But as Molly and cohosts Jack and Penelope find out, growing an apple is a lot harder than it sou…
Have you every wondered just how difficult it is to fly a helicopter on another planet? It's not easy! Keri Bean an engineer who worked on the Ingenuity helicopter that has flown on Mars explains exactly how it's done. Don't miss this exciting and informative …
Ahmed al-Kadri is a Yemeni-American comedian who loves to delve into all sorts of topics in his content, from your usual millennial angst to the unique situations that arise when you are a Muslim in the United States. Everything from fasting for Ramadan to hav…
Why do birds fly? How do raptors soar? Why do some birds fly in the shape of a V? Why can’t some birds, like penguins, emus and ostriches fly? Why do hummingbirds fly so fast? We answer all of your questions about birds and flight with help from Anna Morris of…
We're back for the second episode of Season 7! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has a paperback book of Everything Under The Sun coming out soon and moved to Bali, Indonesia!…
Welcome to Flip and Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, and share some of their favorite stories and intergalactic dance moves.…
Rudyard Kipling's classic tale about how the whale got his throat. A fun way to teach children what the word sagacious means. An episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast for kids ages 4-10. (duration-14. minutes)…
How did they figure out the 'Average Body Temperature?' What happens if your body gets too Hot or Cold? Is the Average Body Temperature getting cooler?…
When you're thirsty, you probably just turn on a tap and water comes out. You may not think about how that drinking water got to your house. Our guest, Charles (Trip) Barton, a civil engineer with a large American water company, will explain just how that hap…
Did you know that there are red bees, green bees, and even blue bees? We didn't! Don't miss this fascinating episode all about native bees and how we can help protect them from bee lover Julie Travaglini, Senior Director of Education and Curriculum at Alleghen…
Have you ever wondered how those giant space rockets are prepared for launch? It takes a lot of planning and testing. We are excited to chat with Nathalie Quintero, an aerospace engineer with Boeing who works on the on Space Launch System (SLS) program as the…
In tonight’s bedtime story for kids, we meet a little girl named Leilani and her big brother Kalei on a trip to the butterfly garden, where Leilani overhears a flutter of butterflies chatting about what they're called in their home countries. Relax, get sleepy…
All the different colors in our eyes, hair and skin are made by a super special substance called melanin! In this episode, we’ll meet a melanocyte, the artistic cell that makes melanin. Plus, Molly and cohost Jeremy talk with Dr. Tina Lasisi to learn why human…
What were the early rules of Tennis? Why is Tennis scoring so weird? What's a 'bagel' in Tennis?…
Your brain does so much stuff! It makes sure your heart is always pumping and your lungs are breathing — plus it stores all kinds of important information, like your best friend’s birthday or your pet’s favorite kind of treat. But could your brain ever run out…
A Native American folktale that explains how the Bear Clan become the tribe chosen to receive from the Spirit the gift of healing knowledge. An episode from storytelling podcast, Journey with Story. (duration - 8 minutes)…
Did you know that NASA collects all kinds of data about our world? You can learn about clouds, trees, weather patterns, planets, moons, deep space and more. And the cool thing is all of this data is open to the public. Cindy Chin, NASA Datanaut, joins us for …
How are children protected online and who is responsible for enforcing this?…
11-year-old Alaska (from Colorado) wants to know: why do some kids love reading while others don’t? We know there’s a lot of debate lately about the best ways to teach kids how to read. But in this episode we leave the pedagogy to adults and let kids share wit…
Send us Fan Mail…
How are crickets so loud? Why do they chirp at night? How are they different from grasshoppers? We’re talking crickets today with Karim Vahed, a cricket and katydid expert and entomologist (bug scientist) in England who works with BugLife, the Invertebrate Con…
Today our magic jeep brings us to a land where everyone seems to have bad luck. No matter how hard they try to get rid of it, nothing works! It will take the smart thinking of a group of ants to break the cycle. How will they manage to do it?
Welcome to Flip and Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, like "The Jungle At Night, and dance while you learn about some of the planet's …
Matti has sent in a billion questions to Radio Nonsense, so it is lucky Michelle Brasier has been able to answer all of them while also running a marathon at the same time.…
How do your Muscles work? Where do you have the most muscles? How do muscles get stronger?…
What animals are Manatees related to? What special things can Manatees do? Are Manatees really friendly?…
Send us Fan Mail…
How do you view the universe? Chances are that answer has changed a lot in the last few years. With all of the amazing images coming from Mars (via the Perserverance Rover), the James Webb Space Telescope, and even the Artemis 1 mission, the universe seems eve…
The universe is the biggest and oldest thing there is. It's every bit of everything that has ever existed. But what was there before there was anything? Nij and the kids meet Nobel Prize winning astrophysicist Professor Brian Schmidt to journey back to the beg…
Purring pussycats and panting pups... Pretty parrots and even fluffy farm animals... Our furry friends make our lives better in so many ways but how did this friendship start? Nij and the kids meet anthrozoologist Professor Pauleen Bennett to journey back in t…
As the sun sets and the sky gets dark, something else starts to happen... The lights come on! There are lots of different kinds of lights but what's happening inside an LED light bulb? Nij and the kids meet physicist Professor Chennupati Jagadish to shine a li…
If plants come from seeds but seeds come from plants then how do you get a seed to start off with? Nij and the kids meet ecologist Professor Angela Moles for a bushwalk to find some answers...
What is one of the coolest jobs at NASA? Well, if you can't be an astronaut, maybe you can help dress one. Meet Sharon McDougle former NASA Spacesuit Technician, who was responsible for helping the astronauts to put in their pressure suits. It's not as easy as…
What animals live in Antarctica? What are the most popular Antarctic animals? Which Antarctic animals are surprisingly ferocious?…
Welcome to Flip and Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, like "The Jungle At Night, and dance while you learn about some of the planet's …
In this week's animal training episode of Book Worms, Bex is chatting to author Cressida Cowell on How To Train Your Hogfly! Cressida has been hard at work training all of these fantastic creatures, and after the 20th anniversary of How To Train Your Dragon, s…
On today's show, we discuss a problem that most people, well, probably don't like to talk about. But, bad breath can be an important-- and embarrassing-- problem. Just how can you fix it? Dr. Mel Rosenberg, Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University, tells us …
Today our magic jeep takes us to a lively dance party, where we’ll meet Mrs. Turtle! While dancing the night away, Mrs. Turtle finds herself targeted by her jealous neighbor, Mrs. Pig. After discovering Mrs. Pig’s plans, Mrs. Turtle and her husband decide to t…
In tonight’s bedtime story for kids, we're going on a magical starlit adventure to discover what makes the moon shine so brightly in our night sky and hear about the amazing journey that led him there. Relax, get sleepy, and let’s begin!…
What is Virtual Reality? What is Virtual Reality used for? How will Virtual Reality change the future?…
Tinkercast Presents: Plants & The Planet Week! In this special travelpod episode, Flip and Mozi meet some of Earth's quietest but mightiest heroes, Plants! Join Flip and Mozi as they play a special round of "Does it Grow?" their worm friend, Eartha Stewart, an…
Joy and co-host Asa learn about the year without a summer, and how it led to some amazing inventions! 1816 was a very strange year. In many parts of the world warm summer weather never came, and crops froze. Scientists now know these were the effects of a vol…
How long ago were Submarines invented? How are Submarines able to sink? How does a Submarine make air for its crew to breathe?…
Tinkercast Presents: Adaptation & Invention Week! Join Flip and Mozi while they learn all about "Earthling Superpowers," or as we humans call them "adaptations.” There’s a slime adventure, a round of "Guess that Earthling", and special dispatches from YOU our …
How does a Trampoline make you bounce? Who came up with the idea for Trampolines? What tricks can you do on a Trampoline?…
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
As part of Tinkercast Presents: Outer Space Week, we get the way back machine to join Flip and Mozi on their very first Earth adventure where they met an Arctic Fox! Can’t get the catchy songs from this episode out of your head? Find more Flip & Mozi adventure…
On this episode we’re talking about friendship, and I’m glad to have a friend like you.…
Chirp chirp, y’all! Ever wondered what birds mean when they’re singing their little birdy hearts out? This week, Molly and cohost Bessie explore the kinds of sounds birds can make, and how those sounds are used. Birdsong researcher Kristin Brunk breaks down so…
Tinkercast Presents: Monster & Beasts Week joins Flip and Mozi on a trip to Indonesia to meet the Komodo Dragon. Discover how this lizard hunts veryyyy slowlllyyy... and uses their fangs to catch their prey. Can’t get the catchy songs from this episode out of …
Humans and every other living thing on Earth are perfectly suited to our wonderful planet. There’s life everywhere, from boiling-hot ocean vents to chilly mountain peaks. But what would life look like in other parts of the galaxy, or beyond? What would happen …
Ever wonder how plants survive in a desert or living high on the side of mountains? Take a listen to expert Gardener, author, and broadcaster, Matthew Biggs, who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He gives us the inside scoop on these sturdy plants …
Tinkercast Presents: Cats & Dogs Week joins Flip and Mozi, the travel blogging aliens behind Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to be an Earthling as they learn all about our favorite four legged friends! Want to share your earthling discoveries with Flip and Mozi? Le…
You have probably heard that artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but did you know it's being used to help people with mobility challenges? Dr. Brenna Argall, Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Robotics at Northwestern University and the Director of …
What are Invasive Species? What happens when Invasive Species invade? How do we control Invasive Species?…
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
Send us Fan Mail…
How do you slow down a spacecraft that is speeding along at 25,000mph? Bounce it off the atmosphere. But at 325mph that's still too fast. So, you add parachutes, eleven of them to be exact. The amount of specific timing and engineering to pull this slowdown of…
Why do countries have National Symbols? What are the most common National Symbols? What are the weirdest National Symbols?…
Where did Lewis & Clark travel to? How dangerous was their journey? Who was Sacagawea & how did she save their lives?…
Welcome to Flip and Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, like "Good to be Big", and dance while you learn about some of the planet's most…
Reading is your one-way ticket to adventure! You can ride fire-breathing dragons, explore outer space, or even save the world – all within the pages of a book. But have you ever wondered how we learn to read? And why it can sometimes feel hard to do? Molly and…
Have you ever wondered how those massive space rockets at NASA get to the launch pad? They take a ride on the crawler-transporter vehicle. We have Dan Zapata, Crawler Systems Engineer at Jacobs, who works at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, with these amazing tran…
What causes Nightmares? How long do Nightmares last? Why do you usually remember your Nightmares?…
Love to draw and build things? In our final episode of the season, we explore the exciting world of architecture. Our guest is a Lebanese architect and musician, Carl Gerges. Carl shares his journey of becoming an architect, from his childhood fascination with…
Who invented Hot Air Ballooning? How high do Hot Air Balloons go? What makes Hot Air Balloons lift off?…
How big is the universe? And how do we know? It's a question that puzzled astronomers for centuries. They had no way to measure distance in space - until Henrietta Leavitt showed them how. Henrietta Leavitt was a "computer" in the 19th century, before there we…
Have you ever wanted to build your own droid? Then this is an episode you won't want to miss! Dr. Topher Hunter is a scientist by day, but in his free time, he is practically a professional hobbyist in robotics and droid building. Yes, that's right, he builds …
Do you love using your imagination to create stories? Our guest started writing poems when he was 13 years old, today he is an award-winning author who has captured the hearts of young adults. Matt de la Peña is here to share with us his passion for writing, t…
Spacecraft go through a lot - exploring dangerous worlds across the cold expanse of space. Not to mention the chaos of a launch! So how do we build a mission that can take on dangerous environments and the harrowing trip to reach them? Explore the world of mis…
Today our magic jeep takes us to a faraway land, where we’ll meet Masego the Lioness and her animal friends. A drought leaves them without water, so Masego suggests they build a new well. Everyone plans to help except Shulo the Hare. How will the other animals…
Manatees, marine mammals, known as sea cows are such majestic creatures. Scientists are working to learn more about them, and they need your help. Beth Heidemann, a Presidential Award math and science kindergarten teacher and cofounder of Go2 Science, has dev…
Ready to explore the fascinating world of fashion? Our special guest, Ariella Maizner, started sewing when she was 6 and is one of the youngest designers to ever show her collection at New York Fashion Week! Ariella began making clothing for herself for school…
Welcome to Flip and Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, like "The Jungle At Night, and dance while you learn about some of the planet's …
What exactly is Thunder? What's louder, Thunder or Lightning? How can you tell how far away Lightning is striking?…
Today our magic jeep takes us to a small town owned by a Frog, who decides to go out and buy some fancy clothes. But on his way to Mboma Village, Frog gets caught in trouble that only Fox can get him out of. What plan will clever Fox come up with? Tag along wi…
If you've seen the big giant wind turbines across the country, you might wonder, just how exactly do we get energy from the wind? It's a pretty fascinating answer! Listen to this awesome interview with Neil Milani, mechanical engineer, who worked in wind energ…
How do water slides work and how are they built? Why do you have to be a certain age or height to go down a water slide? Where does the water in water parks come from? And which is easier to design and build: a water slide or a roller coaster? First we did a l…
Our guest is a young entrepreneur who started his recycling business when he was 7 years old! Meet Ryan Hickmann, who makes it his business to keep trash out of the ocean and help the planet. Our Lingokids Podcast host Emily Calandrelli chats with Ryan about h…
Ruben who is 5 or 6 asks 'how do monkeys and dogs do a wee and poo in space?' and luckily Arielle Souma is on a break from practicing her cough burp sneezing so joins the show to answer.…
When you send a spacecraft into space, engineers need to ensure that the humans onboard will get to their destination and back in a timely manner, but also in a way that keeps them safe on the entire trip. How do they do that? Take a listen to this fascinating…
Ready to find out how to become a game designer? Our guest is Irena Pereira, who is a game developer, a mom, and the founder of Digital Experiments. Irena has worked on many popular video games, including War of Warcraft! Tune into the Lingokids Podcast as our…
Send us Fan Mail…
How did the US get Alaska? What makes Alaska so unique and important? What famous atmospheric phenomenon can be seen in the skies of Alaska?…
Our big, beautiful sky stretches all the way from the ground beneath our feet to about sixty miles above the Earth. It’s made up of countless air molecules, pinging around like tiny, invisible pinballs. And even though we can’t feel the weight of each individu…
We're joined by Jessica Nabongo, a world traveler and adventurer. Jessica shares her inspiring journey and gives tips on how kids can become adventurers too.…
Welcome to Flip & Mozi's newest intergalactic broadcast, How to be an EarthSING! Listen as our favorite alien DJs spin a few of their favorite songs featured on their travelpod, like How You're Old, and dance while you learn about some of the planet's most ama…
One of the biggest questions facing anyone who wants to be in space is-- how do humans live there? It's not easy. There are so many things in the microgravity environment that are difficult to overcome. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Dr. Mike Har…
Do you like dressing up and posing for the camera? Our guest in this episode is living her childhood dream –– cruising down runways and working with big brands. But she's here to tell you it's no easy job! As a person with a disability, she champions and fight…
Xuan June’s hearing aids have kept her company for pretty much her entire life. They go with her to school, tag along for a ride while she skateboards and sit snugly while she draws and dreams up goth-cute fashion designs.…
Humans have five senses, of which one is touch. But did you ever wonder if it's possible to use materials to understand just how our brains process information when we touch something? Dr. Darren Lipomi, a professor in the department of nanoengineering at UC S…
Do you love breaking the big stories to the world? 🌎 Can you tell when something is the real deal or fake news? Our guest today is a professional journalist who knows how to get the scoop and check the facts before releasing a story. Tune into the Lingokids P…
Mr Jim’s Puzzle Is Now Available…
What exactly is The Gulf Stream? What causes The Gulf Stream? How does The Gulf Stream keep the Earth cool?…
Mr Jim’s Puzzle Is Now Available…
Have you ever wondered where the materials come from to build houses? roads? your cell phone? Most of it is mined from the Earth. Take a listen to this fascinating episode with engineer Alexis Lua, who worked in the mining field for ten years. She explains wha…
Mr Jim’s Puzzle Is Now Available…
Do you love to create art? Then today's episode is for you! 🧑🎨 Put on your apron and get ready to be inspired –– we're going to an art class to unleash your inner artist. Our guest in this episode is Aelita Andre, the youngest painter in the world. She star…
Send us Fan Mail…
Ever wonder about the history of the computer? We have NY Times Bestselling Author/Illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky on our show to discuss all of the ins and outs of computer history. Take a listen to alot of the historical tidbits that Rachel shares with us. You…
In addition to having faces that look like a smiley emoticon, axolotls are as fascinating to scientific researchers as they are to kids because of their amazing ability to regenerate parts of their bodies, including their brains! In this episode we answer kids…
Do you love to take photos of food, people, nature, and everything in between? In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, our guest, Marcus Enno, joins us all the way from the beautiful island of Tasmania. As a kid, Marcus enjoyed taking photos of Australia's b…
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, and are home to some of the tiniest creatures on the planet (single-celled organisms), to some of the largest (the blue whale). How can we keep this amazing environment clean, healthy, and thriving for our wor…
Do you have big dreams of changing the world? Our guest knows a thing or two about what it takes to make change happen. Gabby Wild is a passionate eco-champion who travels the world helping animals in need. In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, our host Em…
Happy 2023! You won't believe how we are starting our new season. We are thrilled to have John Corcoran, director of Ripley Entertainment, better known to most of you as, Ripley's Believe It or Not! And who better to discuss our topic of "How Do You Create a C…
Does your kiddo like to tinker? Kids invent cool things all the time - our guest invented a product when he was only twelve years old! Was he afraid of failing? Nope. Has he failed? - Multiple times! In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, Emilly Calandrelli…
Mindy is herding cats—or sleigh cats that is! But why aren't the sleigh cats listening to Mindy and Guy Raz? Well... Science suggests a different tone may help your cat understand you better! It's the Who, What, When, Where, How and WOW of talking to cats!…
What causes you to smile? How does a smile work? Is Smiling healthy for you?…
Have you ever thought, I want to be a farmer when I grow up? We're puttin' on our overalls and heading to a dairy farm in Wisconsin to meet a real farmer 👩🌾! Annaliese Wegner, a farm mom and a second-generation farmer, tells us why it's important to milk co…
How did paper & the printing press change the world? What is paper made of? Is there too much paper in the world right now?…
How do big cargo ships and ferries float, even though they are so heavy? Why do boats float but stones sink? How do paddles make boats move? What’s inside those enormous container ships? We learn about the physics of floating with Fahad Mahmood, professor of p…
Do you know why pigs need to roll around in the mud? 🐷 Or what to watch out for when playing with a dog? 🐶 Michael the Vet is here to answer all of our questions.…
How does a fighter jet land on an Aircraft Carrier? How fast can an Aircraft Carrier go? What do the people working on an Aircraft Carrier do?…
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
Concrete is so much more than just a sidewalk. We use it to build playgrounds and skateparks and even musical instruments! But how does it go from a powder to a sludge to the strong building material that we use all over the world? And can we come up with new …
You've seen NASA send spacecraft to the Moon, Mars, and around many other planets in our solar system, and beyond. But did you ever wonder how these spacecraft are powered? They have to last for many, many years and let's face it, there isn't a charging statio…
Where does the word lunch come from? Who invented the concept of eating lunch? What are the most popular lunch foods of all time?…
How many colors are there? What are you actually seeing when you see white or black? What are the different categories colors come in?…
Do you think you're too young to be the 🧑🍳 master and commander of the kitchen? Our guest on this episode decided he wanted to be a chef when he was just four years old! Today he's a famous TV-celebrity chef, and there's hardly any dish in the world that he…
A funny folktale from Brazil about a clever little monkey who tricks a fierce tiger by disguising himself in a most unusual way so that the can go and drink safely by the river alongside the tiger. (duration 11 minutes) An episode from Journey with Story, a …
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
What is the video game Among Us about? What was its original name? How do spot the imposter?…
It's in supermarkets and schools, computers and cars... plastic is just about everywhere! But what is it actually made from? And how do you make it? Grab your lab coats and safety goggles because we're off to meet Professor Veena Sahajwalla to find some answer…
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a bird expert IN a plane! Let's soar the skies with pilot and zoologist Milly Formby as she shows us how birds fly.
Nij has taken a tumble and has grazed his elbow! It stings and there's a little bit of blood. Ouch! Time for a check-up from Dr Greg Kelly. He's going to show us all the millions of helpers that work together to heal your skin.
Why do some plants eat meat? Where can you find Carnivorous Plants? Could a Carnivorous Plant actually eat... a person?…
An Axolotl Named Daren asked this tricky question this week 'How do you tell a blind man what colours are?' Luckily very funny and partially sighted comedian Tom Skelton was at hand to answer, inbetween his busy work of training whales to sing.…
Ancient Egyptians did lots of amazing things, from building pyramids to inventing a form of writing called hieroglyphics. They also mummified important people after they died. In this episode, we’ll explain how that process was done and why. We’ll also meet a …
Did you know that YOU can help with biodiversity? It's true! Get inspired by Earth Echo International's program manager, Kasey Gaylord-Opaleski, and youth team leader David Yoon, as they describe all of the amazing ways that kids (of all ages) can help to sust…
What causes Hurricanes to form? What are the different storm categories? What makes a Hurricane so deadly?…
Do you find vultures fascinating? Our guest, Corina Newsome, certainly does! And she bravely held one, as well as other types of birds, snakes, and reptiles. Why? Because Corina is a scientist who works with wildlife. 🦅 Join us and our host Emily Calandrelli …
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
Rachel and Ruby of Shelf join the podcast despite their very presence together endangering the entire planet on account of how giant they are. Luckily they answer Carick123's question 'How do you commit human eye watering?' before it all goes wrong. Meanwhile …
Have you ever wanted to talk to a spaceship? Well now you can! Human spaceflight developer Rob Chambers, of Lockheed Martin, chats with us about Callisto, a unique vehicle-connected interface that is a collaboration Amazon's Alexa virtual-assistant, and Webex …
Where do Flavors come from? How are strange Flavors created? How can they get plants to taste like meat?…
Buckle up, friends! We're going for a ride on a propeller plane to soak in the views and feel the adrenaline rush only pilots get to experience. Do you get butterflies 🦋 in your stomach when you fly? Our guest and a second-generation pilot, Maria Fagerström, …
New episodes come out every Wednesday for free, with 1-week early access for ABF Fam subscribers.…
People often try to be aware of the impact they are making on the planet. They will make sure to drink out of reusable water bottles, use as little plastic as possible, and even walk instead of driving. But did you ever think about how the clothes you wear aff…
Do you think going to space is a pipe dream? 🚀 Well, put on your space suits because, in this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, we're visiting the NASA center! And we're going to meet Katya Echazarreta, the first 🇲🇽 Mexican-born woman ever to go to space. K…
We chat with primary school teacher Áine Murray who has written a book called ‘The Pain in the Chest’ to help kids manage their worries and to understand that when we talk about our worries with a trusted adult that we feel much better!
What is the International Space Station? How many countries take part in it? How fast does it travel around the Earth?…
When you have to go, where does it go? That’s what our listener Ellie wants to know. Prepare for potty humor and science as we hear from civil engineer and toilet expert Francis de los Reyes! Who invented the toilet? And what’s “The Great Stink?” We’ll be plun…
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but how did it get that way? Join Joy and co-host Buddy as they head to the U-PEN college reunion (a whole university for pens!) and meet pen pals from throughout history, made of everything from feathers to steel. …
What are Salt & Pepper made from? Why are they always used together? How did they become the most popular seasonings?…
Have you ever wondered how airline pilots land those giant planes? You know the big jumbo jets-- or even the small ones? Don't miss this fun and exciting episode with Guy Wroble, engineer and former airline pilot, who talks to us about physics, weather, and al…
What is your Circulatory System? How does your Heart work? How much blood does your Heart pump out every hour?…
Do you think you can be the boss without being bossy? Do you like helping others be better at what they do? Join us on the Lingokids Podcast as our host Emily Calandrelli meets Alexa Sorden, the principal who transformed a low-performing school into one of the…
But Why has answers to your dinosaur questions! When did the dinosaurs live? How many species of dinosaurs were alive in the Cretaceous period? How do dinosaurs get their names (and why are they hard to say)? Why are dinosaurs extinct? We visit Dinosaur Valley…
In the beginning of years, when the world was so new and animals were just beginning to work for humans, there was a Camel, and he lived in the middle of a Howling Desert because he did not want to work. He figured that no man or woman would find him so far ou…
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answers to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
An enchanting tale from China that explains how the moon's face changed in one single night to the golden glow we all know and love now. A soothing tale to lull little ones off to sleep. Ages 4-10. An episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast …
Have you ever watched a sporting event and looked for the science? You should! Sports can't happen without science, technology, engineering, and math. We have Sean Barton, the Director of Curriculum and Strategy for STEM Sports to talk about just how you can …
Do you want to turn your passion for sports into a career? Let's start with the basics first and learn about the origins of gymnastics! Our guest on this episode is an elite junior gymnast who has her heart set on competing in the Olympics. Join us on the Ling…
How are drawings or figures turned into Animation? Did Animation actually start in Ancient Egypt? What were the earliest Animations like?…
How does Recycling work? Why is Recycling so important? What could happen if you don't Recycle?
How was sugar discovered? What happens in your body & brain when you eat sugar? Why is too much sugar not good for you?
Kids love cheese! (So do adults: Americans consume an average of 40 pounds of cheese per person per year.) In this episode we learn how cheese is made and answer all of your cheesy questions: Why are there different types of cheese? Why do cheeses have differe…
Do you dream of being a sports coach or soccer player? Our guest on this episode scores for Nashville, SC, and his name is CJ. And if you think it's not ok to cry when your team loses or wins, CJ is here to say he has done it many times! Join us on the Lingoki…
A new restaurant gets ready to open with a nervous proprietor (Busy Philipps). Featuring two new stories: “How Do You Scare a Mermaid?”, a song about one narrator’s startling obsession, written by Lainey, a 9 year old from Wisconsin, and “Chickening,” a story …
On this award winning show with Molly Oldfield discover the answer to three questions sent into Everything Under The Sun by children around the world!…
Want to create the perfect habitat for eco-friendly plants and animals in your own backyard? Don't miss this fantastic chat with Award-winning science author and birder, Sneed Collard III. Grab a pencil and a pad of paper. You'll want to write down all of his …
Do you want to make a difference in the world? Are you good at planning? Then maybe you can be a great teacher! Join us on the Lingokids Podcast as our host Emily Calandrelli chats with Alexia Sberna, an Aussie primary school teacher, about what you need to le…
In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda want to know more about the risks that children face online, and how they can be protected when they use the internet.…
Do you wish that you could talk to a robot? It's not that difficult to do, just program it to follow your instructions. The fantastic Dr. Carlotta Barry, electrical and computer engineer, tells us how to do just that in this exciting and informative chat. This…
Why do bees pollinate? How do they make honey? Why do bees have stingers? Why do (some) bees die when they sting you? What's the difference between a bee and a wasp? Does honey have healing properties? Farmer and beekeeper John Hayden answers all of your bee q…
Is it true that doctors have to study for the rest of their lives? 🧑⚕️ How do doctors know what's wrong with a tiny human who can't speak yet? Join us on the Lingokids Podcast as our host Emily Calandrelli answers those questions and chats with Dr. Kelly Fra…
Hi! It's the Trusty Narrator!…
Do firefighters go to a special school? 👩🚒👨🚒 How do they know when there's a fire? Join us on the Lingokids Podcast as our host Emily Calandrelli answers those questions and chats with Adam Mudge, an Australian volunteer firefighter who works hard to sav…
Hi! It's the Trusty Narrator!…
Hi! It's the Trusty Narrator! Welcome to the show notes, SmartyPants. There's so much to tell you!…
Did you know that Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, may contain twice as much water as all of the Earth's oceans combined? Learn this and other amazing facts from Tracy Drain, the lead flight systems engineer for NASA's Europa Clipper Mission. Don't miss this aw…
So you want to be a police officer? 👮♀️ We're on the case! In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, we learn if police officers spend all of their time looking for the bad guys and if they ever get scared while on the job. Join us as our host Emily Calandre…
Check out our friends at the National Children's Museum new season of their science, technology, and engineering podcast adventure for kids , STEAM Daydream. Search for STEAM Daydream in your podcast app or check out their website.…
If you've ever thought math was boring, you HAVE to listen to this episode! Cindy Lawrence, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), will explain how much fun you can have with math-- it will BLOW your mind!! Don't miss th…
Who invented the Bicycle? How are you physically able to balance on a bike? Is it true you never forget how to ride a bike?…
Help Mr Jim Make A Book…
We speak with Dr Yvonne Quinn, a clinical psychologist who helps kids (and adults!) learn to be the boss of their worries; about how feeling worried or anxious sometimes is perfectly normal, and in fact is built into our biology since Caveman times, Wow!
Let's jam! 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎺 In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, we learn how music can change your mood and if musicians have to write songs. Join us as our host Emily Calandrelli chats with Fernando Moguel, a musician and songwriter who was just 6 years old …
Help Mr Jim Make A Book…
How many farts would it take to fill up a hot air balloon? Asks John The Chip. A question that I can't believe science hasn't answered before. Luckily Ada Campe returns to the show to help out.…
What is Competitive Eating? What crazy foods are their eating competitions for? How do Competitive Eaters expand their stomachs?…
If you've ever wonder what's at the bottom of the ocean, you won't want to miss this episode! The fabulous Dr. Rosa Leon-Zayas, environmental microbiologist, shares with us her special deep dive into the ocean on the Alvin! The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu…
Ad-Free Subscription to HEYMRJIM Podcasts…
How do popcorn kernels pop? How do salmon know where to return to spawn? How do rabbits change colors? Why does television fry your brain? How do zippers zip stuff? Who was the fastest runner in the world? In this episode, we'll tackle all of these questions!…
So you want to be a dancer? 🩰 Let's put on our dancing shoes! In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, we learn how dancers remember all the steps and all about different dance styles, from samba to Asian folk. Join us as our host Emily Calandrelli chats wit…
In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda discuss the role of the internet and how it can affect the way we think and how laws can protect the way we can express our thoughts and views online.…
Do you ever look at some really tall trees and wonderhow old they are? How can you tell? Listen to this FUN episode with award-winning science author and photographer Alexandra Siy as she tells us about her quest to find the world's oldest tree! It will have y…
What happens if you forget your lines? Why do people tell actors to "break a leg"? In this episode of the Lingokids Podcast, we go backstage to learn the ins and outs of acting. Join us as our host Emily Calandrelli meets Lilly Bartlam, a teen actress who star…
We love to look at stars. But have you ever wondered just how big stars are? Listen to this fascinating chat with Dr. Gerard van Belle, Chief Scientist for the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer at Lowell Observatory and he is going to tell us about the coo…
Field trip time! Today we’re learning all about snakes while out on a search for timber rattlesnakes in New York with state wildlife biologist Lisa Pipino. Some of the questions we tackle: How do some snakes make venom? Why are some snakes venomous and others …
Charlie George answers all the questions you might need to know about poops and beaches, such as just how many poops would it take to fill up the sea? As asked by Theo aged 6.…
While we all love to do a bit of cloud watching, have you ever thought about the science behind clouds? There is so much more to clouds than just fun animal shapes and rain. Take a listen to the fascinating chat with Jessica Taylor, physical scientist, at NASA…
New episodes come out every Tuesday for free, with 1-week early access for ABF Fam subscribers.…
Schedule Your Birthday Shout Out..…
Schedule Your Birthday Shout Out..…
Have you ever wondered how you can make a difference? It doesn't take a lot of training or experience, it just takes an idea and a determination to succeed. Take a listen to Dr. Marsha Tufft, engineer, as she talks about how she designed an object to help save…
New episodes come out every Tuesday for free, with 1-week early access for ABF Fam subscribers.…
Schedule Your Birthday Shout Out..…
There are about 500 species of shark in the world, and with millions of them worldwide, why aren't there more shark attacks? How is it that sharks know not to eat humans? We'll find out more about the answer to this question right here!
Why do Clowns exist? Are Clowns meant to be funny or scary? Why do Clowns wear big shoes and red noses?…
What inventions allowed buildings to get taller and taller? What were some of the first skyscrapers ever built? Are buildings really built to sway in the wind?…
How old can a seed be and still grow? Find out with Moosejaw Matt here in this episode. Visit www.moosejawmatt.com and https://www.patreon.com/natureandscience4kids. Find Moosejaw Matt on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Music and picture from pixabay.com. So…
Can plants tell what time of day it is? What happens to plants at night? How long can a cactus go without water?…
What are the craziest things you can build in Minecraft? How was the Creeper accidentally created? What makes Minecraft so addicting to play?…
When were the first rockets invented? How does a rocket ship work? What animals have taken a rocket to space?…
A listener wants to know how the creators behind his favorite online videos get paid. It’s a surprisingly complicated question, and Ryan and Bridget have to go viral themselves to find out the answer. Accompanied by their new dog and a bunch of influencers, we…
How and why do Bees make honey? Are Drone Bees lazy? How fast do Worker Bees fly?…
Hello again friends! We are back with our first episode of the new season of Sleep Tight Science. In this episode we are learning all about plants, how they grow, and what they need to grow. Bernice the Bear is going to learn with us as we listen to a story.…
If you love penguins, and birds in general, you're going to LOVE this episode! We have the awesome Noah Strycker, penguin scientist and birder, on the show talking about how he counts pengiuns in Antarctica. AND he shares his BIG YEAR in Birding. You won't bel…
50% Off Amazing Science Kits - MEL Science, science delivered to your doorstep! Code=WHOSMARTED https://melscience.com/sBHm/…
Tai tries to do his part by recycling whenever he can. But it turns out just tossing stuff into the blue bin doesn't do a whole lot: less than 10 percent of our plastic waste actually gets recycled, with the rest either ending up in landfill, burned or shipped…
Do you love giraffes? We do! And if you do as well, you won't want to miss this exciting and intriguing episode with Dr. Monica Bond, wildlife biologist, as she talks about her experience studying more than 3,500 giraffes in Tanzania. She may just give you clu…
50% Off Amazing Science Kits - MEL Science, science delivered to your doorstep! Code=WHOSMARTED https://melscience.com/sBHm/…
A caterpillar hatches from an egg on a leaf and starts to munch munch munch. It grows bigger and bigger and then something amazing happens… but it’s not what you think! Join Professor Myron Zalucki, Nij and the kids as they imagine themselves as ladybugs to le…
The Sun is hot and bright, it helps plants grow and keeps us warm. But did you know, the Sun is also a star? How come there are so many tiny, twinkling stars at night and just one sun lighting up the world in the day time? Let's blast off into outer space with…
There are lots of words in lots of languages in the world. There's a word for almost everything we can imagine! But how did words start? And why do languages all sound so different? Let's take a ride in a time (and place) machine with Dr Howie Manns to learn a…
Water falls as rain from the sky, or runs through rivers, creeks and lakes. So how does it get into our taps, toilets and garden hoses? Let's imagine ourselves as falling raindrops with Dr Anna Rigosi, so we can follow the great water journey from the sky all …
As humanity sets its sights on longer-term life in space, we’re going to need ways to sustain ourselves. That’s where plants come into play! Take a tour of Kennedy Space Center’s lush Plant Processing Area with Ray Wheeler, Ralph Fritsche, and Gioia Massa - th…
If you've ever wondered exactly how the awesome new James Webb Space Telescope will see into space, you won't want to miss this episode. Joe DePasquale, Senior Data Image Developer at the Space Science Telescope Institute (STScI) is here to explain it all. And…
Have you ever wondered how computer software is made? It's not as simple as you might think. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Menlo Innovations CEO Richard Sheridan as he explains how creating software involves not only problem solving, and enginee…
We know birds can travel large distances day or night, rain or shine, even if they’ve never migrated before. If you confuse a spiny lobster and drop it far from home, it can still find its way back. How do they do that? In this episode, Tai discovers the myste…
What do you know about flying dinosaurs? A lot? A little? You won't want to miss this fascinating chat with the paleontologist Dr. Jingmai O'Connor of The Field Museum in Chicago. You will definitely learn something new-- including how to spot dinosaurs in you…
What is Scuba an acronym for? How are you able to breathe underwater? Why should you spit in your mask before diving into the water?…
Several of you have written in asking how you make a podcast. Good question. Tiernan has zero idea so Matt Kirshen joins him on the podcast to tell him how you make one, while also discussing his expert head patting and being a ghost dentist.…
Want to know how to keep your computer safe? Cybersecurity engineer and children's author Ella Schwartz, gives us tips that you can do right now! Don't forget to try her challenge. We can all use a way to come up with more secure passwords.
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
In this episode of the Dogsthorpe Infant School podcast we meet Food Channel presenter and Nutritional Therapist, Louise Mercieca. In her book 'How Food Shapes Your Child' she explores how children are shaped by the food we set before them. This process begins…
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
Whether they're happy, sad or the embarrassing kind we'd rather forget, memories play a big part in our lives. They shape our identities, help us connect with others and allow us to learn from our past. But can we trust that our memories are accurate? In this …
It's Shark Week here on Solve it for Kids! We are thrilled to have Gretchen Burson, an Aquarist II at the Georgia Aquarium chat with us about how she TRAINS sharks!! Don't miss this amazing talk about these beautiful and fantastic apex predators.
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda talk to Sarah Forshaw QC, an experienced specialist criminal barrister who is the co-head of chambers at 5 King's Bench Walk in London, about the law relating to children and gangs.…
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
What are the different types of Brain Chemicals? What causes Brain Chemicals to be released? Do different Brain Chemicals cause different types of happiness? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Joe Wells joins Tiernan at CC4K HQ to answer questions about soup eating soup and to deliver wisdom on pigeons and whispering at chefs. Plus: WE HAVE NEW THINGS! LOOK AT THE NEW LOGO AND...…
Caterpillars go through a striking transformation from a crawly, tube-like creature into a soaring, beautifully-winged butterfly. This process is called metamorphosis and it’s no wonder our listeners have lots of questions about it. We’ll find out exactly how …
Get Your Own Spyology Squad Access Card…
K-Mistry takes Kareena on a journey to discover how monitoring the air helps chemists work out how to solve the problems of climate change.
Kareena’s wondering how chemistry and climate change are connected –luckily her superhero alter ego is on hand to explain…
Do you want to learn how to make--and break-- codes? This is an episode you won't want to miss! Computer scientist and multi-award-winning children's author Laurie Wallmark as she teaches us how to do both of these things. Time to get your coding on!
How are your eyes connected to your brain? What do the different parts of your eye do? How do human eyes differ from animal eyes? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Ever wonder how scientists get information about the ocean? They use sensors! Take a listen to this awesome chat with Dr. Anna Michel, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, associate scientist and ocean engineer as she explains how this works. Take a deep dive…
What makes Owls such awesome hunters? Do Owls really stay up all night? What crazy trick do Owls use to see behind them? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
**100th episode special guest** We are thrilled to have Jim Geffre, NASA's Orion Vehicle Integration Manager to tell us how astronauts are going to get back to the Moon with the Artemis program. Don't miss this awesome conversation!!
Why were some dinosaurs Herbivores? How big did Herbivores get? What did Herbivores do all day? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Have you ever been trying to convince your parents of something and just ended up crying, yelling or storming off to sulk in your room? Grown-ups might be bigger than you, they might have more power than you, and they might even be wiser than you, but that doe…
What is the pickling process? Why are certain foods pickled? What other foods besides Cucumbers can be pickled? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Forget those fancy awards shows. This episode of Brains On is exploding with the stars. Find out how each of us is related to these beautifully bright beacons. Plus, we’ll consider what happens when gravity weighs down on a star over millions, and even billion…
We’re bringing back an episode from the archives, all about the moon: Why does the moon change shape? How much does it weigh? What color is it? Why does the Earth only have one moon? Why does it have holes? Where does it go when we can't see it? Why do we some…
What causes ocean waves? What are the different parts of a wave? Why do waves make you seasick? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Potato Gorgonzola doesn't understand her funny-sounding name. And other kids think it's weird! But when Potato's parents sit her down and tell the mind-blowing story behind her name, Potato Gorgonzola wants to share it with the world!…
Would you like to help NASA to collect data from space? You can! Listen to this awesome chat with Dr. Marc Kuchner, Citizen Science Officer for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. You may just help to discover a new planetary object!
How big is the Milky Way Galaxy? How many Galaxies are there? Is the Andromeda Galaxy really going to crash into the Milky Way Galaxy (us???). For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Have you ever wondered how scientists study glaciers? Listen to this COOL and fascinating chat with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj, glaciologist as she gives us a peek into the amazing world of glaciers and explains how they can help us understand Earth's history.
In this first episode we meet Lucy and Larry Lizard and Bill and Betty Bullfrog and they meet each other for the first time on their way to school.…
How was the microwave oven accidentally invented? What are microwaves? Why should you never put metal in a microwave oven? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
What if you could harness the power of the sun in a donut? Scientists can. Well not a real donut, of course. Listen to this energetic talk with Dr. Arturo Dominguez of the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab to learn all about nuclear fusion!
What are Sound Waves? What causes vibration? How does pitch and frequency affect sound?
Violet, 5, wants to know: what was life like before refrigerators? And Ellinor, 6, asks: how did they make ice in the old times? In this episode, we learn about the history of ice harvesting and the industry that built up around it, where ice cut from lakes in…
What would it feel like if you could touch a feeling? How do emotions feel in your face and you body? On this episode we try to answer the question "How do feelings feel?"
Wish you could make a great video? Our guest, anthropologist and documentary filmmaker Nick Norris, tells us how! He explains the ins and outs of how to get a great video (hint: light is EVERYTHING!) Don't miss this FUN and informative chat!
A fun folktale from Brazil that explains how a clever and resourceful little hen got her speckles. (duration - 15 minutes) An episode from storytelling podcast, Journey with Story. If your little listener wants to ask us a question or send us a drawing inspire…
Mia the Tasmanian Devil is grumpy, hairy, and stinky. But despite all that, she’s on a mission to change the way the world sees Tasmanian Devils. Together with her friend Keiko, she’ll enter a beauty pageant and star in a dance contest… and she’s gonna do it T…
How does a chemical engineer become an editor for children's books at MIT Press? Listen to the awesome Dr. Jermey Matthews to find out. He will give tips on how to get kids excited about STEM/STEM and literacy! Don't miss this FUN and informative chat!!
Have you ever wondererd how the International Space Stations (ISS) was built? We are thrilled to have NASA engineer Lou Ramon on our show to tell us all about it! Lou not only helped design and build the ISS, but also worked on the Apollo Moon Lander. TONS of …
Where does Motivation come from? How do you get motivated to do things you don't want to do? How can you turn annoying tasks into games? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
The U.S. Mint is producing a new series of quarters featuring American women. The first one, featuring poet Maya Angelou, has just been released. We're learning about coins are made and how images are chosen for money around the world. The US has a law prevent…
We know a lot of you debate heads like to take notes and keep score while you're listening to Smash Boom Best, BUT have you ever stopped to think how the pencil lead your’re using sticks to the paper? Strange concept right?…
Have you ever wondered how engineers make a "brain" for a computer? Listen to electrical engineer Lisa Leinbaugh explain this really cool process of how they actually layer multiple wafers of silicon to create a semiconductor. WOW!
Hello, Children! Do we need some more stories? Well, Today our magic jeep takes us to a land where no stories exist. Yaz the Rabbit is very bored and will do whatever it takes to find some stories. She hears that the Sky King is keeping all of the stories for …
What are noodles made of? Why do noodles come in so many different shapes and sizes? Why is it a bad idea to mix different kinds of noodles? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Ciaran and Dan delve into one of the biggest mysteries of all time: Are we alone in the universe?…
Indigenous activist Jaike Spotted Wolf explains Indigenous sovereignty, how it is connected to fossil fuel pipelines, and why it is a necessary climate justice solution.…
Who was the true inventor of Monopoly? Where do the properties get their names from? Why was the original Monopoly board round-shaped? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
An interview with a mermaid scientist!!! This episode of Ear Snacks features the bright light of science communicator and mermaid, Danni Washington. Check out her amazing book, Bold Women in Science, and her podcast for kids, Genius Generation.…
Why is NERF called... NERF? What is NERF made of? What NERF toy helped turn NERF into one of the biggest toy brands ever? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Climate justice activist Jerome Foster II talks about the impact he and his colleagues are making through their work on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.…
Storms can be wet and windy, but how do they make bright lightning and loud thunder?
Have you ever wondered how little bits of paper comes from big, tall trees? How do they get it so thin and flat?
Toilet Paper. It's something you use every day. But do you ever think about how it's MADE? We have chemical engineer Madion Matson on our show today to chat about the in-depth chemical and material processes that go into making the one thing none of us want to…
How are babies made? We speak with Cory Silverberg, author of What Makes A Baby, for answers to questions about how we all come into the world. This is a conversation that welcomes all kinds of families as we answer questions about why babies don't hatch out o…
How were the oldest bridges made? How have bridges evolved over the years? What is the tallest bridge in the world? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Explore the social impact of a changing climate with hosts Zanagee and Olivia and special guest Dr. Heather Price. Let’s talk about common misconceptions about climate change.…
Have you ever wondered how bridges are demolished? Engineers must use BIG cranes to do it. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Bridge Engineer Luis Duque as he explains how they dismantle a bridge piece by piece. He even shares with us how bridge insp…
How do hotdogs communicate with Lego? And does the moon have face? Asks curious Jay. Luckily Tiernan has Katie Pritchard at Radio Nonsense this week and she knows the answers to all moon and hotdog Lego based queries. Also: Is Linda an armadillo?…
Snakes! If you've ever wonder what it would be like to work as a herptologist and handle snakes in a zoo, you're about to find out. Join us for our lively discussion with Herptology Curator Travis Land as he talks all about the slithering, side-winding creatur…
On this episode, we’ll practice mindful ways to manage your feelings when your stomach feels like it is tied up in knots.
Why do low notes make you feel scared? Why does some music make you feel happy? Can music make you see shapes? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
What causes an earthquake? What do volcanoes and earthquakes have in common? What should you do if you suddenly find yourself in an earthquake? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Teachers are amazingly innovative! When music teacher Laurie Orth wanted to get her students to learn the recorder she decided to use SPACE to do it! Listen to this FUN, music-filled episode with STEAM pioneer educator Laurie as she teaches us how music and s…
Squirrels are everywhere. Three hundred or so species of these often adorable rodents live on every continent except Antarctica. No matter where you live, city or country you’re bound to have squirrels nearby. How much do you know about our bushy-tailed neighb…
Do you ever wonder how engineers solve problems? Or why they test things over and over? We have Dr. Cory Hixon, an assistant professor of engineering at Colorado Christian University to explain it all. He has some pretty amazing ways to teach future engineers.…
Ocean Pollution is a serious problem. How do scientists study it? And what can be done about this? Listen to this fascinating and fact-filled chat with Dr. Padma Venkatraman, who is not only an esteemed oceanographer but also an award-winning author! Dr. Padma…
How do roller coasters work? What were the earliest roller coasters like? What are the craziest Roller Coasters in the world? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
In today’s episode: 👣 Learn what a carbon footprint is and what do gassy cows have to do with it? 🐮Nature Nerds' Laine Farber shares ways to reduce your footprint. 🌎 Give ten snaps to some cool kids making an impact. 🗞️ In the news: Tornado Alley and a spe…
When you think of NASA, you might think of astronauts, but NASA employs tons of people whose jobs are also important to the agency. Take a listen to Kirsten Larson, former NASA public affairs officer, now children's author, who gives us a behind-the-scenes pee…
Laura Young, #lesswastelaura, shares her story of becoming a climate activist. She talks about COP26, the global climate summit happening in November in Glasgow, and lots of top tips on how we can make small changes in our lives to live more sustainably.
How do volcanoes form? What causes volcanoes to erupt? What's the difference between lava & magma? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Have you ever wondered how bridges are built? How do engineers know what materials to use? Listen to this enthusiastic and fascinating chat with Bridge Engineer Danielle Schroeder as she takes us behind the scenes and teaches us about how structures stand up. …
Why do apples have stems? Why do fruits start out as flowers? How did the first apple grow when no one was there to plant its seed? Why can you make a seedless grape and not a seedless apple? Why are apples so juicy? How is apple juice made? Why are apples har…
Do you love going to the zoo? Want a behind-the-scenes peek into how zookeepers keep their animals safe and happy? Listen to this fascinating episode with Zookeeper Susan Summers as she tells us what it's like to take care of some amazing animals!
Want to explore the hidden treasures of the deep sea? Come on board the EV Nautilus, a research ship that searches the seafloor with the help of robot submarines! Our guide is Taylorann Smith, who’s on her third trip on the ship! We’ll witness a whalefall, mee…
Today our Magic Jeep takes us to a jungle where an elephant and a hippo are the strongest in the land. They have gathered all the food for themselves because they are so strong. But one tortoise will use the strength of his mind to teach the hippo and the elep…
After getting a firsthand look at the history of trash, we’re having visions from garbage’s present and future this week. Producer Kunsang Dorjee visits a landfill to see what happens to our trash after we throw it away, and producer Ruby Guthrie shows us how …
Ever wish you could discover a fossil? Listen to this exciting episode with paleontologist and science cosplay educator Gabriel-Philip Santos who works with the ALF Museum in CA. He shares with us his studies of some amazing fossilized marine animals and they …
We’re exploring a part of the world that not much is known about—in fact, you could be one of the people who help us understand and learn more about this very important, and very large, part of our earth.…
Where does anxiety and nervousness come from? Why do you get so scared you can't even move? How can something as simple as breathing make anxieties go away? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
An African folktale about trickster, Anansi, who does something very selfish and greedy, but thanks to Thunder, he ends up having to pay a heavy price for his greediness. (duration -14 minutes) An episode from storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.…
Welcome to Series 2 of the Kids Law Podcast!…
Can you tell a real sound effect from a fake one? Why do some sound effects for movies, TV shows or podcasts need to be specially created? What does a Foley Artist do? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Why is an opera a lot cooler than you might think? Do you have to be large to be an opera singer? Which modern singers have a connection to opera? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Discover how this very tidy mouse deals with some very messy, uninvited house guests. A classic Potter tale that might spark some discussion about the merits of tidiness versus messiness. (duration 11 minutes) An episode from Journey with Story, a storytell…
Have you ever thought about the moths that live in your neighborhood? Why not go outside and get to know them. Listen to this AWESOME chat with Dr. Loree Griffin Burns on how you can host a Moth Ball and learn about the moths that live in your own backyard or …
How was the airplane invented? Who popularized air travel by flying across the Atlantic Ocean? How many planes takeoff and land every single day? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Music Blocks is a music appreciation podcast developed in consultation with music educators. It’s designed to help young listeners to explore music more thoughtfully, or to let parents and teachers introduce their kids to new sounds. It’s a fun, quick listen f…
Why do you sweat when you're nervous? How does sweat help cool you off? Does sweat... stink? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Did you know that planting certain plants can actually help to clean up the environment? It's true. Listen to this fascinating chat with Dr. Colleen Kelley as she explains how her research with plants is helping to bring back areas that had been contaminated b…
Did you know that scientists are developing ways to use 3D printers to make tendons? Yep. Those flexible cord-like parts of your body that attach muscles to bones are very important. Especially if you play sports! Listen to this fascinating and FUN chat with D…
What are muscles made of? How do your muscles work? Do you have to injure your muscles to make them bigger & stronger? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Did you know that you can HEAR Black Holes colliding out in space? It's true! Scientists have discovered that by listening to gravitational waves, they can actually hear a black hole, billions of miles away, colliding with another one. Don't miss this awesome …
How do animals survive living in Antarctica? Which animal can you find the most of in Antarctica? What's the most ferocious animal in Antarctica besides the Killer Whale? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Have you ever wondered how YOU are like a dung beetle? Probably not. And yet, there are similiarities that might surprise you. Don't miss this informative and yes, hilariously rocking-good time with biologist and Assistant Professor Dr. Anne Estes as she takes…
What takes longer to digest - Carrots or Cookies? How does your body digest food? Which is longer, your large or small intestine? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Just how much science and engineering goes into keeping astronauts alive in space? A LOT! Systems engineer Bailey Burns gives us a peek inside the role a space company plays in creating technology to sustain life in space! Yes, it's the #ninjaneergirl herself.…
Our plastic episode is here! In this episode, we learn about how much plastic is in the ocean, why that's a problem for animals, how it all got there, and, most importantly, how you can help.…
Who invented Fireworks? How are Fireworks able to make so many cool colors and shapes? Why do we set off Fireworks on July 4th? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
How many types of dogs are there? What traits do different dog breeds have? Do dogs have eyebrows? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Do you ever feel afraid? We all do! Do you wish you could be as brave as a lion? Today we'll learn how! This episode features affirmations from Noah and Mia, and a new song called "When I Feel Afraid."
Ever watch those crime TV shows and wonder how the forensic scientists process all that evidence? Listen to this fun and informative chat with Dr. Kelly Elkins, biochemist and forensic scientist. Learn all about DNA, fingerprints, and solving for clues!
How can you unfear an animal? What does that even mean? In this episode, learn how to tame the fear inside you.
We’re back for our second season! Thanks for sending in so many great questions about money. One that a whole bunch of you wanted to know more about is how money is made. To help us find out, Jed called his old economics teacher, Ms. Grizzle, who took us on a …
Physicist and Space Education specialist Melinda Bradley talks to us about how PHYSICS is all around us. Forces determine how we will travel to space, work in it, and yes, even one day perhaps discover aliens. This fact-filled and FUN chat will have you gravit…
What gives foods their flavors? How does a Flavorist make one food taste like another? How do you make a plant taste like meat? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
How can science help people? Charita Castro is a scientist who’s spent her life using science to make kids’ lives better, all over the world. When she was little, she saw something that made her ask a big question: “Why don’t other kids have what I have?” She …
We’ve all played the “what does that cloud look like” game. Maybe you saw a bunny… or an airplane… or a unicorn. What if that same cloud could also be seen by someone in a far off continent? That’s what a listener in Minnesota wondered. He wanted to know if th…
Felix is about to resign himself to a life locked up in his cell phone when Moxie reveals that she is entering Felix (or at least his body!) in the school talent show. Worse, she’s planning on reading a poem that Felix wrote which reveals who he has a crush on…
When Ten-year old Felix gets his first cell phone he quickly makes friends with Moxie, a virtual assistant application on his phone. After a lightning storm causes a power outage during a system update, Moxie and Felix wake up in a body swap: Moxie has taken o…
Listen to this awesome chat with giraffe scientist and wildlife conservationist David Brown as we chat about all the different ways scientists can tell giraffes apart. Did you know a group of giraffes is called a tower? Learn this and more fun facts about gira…
If you translate “Hello! How are you?” to binary code, it looks like this: 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111 00100001 00100000 01001000 01101111 01110111 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00111111…
We are delighted to welcome back two of our aweseom previous Solve It! guests, Dr. Brian Helmuth and Keith Ellenbogen. They will share a wonderful project they've teamed up on to help promote conservation using science and photography! Don't miss this AWESOME …
How were vaccines first discovered? What diseases have been wiped out by vaccines? How do we know vaccines are safe? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Our guest this week is a lexicographer. That's someone who studies words and, in this case, edits dictionaries. Emily Brewster is a senior editor at Merriam-Webster and host of the podcast Word Matters.…
Who was Amelia Earhart? What aviation records did Amelia set? What was Amelia's last flight like? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Brains On has a very special milestone coming up -- it’s almost our 200th episode! To celebrate, we're re-listening to our very first episode which was all about eating. We'll play the episode and chime in with commentary to give you some behind the scenes gli…
Listen to this special ONE YEAR Anniversary taping of the Solve It For Kids podcast as Meteorologist Samantha Jacques from WZZM 13 On Your Side chats with us about all things WEATHER! Learn how meteorologists predict the weather using all kinds of science info…
What is the purpose of finger & toenails? If nails are made of dead cells, how do they grow? How do your nails reveal what's going on inside of you? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Ever wonder how fossils turn into oil and gas that makes our cars go? And how do scientists and engineers know which rock to look under to find it? Listen to this FUN and informative chat with Sri Lankan-Canadian chemical engineer Maria Marianayagam as she tal…
How do people whistle? How does whistling make a sound? Why does your tongue change a whistle higher or lower? Can you get a trophy for whistling? Can people with laryngitis whistle? Get ready, we learn all about whistling with musician and champion whistler E…
When was the first flying car invented? Why aren't people driving flying cars today? What else will cars do in the future? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
How were Barbie and GI Joe toys created? What important role did the Ken doll play for both Barbie and GI Joe? How have Barbie and GI Joe evolved over the years? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com…
Listen as Dr. Theanne Griffith, neuroscientist and children's author, explains how our central nervous system works. Tons of AWESOME kid-friendly explanations and experiments to try at home. #BrainScience is FUN!
Our guest today is mechanical engineer and children's author Suzanne Slade. She is going to share with us all of the COOL things NASA has learned about MARS from HiRise.
How are rocks made? Why are some rocks hard and others soft? How do rocks shine? How are geodes and crystals made? Why do some rocks have gems in them? Answers to your rock questions with Hendratta Ali, rock doctor! Ali is a geologist who studies and teaches a…
How do you get a galaxy named for you? In this episode, we learn about the incredible life of Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, who discovered a new type of galaxy now known as “Burçin’s Galaxy.” Since she was young, Burçin dreamed of studying the stars as an astrophysicis…
Sweet, sticky honey is so yummy! But have you ever wondered how bees make it? And how do busy honeybees talk to each other?
Germs are everywhere! Some are good for us, but some can make us sick. Have you ever wondered how they do it? The answer lies in how they are made…
Up here on land, we breathe air into our lungs but how do fish breathe underwater? Is there air in the sea? Do fish have lungs like us?
Who invented the bicycle? How did early bicycles differ from today's bikes? How are you able to balance on your bike? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art…
What do our dogs think about all day? Do dogs experience emotions like people do? Gregory Berns is a bestselling author and a professor at Emory University where he studies animal neuroscience. On this episode of The Show Show About Science, he joins Nate to t…
Award winning documentary filmmaker and author Tony Lee Moral tells us how we can photograph wildlife at night, and how that can help animals. Tony also tells us about the fascinating story of P 22, a mountain lion who lives in Los Angeles' Griffith Park.
🕊 Following the tragic events that took place in Atlanta last week that resulted in eight people losing their lives, six of whom were of Asian descent, we take a look at the importance of allyship, and learn how everyone can be an ally to someone. 🌈 Then, we…
Physician & children's author Dr Ragain LaRocca is on the show to tell us how a doctor is able to diagnose illness in a patient. You won't believe what doctors had to do in the past! She also has a fun challenge for us.
Not to be a downer, but the universe could end any minute. Or it could take a hundred million years. Give or take. So we don't know *when* it will happen, but we can be a bit more certain about *how* the universe will end. In this episode, Tai unpacks the scie…
Why are rainforests so important? How much rain falls in the rainforest? What are the different levels of the rainforest? For free home activities sign-up at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://…
Nothing on our planet could function without pooower! Even though energy is all around us, harnessing that energy and turning it into power is a massive challenge. Powering our day-to-day lives makes up almost half of fossil fuel emissions, which is causing cl…
More big questions get answered this week as Zoya and Tess ask the podcast 'How are dollies made?' and 'How are babies made?' Luckily expert shoe tier and lava floor dodger Will Duggan joins us to answer all with his expert knowledge!…
Tai and all of his friends are in a constant war with their parents over one big thing — screen time. For years, their parents have been telling them that screen time is bad and needs to be limited. But is it really? Tai finds out.…
Christine Armstrong, author of Mother of all Jobs, talks about being inspired by reading and how it helps her grow her confidence, how to think about charm as a superpower, and tips on how to show up to convey confidence.
✊🏾 The Ten News goes deep into the Georgia Senate runoffs Black History Month. 🗳 Why was this runoff election such a huge deal? What was it like to be in Georgia while the Senate runoff elections were happening? Podcast producer and Atlanta resident Jaime Al…
It’s easier than ever to be bamboozled by bad information. Tai and his friends are no exception—even smarty pants like them fall for things online. In this episode, Tai tries to figure out how to spot misinformation and how to stop it from spreading.…
Do you love fossils and dinosaurs? Let us introduce you to Myria Perez, a paleontology-obsessed kid who grew up to get her dream job! Myria is a 24 year old fossil preparator, which means she prepares fossils to study and display in museums. She shares her jou…
Who invented sneakers? How did sneakers become so popular? Why are they called sneakers? For free home activities sign up at www.whosmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California …
What is the Moon made of? How long would it take to drive to the Moon if you drove 100 mph? What does the Moon smell like? How does the Moon affect the ocean? How cold does it get on the Moon? Get great free activities at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/…
What is Smell? Why do you need to smell things? Which animal holds the record for how far away it can detect a smell? All this and more on today's episode #38 SMELL + free activity guide at www.WhoSmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information…
Synthesizers are a very recent invention, especially when you compare them to acoustic instruments, like pianos and guitars. In this episode, we learn how these machines with keys, knobs, switches, buttons and sliders actually make sound. We’ll also travel bac…
How did a woman named Marie discover radiation? What do you call the machine at the doctor’s office that takes pictures of your insides? How did Marie Curie use radiation and radioactivity to save lives during World War I? How many Nobel Prizes did Marie Curie…
What is motivation? Why do we do the things we do? How can you turn boring chores into fun activities? And what should you do when you're struggling to finish a project? Find out all this and more about motivation, and get the free activity guide at www.WhoSma…
How was the microwave oven accidentally invented? How do microwaves work to cook everything from frozen pizza to popcorn? Why should you never put metal in a microwave? Your smart elementary school kid will learn about all this and more, and there's more free …
Quick question: How old is the water you drink, shower in, or cook with? 4 seconds, 4 days, or 4 billion years old? If you said 4 billion years old, you're RIGHT! That glass of water you drank today is the same water the DINOSAURS drank! So how does the rain c…
What does a bow & arrow have to do with the guitar? Discover the history AND the science of the guitar on today's episode of Who Smarted? Your kids will discover how primitive hunters likely invented the idea of playing music on a string. They will learn that …
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, WHO SMARTED? But here's a silly question... HOW are you able to listen to it? With your EARS of course! But how do your ears work? How do three tiny bones in your ear help amplify sound and translate sound waves to …
No one likes being sick. The fever, fatigue, and the nasty stuff that comes out of you is NO FUN! But how much of what happens to you when you're sick is caused by GERMS, and how much is actually your body's IMMUNE SYSTEM helping you? Take a journey with us in…
Mirror, mirror on the wall...why do I see my reflection at all? On this 12 minute episode of Who Smarted? our Evil Queen will learn how her Magic Mirror works, why we all look different in photos than in the mirror, the science behind how mirrors are made, and…
We travel into the past, present and future with Dr Alice Bell to learn about the history of the car engine - from steam power to the electric cars of the future. The cranks, steam and motors of the past and electric hum of the future gives us our song of the …
Children love music! (YES, we know, adults do too!) And one reason is because music creates emotions in your brain. But ever wonder how music causes your brain to feel emotion? Why do screechy high note and rumbly low notes make you feel scared? And why do maj…
Today's special guest Thor is a charming Platypus, a creature so odd that when scientists first saw a specimen they assumed it was a taxidermy hoax. Learn about how this crazy animal mashup happened and how the platypus can see through mud on today's episode o…
Maddie talks to her mum, beekeeper Sabra Moate, and we travel into a hive to hear some busy bees doing their waggledance - and at the end of the episode, we’ll be doing a busy, buzzy waggledance of our own.…
OK you'll probably never be stuck inside a whale, but by spending this episode inside one of these amazing creatures, you'll discover how much you and the whale have in common! And for free educational resources for parents & teachers, check out www.WhoSmarted…
A drought made skateboards popular, but how? And how did skateboards get their shape? Get ready for a smooth ride through history on this episode of Who Smarted? For more kids' skateboarding resources check out: Skate Like A Girl https://www.skatelikeagirl.co…
Anxiety - it isn't just for adults! On this episode of Who Smarted? kids get tips on where anxiety comes from and how to manage it. Get ready to slay the worry monster on Who Smarted? www.whosmarted.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See …
We go to the beach with Dr Helen Burningham to learn how beaches form, and how long they will last.
How did a home-schooled kid become the greatest inventor of all time? To this day no one holds more invention patents than Thomas Edison! Find out and inspire your kids on today's fun-filled episode of Who Smarted? And please like & follow us on Facebook for m…
Explosions, lasers, fire, footsteps - these are the audio cues that bring movies and TV shows to life. But most of them are created AFTER the movie is shot, in a sound effects process called Foley Art. Learn about how sound effects work and how kids can make t…
The flu shot changes every year. But why is the flu special, if other illnesses have much longer-lasting vaccines? This episode takes us into the world of viruses and immunity.We released this episode about flu vaccines last year but we wanted to share it with…
We're back with new episodes! Today we are going to focus on how you are feeling, and talk about ways you can let a feeling go or share it with someone else. I also sing a new song called "However You Feel."
We take a ride into space with Emily Calandrelli, learning about rockets and the future of space travel. Our song takes us out into space with a solar sail!…
New Tumble episodes are coming next month, in Season 6! For now, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes of Season 5, with NASA astronaut Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor.…
How is ice cream made? Why does ice cream melt? Why does some ice cream melt faster than others? We’ll answer your questions about this summery concoction with Rabia Kamara, of Ruby Scoops in Richmond, Virginia. It’s going to be sweet.…
Hello and welcome to the first episode of the African Folktales Podcast. I am Makafui, a researcher with a passion for folktales and their origins.…
What is slime and how do you make it? What makes glue sticky? Why does mixing diet coke and Mentos make an explosion? How does glow in the dark stuff glow without batteries? We're talking about sticky things like slime and glue in this episode. Plus, bonus: ex…
Phoebe's story.…
On this bonus episode of CFAA, we speak with Allyson Shaw, an editor and writer at National Geographic Kids. In this interview we learn about "comeback critters," animals that were struggling but are now doing a lot better because of human intervention, as we…
Episode twenty-three of Story Shed, a storytelling podcast for children of all ages.…
Why do people need to sleep? How do we actually go to sleep? How does sleeping get rid of toxins in the brain? And how come when it's nighttime I don't want to go to sleep but when it's morning I don't want to wake up? Those questions and more, all about sleep…
Why do we like to eat certain foods? Why do some people like to eat spicy food? And what's up with kids not liking vegetables? Why does pineapple hurt your mouth when you eat too much of it? Why do we taste things and how? Why do different foods taste differen…
How do you become an astronaut? That’s what Tumble listener Margaret wants to know. We go straight to the source to get an answer: A NASA astronaut! Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor shares her journey to outer space with us. Starting from being a kid watching shutt…
Behind every piano’s polished exterior are thousands of parts. From keys to strings, they work together to produce a sound.…
How do weather people predict the weather and know what's going to happen tomorrow? Why is a meteorologist called a meteorologist? We learn about weather forecasting with National Weather Service Meteorologist Jessica Neiles and NBC5 Chief Meteorologist Tom Me…
Rocking to a steady beat... and waltzing, and marching, and bopping, and more.…
In this episode, we find out how a system of cables around the globe (and deep in our oceans) brings websites, songs, videos and podcasts to our phones and computers, almost at the speed of light. The internet can seem vast and intangible but there’s a very ph…
Whether it’s a doot doot doot of an opening riff or a random mix of words from the chorus, 99 per cent of people admit to getting songs stuck in their heads. So what is it about certain songs that make them so catchy? How does a song get stuck in your head?…
This week, we answer a question from 4-year-old Hugo in Burlington, Vt. Hugo wants to know how noodles are made. But he's about to get more than he bargained for!…
How is paper made from trees? Why does paper fall apart when it gets wet? Why does it lose color in the sun? Who invented paper? We make a few sheet of paper and learn all about how it's made with artist Carol Marie Vossler at BluSeed Studios in Saranac Lake, …
Elevators are like magic. You walk in, the door shuts and when it opens again, you are suddenly someplace new! Ta da! But it’s not magic that does this trick, it’s science and engineering.…
Is that dog wearing glasses?! Guy Raz has a new four-legged friend, but he's having trouble bonding with him. Good thing Mindy knows the scientifically-proven very best way to talk to dogs! This week learn HOW in the world scientists figured out how to speak t…
How do circuits work? How do electric plugs work? Why do some things conduct electricity and some things do not? How does a battery make a phone work? How do lights turn on? Where do electrons go when the electricity is off? How fast is electricity? How do lig…
We're heading to the coast of Maine to learn a little bit about why the sea is salty and how mussels get their shells with Zach Whitener, a research associate at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, Maine.…
When a conspiracy theorist (Claire Danes) boards their ship, the Story Pirates must convince her they are not from outer space. Featuring two new stories: ‘How The Beaver Came To Canada,’ a Joni Mitchell-inspired folk song about a beaver who takes to the frien…
In this episode of But Why, we're answering your questions about...us! Why do you make But Why? How are podcasts made? And we're answering questions about the physics of sound and radio. What is sound and how is it made? Why are sound waves invisible? How do e…
How do planes stay in the air? And how did humans figure out that it wasn’t enough to just strap wings to our arms and flap them like birds?…
Tai is freaking out about climate change. He's worried we're doomed. Tides are rising, species are dying from all of the heat. He's finding it hard to have hope...until he meets a man from NASA.…
Professor Hallux and Nanobot are back, and this time, with the help of their trusty Helitelibubble, Nanobot is diving inside the human body to find out all about antibiotics!…
Today information is everywhere, but what should you trust? Can you spot the difference between well researched articles and stories full of opinion, errors or even lies? In our final chapter of “Prove It: How to find the facts,” we’ll find out how to think li…
It's Professor Hallux's uncle Halitosis' hundredth birthday - and in his honour Hallux is creating a pop-up Digital Dental Depositary – an Oral Health Helpdesk if you like. He's going to see how many questions all about teeth he can answer against the clock.…
We all know a good night's sleep is good for our bodies, but did you know it could also increase your odds of winning the big race? Join Guy Raz and Mindy as they snooze, snore, and put this new scientific discovery to the test! It's the Who, What, When, Where…
Without GPS, we’d be lost. Literally. Thanks to these radio transmissions from space though, we’re able to pinpoint our location and find our way home. Join us as we learn all about satellites, how the robot voice of GPS is created and how atomic clocks hold i…
But Why explores the Big Bang, earth, stars and black holes in this call-in episode that aired live on Vermont Public Radio. Astronomer John O'Meara tackles the big bang, the origins of the universe and how we know humans landed on the moon. Plus, why is the e…
The aliens are coming to dinner! In this episode we wonder what food aliens might eat and talk to real scientists who've thought long and hard about this question. Plus, our friends at America's Test Kitchen show us how to whip up a delicious beef and broccoli…
Is that dog wearing glasses?! Guy Raz has a new four-legged friend, but he's having trouble bonding with him. Good thing Mindy knows the scientifically-proven very best way to talk to dogs! This week learn HOW in the world scientists figured out how to speak t…
The Story Pirates' dream of opening a restaurant/bistro/cafe onboard the ship is put in jeopardy when Russ T. Walrus (Wyatt Cenac), a famously harsh food critic, comes to review the menu. This week’s episode features two new stories: "How to Make a Basketball …
How does your heart keep you alive? How does it pump blood? Why is blood so important? Why do children have heart surgeries? Why is a baby's heartbeat faster before it's born? Why does blood rush to your head when you're upside down? Why can you feel your hear…
After months of seafaring on a nameless ship, the Story Pirates finally decide what to call their vessel. Best of all, the new ship name comes from one of our listeners! This weeks episode features two new stories: "How the Grizzly Bear Turned Into a Polar Bea…
Our lungs are great at getting oxygen out of the air, but if we needed to do that underwater, we'd be sunk. So how do fish, shrimp, jellyfish and other marine animals breathe underwater? And what happens when there is no oxygen in the water for them to breathe…
Come for the jokes stay for the slide whistle. Then see if you can finish the pattern. Can you? If you can make a MOOOOOOOO sound, then you probably can!…
Marc Berman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago. He recently conducted a study that looks at whether a walk in the park can actually improve memory and attention. The results may surprise you. In this episode,…
How did the first fish get into the ocean? How do fish breathe under water? If you put a fish's head underwater, but not its tail, would it survive? How do fish get diseases? How do fish see underwater without googles? Why do fish swim when they are asleep? Do…
In episode 8, the Story Pirates realize that their beloved ship is missing a crucial feature, and call upon their listeners for help.…
Meet Envirobot, a robotic eel who slithers along the surface of the water, seeking the source of water pollution. The future is here, and it's full of swimming robots! We meet members of the team behind Envirobot, Bezhad Bayat and Alessandro Crespi. They tell …
Making friends and keeping friends can be hard. Sometimes you like someone a lot and then one of you changes and your friendship ends. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle thought friendship was one of the most important things in life and he came up with t…
There are all kinds of volcanoes all over the world, but how are they formed? And how do they erupt? To find out, we’ll travel to the center of the Earth, and we’ll meet a NASA robot that’s going on a very special volcano mission.…
How are we able to carry on sleeping when we’re asleep and our brains are taking a break? Hallux looks into it…
In the last couple of weeks, two big hurricanes have hit parts of the United States and Caribbean islands. In this episode we answer questions from kids who have been hearing the news and wondering: How do hurricanes form? Why do hurricanes strike Florida? Why…
Hallux explains the differences (and similarities) in the way a variety of animals hear, and some of the reasons behind the variations.
Hallux explains how people with hearing loss can communicate and do everyday things like using the telephone.
How is glass made? Why does glass break? Why do bubbles pop? What's it like inside a bubble? We make everything clear in this episode! Our questions are from kids in Arizona, Brazil, California and Cambodia.
Why do bees pollinate? How do bees make honey? Why do bees have stingers? Why do bees die when they sting you? What's the difference between a bee and a wasp? Does honey have healing properties? Vermont farmer and beekeeper John Hayden of The Farm Between answ…
In this episode, Professor Hallux explores how much water we should be drinking and why you might need more at certain times. Those times might be when you’re unwell, or in a hot place, or when exercising!…
How is bread made? Who made the first cake? Why shouldn't you touch raw eggs? On this episode of But Why, we're talking about baking. We get a lesson in bread making on a field trip to King Arthur Flour. Later, the Botanical Society of America weighs in on a r…
On the first leg of our road trip, we’re exploring the history of engines and how they work, with a little help from Car Talk’s Ray Magliozzi.
How are babies made? We speak with Cory Silverberg, author of What Makes A Baby, for answers to questions about how we all come into the world.
How do butterflies fly? Why are butterflies called butterflies? How do airplanes fly? If gravity pulls everything down, how do planes and rockets get up in the air? Why do planes have engines and how do they make them? We're visiting ECHO, the Leahy Center for…
Did you know pianos have strings and hammers? We're learning all about instruments and how they use strings to make noises.
Why are there so many plants? How are seeds made? How does germination work? How can plants grow so big if they start from such a small seed? Why are flowers different colors? Why are plants and trees green? Where does dirt come from? In this episode of But Wh…
The discovery of seven new planets that could contain life has kids and adults pretty excited. We can't get to these planets yet but we do have tools to explore planets closer to home. In this episode, St. Michael's College astronomy professor John O'Meara ans…
How do popcorn kernels pop? How do salmon know where to return to spawn? How do rabbits change colors? Why does television fry your brain? How do zippers zip stuff? Who was the fastest runner in the world? In this episode, we'll tackle all these questions!
How is chocolate made? Why can't we eat chocolate all the time? Why does chocolate melt? Why can't dogs eat chocolate? In this episode, we travel to Taza Chocolate in Somerville, Massachusetts to get some answers. Plus, we visit a coffee roaster in Maine to le…
The sounds whales make underwater are super cool, and also very important for them to locate prey, navigate and communicate with each other. We find out how they make those sounds and what scientists think they mean.…
Send us your interviews with scientists, and they might end up on our show! In this special bonus episode, we'll teach you how to interview a scientist. It's easier than you might think, and it's super fun. You might learn something that changes your life, or …
X-rays, part of the electromagnetic spectrum, help doctors see our bones — but they also help scientists understand the very smallest particles and the most massive black holes.
In this episode, Bobby, Chloe and Elisha think about ways to get more for our money.
How long does it take for baby animals to grow up? In this episode, we're learning about cheetahs and horses with two questions from siblings in Australia.
The process that turns sand into glass is very cool – or rather, we should say very hot. Very, very, very hot as it turns out. Humans have been turning minerals from the earth’s crust into glass for 3,500 years. Find out how it’s done and how it’s evolved – fr…
Seven-year old Sawyer wants to know: how does an engine work? We learn about chainsaws from Ashleigh Belrose, an instructor the Center for Technology in Essex, Vermont.
Families grow and change. What does that feel like? We asked kids to tell us about their families, and we speak with author Amy Bloom about how love is not something that needs to be divided up, like a pie, but can expand and multiply.
In this episode of But Why we're learning how to make paint from an artist who wild-crafts his own pigments, and we're visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to learn about the value of art.
We're turning things around! Instead of you sending us the question, this time we're asking the question and looking to you for some answers. We wanted to explore why music moves us.
We’ve been catching colds for millennia – but it wasn’t until fairly recently that we actually understood how and why we get sneezy, coughy, and achy. In this episode, we find out more about the common cold: Does standing outside in the cold actually make it e…
In our very first episode, we've got owls and turtles and bears, oh my! It's all about animals. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids is a show led by you. Kids ask questions and we find someone who can give you an answer. And that way all the rest of us listeni…
Mike Mongo dreamed of becoming an astronaut when he was young, but making those dreams a reality can be challenging. Now Mike is an astronaut instructor who encourages kids to follow their interstellar dreams. In this episode of The Show About Science, Mike te…
Learn all about CT scans in the hospital – what they do, how they work and why they're so important!
There’s all sorts of weather happening right now around the world. Rain, sun, wind, snow… you name it, somewhere it’s happening. It may seem hard to keep track of it all, but scientists have it figured out. We’ll find out how they collect data on weather aroun…
MRI scans are a special scan used in medicine that uses magnets. Hallux and Nanobot explain how MRI scans work and why they are so useful.
Ultrasound is a really useful medical tool for seeing what’s going on inside our bodies. Listen to Nanobot and Hallux explain how ultrasound works and why echoes are so cool!…
Listen to hear what happens when we break a bone – how we see what’s broken and why we use X-Rays!
Hallux and Nanobot talk about how X-Rays work, what they do, and why they are super safe and important!
Learn about the clever ways we can see into the body from X-Ray to Cat scans!
All jellyfish sting – but not all jellyfish sting people. In this episode, we learn about how jellyfish sting and how they eat. Plus: stro-bi-la-tion (how jellyfish grow up).
Sally Specs tells Professor Hallux exactly how we use our eyes to see!
In this episode we learn just how glasses work and help both long and short sighted people!
Body’s heart is still broken and in this episode we find out exactly how the heart works! We learn fun facts all about the heart and it’s function including your pulse, blood, valves and many more!…
Monarch butterflies are unique — they’re the only butterfly to travel thousands of miles when the seasons change. They travel from as far north as Canada all the way down to a few very specific mountaintops in central Mexico.…
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.