Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

American Public Media

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

Trends: How do they start?
MAR 11, 2025
Trends: How do they start?
<p><strong><em>Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:</em></strong><br><br><strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms" class="c-link">Support</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms" class="c-link"> the podcast with donation</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="c-link">Subscribe</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="c-link"> to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.publicmediamarket.org/collections/brains-on-1" class="c-link">Buy </a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.publicmediamarket.org/collections/brains-on-1" class="c-link">our book and merch</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/events" class="c-link">Come</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/events" class="c-link"> to our live shows</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://cloud.connect.americanpublicmedia.org/brainson_fanclubform" class="default">Get</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://cloud.connect.americanpublicmedia.org/brainson_fanclubform" class="default"> the newsletter for parents</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/learn" class="default">Find</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/learn" class="default"> teacher resources</a></em><br><br>Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendy<em> </em>at some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular?<br><br>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 <em>out</em> 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.<br><br>Today’s episode is sponsored by: </p><br/><ul><br/><li><p>Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit</p></li><br/><li><p>Experience Disney&#39;s Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.</p></li><br/><br/></ul>
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31 MIN
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard
MAR 7, 2025
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard
<p>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!</p>
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1 MIN
How does solar power work?
MAR 4, 2025
How does solar power work?
<p><strong><em>Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:</em></strong><br><strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms" class="c-link">Support</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms" class="c-link"> the podcast with donation</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="c-link">Subscribe</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="c-link"> to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.publicmediamarket.org/collections/brains-on-1" class="c-link">Buy </a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.publicmediamarket.org/collections/brains-on-1" class="c-link">our book and merch</a></em><em> | </em><strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/events" class="c-link">Come</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://www.brainson.org/page/events" class="c-link"> to our live shows</a></em><br><br>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! </p><br/><p>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. </p><br/><p>Plus, an electrifying new mystery sound!</p><br/><p><a href="https://www.brainson.org/episode/2017/12/05/shocking-the-science-of-static-electricity-series-pt-1" class="default">Check out our series all about electricity too!</a><br><br>Today’s episode is sponsored by: <br>Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit</p><br/><p>Experience Disney&#39;s Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.</p>
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28 MIN
What is asthma?
FEB 25, 2025
What is asthma?
<p>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?</p><br/><p>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!</p><br/><p><strong><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="default">Subscribe to Smarty Pass</a></strong> for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!</p><br/><p><strong>Today’s episode is sponsored by:</strong></p><br/><ul><br/><li><p>Disney - Experience Disney&#39;s Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.</p></li><br/><li><p><a href="https://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact" class="default">Indeed.com/brainson</a> - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson</p></li><br/><br/></ul>
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25 MIN
How does coral communicate?
FEB 18, 2025
How does coral communicate?
<p>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?</p><br/><p>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.</p><br/><p><strong><a href="https://www.smartypass.org/" class="default">Subscribe to Smarty Pass</a></strong> for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!</p><br/><p><strong>Today’s episode is sponsored by:</strong></p><br/><ul><br/><li><p><a href="https://www.indeed.com/hire/audio-promotion-highimpact" class="default">Indeed.com/brainson</a> - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson</p></li><br/><br/></ul>
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35 MIN