

BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 19, 2025 • 6min
BrainStuff Classics: What's in Movie Theater Popcorn?
The satly, buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters is nigh irresistible, but there's zero butter involved. Learn what it's made of in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/what-heck-is-in-movie-theater-popcorn.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 18, 2025 • 7min
Why Can't We Eat Grass?
Discover why humans can't thrive on grass like cows do! The podcast dives into the fascinating differences in digestive systems between ruminants and humans. It also explores the curious habits of dogs and cats munching on grass, shedding light on why they do it despite not being able to digest it. Along the way, learn about the types of grass we can consume, such as grains, and the intriguing reasons behind our dietary choices. It's a fun journey into the world of digestion and animal behavior!

Apr 17, 2025 • 7min
How Does the Sun Rotate?
Yes, the sun rotates, but it does so a little differently than rocky planets like Earth. Learn how (and why) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/does-sun-rotate.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 5min
Can a Turtle Outgrow Its Shell?
A turtle's shell grows with it throughout its life. Learn how a hard, protective shell can keep growing in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/turtle-shell.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 15, 2025 • 12min
What Is Fascism?
In fascism, the needs of the people bow to the needs of the State, and violent, authoritarian leaders demand unity, sacrifice, and a strict social heirarchy in order to enact constant conquest to bring glory to the State. Learn more about the past and present of fascism in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/fascism-movement.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 14, 2025 • 7min
How Does the 'Zombie Ant' Fungus Work?
Some specialized fungi can hijack the behavior of ants, wasps, and spiders in order to spread their spores. Learn about the real-life Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps fungi that inspired 'The Last of Us' in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/zombie-ant-fungus.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 13min
2025-03-27-brainstuff-anne-frank
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Mar 26, 2025 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Whales Big (But Not Bigger)?
Discover the fascinating reasons behind why whales are colossal creatures yet not larger. The discussion explores the biological and evolutionary constraints that dictate their size, balancing growth with survival needs in the vast ocean. It dives into climate-related factors like thermoregulation and metabolism, shedding light on how these adaptations allow them to thrive in chilly waters. A deep dive into the intricate relationship between size and life in the deep blue!

Mar 25, 2025 • 7min
BrainStuff Classics: Was Earth's Oldest Rock Found on the Moon?
The oldest known intact Earth rock was collected on the moon in the 1970s. Learn how researchers think it got there it in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 7min
What Were Prehistoric 'Hell Pigs'?
Enormous, pig-like omnivores with bone-barbed faces and long tusks once hunted and fought throughout what's now North America, Eurasia, and Africa. Learn about the entelodonts in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/prehistoric-hell-pigs-once-roamed-earth.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.