Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from Brains On Universe. 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. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/

Episodes

How do we get Vitamin D from the sun?

August 25, 2026 • 29 mins
There’s a bunch of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to do their body thing. Our bodies don’t make them, so we get them through food – except for vitamin D! We can get vitamin D from the UV rays from the sun, but the UV rays from the sun can also do damage. Listen to this episode to find out why you have to wear sunscreen, how we’re able to get vitamin D, and how we discovered vitamins in the first place...
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Forever Ago: Who invented Pokemon?

August 18, 2026 • 33 mins
We are super-excited to let you know that our pals at Forever Ago just started a brand new season. Host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo, will dive into all sorts of cool history including trick or treating, the Wizard of Oz and pizza, just to name a few. The season kicks off with an episode all about how Pokemon was invented. It’s so cool that we want to share it with you right now. And if your a Hoax head, the Hoax Hunters have a b...
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Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock

August 14, 2026 • 6 mins
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.
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Do plants fart?

August 11, 2026 • 34 mins
Plants are pretty chill things, maybe because they are farting all the time! In this episode we explore the world of plant gas. Join Molly and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn how plants pass gas and why it’s important to know how much tooting trees and bushes do. Plus, a stink-free Mystery Sound! Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merc...
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Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness

August 4, 2026 • 40 mins
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness. We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things. Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, d...
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How do walkie talkies work?

July 28, 2026 • 29 mins
Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your walkie talkie lingo in a special game show. And, we get a visit from our favorite dancing CEO,Gungador, who needs Molly and co-host Sebastian's help while he ...
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Hoax Hunters take on the Fresno Nightcrawler

July 21, 2026 • 29 mins
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. Unexplained? Very. Join the Hoax bros as they explore this event and learn how it inspired artists, musicians, even the tourist board of Fresno, to e...
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Why are brains so squishy?

July 14, 2026 • 34 mins
Our brains are amazing machines, but they are also very delicate. We have to wear helmets when we bike, skate, or do other activities where we might bang our skulls. Why is the brain so sensitive? Turns out, it’s a soft blob a lot like tofu, but that softness lets it do some pretty important things. Join Molly and co-host Penny as they learn about our wonderful, squishy brains. Plus, Dwayne the Brain joins us and we’ve ...
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How do oysters make pearls?

July 7, 2026 • 34 mins
Pearls are shiny little things that look great on a bracelet or necklace. They’re made by shell-dwelling creatures called oysters, but how? Dive in as Molly and co-host Katherine explore the underwater world of oysters and other mollusks. They’ll talk with researcher Priya Shukla and producer Menaka Wilhelm to learn how these squishy creatures make pretty pearls. Plus, a game show and a Mystery Sound! Want to support t...
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Why do mosquitoes bite?

June 30, 2026 • 28 mins
In this episode, we're tackling all the mosquito questions that have been bugging our listeners. Why do they bite? Why do the bites itch? Is scratching them a good idea? Why do some people seem to be more delicious to mosquitoes? How can we keep them away from us? And are mosquitoes good for the world? The Hoax Hunters also make another hoax-tastic appearance. *Note: if you had a problem with jumbled voices talking over each other...
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How do lightbulbs work?

June 23, 2026 • 29 mins
We use lightbulbs everyday, but how often do we stop to think about how they work? These genius little inventions are packed with cool science. Molly and co-host Maya will explain how they work step by step. Plus we’ll hear your suggestions for what to shout when you have a bright idea. Oh, and a new Mystery Sound to light up your life. Enjoy! Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free ...
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Crystals: More than just shiny rocks

June 16, 2026 • 35 mins
This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). Then, we take a look at how crystals form and get their cool colors. Plus, Marc and Sanden hunt down a hoax about Mesoamerican crystal skulls. ...
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Brains On Presents: Smash Boom Best - Slime vs Slinkies

June 9, 2026 • 40 mins
We will be back next week with a new episode! This week we have an episode from our sister show Smash Boom Best: Slime vs Slinkies!Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, wonderous slinky? Both are fun, one will triumph! Smooshing the competition for Team Slime, it’s RadioLab host Latif Nasser. And stretching toward vic...
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Why do we like the number 100?

June 2, 2026 • 42 mins
As Brains On fast approaches 400 episodes, we wanted to re-visit this one. Not only is it our milestone episode 100, but our pal Gungador goes from Most Epic Fighting Battle Realm to a much more challenging setting: high school. We ask why people seem to love the number 100 so much. We also learn some amazing tricks involving the number 100 and fan favorite. There's a super-cool Mystery Sound too, so keep those ears open! Want to ...
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Growth Spurts!

May 26, 2026 • 21 mins
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we looked at skin, sweat and hair. Want to learn more about growing? Check out this Brains On episode: Why do our bodies take so long to grow? In the P...
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Skin, sweat and hair!

May 19, 2026 • 20 mins
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we answered: what’s puberty anyway? In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive deeper into each topic. And answer your questions, with help fro...
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What is puberty?

May 12, 2026 • 21 mins
We’re making a special eight episode show called Brains On Universe Presents Puberty (The Podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Over the next few weeks we’re going to play some excerpts from the series for you here. These samples cover stuff like how hormones help us grow, how they change our skin - think zits – and how they affect our moods. We picked topics that should be appropriate for...
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Why don’t we feel the Earth spinning?

May 5, 2026 • 31 mins
If you were on a merry-go-round that was spinning super fast, you’d feel it. But the Earth is always spinning and we don’t feel a thing. Why is that? Join Molly and Reean as they explore the science of spin. Plus we find out how liquid sloshing around in our ears can make us feel dizzy. And speaking of ears, get yours ready for an all new Mystery Sound. Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-f...
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Introducing...Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (The podcast)

May 4, 2026 • 1 min
We're making a new limited series to tackle a topic that lots of our listeners are curious about. Puberty! It’s a lot. There are the awkward conversations and the questions we’re too nervous to ask and the sometimes uncomfortable experience of living in a body that’s changing fast (and publicly!). This podcast is here to help. Hosted by Molly Bloom, of the award-winning science podcast Brains On, and co-hosted ...
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How does soap work?

April 28, 2026 • 34 mins
We wash our hands all the time, but do you ever wonder why? It turns out that soap is super good at attaching to dirt and germs and carrying that gunk off skin. Join Molly and co-hosts Hope and Heaven as they zoom in on soap to see how this sudsy stuff cleans so well. Plus we’ll learn how soap was likely invented and meet some pioneers who helped prove that washing hands keeps us healthy. Oh, and everyone’s favorite vir...
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