
Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. 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.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 35min
The life of a NASA astronaut
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesLiving in space would be super cool. You could float around with no gravity and see the Earth from really, really far away. But it would also be very strange. When there’s no gravity, which way is up? How do you use a toilet? And what happens if you fart in space? In this episode, Molly and co-host Vincent learn all about spaceship airlocks, space cuisine and even interview a real NASA astronaut. Plus, a new Mystery Sound comes into orbit. Fun episode launching in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…Featured Guests:Kayla Barron is a NASA astronaut who spent 177 days on the International Space Station This episode was sponsored by:Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

May 27, 2025 • 28min
How do weather stations predict the weather?
Ever wondered how they predict the weather? This fun exploration dives into the fascinating tools used at weather stations, from radar to satellites. You'll laugh at the antics of geese on radar and learn about imaginative apps that mix forecasts with positive affirmations. Discover how weather balloons and ocean buoys collect vital data, all while engaging in a playful Mystery Sound challenge. It's a captivating journey into the science of weather prediction that's perfect for young curious minds!

May 20, 2025 • 28min
Tree, Myself and I: All about our leafy green friends
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesTrees are the strong, silent type but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. In this episode we’ll explore how trees send each other messages above ground and below. Plus we’ll learn how a seed goes from a tiny sapling to a towering plant. We find out some fruit facts and hear an all new Mystery Sound. This episode was originally published on Jul 16, 2019. This episode is sponsored by:Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job creditExperience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

May 13, 2025 • 32min
Body Bonanza: Bruises, scars and Band-Aids
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesIt’s a Body Bonanza and this time we’re answering your questions about injuries. Bruises are rarely something to sing about, but we’re doing it anyway! Get ready for Bruisical the Musical! Marc is writing a show all about these colorful injuries. Plus, Molly and co-host Nova learn what makes a scar and how Band-Aids help heal boo boos. Oh, and don’t stub your toe on the Mystery Sound!

May 12, 2025 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Life is Poopiful
Oh no! An awful spell has put Ruby, Rosie, and Anna in a poopiful situation at Brains On HQ! It looks like the only way to save them is with a quick game with Molly Bloom. Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how a change of verb can leave things poopiful.

May 6, 2025 • 38min
Are birds dinosaurs?
Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum, dives into the amazing world of birds as modern-day dinosaurs. She shares thrilling insights about how creatures like chickens are descendants of T-Rex. The conversation reveals key fossil discoveries and amusing anecdotes that make evolution accessible to kids. Plus, listeners get to play along in a fun guessing game and explore the fascinating connections between various species, highlighting how understanding our wildlife can be both exciting and educational!

4 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 32min
Trends: How do they start?
Sanden Totten, an expert on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, joins the discussion to unravel how trends begin and spread. He explains the role of early adopters and their influence on social phenomena, likening them to social media influencers. The hosts add humor with quirky ideas like 'fruit pants' while exploring how trends in animal behavior parallel human fads. Personal anecdotes and listener contributions highlight the playful nature of trendsetting, making it clear that trends shape connections and identities across cultures.

Mar 7, 2025 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard
Oh no! Molly’s been bequeathed her great-great grandfather’s skateboard, which unfortunately contains the spirit of dictionary editor Rutherford Williams Webster! Hoping to defeat the skateboard poltergeist, Anna and Marc must attempt to spell and define Webster’s most obscure words!

Mar 4, 2025 • 28min
How does solar power work?
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live showsSolar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. But how do they work?Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Anna as they explore the ins and outs of solar energy! Marc and his latest invention, Sal the solar bot, stop by the studio for a special solar demonstration — then the Earth and Moon chat about why solar power is an important tool for slowing down climate change. Plus, an electrifying new mystery sound!Check out our series all about electricity too!Today’s episode is sponsored by: Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job creditExperience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Feb 25, 2025 • 26min
What is asthma?
Dive into the world of asthma with an engaging exploration of how our lungs function. Discover why asthma attacks occur and hear firsthand experiences that highlight the challenges faced. Learn from a kids' lung doctor about the role of rescue inhalers and the factors contributing to asthma. Plus, enjoy a fun segment where listeners guess a mystery sound and share their favorite dinosaurs. It's a captivating mix of science and personal stories, perfect for curious minds!