Short & Curly
ABC listen
Short & Curly is the fun and educational ABC Kids and Family podcast that makes philosophy and ethics easy, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Hosted by Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith, the show explores big questions for kids about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty, and art.
Perfect for kids aged 8–12, Short & Curly is loved by families, parents, and teachers worldwide. One of the best kids shows for curious minds, it inspires learning, laughter, and big ideas that help children learn how to think, not what to think.
Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content.
Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
Classroom Resources: Listen to the podcast in the classroom or as homework and use these resources to explore and expand upon the diverse themes and subjects covered in the show.
Perfect for kids aged 8–12, Short & Curly is loved by families, parents, and teachers worldwide. One of the best kids shows for curious minds, it inspires learning, laughter, and big ideas that help children learn how to think, not what to think.
Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content.
Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
Classroom Resources: Listen to the podcast in the classroom or as homework and use these resources to explore and expand upon the diverse themes and subjects covered in the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2023 • 25min
Should children swear?
Lots of adults think children should never swear. Many Short & Curly listeners tell us they secretly swear behind their parent’s backs. So what’s wrong with swearing anyway? Aren't they just harmless words? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily
Apr 3, 2023 • 21min
The ethics of "getting even"
Have you ever wanted to give someone a taste of their own medicine? They might have hurt you or been mean to you or taken something that's yours. But is it okay to do the same thing back to them?Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie
Apr 3, 2023 • 23min
When does curiosity become rudeness?
Short & Curly listener Luca often gets stared at when he is in his wheelchair. His parents think the people who look too long are just being curious but Luca thinks it's just plain rude. So when does curiosity become rudeness? And how can we be curious about someone's difference without hurting their feelings?Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah
Apr 3, 2023 • 23min
Should you kill insects?
There are about 10 quintillion insects in the world. Yes, that's a real number. And it's a lot! They're very small and very different from us humans. We might not stop to think about it before we poison a cockroach, squish an ant with our shoe, or kill a mosquito, but is it ethical to kill an insect?Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava
Apr 3, 2023 • 23min
Humans – good or bad?
War, environmental destruction, inequality. We humans can do some pretty bad stuff. Lots of listeners have asked us if humans are more good than they are bad. Maybe it's time for you to be the judge.Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, LilyExtra:Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, KodahBrains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie
Dec 5, 2022 • 4min
BITE – Cartoon Violence
If you love watching cartoons where the good guys battle the bad, it probably has fighting, explosions, and maybe guns too.Is it okay to watch violence if it's in a cartoon? Can we laugh and find it funny?Thank you to Linus for this exciting question!
Dec 5, 2022 • 4min
BITE – Friends with Teacher
Friends are like flowers. There are lots of different ones out there, but you pick a couple to be your favourites.But what about your teacher? Can you be friends with them? And if they're a friend, can they still be a good teacher?Thank you to Orli for this great question!Pssst, we love your favourite episode too! 'Are parents hypocrites?' was a goodie.
Dec 5, 2022 • 4min
BITE – Bullying the Bully
Bullying is being mean to someone over and over again. It can happen at home, school, online, on the bus… and it's not always physical.When you're bullied, you can feel hurt, angry, and sad, all at once.So, if a bully hurts you, can you hurt them back? Can you call it justice?Thank you to Athena for this great question!
Dec 5, 2022 • 4min
BITE – Truth Telling
What if your friend asks if their shirt looks cool and you don't think it does? Or your dad asks if you like his gift, but you actually don't?The truth can be so hard to say – especially to the people we love the most.Should we tell the truth even when it hurts someone?Thank you to Charlotte and Nima for this curly question!
Dec 5, 2022 • 4min
BITE – Family Sacrifices
Sacrifice is a big word, and it's often said in a big situation.How much should a family sacrifice for one person's happiness? What if you're the only one sacrificing?Thank you to Eli for this curly question – hope you listen to this one on a car ride too!
