Brains On! Science podcast for kids
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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 first found and used this stuff, and when we started making primitive tools with it. Plus, Marc and Sanden have some problems unpacking the new Brains On library. All that and a Mystery Sound! GUEST: Dylan Thuras, co-author of The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World https://www.atlasobscura.com/unique-gifts/inventing-the-world. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass http://smartypass.org to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rn2ylqWQl-Rl9Kj9whuF1kQTBQpzLkoF/view?usp=sharing or a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 cassettes and CDs. And they learn how speakers turn information into the music we hear. All that plus a new mystery sound. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass http://smartypass.org to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DdMK843FUM7Xaos3LDjIjcpPvGy8haw3/view?usp=sharing or a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 too. And, we take a quick trip around the world in the language of barks. All that, plus a brand new Mystery Sound! Guest: Alexandra Horowitz - Dog Cognition Lab https://dogcognition.weebly.com/ Guest: Vanessa Woods - Duke Puppy Kindergarten https://stories.duke.edu/puppy-kindergarten Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass http://smartypass.org to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jas5qvdsZVxFnRcrCIvFZxfZYxgQjBHB/view?usp=sharing for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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, break out the magnifying glass, and listen close! It’s time for the Mystery Sound extravaganza! Guest: Thomas Rex Beverly https://thomasrexbeverly.com/ Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass http://smartypass.org to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JfoIMxbllUXWyBfr0LlXYuoHbpDhEe0o/view?usp=sharing for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 cognition, and Ophelia, who is a chatty octopus. You can also play along with our octopus themed game show. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and mail from our listeners! Guest: https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2022/sep/0923-soundtrack-your-drive.htmlDr. Jennifer Mathers, author of Octopus Mind https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/animsent/vol4/iss26/1/ Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass http://smartypass.org to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-2M3oElDVRveZr0Sn6QSdXfm4jSTnopt/view?usp=sharing for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 . Plus, Molly and co-host Asher interview Jay Kapadia, a sound designer who programs the special noises of electric cars for General Motors. And speaking of special noises, we’ve got a car sounds game show plus a new Mystery Sound! Guest: Jay Kapadia https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2022/sep/0923-soundtrack-your-drive.html, Creative Sound Director of General Motors Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org http://smartypass.org to subscribe or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O5nliV9USQeqDInFVH0OcxkiCAdPzHR7/view?usp=sharing for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 the UC Davis MIND Institute, answers questions about the science of fidget toys. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and peek into what's happening at the brand new Brains On Headquarters! Want to support the show? Head to smartypass.org http://smartypass.org to subscribe or donate! Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1weEOxUiNC_gxnN3Z2rgZfZ-nf720h0iC/view?usp=sharing for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152126086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QoP0jxHXjCVYrfvIz4%2FXZM8wy%2FnHFBTo51NJtOQuRXU%3D&reserved=0. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.supercast.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152154857%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P%2FPxx1mVHb3nQmMONLqCL%2FKHhUeT0vt2TrScdc4lYq4%3D&reserved=0https://brainson.supercast.com https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainson.supercast.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clhumpert%40americanpublicmedia.org%7Cc8916b86364f492e178908de05f27929%7C8245ecb6b08841218e216c093b6d9d22%7C0%7C0%7C638954736152179300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xC4%2BfJUg5xUvo4SxQkTHogdS7npwBIJd02Eh%2FLeSpEI%3D&reserved=0. Thank you!
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 Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/events https://www.brainson.org/events to get tickets. We can't wait to high five you all in person! And, if you want to be the first to hear about our shiny, new home, sign up for our newsletter https://www.brainson.org/newsletter. There will be six more bathrooms, 10 more water slides and, we're finally going to fix the doorbell! Also, if you have any questions or want to reach out to us, you can still head to brainson.org/contact http://brainson.org/contact to get in touch.
Living in space would be super cool. You could float around with no gravity and see the Earth from really, really far away. But it would also be very strange. When there’s no gravity, which way is up? How do you use a toilet? And what happens if you fart in space? In this episode, Molly and co-host Vincent learn all about spaceship airlocks, space cuisine and even interview a real NASA astronaut. Plus, a new Mystery Sound comes into orbit. Fun episode launching in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… FEATURED GUESTS: Kayla Barron https://www.nasa.gov/people/kayla-barron/ is a NASA astronaut who spent 177 days on the International Space Station THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: __ __
You can’t see into the future, but with weather reports you can get a pretty good idea of what weather is coming your way. But how do forecasters make those predictions? In this episode, Molly and co-host Pedro learn about weather stations, special buildings where meteorologists use all kinds of tools to track rain, snow, sun and everything in between. We learn about weather balloons, radars, satellites and ocean buoys. Plus, forecast calls for a brand new Mystery Sound. THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: __ __
It’s a Body Bonanza and this time we’re answering your questions about injuries. Bruises are rarely something to sing about, but we’re doing it anyway! Get ready for Bruisical the Musical! Marc is writing a show all about these colorful injuries. Plus, Molly and co-host Nova learn what makes a scar and how Band-Aids help heal boo boos. Oh, and don’t stub your toe on the Mystery Sound!
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.
When you think of dinosaurs, you might picture giant, scaly creatures that roamed earth millions of years ago. And when you think of birds, you probably picture our fluffy, feathered, chirpy friends. But did you know that birds actually dinosaurs? Molly and cohost Siddharth dig into how some modern birds like chickens, evolved from dinosaurs like the T-Rex. They’ll chat with paleontologist Jingmai O’Connor about what it’s like to study dinosaurs and hear about an exciting new fossil discovery. Siddharth quizzes Molly on her animal knowledge, plus, there's a new mystery sound to be uncovered.
Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendyat some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular? Join Molly and co-host Harlynn as they explore the fussy and fabulous world of trends. Sanden will reveal how trends start and spread throughout a population—and why beige wallpaper it and mocha mousse brown is IN! They’ll also learn about trends in animal populations like orca whales and chimpanzees. To top things off, Marc will start a fad by accident: fruit pants! (Yes, they’re literally pants with dried fruit stuck to them.) Plus, a super cool mystery sound. Today’s episode is sponsored by: __ __
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!
Solar 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 ins and outs of solar energy! Marc and his latest invention, Sal the solar bot, stop by the studio for a special solar demonstration — then the Earth and Moon chat about why solar power is an important tool for slowing down climate change. Plus, an electrifying new mystery sound! Check out our series all about electricity too! https://www.brainson.org/episode/2017/12/05/shocking-the-science-of-static-electricity-series-pt-1 Today’s episode is sponsored by: Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.
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’ll learn how and why asthma attacks happen. Finally, they’ll chat with kids’ lung doctor Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir about rescue inhalers, and what causes asthma in the first place. All that, plus a breathtaking new mystery sound! SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
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 go on an underwater adventure to learn about coral and the animals that call it home. We’ll also hear from a researcher about how coral might be able to hear and make sounds. All that, plus a rockin’ new mystery sound. SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
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!
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 Priya Krishna will stop by to chat about cooking with salt. Plus, a mystery sound so tricky, it might make you a little SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
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 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’s out of this world!
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 California. First, you’ll hear from Sanden Totten, who lives in Los Angeles and had to evacuate with his family. Therapist Caroline Hickman will talk about how to process what’s happening, then we’ll learn about how smoke travels. Finally, you’ll hear parts of an episode we made a few years ago about how wildfires start and how people work to contain them. FEATURED GUESTS: Caroline Hickman is a psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Bath in the U.K., who specializes in eco-anxiety and climate psychology. Find out more about her work here https://www.caroline-hickman.com/. Margo Robbins, co-founder and executive director of the Cultural Fire Management Council and a member of the Yurok Tribe in northern California. Learn more about her work here https://www.culturalfire.org/about. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS: A printable coloring and activity book and guide https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SupportAfterEmergency_Printable_Fire_FamilyGuide.pdf for supporting young children after a fire from Sesame Workshop. Resources for parents processing the Los Angeles wildfires with their kids https://media.goodinside.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/08184711/Gi_ResourcesforParentsNavigatingtheCaliforniaWildfires.pdf from Dr. Becky. NPR created this printable cartoon ”A kid's guide to climate change https://www.npr.org/2023/01/17/1144849154/climate-change-kids-guide” which focuses on how to manage climate change anxiety, and turn it into action. It also tells the story of a teen who was forced to evacuate his home during a wildfire. The Big Burn episode https://laist.com/podcasts/the-big-burn/the-big-burn-what-comes-next from LAist gives advice on how to help kids (and adults!) move through fear and anxiety about wildfires. How to talk to children about wildfires, evacuations and losing a home https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/how-to-talk-to-children-about-wildfires-evacuations-and-losing-a-home from LAist. All About Feelings https://www.brainson.org/episode/2019/06/25/nervous-all-about-feelings-pt-4 episodes from Brains On can help kids understand their emotions. WAYS TO HELP: The California Fire Foundation https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html: The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community organizations to support residents impacted by the blazes. LAFD Wildfire Emergency Funding Alert https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812: The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities. They are seeking donations to provide additional gear for firefighters. Support Immigrant Workers Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lafires2025: The National Day Laborer Organizing Network is fundraising for immigrant workers who have been impacted by the wildfires. Verified Fundraisers on GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california: Across California, wildfires have burned thousands of acres, destroying homes and businesses and forcing thousands to evacuate. You can support those affected by donating to the verified fundraisers on this page. GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team will continue to update this page with more fundraisers as they are verified. Pasadena Humane Society https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkouthas taken in 300+ animals due to evacuations. They need monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires. Baby2Baby https://donate.baby2baby.org/give/440908/#!/donation/checkout- Baby2Baby is currently responding to the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles by providing critical items including diapers, food, formula and hygiene products for children and families who have lost everything. They are working with 470 partner organizations in LA County spanning schools, shelters and hospitals to fulfill requests coming in for essential items.
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!
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 Crumplestiltskin will share how paper recycling works. To wrap things up, they’ll hear a real of a mystery sound. You won’t want to miss it! SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
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 confounding sounds! FEATURED GUESTS: Shelley Roden is an award-winning Foley artist at Skywalker Sound in Northern, CA. Read more about her work here. https://arts.vcu.edu/community/vcuarts-faculty-and-staff/directory/shelley-roden/
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 explore whether twins can feel each other’s pain. Then, they’ll find out if the Vikings had horns on their helmets! They’ll end their quest by discovering whether dogs can see color like we do. All that, plus a tricky new mystery sound! SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
Baleen whales sing. Toothed whales click. But how and why do they make these musical sounds? Join Molly and co-host Tyler as they dive into the wonderful world of whale sounds. First, they run into Anna Goldfield on her way to audition for a whale choir. She teaches them about the voice boxes of baleen whales. Then, biologist Shane Gero talks about sperm whale communication, and how humans are only just beginning to understand the complexity of the sounds they make. All that, plus a whale of a mystery sound! SUBSCRIBE TO SMARTY PASS https://www.smartypass.org/ for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! TODAY’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: __ __
It’s almost midnight and Mr Bone Jangles has snuck into the studio to debut his new show -- Bones On! His plans are foiled when Molly pops in and asks him to guess some mystery sounds instead!
You – yes, you – are at the heart of the Brains On Universe! This is a public radio podcast and you are the public! That means we rely on your donations to keep us going strong. This Giving Tuesday, we’re offering a limited time deal. When you donate $72 you can choose to receive a personal message from hosts Molly Bloom or Joy Dolo. If you donate today, you’ll receive your special, one-of-a-kind personalized message by December 20th. Contribute today at brainson.org/donate https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms and don’t forget – today is the ONLY day you can get a personalized message at this discount and in time for the holidays!
