Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Brains On! is a science podcast for curious kids and adults, produced by Brains On Universe. Each week, a different kid co-host joins host Molly Bloom to explore fascinating questions sent in by listeners, such as whether dogs know they're dogs or why feet stink. The show also features mystery sounds, songs, and expert-checked facts. Distributed by Lemonada Media.
Episodes
Can dogs read our minds?
Does it seem like your dog knows what you’re going to do before you do it? Do they know how you’re feeling? We’re going to answer these questions by talking to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz from the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College. We’ll take a look at dog body language and what we know about what they know. Tamas Farago from Eötvös Loránd University is going to help us decode all the sounds they ma
The hows and whys of hair
The hair on our heads is on our minds. We have fun with follicles and learn about how they make hair. Our experts help us decipher what makes hair black or brown, blonde or red, and even why it turns gray. From eye lashes to ear and nose hair, this episode has it all. Why do humans have hair and not fur? Why is there hair on the top of our heads? How does hair grow? How does hair become curly or s
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple on pizza
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Hoax Hunters: Why do crystals feel so special?
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters. This time they’re looking at the myths surrounding crystals. For hundreds of years, people have believed that these rocks are special and have powers. But is there any proof? Join Marc, Sanden and Mystery Moose as they dig into the lore and science of crystals.
Guest: Marisa Galvez, professor of French and Italian at Stanford University
Click here
Mystery Sound Extravaganza fall 2026
Oh boy, oh boy! Are you ready to do some guessing?!? We have doozies to detect. There are clues to calculate. And so, so many goodies to get into. We hope your ears are warmed up, because it’s time for the… Mystery Sound Extravaganza!
Have a good Mystery Sound for us? Send it in! Go to brainson.org/contact and submit it. Don’t forget to record an answer too.
Click here for a transcript of this e
Why do we need pinky toes?
Pinky toes may seem small, but they’re kind of a big deal. Join Molly and co-host Luna Mae as they learn about why we have these tiny toes and what would happen if we didn’t have them. Plus, we talk about animals with two, three, or six toes! Plus, a Mystery Sound that’ll get your ears working overtime.
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, a
Why does music make us dance?
When you hear a good beat, it can be hard not to tap your toe or bob your head. Why is this? It turns out, we may be hardwired to start dancing when we hear certain rhythms. Join Molly and co-host Adriel as they explore how the brain turns sounds into dance moves. Plus, we’ll talk to a real DJ about making beats that get people moving. And a sound that might be tough to dance to: the Mystery Sound
Black holes, wormholes and donut holes!
Black holes happen when you have a super huge, mega-giant amount of stuff --- crammed into a super-tiny, infinitely-small amount of space. AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL! In this episode, we learn all about what black holes are and how we found out they were real. We talk to a black hole hunter who has discovered supermassive black holes. And we find out what a wormhole is and why it might really, be rea
How do we get Vitamin D from the sun?
There’s a bunch of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to do their body thing. Our bodies don’t make them, so we get them through food – except for vitamin D! We can get vitamin D from the UV rays from the sun, but the UV rays from the sun can also do damage. Listen to this episode to find out why you have to wear sunscreen, how we’re able to get vitamin D, and how we discovered vitamins in the
Forever Ago: Who invented Pokemon?
We are super-excited to let you know that our pals at Forever Ago just started a brand new season. Host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo, will dive into all sorts of cool history including trick or treating, the Wizard of Oz and pizza, just to name a few. The season kicks off with an episode all about how Pokemon was invented. It’s so cool that we want to share it with you right now. And if your a Hoax he
Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and sup
Do plants fart?
Plants are pretty chill things, maybe because they are farting all the time! In this episode we explore the world of plant gas. Join Molly and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn how plants pass gas and why it’s important to know how much tooting trees and bushes do. Plus, a stink-free Mystery Sound!
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bon
Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness.
We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things.
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus
How do walkie talkies work?
Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your walkie talkie lingo in a special game show. And, we get a visit from our favorite dancing CEO,Gungador, who needs Molly and
Hoax Hunters take on the Fresno Nightcrawler
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. Unexplained? Very. Join the Hoax bros as they explore this event and learn how it inspired artists, musicians, even the
Why are brains so squishy?
Our brains are amazing machines, but they are also very delicate. We have to wear helmets when we bike, skate, or do other activities where we might bang our skulls. Why is the brain so sensitive? Turns out, it’s a soft blob a lot like tofu, but that softness lets it do some pretty important things. Join Molly and co-host Penny as they learn about our wonderful, squishy brains. Plus, Dwayne the Br
How do oysters make pearls?
Pearls are shiny little things that look great on a bracelet or necklace. They’re made by shell-dwelling creatures called oysters, but how? Dive in as Molly and co-host Katherine explore the underwater world of oysters and other mollusks. They’ll talk with researcher Priya Shukla and producer Menaka Wilhelm to learn how these squishy creatures make pretty pearls. Plus, a game show and a Mystery So
Why do mosquitoes bite?
In this episode, we're tackling all the mosquito questions that have been bugging our listeners. Why do they bite? Why do the bites itch? Is scratching them a good idea? Why do some people seem to be more delicious to mosquitoes? How can we keep them away from us? And are mosquitoes good for the world? The Hoax Hunters also make another hoax-tastic appearance.
*Note: if you had a problem with jum
How do lightbulbs work?
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 when you have a bright idea. Oh, and a new Mystery Sound to light up your life. Enjoy!
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass
Crystals: More than just shiny rocks
This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). Then, we take a look at how crystals form and get their cool colors. Plus, Marc and Sanden hunt down a hoax about Mesoam
Brains On Presents: Smash Boom Best - Slime vs Slinkies
We will be back next week with a new episode! This week we have an episode from our sister show Smash Boom Best: Slime vs Slinkies!Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, wonderous slinky? Both are fun, one will triumph! Smooshing the competition for Team Slime, it’s RadioLab host Latif Nass
Why do we like the number 100?
As Brains On fast approaches 400 episodes, we wanted to re-visit this one. Not only is it our milestone episode 100, but our pal Gungador goes from Most Epic Fighting Battle Realm to a much more challenging setting: high school. We ask why people seem to love the number 100 so much. We also learn some amazing tricks involving the number 100 and fan favorite. There's a super-cool Mystery Sound too,
Growth Spurts!
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we looked at skin, sweat and hair.
Want to learn more about growing? Check out this Brains On episode: Why do our bodies ta
Skin, sweat and hair!
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we answered: what’s puberty anyway?
In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive deeper into each topic. And answer your questio
What is puberty?
We’re making a special eight episode show called Brains On Universe Presents Puberty (The Podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Over the next few weeks we’re going to play some excerpts from the series for you here.
These samples cover stuff like how hormones help us grow, how they change our skin - think zits – and how they affect our moods. We picked topics that should b
Why don’t we feel the Earth spinning?
If you were on a merry-go-round that was spinning super fast, you’d feel it. But the Earth is always spinning and we don’t feel a thing. Why is that? Join Molly and Reean as they explore the science of spin. Plus we find out how liquid sloshing around in our ears can make us feel dizzy. And speaking of ears, get yours ready for an all new Mystery Sound.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pa
Introducing...Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (The podcast)
We're making a new limited series to tackle a topic that lots of our listeners are curious about. Puberty!
It’s a lot. There are the awkward conversations and the questions we’re too nervous to ask and the sometimes uncomfortable experience of living in a body that’s changing fast (and publicly!).
This podcast is here to help. Hosted by Molly Bloom, of the award-winning science podcast Brains O
How does soap 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 so well. Plus we’ll learn how soap was likely invented and meet some pioneers who helped prove that washing hands keeps us healthy. Oh, and
How to build a house on the moon
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 hotel, hear about all the stuff humans have left up there and even hear a song sung by the Moon herself!
Featured Expert: Phil Plait, astronom
More sport science: Bats and black eyes
Sports and science go hand in hand, especially when it comes to softball and baseball. Join Molly and co-host Caris as they answer more of your questions about these two ballgames. Like why are bats measured in ounces? Or why do some players wear black paint under their eyes? Plus, we’ll hear more of your chants and guess an all new Mystery Sound.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to lis
Sport science: softballs, baseballs, and curve balls
Baseball and softball are both a feat of physics, from the curve of a pitch to the swing of a bat. Today, we’re exploring the science of these popular pastimes. Join Molly and co-host Kian as they learn about curve balls and the stuff inside a ball. Plus, our listeners share their chants for Team Science! Oh, and what’s that noise? It’s a brand new mystery sound. Play ball!
Want to support the sh
Is there such a thing as a blue raspberry? And why are raspberries hairy?
Ever look closely at a raspberry and notice it could use a shave? Those tiny hairs are actually super important. And thankfully totally edible. Join Molly and co-host Zoe-Samarah as they learn all about this fantastic little fruit, and why some raspberry flavored foods are actually colored blue. All that and a Mystery Sound that’ll feel like a snack for the ears!
Want to support the show? Join Sm
Hoax Hunters: What is the Bermuda Triangle
Have you heard of the Bermuda Triangle? It’s an area of the Atlantic Ocean that some people think can make ships and planes mysteriously disappear. In this episode, Marc and Sanden, aka the Hoax Hunters, investigate this weird and wild patch of water. Turns out the Triangle isn’t as unusual as it seems. Plus, Molly tries to stump the Hoax Hunters with a new mystery sound.
Want to support the show
How do flowers get their smells?
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 flower! Plus a smell for your ears: the Mystery Sound!
Guest: Dr Kelsey Byers, evolutionary chemical ecologist and group leader at the John
It's time for the....Mystery Sound Extravaganza!
What's better than a mystery sound? How about 11 mystery sounds! We have mystery sounds from listeners all over the world to share with you, plus two from scientists. And our co-host Juniper will try to stump Molly with a mystery sound of her own!Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
See omnystudio.com/
Why do we have Daylight Saving Time?
Every spring we set our clocks one hour forward. Every fall we move them one hour back. It’s a strange ritual when you think about it, so why do we do it? Join Molly and co-host Ava as they explore the seasons and why days are shorter in the winter and longer in the summer. We’ll hear about the history of Day Light Saving and play a game. And it’s always time for a Mystery Sound! So set an alarm s
New Brains On tour dates added: St. Paul, Atlanta, Portland -- and more!
Exciting news! We’ve announced a bunch of new tour stops for this spring! Learn more about the show and get tickets here!
Mar 7............MILWAUKEE
Mar 8..................ST PAUL
Mar 28..............ATLANTA
Mar 29.....FT LAUDERDALE
Apr 11......CHATTANOOGA
Apr 12.................DURHAM
Apr 25.....SAN FRANCISCO
Apr 26.............PORTLAND
May 30...............BUFFALO
May 31..............T
Let's Go Bananas
HARVEY, our omnipresent virtual voice assistant, gets a software update that makes him go bananas for bananas. And if we talk about anything except bananas, he turns the microphones off! We talk to geneticist Dr. Janina Jeff about how much DNA we share with a banana, find out why bananas make other fruits ripen, how bananas grow, and where that slipping on a banana peel joke came from. Speaking of
What is a generation and why do we have them?
We’re all part of a generation, that’s a large group of people born around the same time as us. These generations have names too, like Gen X, Baby Boomers or Gen Alpha. Who came up with these generations and why do we have them? We’ll speak to experts and learn what makes each generation unique. Plus, what if you could rename your generation? Plus, Mr. Bonejangles can’t remember his birthday so he
Why doesn’t stomach acid burn right through us?
Our stomachs are full of a powerful acid, one that can burn your skin and even melt metal. So why doesn’t this stuff burn a hole through our bellies? We’ll find out how our stomachs protect the rest of us from this acid. Plus, we’ll learn about some of the wildest ways animals digest food and learn about how a serious accident helped us. Don't forget to listen to the Mystery Sound and the latest s
Can a spider eat a wasp?
Today we’re stepping into the ring for a battle of the insect world. Molly and co-host Kiaan try to find out if a spider can eat a wasp. They speak with Dr. Paula Cushing. She has been researching spiders for over three decades. Plus, we flip the script and ask if a wasp can eat a spider. Then, Molly goes full game show mode and puts Kiaan in the contestant chair to play Spidey Sense. We also have
How do stickers stick?
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 people heal from surgeries. We’ll also find out what kind of stickers Bob collects, and guess a new Mystery Sound.
Guest: Phillip Messersmi
Totally Slothsome: All about sloths
There’s more to sloths than slowness. They’re great at saving energy, hanging upside down, and swimming! In this episode, Sloth Appreciation Society founder Lucy Cooke stops by to tell us all about these amazing animals. We also get into a sloth mystery: The Case of the Perilous Poop Journey. Luckily, there’s a sloth sleuth on the case. And sloths aren’t the only animals who aren’t in a hurry — a
Hoax Hunters: Can a lake turn animals to stone?
Have you ever heard of Lake Natron? It’s located in Tanzania, Africa, and, if you believe the internet, it can instantly petrify anything that touches it. Lucky for us, we have a direct line to the Hoax Hunters (aka Sanden and Marc) - they love myths, and they hate getting tricked.
Along the way to saying yea or nay to this stoney phenomenon, the Hoax Hunters speak with Neovitus Sianga. Not only
Why do skunks stink?
Skunks can stink, no doubt about it. But that stink is actually a superpower! Join Molly and co-host Diya as they find out how these critters use their smell to scare away enemies, what the smell is made of, and how to make your own de-skunking potion. Plus, Wombat Pete drops by to promote his new music festival, we speak to some skunk experts, and we try our best to guess a new Mystery Sound.
Do
Brains On presents - Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts
We're on a little winter break and we're gonna be back with a new Brains On episode next week. This week we have an episode of our Sister show forever ago to share with you. If you're interested in origin stories or history, this is the show for you. You can subscribe wherever you listen to Brains On.
Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode! Joy and co-host Elsa are trapped in a black hole wi
Brains On presents: Smash Boom Best - Hot Wheels vs Monster Trucks
We're on a little winter break here, but we're gonna be back with a new episode of Brains On January 6th. Until then, we have an episode of our sister podcast, smash Boom. Best to share with you the episode. Features some familiar voices. Me, mark, and Sandon, enjoy the show!
Whether you like your wheels big or small, this debate is for you! It’s Monster Trucks vs Hot Wheels. It’s a battle betwe
Brains On is coming to a city near you!
The Brains On crew is hitting the road in 2026, and our first shows have just been announced. If you like fun, games, dancing, optical illusions and... Mystery Sounds, check out Your Brain is Magic.
Head to brainson.org/events to get tickets for the following shows:
1/17 Newark, NJ Victoria Theater
1/18 Red Bank, NJ The Vogel
1/23 San Diego, CA The Observitory
1/24 Aneheim, CA House of Blues
How metal wires changed the world!
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 Molly and co-host Ava as they team up with Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura to learn how people laid hundreds of miles of wire in h
How mastering metal saved lives
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 cables saved so many lives. Molly and co-host Ava are joined by Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura for part two of this deep dive on
How is metal made?
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. Molly and co-host Ava are joined by Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, to look at how Earth got metal in the first place, how humans fi
How does music get recorded and stored?
Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and follow a sound waves as it is recorded and stored. They meet a robot who really loves to eat old school media, like cassett
Do dogs know that they're dogs?
We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people?
In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question. We’ll also find out what happens (or doesn’t) when a dog looks in the mirror. Dogs are always dozing, and we’ll check in to see if they are dreaming
Mystery Sounds from the natural world
Today’s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be heard to be believed. Plus, we turn the tables on Thomas and ask him to guess some sounds you sent in.
Put on your detective hat,
Why are octopuses so smart?
Octopus, more like ROCK-topus! Because these creatures bring the excitement. They can shape shift to match their surroundings. They have three hearts and teeth on their tongues! And they are super smart. Join fill-in host Rosie duPont and co-host Izumi as they explore the world of their eight-armed wonders. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Mathers, a biologist and psychologist who studies octopus co
Why do electric cars sound so unique?
You may have noticed that electric cars sound different from gas powered cars. The engine doesn’t rumble; instead, it might sound like a hum or even a song. Why is that? Ride along as we learn how electric cars work and why there is so much shush in their woosh. Plus, Molly and co-host Asher interview Jay Kapadia, a sound designer who programs the special noises of electric cars for General Motors
Do fidget toys really help people focus?
Fidget toys are everywhere. There are ones you can squeeze, or click, or spin. Others are puzzles or have cool textures to touch. Some classrooms even have fidget toys for students, but do they help kids concentrate or are they just a distraction? Molly and co-host Penelope team up with an unconventional band to learn why we fidget in the first place.Plus, neuroscientist Dr. Julie Schweitzer, from
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.su
A big update about the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.
In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash
The life of a NASA astronaut
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resources
Living in space would be super cool. You could float around with no gravity and see the Earth from re
How do weather stations predict the weather?
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesYou can’t see into the future, but with weather reports you can get a pretty good idea of what weather
Tree, Myself and I: All about our leafy green friends
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resources
Trees are the strong, silent type but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. In this episode we’ll
Body Bonanza: Bruises, scars and Band-Aids
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesIt’s a Body Bonanza and this time we’re answering your questions about injuries. Bruises are rarely so
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Life is Poopiful
Oh no! An awful spell has put Ruby, Rosie, and Anna in a poopiful situation at Brains On HQ! It looks like the only way to save them is with a quick game with Molly Bloom. Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how a change of verb can leave things poopiful.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are birds dinosaurs?
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesWhen you think of dinosaurs, you might picture giant, scaly creatures that roamed earth millions of ye
Trends: How do they start?
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 newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesCollecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things ha
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard
Oh no! Molly’s been bequeathed her great-great grandfather’s skateboard, which unfortunately contains the spirit of dictionary editor Rutherford Williams Webster! Hoping to defeat the skateboard poltergeist, Anna and Marc must attempt to spell and define Webster’s most obscure words!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does solar power work?
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 energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. But how do they work?Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Anna as they explore the in
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease that can make it hard to breathe. And it’s common! One in twelve people in the United States have it, including host Molly Bloom. But what is asthma? And why do some people have it, but not others?
Join Molly and co-hosts Audrey and Indytas they learn about asthma. First, they’ll shrink down and explore how breathing works — inside Forever Ago host Joy Dolo’s lungs! Then they’l
How does coral communicate?
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?
This week, your ears are in for a special treat: Brains On editor Shahla Farzan (a.k.a. world’s biggest coral fan) hosts the show! Join Shahla and co-host Eben as they
Why do we have crushes?
When you've got a crush on someone, it can feel a bit overwhelming. All of a sudden, you might have butterflies in your stomach! And maybe you find yourself acting differently than you normally would. Why does our brain do this to us anyway? In this episode, we'll answer a slew of your crush-related questions: Why do we get crushes? Why do they make you feel so many feelings? How do you decide who
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smarty Pass Deli
Have you heard of Molly Bloom’s fantastic deli at Brains On HQ? It’s got the tastiest food in town! The only problem is that the delivery person, Rosie duPont, is having trouble figuring out who gets which order. Grab your smarty pass to hear how she manages some of the strangest orders in the animal kingdom!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does salt make food taste so good?
Salt is made up of tiny crystals! Under a microscope, some salt crystals look like pyramids, staircases, or even snowflakes. But why do these salty little crystals make food so tasty?Join Molly and co-host Yasmin as they explore the science of salt. They’ll head to the Brains On Labrakitchen with producer Anna Goldfield for a lesson about salt science. Then, food journalist and cookbook author Pri
Why is Jupiter called Earth’s bodyguard?
Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system. It’s also the biggest. Some call it “Earth’s bodyguard” because it keeps asteroids and comets from hitting our planet. But is Jupiter really protecting Earth?
Join Molly and co-host Rida as they head to a live taping of everyone’s favorite space talk show, Pop Planet, and learn about Jupiter — from the gassy giant itself! Plus a mystery sound that’
What is Down syndrome?
You may have heard of Down syndrome, but what is it exactly? In this episode, we'll break down the science of chromosomes and how having an extra one leads to this fairly common condition. Plus, we'll learn some tips for making friends with someone who might seem different than you. We'll also swing by a farm staffed by ranchers with Down syndrome. And in our Moment of Um we'll find out why eggs g
Understanding big fires and big feelings
Wildfires in Los Angeles County have burned homes, businesses, and schools. Many people have had to evacuate and there’s smoke and ash in the air. We know lots of Brains On listeners live in Los Angeles — and even if you don’t, there’s a good chance you know someone who lives there or have heard people talking about the fires. So, for today’s episode, we decided to talk about the fires in Californ
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Myth Busting Extravaganza
Anna Goldfield is full of facts! She knows the capital of New Hampshire is Concord and that the Greek God of the Sea is Poseidon! But does she know enough to join Anna Weggel and Aron’s Tuesday Trivia Team? Listen to find out, and test yourself along the way!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is paper made?
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!
Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Arya as they explore how paper is made (spoiler: most of it comes from trees!). Then, an old paper party hat named Crum
Whirr. Zoom! Plink plink. It’s a Mystery Sound extravaganza
Bzzz. Shloop! Bang Bang. Wooooosh! It’s time for another Mystery Sound Extravaganza.Join Molly and co-host Violet as they figure out what’s making some seriously mysterious noises. Plus, they'll interview Foley artist Shelley Roden about the art of making sound effects for movies. And they'll help Bob sort out some mixed up mystery sounds! Tune in and turn on your ears, cuz it’s time to guess some
Is it true? Vikings, dogs, and twins edition
Listeners send us LOTS of questions. Like hundreds a month! We read every single one — and we love all of them! Every now and then, we get a special kind of question that starts with “Is it true that…?” These questions are special because they’re skeptical. They’re designed to seek out the truth.
In this episode, Molly and co-host Meyer tackle three “Is it true that…” questions. First, they’ll exp
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