Brains On! Science podcast for kids

American Public Media

About

Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Like, do dogs know they’re dogs? Or, why do feet stink? Plus, we have mystery sounds for you to guess, songs for you to dance to, and lots of facts -- all checked by experts.

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324 episodes

Are UFOs real?

We love a good mystery, and UFOs are magnificently mysterious! But are they real? In this episode, Marc and Sanden take over the Brains On feed with a new episode of their radio show, Hoax Hunters. They’ll look into the myths and hoaxes surrounding UFOs (which stands for unidentified flying objects). Plus, they’ll talk about what kinds of things often get mistaken for UFOs and how you can stay smart and skeptical when hearing shocking information. And of course, an episode about mystery will have an all-new Mystery Sound! Come see Brains On live in Washington, DC, Princeton, NJ, and Brooklyn, NY! Get tickets here: brainson.org/events https://www.brainson.org/page/events Subscribe to Smarty Pass https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! Today’s episode is sponsored by: - Sitkaseafoodmarket.com http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order. - Indeed.com/brainson https://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson

37m
Mar 26
Join us for Brains On live in April!

Hello friends! We're so excited to announce that Brains On is coming to the east coast! We’re doing three live shows -- in Washington DC, Princeton, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York! Our live show is a super fun journey through the brain, featuring magic tricks, a game show, mystery sounds and even dancing! You can get tickets at brainson.org/events http://brainson.org/events Plus, after each show, we're having a VIP party, where you can meet and play games with me, Marc and Sanden. And -- if you're not able to make it to our live shows in person, we'll be doing a virtual event in April that anyone can join! Tickets for that are also available at brainson.org/events http://brainson.org/events Thanks so much for listening to Brains On and we can't wait to meet you in Washington, DC, Princeton, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York! Again, you can get your tickets at brainson.org/events http://brainson.org/events. Hope to see you there!

1m
Mar 19
Why do we laugh?

Laughter is like a language and humans are really good at understanding it. In this episode, Molly and co-host Milla decode different kinds of laughs, from uncontrollable goofy laughter to chuckles that make others feel good. They’ll meet laugh experts Sophie Scott and Adrienne Wood and test their knowledge in three rounds of the game show: Laugh Attack! Plus, a new mystery sound for you to guess! Come see Brains On live in Washington, DC, Princeton, NJ, and Brooklyn, NY! Get tickets here: brainson.org/events https://www.brainson.org/page/events Subscribe to Smarty Pass https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! Today’s episode is sponsored by: Sitkaseafoodmarket.com http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order. Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson

34m
Mar 12
How do satellites work?

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 and Fallyn learn all about satellite solar panels, thrusters, and radio waves! Then, they chat with Dr. Moriba Jah about satellite space junk and the importance of keeping space pristine. Plus, a stumper of a mystery sound! FEATURED EXPERT: Dr. Moriba Jah, space environmentalist and professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin. Find him on Instagram at @moribahjah and Facebook @Moribah Kemessia Jah SPECIAL THANKS TO: Dr. David “Goldy” Goldstein, principal engineer, SpaceX; Colonel., U.S. Air Force, Ret. RESOURCES: If you want to hear more about GPS, check out the episode How does GPS know where you are? https://www.brainson.org/episode/2015/04/28/how-does-gps-know-where-you-are And if you’re curious to learn more about space junk, check out andthe video , both written and hosted by Loren Grush and produced by The Verge https://www.theverge.com/. Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! ____________ This episode was sponsored by: Sitka Seafood Market http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code MOLLY35 to receive $35 off your first order.  Indeed http://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact - Use promo code BRAINSON to receive a $75 sponsored job credit

24m
Mar 05
Tooth or Dare: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

What’s that alluring flute music and what does it have to do with Molly Bloom’s biting new game? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Grab your Smarty Pass to hear Anna and Rosie play Molly’s latest game: Tooth or Dare!

1m
Mar 01
How does a match make fire?

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? Join Molly and co-host Maxwell as they get all fired up about matches! They’ll explore the three things a fire needs to ignite and learn how lighting a match is just a super fast chemical reaction that sometimes smells like farts. Plus, we’ll hear your hot new names for matches and of course, a new mystery sound! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! ____________ This episode was sponsored by: Sitka Seafood Market http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code MOLLY35 to receive $35 off your first order.  Indeed http://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact - Use promo code BRAINSON to receive a $75 sponsored job credit

26m
Feb 27
How deep does the sand go on the beach?

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? In this episode, Molly and co-host Leon head to the beach to explore the secrets of sand. They run into the ultimate sand STAN Sanden Totten and discover what it's made of. Then, they chat with producer Nico Gonzalez Wisler about why beaches are running out of sand. All that, plus a stumper of a new mystery sound! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! ____________ This episode was sponsored by: Sitka Seafood Market http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.  Indeed http://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact - Use promo code BRAINSON to receive a $75 sponsored job credit

25m
Feb 20
Is hypnosis real?

Hypnosis. You’ve seen it in movies, cartoons, and maybe even on stage! But is it real? And if so, what is it? Join Molly and co-host Jasmine as they uncover the truth about hypnosis and its power to heal. They’ll hear from pediatrician and hypnosis expert, Dr. Daniel Kohen, about what it is and isn’t (spoiler alert – it isn’t mind control!). They’ll also chat with 13-year-old Joshua who uses hypnosis to overcome anxiety! Plus, a special appearance from the ghost of Franz Mesmer, a famous practitioner and the man behind the word . Entranced? Stick around for a new and puzzling mystery sound! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! ____________ This episode was sponsored by Sitka Seafood Market http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.  Indeed http://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact - Use promo code BRAINSON to receive a $75 sponsored job credit

30m
Feb 13
Why do we get cavities?

Your teeth are like a squad of superheroes inside your mouth. They help you crunch on carrot sticks, nibble popcorn and chew bubblegum. You’ve probably heard it’s important to brush your teeth to prevent cavities. But what a cavity? And how do dentists fix them? Join Molly and cohost Aya on a terrifically toothy adventure, as they explore what causes these pesky little holes in our teeth. They’ll meet a group of rowdy, party-loving bacteria and find out how sometimes, troublemaker bacteria in our mouths can cause cavities. Plus, dentist Dr. Jean Star will help explain how to fix cavities. All that, plus a brand new Mystery Sound! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! ____________ This episode was sponsored by Sitka Seafood Market http://sitkaseafoodmarket.com/ - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.

29m
Feb 06
Baby Mystery Sound: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

Producers Rosie duPont and Aron Woldeslassie are at the Brains On petting zoo checking out some of the cutest baby animals in the world. It’s there that Rosie realizes that they should play a round of Baby Mystery Sounds! It’s the classic Brains On game Mystery Sound with an adorable twist!

1m
Feb 02
How did ferns survive the dinosaur extinction?

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 air on an airplane’s wing. We’ll also meet a scientist who’s trying to understand how ferns are such strong survivors — by recreating the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs! All that, plus a new mystery sound! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today! _____________ Today’s episode is sponsored by: __ __

30m
Jan 30
What happened to the Neanderthals?

Dig in with Molly and co-host Audrey as they learn about our extinct ancient relatives, the Neanderthals! With archaeologist and Brains On producer Anna Goldfield as their guide, they’ll learn how Neanderthals were once misunderstood, and how scientists are learning more about them. Explore the wondrous NeanderHALL at Brains On HQ and unearth the truth about these prehistoric humans with Anna and her talkative NeanderDOLL, Paul! Plus, discover the origins of a tricky new mystery sound Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today!

29m
Jan 23
Smarty Pass Bonus: Taxonomic Ticklers

Sparklemuffin, turdus maximus, and sarcastic fringehead. These are the names of some of Marc’s favorite animals! Will Molly be able to guess what kind of animals they are?

1m
Jan 19
Where does lightning come from?

Grab your raincoat, and join Molly and co-host Lily as they float into the clouds to learn about lightning! They’ll explore how lightning is made and what it takes to stay safe during thunderstorms. To close with a bang, Molly will slip on her Thunderpants and host an electrifying lightning-themed game show. But don’t bolt too soon. We’ve got a mystery sound reveal that promises to shock! Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today!

32m
Jan 16
Brains On presents Forever Ago - Superman: An immigrant's story

The Brains On crew is hard at work on our next batch of episodes, and we'll be back in your feed on January 16, with an electrifying episode about lightning. Until then, check out our history show: Forever Ago. It's hosted by our friend Joy Dolo, and it looks into the fascinating past of things we take for granted. In this episode, Joy invites Molly on to the show to share the origin story of Superman that you've probably never heard. Take a listen! To hear the entire episode, search for “Forever Ago” wherever you listen to podcasts or head to foreverago.org https://www.brainson.org/episode/2023/11/07/superman-an-immigrants-story.

13m
Dec 05, 2023
Hungry? Check out the Snacktacular Road Trip

Grab your traveling gear because Brains On and Smash Boom Best host Molly Bloom and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo are going on a road trip. Not only will this be a fun-filled video romp with two buddies cruising the highway, but this trip has a theme that everybody loves: SNACKS! Mmmmmm, yum! The third Brains On Universe Field Trip is called, what else, Snacktacular Roadtrip, and you’re invited! Molly and Joy will be joined by Sanden and Marc as they cruise through a history of sandwiches, discover what beaver butts have to do with slushies and check out a Smash Boom Best debate between ketchup and maple syrup. Plus, someone from the Brains On Universe will join in live, at the end of the show, to answer questions, play some Mystery Sounds and tell you who won the debate. Whoa! Tickets are $19.99, and there’s a 20% offer if you’re a Smarty Pass member. Spots are limited, but we have multiple dates and times to choose from. Head to brainson.org/fieldtrips https://www.brainson.org/page/fieldtrips to get the details.

2m
Nov 10, 2023
Why do our bodies take so long to grow?

Join Molly Bloom and co-host Ishalo as they learn about the ingredients we need to grow – and why sometimes the growing seems slow! They’ll chat with Dr. Diva de León Crutchlow about sleep and hormones and help Sanden take care of Dwayne the 5-year-old brain. Is your excitement by the minute? Ours too! And we’ve got another tricky mystery sound, just for you. This episode was sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS http://indeed.com/BRAINS) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply. Factor (Factormeals.com/brainson50 http://factormeals.com/brainson50) to get 50% off. IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP http://ixl.com/FIELDTRIP) to get a 20% off an IXL membership. Wish (movies.disney.com/wish http://movies.disney.com/wish - Only in theaters November 22, tickets available now. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested) Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today!

28m
Nov 07, 2023
How and why do chameleons change color?

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 chameleon expert Chris Anderson! Color yourself excited for this awesome creature feature, and an all-new mystery sound! If you want to learn more about chameleons, check out co-host Arjun’s own podcast, He has an episode all about these loungey lizards, plus a ton of other amazing animals: https://spotify.link/KZrepYscSDb This episode was sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS http://indeed.com/BRAINS) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply. Factor (Factormeals.com/brainson50 http://factormeals.com/brainson50) to get 50% off. IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP http://ixl.com/FIELDTRIP) to get a 20% off an IXL membership. Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org https://www.smartypass.org/ to get your Smarty Pass today!

31m
Oct 31, 2023
Why are we afraid of the dark?

Explore the dark with Molly and co-host Sasha! They’ll chat with psychologist Dr. Sandy Pimentel about why it’s totally normal to be afraid of the dark and hear from Mr. Bonejangles about why it’s the bone-a-fide best! To round out their adventure, producer Nico Gonzalez-Wisler will whisk them off on a starry, overnight field trip. The light at the end of the tunnel? An all-new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS http://indeed.com/BRAINS) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply. Factor (Factormeals.com/brainson50 http://factormeals.com/brainson50) to get 50% off. IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP http://ixl.com/FIELDTRIP) to get a 20% off an IXL membership. Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

29m
Oct 24, 2023
Why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore?

Pluto is tiny, icy, and used to be the ninth planet in the solar system. Used to be. So why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore? Join Molly and co-host Momo as they learn Pluto’s history, talk to a NASA scientist studying Pluto today and even hear from the planet itself. All that plus a nifty new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

27m
Oct 17, 2023
What is ADHD?

Millions of kids and adults across the world have ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, though. Some people might have trouble focusing, while others might get really fidgety or take risks without thinking about them. But what is ADHD and what is happening in the brain of someone with ADHD? In this episode, Molly and cohost Julianne (who also has ADHD) learn from Dr. Julie Schweitzer of the MIND Institute at UC Davis about how a brain with ADHD can feel a little bit like an orchestra without a conductor.  Plus, Julianne talks with Daniel Kwan, director of the movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, about what it's like to live with ADHD, and how people with ADHD have some superpowers when it comes to creativity. This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

32m
Oct 10, 2023
NEW SHOW ALERT! What's that smell?

Who’s ready for a stinkin’ good time? Join the crew from Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago on their next virtual Field Trip -  There’s a mighty stank a comin’ from somewhere deep inside Brains On headquarters, and Sanden Totten is going to track down the source. On his journey, he’ll encounter Marc Sanchez’s fancy new fart pants, Joy Dolo’s historic (non-flushing) toilets and witness a genuinely yuck-tastic debate between slime mold and dung beetles! You have three chances to join the adventure. Head to brainson.org/fieldtrips https://www.brainson.org/page/fieldtrips to pick your stinkin’ date and your stinkin’ time. But hurry - like a fart in the wind, these shows will soon be gone. Smell ’ya later!

3m
Oct 07, 2023
Going Viral: What is a Computer Virus?

Ah-CHOO! We know viruses make us sick, but what happens when a virus infects your computer? This episode, go digital with Molly and co-host Chloe as they track down a pesky computer virus infecting Brains On Headquarters. Catch our special guests, podcasting viruses Kara and Gilly, and meet a mysterious hacker named Shark Manchez. Plus, a brand new mystery sound! This episode is sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS http://indeed.com/BRAINS) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply. Factor (Factormeals.com/brainson50 http://factormeals.com/brainson50) to get 50% off. IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP http://ixl.com/FIELDTRIP) to get a 20% off an IXL membership. Greenlight (Greenlight.com http://greenlight.com/) The banking and investing app for kids and teens.

28m
Oct 03, 2023
Ancient beasts: A prehistoric game show!

Prehistoric animals rock! How much do you know about these unusual beasts? Join Brains On! host Molly Bloom as she tests the prehistoric animal knowledge of co-hosts Samaya, Roscoe, Zana, and Arjun! The games begin in the Permian Era, almost 300 million years ago, when giant dragonflies buzzed through the skies. Play along and you’ll wind up in the most recent Ice Age, when saber-toothed cats prowled the California coasts! Plus, you’ll get to hear prehistoric animal haikus and a not-so-prehistoric mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

37m
Sep 26, 2023
How do animals build their homes?

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! In this creatively constructed episode, Molly and cohost Marama renovate Brains On HQ with the help of some clever critter contractors. They talk to animal experts and navigate demolition disasters to build a delicious new food hall for Brains On. Plus, a super spiffy Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

29m
Sep 19, 2023
How do apples grow?

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 sounds. In this episode, we’ll learn how bears and horses helped the first wild apples grow (in their poop!) and meet the world’s biggest apple fan, Johnny Appleseed. Plus, even an apple a day can’t keep a brand new Mystery Sound away! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

31m
Sep 12, 2023
Join us at the Big Dig!

Wow, wow wow have we got some big news! Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are coming together for the Big Dig - an archeological, paleontological extravaganza that you can participate in through YouTube. The show has it all: Megaladons vs Giant Sloths, dinosaurs covered in cake AND lemonade being slurped through a straw! Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips https://www.brainson.org/page/fieldtrips to secure your space and check out the other events we have planned this fall. Plus, Smarty Pass https://www.smartypass.org/brainson members can take 20% off!

3m
Sep 08, 2023
Where does all our energy come from?

Everything in our world is powered by energy. We need it to drive our cars, bake cupcakes and even jump up and down on the bed! All of this energy comes from different sources, like gasoline and wind power. Even the food that powers our bodies is a source of energy. But almost all of the energy on Earth first came from the same place: the sun! In this episode, we’ll find out how the sun powers so much of our lives. Plus, we’ll learn how the amount of energy in the universe has stayed the same since the very beginning of time, which scientists call the Big Bang. Mind-blowing, right? All that, plus a brand new mystery sound and a look at some really cool possible future sources of energy! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

30m
Sep 05, 2023
What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence has been all over the news lately — but how does it even ? In this episode, Molly and co-host Sydney explore the how and why of A.I. with researcher Avital Balwit. Together, they imagine possible futures with A.I. and talk about how we might use these powerful tools in thoughtful ways. As a bonus, you’ll get a tricky new mystery sound and a hot track from Sanden’s band,  Don’t miss our next virtual events! In September, your favorite hosts from Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are going on virtual field trips, and you can join them LIVE for just $19.99 per family. Your ticket gets you one of our limited spots to an online live-action adventure, complete with a live chat and a chance to talk with Molly, Marc, or Sanden after the show.  Plus, Smarty Pass holders get 20% off (sign up today to get yours and the discount). It all starts on September 21, so go to brainson.org/fieldtrips http://brainson.org/fieldtrips to get your tickets! _____________ Today’s episode is sponsored by: __ __ __ __

37m
Aug 22, 2023
How do our eyes, skin and hair get their colors?

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 humans have so many different colors of skin in the first place. And a scientist goes undercover to try to solve the many mysteries surrounding melanin. All that, plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: __ __ ***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

30m
Aug 15, 2023