But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

What are atoms made of? Why is everything made of atoms? Why are atoms so small? How many atoms are there in the world? How did scientists find atoms if we can’t see them? How do atoms get their color? We learn about atoms with Dr. Ben Still, author of “Particle Physics Brick by Brick” and “The Secret Life of the Periodic Table.” His new book, “How the Universe Works,” will be released in September.Check out Dr. Ben Still's YouTube channel to learn more about atomic, nuclear and particle physics.Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | TranscriptFurther reading:Cosmic History - NASAThe Secret Science of AtomsDOE Explains...Nucleosynthesis | Department of Energy   

Karen Kelleher, the Founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, shares her insights on the fascinating world of record production. She walks through the journey of transforming colorful PVC pellets into vibrant vinyl records. Kelleher explains why, despite digital music, vinyl remains beloved. The episode dives into the mechanics of record players and the artistry behind sound grooves. Additionally, Kelleher highlights how her company supports emerging artists, turning music dreams into reality while promoting creativity and sustainability.

Join Edgar Rico, the talented chef and co-owner of Nixta Taqueria in Austin, as he tackles the delicious world of tacos! Discover the intriguing origins of this versatile dish and how it has evolved over time. Learn why corn is so vital to Mexican culture and the fascinating process of making fresh tortillas. Edgar shares insights on the art of taco making and even dives into the playful debate on whether tacos can be considered sandwiches. A delightful exploration for taco lovers of all ages!

Stacey Vanek-Smith, a seasoned business reporter and senior editor at Bloomberg News, simplifies the tricky world of economics for young minds. She unpacks key concepts like taxes, explaining how they fund essential services and distinctions like income and sales tax. Stacey also dives into tariffs, discussing their impact on trade and current U.S. relations with Canada and China. Listeners will learn how inflation affects prices and the surprising psychology behind pricing strategies, all while fostering a deeper understanding of the economy.

In this engaging discussion, Chelsea L. Wood, a parasite ecologist and author of Power to the Parasites, unveils the hidden marvels of parasites like tapeworms and lice. She explains how these organisms, despite their negative reputation, play crucial roles in ecosystems. Chelsea highlights fascinating adaptations, such as the unique tentacles of tapeworms in shark guts and the lifecycle of head lice. Listeners learn about the ecological balance parasites maintain and why they are not just pesky but pivotal in nature.

In this engaging exploration, Patrick Kidd, the Communications lead and in-house historian at Amtrak, shares fascinating insights into the world of trains. Listeners learn how trains operate and the evolution from steam engines to modern electric and bullet trains. Kidd explains why trains run on tracks and their impressive speed despite heavy weight. The discussion highlights Amtrak’s features and advantages of train travel over cars, wrapped up with a peek into the future of high-speed rail in the U.S.

Join musician and champion whistler Emily Eagen as she dives into the fascinating world of whistling. Discover how sound is created and why your tongue can change the pitch. Learn about the cultural significance of whistling, including its surprising role in languages like Silbo Gomero. Emily shares tips for beginners, emphasizing whistling as a joyful form of musical expression. Plus, hear about exciting competitions and the delightful story behind the podcast's theme song, all brought to life with audience participation!

Wildlife biologist Emily Carollo, from Panthera, shares her expertise on wild cats and their relationship to our house pets. She explains why many cats are afraid of water and the unique behaviors of different species. Discover how wild cats communicate, why their eyes glow at night, and the intricacies of their diets and habitats. Emily also tackles the fascinating dynamics of predator-prey relationships, the potential reintroduction of mountain lions, and how humans can build trust with scared house cats.

What would your superpower be? Kids share their imaginative superpowers and quirky names, from flying to perfect drawing skills. Fascinatingly, many wish for math abilities! The podcast explores the roots of superheroes, emphasizing their rich history in comics. It highlights the joy of creativity and how imagination shapes our dreams. Plus, it connects the concept of superpowers to real-life heroism, encouraging kindness and curiosity in everyday adventures. It’s an entertaining dive into youthful aspirations!

Adrien Plouffe, a factory automation engineer at GlobalFoundries, dives into the fascinating world of robotics and automation in microchip manufacturing. He explores how robots work, their design decisions, and the processes behind microchip production. Listeners learn about the functions of robots in manufacturing, from transporting materials to their programmed movements. The discussion also touches on whether robots can be considered alive and encourages kids to explore their interests in robotics and STEM education, sparking curiosity and inspiring future innovators.