

Brains On! Science podcast for kids
American Public Media
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 2, 2024 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Me and my pet
Molly’s new pets have gone missing, and the mystery begins! With hints from Molly, the hosts dive into a fun scavenger hunt to figure out what these elusive animals could be. Plus, they tackle the quirky notion of Analog August, sharing hilarious insights on reducing screen time while promoting exciting outdoor activities. Tune in for a delightful blend of mystery and humor as the hosts engage kids in problem-solving!

Jul 30, 2024 • 25min
Seahorses! Curly-tailed wonders of the sea
Heather Koldewey, a seahorse expert, shares captivating insights from the underwater world. Discover how these unique fish can range from the size of a grain of rice to over a foot long! Learn about their rapid swimming skills—faster than hummingbirds—and their fascinating reproductive roles, where male seahorses carry the babies. With playful beach adventures and fun facts, listeners dive into the conservation needs and quirky behaviors of these curly-tailed wonders of the sea.

Jul 23, 2024 • 31min
Singing: the how and the wow of voices
Explore the art and science of singing, including vocal warm-ups and techniques. Learn about different singing styles and techniques, from opera to Broadway belting. Guess mystery sounds and hear from young listeners. Find out about renaming Earth's moon and get a sneak peek at the next episode on seahorses.

Jul 16, 2024 • 31min
Catnip, cat naps, and the history of house cats
Cat expert Mikel Delgado talks about catnip, cat naps, and why cats love to lick themselves. The hosts explore the history of house cats, visit a chaotic cat café, and discuss various cat behaviors like their preference for catnip and dislike for water. Plus, a playful mystery sound guessing game adds a fun twist to the episode.

Jul 5, 2024 • 2min
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Rhyme or Reason
Join Molly, Ruby, and Anna as they work on rhymes for a musical about city trees. Learn about the Smarty Pass subscription and enjoy a creative rhyming challenge with some quirky characters

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
How do trees help our cities?
Discover how trees play a crucial role in improving city life by fighting pollution, combating climate change, and enhancing environmental quality and human health. Explore urban orchards and learn about the benefits of trees in cities, from purifying the air to promoting mental well-being. Uncover tree-related sounds and historical trivia, including the importance of trees in addressing environmental and social equity issues in urban areas.

6 snips
May 28, 2024 • 25min
If our bodies are 98 degrees, why does it feel so hot outside?
Dr. Joe Alcock, expert in understanding fevers, discusses how our bodies regulate temperature, why it feels hot outside, and the importance of fevers in fighting infections. The episode explores the role of the hypothalamus, sweating, blood circulation, and how animals use elevated temperatures for defense.

4 snips
May 21, 2024 • 30min
It’s a mystery sound extravaganza!
Join the hosts in a mystery sound extravaganza where they guess sounds like chains on a swing set and running water. Uncover the mystery behind sounds like curly ribbon bows with scissors and explore painting adventures with glitter paints. Meet kids from around the world sharing questions and drawings, leading to a preview of the next episode on body temperature.

4 snips
May 14, 2024 • 29min
How do vacuums work?
Learn all about the surprising facts of vacuums, from blowing air out to suck things up to the history of these machines. Dive into the inside of vacuums, shrink to the size of air molecules, and explore a vacuum museum. Plus, enjoy a tricky mystery sound game that will blow you away!

May 7, 2024 • 27min
How do stringed instruments make sounds?
Explore the fascinating world of stringed instruments and sound waves with Molly and Ellie. Learn about the physics behind different sounds, listen to mystery sounds, and discover how instruments produce unique sounds based on their shapes and materials. Get ready for a fun and educational journey through the science of music!