But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

In this engaging discussion, Josh Castonguay, a representative from Vermont utility Green Mountain Power, sheds light on the fascinating world of wind turbines. He explains how these giants convert wind into electricity and the essential role of blade size. The conversation dives into the integration of wind energy with other renewables, emphasizing the benefits of a diverse energy portfolio. Josh also touches on future innovations in clean energy, including advances in turbine technology and the growing demand for sustainable energy careers.

Join earthworm detective Sam James, who uncovers the hidden wonders of earthworms, and a young composting enthusiast managing her family’s food scraps. Discover how these fascinating creatures communicate without eyes and why they come out in the rain. Learn about the role of slime in their movement and the importance of earthworms for soil health. Plus, get tips on starting your own worm farm and cultivating nutrient-rich compost for gardening. It's a wiggly adventure filled with fun facts!

Kana Wyman, director of a swim school, shares invaluable swimming tips that can lead anyone, young or old, to comfortably glide through water. She discusses practical ways to get used to the water, like using a bucket to practice breathing techniques. Kana also explains floating mechanics, revealing that spreading out your body makes it easier to float. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of free and subsidized swim lessons, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn this life-saving skill.

Join Paralympian Emelia Perry, skier Andrew Weibrecht, and bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor as they share their thrilling Olympic experiences. Emelia talks about her journey to the paratriathlon in Paris, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she faced. Andrew dives into the balance between Olympic glory and everyday life, while Elana reflects on the significance of medals, not just as awards, but as symbols of hard work. Together, they inspire young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the joy of competition!

Fashion historian and writer, Amber Butchart, discusses the evolution of clothing, cultural influences, historical transitions from dresses to pants for boys, the history and purpose of underwear, and the intersection of clothing with culture and self-expression. Kids are encouraged to submit questions for future episodes.

Join pizza expert Frank Pinello, known for Best Pizza in Williamsburg, and Scott Wiener, creator of Scott's Pizza Tours, as they dive into the delicious world of pizza. Discover how pizza dough is made and learn about the fascinating role of gluten and yeast. Explore the history behind New York style pizza and its roots in Italian immigration. Find out about global pizza variations and the culinary art behind crafting the perfect pie. Get ready to have all your pizza questions answered!

Fernando Alferez from the University of Florida's Research Center discusses citrus fruits: why they have peels, seed protection, sourness of lemons and limes, seedless orange reproduction, year-round availability, citrus varieties, and the origin of the word 'orange'

In many cultures, eating insects is normal and even delicious! With growing global populations, insects might become a key source of protein. The podcast highlights surprising culinary uses of bugs, like seasoned cicadas and cricket-infused dishes. Listeners learn about the benefits of insects for health and sustainability. Plus, there's a fun culinary twist – incorporating these critters into familiar meals encourages adventurous tasting. It's a playful invitation to rethink our food choices!

Trillions of cicadas emerge every 17 years, creating a fascinating natural spectacle! Discover how these insects survive underground for over a decade by feeding on tree juice. Learn why their collective emergence helps them evade predators. Listen in as experts explain the impact of cicadas on local bird populations and the surprising culinary potential of these protein-packed insects. Explore the unique metamorphosis of cicadas and the roles their distinctive sounds play in mating.

Anthropologist Hugh Raffles and astronomer John O'Meara discuss where the sky ends and the concept of distinguishing between sky and space. They explore the interactions between air and space, the multitude of sky inhabitants like insects, and the invisible world of air molecules. The podcast challenges conventional perspectives on the border between sky and space with insightful reflections and scientific analysis.