Explore every episode of the podcast Brains On! Science podcast for kids
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do fidget toys really help people focus? | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:33:42 | |
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. 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 to subscribe or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:07:30 | |
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.supercast.com. Thank you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:01:40 | |
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. | |||
| Why do we need bugs? | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:35:25 | |
Insects can live almost anywhere: backyards, mountaintops, scorching hot deserts, underwater, even on Antarctica! There are more than a million different species out there, from speedy dragonflies that zip through the air as fast as a car to rainbow-colored beetles living in tropical rainforests. Plus, scientists are discovering new ones all the time! But why does the world need bugs? And why do they make us feel a little icky sometimes? In this super buggy episode, Molly and co-host Lorna meet bug scientist Meredith Cenzer and learn more about what we can do to protect our tiny friends. This episode was sponsored by:
***** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why do dogs wag their tails? | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:30:11 | |
Have you heard the expression “dogs are people’s best friend”? Where did it come from? And why are dogs and humans such great pals? Molly and co-host Kha-ai jump back in time to learn how dogs became humans’ best friends, and answer the question why do dogs wag their tails? Plus, we’ll also explore how dogs help humans and even other animals like cheetahs. And keep your ears perked for 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why do we have friends? | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:34:22 | |
Friendship rules! Friends help us work through problems, keep us company and bring joy to our lives. Making friends might have also helped our prehistoric ancestors survive and thrive! Still, friendship can be tough sometimes. In this episode, we’ll answer your friendship questions with Eileen Kennedy-Moore (a.k.a Dr. Friendtastic!) and hear some advice from a filmmaker with autism about making friends. Plus an all-new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and conditions apply. Cost per application pricing not available for everyone.) ***** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Do plants sleep? | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:29:04 | |
Humans need sleep to survive, but do plants doze off too? In this episode, we’ll look into how plants rest. Turns out humans and plants aren’t all that different! We’ll hear about how we share a common ancestor, way, way back in history. We’ll also learn how plants and people have little built-in clocks that tell us when it’s day and night! Oh, and Sanden parties with his plant pals and we guess an all-new Mystery Sound. This episode was sponsored by:
***** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How heavy is the sky? | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:31:06 | |
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 individual air molecule, all together they weigh a lot! But how much does the sky actually weigh? (spoiler alert: it involves lots and lots of farting cats…) Molly and co-host Felix learn more by talking with a band of singing walruses and a pretty wacky weatherwoman. And don’t miss this week’s extra mysterious Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by:
***** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Glow for it! How do creatures make light? | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:33:13 | |
Lots of creatures are able to glow, like fish, mushrooms, fireflies and even some bacteria! This special ability is called bioluminescence and it looks like magic, but it’s actually chemistry. In this episode, we’ll travel to the bottom of the ocean in the ExPLORERR to meet some super spectacular, bioluminescent friends and find out why so many animals make their own light. And we’ll hear from a scientist who uses bioluminescence in cancer research. Plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode is 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How do hearing aids work? | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:38:32 | |
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. In this episode, Xuan June is getting fitted for a new pair of hearing aids — and she’s invited Molly to come with her! Together they learn all about how these cool superpowered devices work. Plus, we find out how sound travels and get a chance to guess TWO mystery sounds. 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Do scientists have superpowers? | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:34:42 | |
It's just a normal day at Brains On headquarters, until Molly and co-host Aaliyah find Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in the midst of a full-blown stress attack. She has a lot on her agenda: it's her birthday month and Black History Month, she's producing a one-woman show, she's got episodes to host, parades to plan and a self-portrait made entirely out of found objects due for her art class! Joy isn't sure which way is up, if tacos are sandwiches and if she should re-think her entire life. Luckily, there are all sorts of amazing scientists who just happen to be hanging out at Brains On HQ happy to help. Chemist Joya Cooley, urban ecologist Jasmin Green, roboticist Randi Williams, entomologist Jessica Ware and space suit technician Sharon McDougle are on the case, ready to share their wisdom and superpowers with Joy. This episode is sponsored by Disney Channel and Disney+. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur premieres Friday, February 10 at 8p on Disney Channel and available on Disney+ Wednesday, February 15. Visit disneyplusoriginals.disney.com for more info. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Is it possible to clone yourself? | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:38:02 | |
Imagine an exact copy of you, someone with the same hair, eyes and DNA. That’s a clone. Scientists have been able to make clones of some animals. In this episode, we’ll hear the story of Dolly the sheep, the most famous clone ever! We’ll also talk about why people think it would be ethically wrong to clone humans. But natural human clones DO exist! They’re called identical twins and even though they share the same DNA, they can be quite different. We’ll meet two identical twins to talk about their differences, plus an all new Mystery Sound for your ears! This episode was sponsored by;
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How is concrete made? And why does it matter? | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:27:02 | |
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 recipes that are better for the environment? To celebrate this superlative substance, Molly and cohost Mark are joined by special guest Concreature, a being from the concrete dimension! Tune in for a dose of history, some magnificent moss, and some hot, hot science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How does solar power work? | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:28:03 | |
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show: 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! Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How were people mummified? | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:35:47 | |
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 museum curator who thinks it might be time to rethink how we study mummified people. Plus, we’ll find out why so many things from ancient Egypt are still around, meet a biker club that loves respecting other cultures and hear an all new Mystery Sound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Do insects see the world in slow motion? Looking through animal eyes | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:23:33 | |
Do insects see the world in slow motion? Do animals see the same rainbow we do? How do eagles see so far away? This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Space: The ultimate intergalactic game show | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:35:09 | |
Do you like games? Do you like space? Then this is the episode for you! We’ve got five space-inspired games for you: Cosmic Couplets, Infini-Trivia, First Things First, Stars in Space or Pasta Shapes and, of course, Mystery Sounds! Plus we’ll hear some of the super catchy, dance-your-pants-off space jingles you’ve been sending to us! Get your astronaut gear on, gaze up at the cosmos and get ready to play along! This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Flush! Where does our poo and pee go? | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:32:14 | |
Every time you flush, your poo and pee start an epic journey. From the toilet, to the sewers, to a treatment plant, our waste travels quite a distance only to end up cleaner by the end. We'll hear from a "PooTube" star about her experience with "the flush." We'll also hear about ancient sewers, a "fatberg" under London and a toilet that cleans waste on site. Plus, our Moment of Um answers why you can feel your heart beating in your neck of all places. This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why are we so sweaty? | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:24:43 | |
When most bodies get hot, sweat starts pouring out. Why? In this episode, we'll hop in the Amazing Truck of Minimization (ATOM) to see how sweat glands work from the inside out, take a peek back in time to figure out how we evolved to be so sweaty, and we'll find out if there are any other animals as sweaty as we are. All that plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:04:16 | |
Become a Smarty Pass subscriber today to access bonus episodes and ad-free episodes of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago -- all right here in your favorite podcast player. Visit smartypass.org/brainson to get your Smarty Pass! It's $4/month or $36/year (a three-month discount!) Don't worry: This feed will stay free and we’ll be posting new episodes just like we always have. Whether you choose to subscribe, or keep listening in our free feeds, we so appreciate you listening to our shows and being a part of the Brains On universe. Thank you so much for your support! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Moon Myths: Why are there so many scary stories about the full moon? | 25 Oct 2022 | 00:33:41 | |
The full moon is bright, beautiful, and reappears in the sky like clockwork. Many cultures use the full moon to mark the passing of time and organize calendars around the moon’s cycle. So why does the full moon also have a reputation for causing mischief and mayhem? In this episode, we’ll learn where some of these beliefs come from and investigate whether the full moon actually does affect humans and our behavior. We’ll also hear about folklore tied to the full moon and examine how the moon’s phases work. All that plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| AHH! How music can make scary movies even scarier | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:33:25 | |
We listen to music with our ears – and that amazing electric meatball between our ears: our brain! But why do our brains find some music scary? We’re born with some fears baked into our brains, because our ancestors thought they were scary too! That’s why sudden loud noises startle us sometimes. But there’s another reason certain sounds freak us out – we’ve been taught to find them scary. We’ll hear how composer Heather McIntosh uses these fears to write scary film scores, and we’ll explore some of the ways scary sounds make their way into music with pianist and musical magician, Jae Kyo Han. Plus an extra mysterious mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Blood: The superhighway of the body | 11 Oct 2022 | 00:33:07 | |
This episode was sponsored by:
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| Did the Brontosaurus really exist? | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:32:01 | |
Today’s episode is all about one of the most dynamite dinosaurs, the Brontosaurus! This long-necked icon has been featured in books, cartoons, movies, and even logos. But did the Brontosaurus really exist in the first place? We’ll dig into that question and uncover the history of Brontosaurus with science writer and bronto-enthusiast Riley Black. We’ll also learn about taxonomy from a ghost and catch up with Mr. Bone Jangles. Plus, a new mystery sound to discover! Don’t forget to check out Forever Ago, where we have a companion episode to this Brontosaurus tale. It’s called The Bone Wars: A dino-discovery duel, and it’s all about two competing paleontologists, who get a little carried away. This episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What is asthma? | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:25:52 | |
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 for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! Today’s episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What happens at zoos after dark? | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:32:48 | |
In this episode we check out three different zoos after visitors leave and the gates are locked. We’ll hear about some adventurous penguins, learn how chimps tuck themselves in and find out why it’s important to smell a gorilla first thing in the morning. Oh, and did you know sometimes zoo animals need a ride from the airport? All this and a brand new mystery sound! This episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Where does your imagination come from? | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:36:56 | |
Picture this: a pickle with a cowboy hat. It has cute little arms and legs -- let’s make them orange. And this pickle is riding a horse on the beach as the sun sets. #PickleLife, am I right? Now think about this: you just imagined that whole scene in your head!
Imagination can engage every one of our senses. It sprouts from the things we’ve experienced in life, then collages itself into new thoughts… like a pickle on a horse. This episode goes into the far reaches of the brain and examines how imagination works and what role it plays in our lives. If you want a fun game to play with friends, try an Imagine Off. That’s when you take turns trying to come up with something that nobody else can imagine. We’ll also meet some of our listeners’ imaginary friends and learn why some people have these companions. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón also stops by and tells us how she puts her imagination to use. Plus, there’s a brand new Mystery Sound to guess.
We always love hearing from you. Keep sending in your questions, drawings and Mystery Sounds. We’re currently looking for your best jingle about space. If you have an out-of-this-world tune about space, record it and send it to us at www.brainson.org/contact. This episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Where do accents come from? | 13 Sep 2022 | 00:29:46 | |
Today we're looking at why there are so many different ways to pronounce the same words and where our accents come from. How did British and American accents become different? Why do some kids have different accents than their parents? We're going to answer these questions and find out how our accents tell the stories of our communities and our ancestors. Plus: A brand new mystery sound! This episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Get a whiff of that: Why you smell like you | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:27:29 | |
Have you ever noticed that different people have different scents? Go on, sniff your friend, we’ll wait. Today’s episode dives nose-first into what makes up our personal scents. With the help of Candace, a one-of-a-kind candle maker interested in making podcast-scented candles, we get the lowdown on body odor. We’ll also hear about super-sniffing animals and some other creatures that thrive on stink. And there’s a new Mystery Sound -- this one is definitely not a stinker! This episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why is glass see-through? | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:28:09 | |
Glass is a magic thing that is both solid as a wall and clear as the air. It starts out as sand and with tons of heat, and a few key ingredients, it becomes the super useful material we know and love. In this episode we look at how glass is made, why it's clear and how nature makes glass too. Plus, hear about Sanden's latest invention and guess the all new Mystery Sound. This episode is sponsored by
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Body Bonanza 2.0 - Your body questions answered | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:26:03 | |
Today’s episode has something for everyBODY. It's the Body Bonanza where we answer a ton of your questions about our human bodies! This time around, we’ll hear from some of our favorite body parts: the heart beats, the stomach rumbles, the appendix writes a poem. The ear brings us a new Mystery Sound, a foot gives us the lowdown on how it falls asleep, the tongue sings a song… and there’s even an appearance from the “anti-mouth.” Wow! This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Can stress be helpful? | 16 Aug 2022 | 00:29:29 | |
We've all had to deal with stress. It can feel bad and overwhelming, but it’s actually really important. In this episode, we'll hear why our bodies evolved to deal with danger in this way and how it still affects us today. We'll climb a metaphorical mountain to find out how stress can help us sometimes. Oh, and there are lots of monsters that suddenly showed up a Brains On headquarters and maybe they were released by an ancient artifact and no one can find the instruction manual and ohmigoodness the monsters have gotten into the kitchen and what is that smell and oh no what just crashed and why isn't anyone helping deal with these monsters???? This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Underwater volcanoes and lots of salt: A deep dive into the ocean | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:33:00 | |
The ocean is huge and full of wonders, so it's no surprise our listeners have lots of question about it. In this episode we'll travel to the bottom of the ocean to find out what the ocean floor is made of, and learn how geologist Marie Tharp helped us understand how amazing it is. We'll also delve into why the ocean is salty but lakes and rivers aren't, and sing along with the Salty Sea Shanty. Plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by:
BrainsOnSaltySeaShanty Our Salty Sea Shanty complete with sea creature drawings sent in by our listeners! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why can't we remember when we were babies? | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:27:05 | |
You've probably seen photos from your first birthday. Or maybe you heard about the time you got spaghetti sauce all over the walls when you were two. The grown ups around you remember these things, so why can't you? In this episode, we'll find out how our brains store memories and why we can't hang on to those early ones. Plus: a brand new mystery sound and a preview of everyone's favorite soap opera, The Young and the Toothless. This episode was sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Million Bazillion: How do big video platforms make money? | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:27:19 | |
We’re thrilled to share an episode from our pals at Million Bazillion. Take a peek at the fascinating world of online video makers and the role money plays. A listener wants to know how the creators of 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’ll learn all about the wild economics of online videos. Put on your tap-dancing shoes, we’re making content! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How does coral communicate? | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:35:01 | |
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 for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts! Today’s episode is sponsored by:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The Mosties! | 24 May 2022 | 00:37:45 | |
Raise a curtain. Cue the lights. It’s the most most-tacular night. It’s The Mosties! The Brains Brains On favorites, Bob, Gungador, Elevator and HARVEY have all made it out to celebrate superlatives. The Mosties is an awards show of the extreme. Tonight’s categories include: Biggest Plant, Fastest Organism, Strongest Glue, Oldest Animal and Oldest Music. And don’t forget to stick around for a Mystery Mostie (aka Mystery Sound). And the winner is… ??? This is our last episode of this season but we’ll be back in August with more new episodes. Until then, Forever Ago is coming back June 1st and Smash Boom Best will be back July 7th. Remember, you can listen to Moment of Um every weekday too! Plus, the Brains On books are always around to keep you company -- you can buy them at brainson.org/books This episode was sponsored by: Outschool (Outschool.com/brains for $15 off your child’s first class) Insect Lore (Insectlore.com) Shopify (Shopify.com/brainson for a 14 day free trial) Galileo Camps (Galileo-camps.com promo code: FUNSUMMER2022 for $100 off camp) Pinna (Pinna.fm/brainson promo code: BRAINSON for 50% off your first payment of full access) Mathnasium (Mathnasium.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Forever Ago is back June 1! | 20 May 2022 | 00:02:17 | |
We are so excited to share that our podcast, Forever Ago, is returning for a brand new season! If you didn’t get a chance to hear the first season, Forever Ago is a history show for the whole family hosted by Joy Dolo - where every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary but they’re not - like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and umbrellas. We think you’ll really like it and we have the trailer of the new season for you to check out! Make sure to subscribe to Forever Ago wherever you get your podcasts and listen to all the episodes from season 1 to get ready. New episodes come out on June 1st! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Dreams: The science of a sleeping brain | 17 May 2022 | 00:36:11 | |
You dream every night, even if you don't remember them. But why? We'll hop on a wild ride to go inside the brain and see which parts help create these often fantastical images and storylines. We'll also learn how to take control of our dreams and how they make us more creative. Plus: a new mystery sound and a Moment of Um answers the question "How do octopuses make ink?" Today’s episode is sponsored by
You can support the show at brainson.org/donate, check out our merch at brainson.org/shop or buy our books at brainson.org/books. You can also join our free fan club at brainson.org/fanclub See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Tongue twisters: Terribly terrific and truly tantalizing | 10 May 2022 | 00:32:20 | |
Why is it so hard to say sentences like: she sells sea shells at the sea shore? This episode cracks the code of tongue twisters. Check out the role mouth shapes and vocal folds play in tongue twisters. Stefanie Shattuck-Hufnagel will share her research into tongue twisters and how she came up with some of the hardest sentences for people to say. We also have a report on “the late eight,” a group of sounds that can be tough to say — and quite confounding when combined. Also, be sure to check out our listener-submitted tongue twisters — some you may have heard before, others are brand new to the world! Stick around for a stumper of a Mystery Sound too! This episode was sponsored by: Insect Lore (insectlore.com) Shopify (shopify.com/brainson for a free 14 day trial) Galileo Camps (galileo-camps.com promo code: FUNSUMMER2022 for $100 off camp) Pinna (pinna.fm/brainson promo code: BRAINSON for 50% off your first full-access payment) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How does a caterpillar become a butterfly? | 03 May 2022 | 00:26:05 | |
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 a caterpillar transforms (spoiler alert: it doesn’t just grow a pair of wings), and we’ll go on a house-hunting journey with two caterpillars searching for their pupation stations. Plus, a pretty tricky mystery sound for you to guess! This episode was sponsored by: Insect Lore (insectlore.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What makes tiny tardigrades tick? | 26 Apr 2022 | 00:29:12 | |
You can find micro-animals just about everywhere. They’re on your face and in your hair. They’re in puddles and in soil. One of the most famous of these microscopic creatures is the tardigrade. This episode zooms in on these adorable little animals, also known as moss piglets and water bears. The biggest tardigrade is about the size of the tip of a sharpened pencil, but most are smaller. More like the width of a hair. They’re kinda like a squishy pillow with eight legs, four on each side, with finger-like little claws at the end of each leg. And a round, snout-like opening on its face. Jasmine Nirody tells us what she’s learned about these cuties through her research. She’s watched hundreds of hours of tardigrade videos. Way better than YouTube, right? We’ll also hear about where you can find tardigrades, how they live and why we’ve sent them to space.
This episode was sponsored by:
Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINSON) Novo (Novo.co/BRAINS) Insect Lore (Insectlore.com) Shopify (Shopify.com/brainson) Galileo Camps (Galileo-camps.com – promo code: FUNSUMMER2022 for $100 off camp) Little Passports (Littlepassports.com/BRAINS – 20% off for new customers) Pinna (Pinna.fm/BRAINSON - promo code BRAINSON) Mathnasium (Mathnasium.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Into the eye of a storm: How hurricanes form | 19 Apr 2022 | 00:33:21 | |
How do hurricanes form? This episode dives into the eye of the hurricane to track down that answer and so much more. We also talk to hurricane hunter Major Joyce Hirai, who flies airplanes into hurricanes as part of the Air Force’s Weather Reconnaissance team. Also, we learn how humans have figured out how to be resilient in the face of increasing hurricanes (and hear from our friend Manuel the Mangrove). And get your dancing shoes on, because we’ve got a catchy tune that explains how hurricanes are named. All that plus a new Mystery Sound to tickle your ears.
Sponsors for this episode include: Insect Lore (Insectlore.com) Shopify (Shopify.com/brainson) Galileo Camps (Galileo-camps.com promo code: FUNSUMMER2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Is mind-reading real? | 12 Apr 2022 | 00:30:48 | |
Can people actually read minds? Can we move objects with our brains like in the movies? We're exploring the history of shady psychics, sketchy seances, and secret superpower studies. Plus, hear from a scientist who is helping people regain the ability to pick up and move objects through the combined power of their brains and a special computer! You can support our show by donating, buying our book or telling your friends about us! Head to brainson.org If you’re in Los Angeles or the Twin Cities and want to see us live, you can get tickets here: brainson.org/events Today’s episode was sponsored by: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Owl about Owls | 05 Apr 2022 | 00:26:35 | |
We’re headed off to an owl sanctuary to meet up with Nolan the know-it-owl for a special night owl Tour. We hear the sound of owl wings and check out some super-tubular owl eye facts. Find out how owls can swivel their heads 270 degrees and why their ears are at uneven spots on their heads. We’ll meet a poetry-loving barn owl named Olive, who fills us in on why owls are considered wise. Fun fact: owls are sometimes classified by their sounds -- bigger owls are hooters and smaller owls are tooters! Special Thanks to the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for the owl sounds used in this episode: Jian Diego Fernández / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (ML420855751) This episode was sponsored by: Insect Lore (Insectlore.com) Shopify (Shopify.com/brainson) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How are we related to stars? | 29 Mar 2022 | 00:26:48 | |
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 billions, of years. We’ll also meet a star detective, who was able to witness an exploding star (aka supernova). All that and a stellar, new Mystery Sound to tickle your ears. Now, let’s blast off!!! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINSON) Interlochen Center for the Arts (Interlochen.org/brainson Promo code: SAVE10) Staples (Staplesconnect.com/printbig) Insect Lore (Insectlore.com) Shopify (Shopify.com/brainson) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why do we have crushes? | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:33:27 | |
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 you have a crush on? Plus, how do you navigate all the tricky parts of crushes -- like your crush finding out you like them? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Why are butts and poop so funny? | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:32:09 | |
This episode is a real stinker, but it had to happen. We go behind the scenes on what makes butts and poop so funny. Why does the mere mention of them make us laugh? We all have butts and we all poop. Those are the facts. But human butts are different than almost any other animal. We look into the evolution of butts, and find out how our senses of humor develop when we're kids. And we hear from comic Tim Platt on why he thinks butts and poop will always be funny. Plus, we’ll check in with Channel 2’s Bowel Action News team for some fast feces facts. Don’t forget to tune up your ears with the Mystery Sound. One more thing… who farted? This episode is sponsored by: Indeed (Indeed.com/ BRAINSON) Interlochen Center for the Arts (Interlochen.org/brainson promo code: SAVE10) Staples (Staplesconnect.com/printbig) Little Passports (Littlepassports.com/BRAINS) Novo business banking (novo.co/brains) Insect Lore (insectlore.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Inside the immune system: Bad robots and friendly monsters | 15 Mar 2022 | 00:33:46 | |
The immune system is so cool and so important but it largely goes about its business without us knowing it. In this episode you'll get a front row seat as our immune cells (aka friendly monsters) fight off bacteria and viruses (aka bad robots). We'll also find out how vaccines provide important training for our immune cells. Plus, co-host Colin quizzes Molly on immune system facts and there's a brand new mystery sound! This episode was brought to you by Indeed (indeed.com/BRAINSON) Interlochen Center for the Arts (interlochen.org/brainson Code: SAVE10) Staples Connect (staplesconnect.com/printbig) Little Passports (littlepassports.com/BRAINS) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What's up with worms? | 08 Mar 2022 | 00:24:40 | |
What’s up with worms? How do they sleep? Why are they slimy? How do they move? Here at Brains On, the only way to find out is to embark on an EPIC QUEST! Join co-host Ezra and the worm adventurer extraordinaire Sir Wormus on a journey to find the Golden Worm, a magical artifact! On the way, they’ll learn all about the noble earthworm from the Tome of Worms, a magic book containing all the knowledge of worm expert Emma Sherlock from the Natural History Museum in London! Will our heroes find the Golden Worm? Will they select a squirrel’s perfect snack? Will they solve the riddle of the Mystery Sound? There’s only one way to find out. Come on, friends, it’s time to go a-questing! This episode was sponsored by: Interlochen Center for the Arts (Interlochen.org/BrainsOn Code: Save10) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||