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PODCAST

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Brains On Universe

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/

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

31:19

The hows and whys of hair

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/10/06

The hair on our heads is on our minds. We have fun with follicles and learn about how they make hair. Our experts help us decipher what makes hair black or brown, blonde or red, and even why it turns gray. From eye lashes to ear and nose hair, this episode has it all. Why do humans have hair and not fur? Why is there hair on the top of our heads? How does hair grow? How does hair become curly or straight? Guests: Dr. Shani Francis, dermatologist and the director of the Hair Center of

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9:07

Sneak peek: The history of pineapple on pizza

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/10/05

This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.

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39:49

Mystery Sound Extravaganza fall 2026

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/09/22

Oh boy, oh boy! Are you ready to do some guessing?!? We have doozies to detect. There are clues to calculate. And so, so many goodies to get into. We hope your ears are warmed up, because it’s time for the… Mystery Sound Extravaganza!Have a good Mystery Sound for us? Send it in! Go to brainson.org/contact and submit it. Don’t forget to record an answer too. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining

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32:31

Why do we need pinky toes?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/09/15

Pinky toes may seem small, but they’re kind of a big deal. Join Molly and co-host Luna Mae as they learn about why we have these tiny toes and what would happen if we didn’t have them. Plus, we talk about animals with two, three, or six toes! Plus, a Mystery Sound that’ll get your ears working overtime.Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass

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36:52

Why does music make us dance?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/09/08

When you hear a good beat, it can be hard not to tap your toe or bob your head. Why is this? It turns out, we may be hardwired to start dancing when we hear certain rhythms. Join Molly and co-host Adriel as they explore how the brain turns sounds into dance moves. Plus, we’ll talk to a real DJ about making beats that get people moving. And a sound that might be tough to dance to: the Mystery Sound. Guests: Julia Basso, assistant professor at Virginia Tech Constantina Theofanopoulou, assistant

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39:43

Black holes, wormholes and donut holes!

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/09/01

Black holes happen when you have a super huge, mega-giant amount of stuff --- crammed into a super-tiny, infinitely-small amount of space. AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL! In this episode, we learn all about what black holes are and how we found out they were real. We talk to a black hole hunter who has discovered supermassive black holes. And we find out what a wormhole is and why it might really, be really, really hard to ever find one -- or travel through it.Brains On is a completely independent

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29:39

How do we get Vitamin D from the sun?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/08/25

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!Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty

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33:08

Forever Ago: Who invented Pokemon?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/08/18

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 bonus Pokemon episode in our Smarty Pass feed. It’s almost too good to be

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40:13

Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/08/04

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, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more. Want to see

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29:53

Hoax Hunters take on the Fresno Nightcrawler

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/07/21

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 embrace the weird stuff around us.Want to support more hoax hunting

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34:00

Why are brains so squishy?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/07/14

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 got a brand new Mystery Sound. Brains On is an independent podcast, which means

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34:54

How do oysters make pearls?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/07/07

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 the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or

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28:09

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/06/30

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, that has been fixed. Just re-download the file or refresh the feed

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29:47

How do lightbulbs work?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/06/23

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 episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming

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21:44

What is puberty?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/05/12

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 everyone interested in how bodies grow. In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive

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31:15

Why don’t we feel the Earth spinning?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/05/05

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-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to

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1:35

Introducing...Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty!...

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/05/04

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 by high schoolers who've just been through it, Puberty! (The podcast) is for everybody

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34:10

How does soap work?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/04/28

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 viral podcasters, Kara and Gilly, are back! Plus a new Mystery Sound. Want to

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26:32

Is there such a thing as a blue raspberry? And why...

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/03/31

Ever look closely at a raspberry and notice it could use a shave? Those tiny hairs are actually super important. And thankfully totally edible. Join Molly and co-host Zoe-Samarah as they learn all about this fantastic little fruit, and why some raspberry flavored foods are actually colored blue. All that and a Mystery Sound that’ll feel like a snack for the ears! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably

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27:12

Hoax Hunters: What is the Bermuda Triangle

Brains On! Science podcast for kids ·

2026/03/24

Have you heard of the Bermuda Triangle? It’s an area of the Atlantic Ocean that some people think can make ships and planes mysteriously disappear. In this episode, Marc and Sanden, aka the Hoax Hunters, investigate this weird and wild patch of water. Turns out the Triangle isn’t as unusual as it seems. Plus, Molly tries to stump the Hoax Hunters with a new mystery sound. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We

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