In wacky world news this episode… The biggest street parades and parties are underway – we’ll tell you where and why in our Mardi Gras explainer. We’ll also give you the low-down on diplomacy – what it means and why it matters – AND what it’s got to do (or not) with Donald Trump and the new world order. Big environment news with an innovative sponge that might help solve the world’s microplastic pollution problem. And, lost at sea… a couple deep sea creatures are showing up on the surface – you ...
Mar 05, 2025•25 min•Ep 193•Transcript available on Metacast We have another packed episode for all you, newsies! Half a billion people attend the biggest peaceful gathering in the world – right here in India. Yes, we’re talking about the mega – or should I say, “Maha,” Khumb Mela. We’ll give you the low-down AND have a special report from a kid correspondent who was there. Ever wondered how polar bears can go in and out of ice-cold water without their fur freezing? Well, some Norwegian scientists did and they found the answer. Heard about Valentine’s Ven...
Feb 19, 2025•24 min•Ep 192•Transcript available on Metacast After our lonnnnnnnnng winter break, we’re back!! And boy are we back with a bang – we have a seriously packed and very special episode of Newsy Pooloozi – The New Pod for Kids. First up, we have two special – and touching – on-the-ground reports from both sides of the divide in the Israeli war. Plus, climate change is drastically impacting education with more kids missing school than ever before because of extreme weather. Millions celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Snake. We’ll give you the l...
Feb 05, 2025•33 min•Ep 191•Transcript available on Metacast It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… But just what that might look like in the southern half of the world might surprise you? Never fear, we have special reports from our teams of Australian and New Zealand correspondents on how they spend December 25. Hint: there are no roasting chestnuts! It’s cold and cozy up in Germany though – where they take their advent calendars to new heights – like human-sized heights, in fact. The world has a new chess champ, and India is over the moon… why? H...
Dec 18, 2024•21 min•Ep 190•Transcript available on Metacast World news in this episode… Well, it’s official. The Australian government bans its teenagers from using social media – sparking relief in some, anger in others. We’ll have not one – but two – reports from teens down under. In nature news, conservationists are worried giraffes are going bye-bye – yes, we mean endangered. Hear the details in this week’s episode. Also, good news in Paris where the Notre Dame cathedral reopens five years after a major fire. In entertainment news – it’s a tidal wave...
Dec 04, 2024•24 min•Ep 189•Transcript available on Metacast This episode's world news for kids… Donald “trumped” Harris in the race for the US White House – we give you the lowdown and look forward to what the next four years might have in store for us. Elsewhere, Spain is rocked by a crazy torrent of rain that led to deadly floods – we’ll have a special report on the clean-up from Barcelona. Plus, conservationists to the rescue in New Zealand where their beloved kiwi bird is under threat. And you won’t believe what some very dumb art thieves did to four...
Nov 13, 2024•22 min•Ep 188•Transcript available on Metacast Special festival episode as we look at the dark side of autumn with a dive into Halloween, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)and the Hungry Ghost Festival which give off those skeleton and ghoul vibes… But over in India it’s a totally different story with festivals of light and hope. Which one do you prefer? Have a listen – it will help you decide. That’s not all, we also have seasonal news as crops of pumpkins and cocoa aren’t in good shape. Plus, ever heard of “ghost poop?” Apparently, i...
Oct 30, 2024•26 min•Ep 187•Transcript available on Metacast In world news for kids this episode we take a deep dive into the charged-up world of batteries, we’re talking about mammoth batteries the size of skyscrapers – or is that skyscrapers that double up as batteries – a re-look at using wood to make batteries, plus solar strips – not panels – that could charge us all up. Oh, and did we mention the “powerful” deep sea rocks and the fool’s gold that might not be so foolish but in fact pretty precious – all that and more this episode!
Oct 16, 2024•22 min•Ep 186•Transcript available on Metacast In kids news this week we’re talking tech and social media which are getting a ticking off – all over the world – yes, we’re talking restrictions, limitations and outright bans being placed on social media and tech. Never mind the ill effects of too much tech on your rearend… that’s right, ever heard of dead-butt-syndrome? Stay tuned and you will!
Oct 02, 2024•21 min•Ep 185•Transcript available on Metacast We get spacey this week… Well, I mean there is a LOT of space news this week. Like those two NASA astronauts who are... stuck in space! Find out WHY and when they’re coming back home to Earth! Plus, Space X’s Dragon Capsule makes history. In entertainment news, Taylor Swift gets political – saying who’s she’s gonna vote for and why she’s announcing it, but that’s not all… She also has a big “hit” for getting out the vote. Plus, it’s time to talk about book-banning – find out what censorship mean...
Sep 18, 2024•26 min•Ep 184•Transcript available on Metacast In wacky world news for kids this episode, the US election and the debate over THE debate, Paris Olympic wow continues, Harry Potter back-to-school “boo” in London and “leaf” it to the Fins to take tree-loving to new heights – all that and more in this packed episode!
Sep 04, 2024•22 min•Ep 183•Transcript available on Metacast Yes, we’re back. Our summer travels are over – five countries in two months (we love this wacky world of ours!) and we’re back in the news pool! First up, yes, it might have been a week ago (or, uhhh, a little more – sorry we also got sick last week, further delaying us), but we give you the highlights of the wonderous 2024 Olympics – the highs, the lows and many little fabulous factoids we bet you didn’t even know. Also, New Zealand races to make the WHOLE country rodent-free. But just why migh...
Aug 21, 2024•22 min•Ep 182•Transcript available on Metacast Hello there Newsies! Yep, we're still on our summer break... But we have another episode swap for you with another podcast from the fab Kids Listen Community. That’s a group of producers making audio content for kids. Check out their website kidslisten.org to hear a ton of great podcasts – from factual, like ours, to fictional stories that spark the imagination and some that are a mix of both fact and fiction. This episode swap is with Storypillar where Sneak, Bean and Meg tackle the sticky situ...
Jul 24, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hi Newsies! As you know, we're on a summer break... But we’re not leaving the news pool high and dry. Oh, no! We have a few episode's swaps in store for you with other podcasters, who are part of the fabulous Kids Listen Community. That’s a group of producers making audio content for kids. Check out their website kidslisten.org to hear a ton of great podcasts – from factual, like ours, to fictional stories that spark the imagination. And some are a mix of fact and fiction – real information alon...
Jul 02, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast In world news this episode, it’s World Environment Day – and that means – bring on the good dirt and soil. Plus, results are in from the world’s largest election ever held, yes, we’re talking about India. And, think you know your continents? Well, is Zealandia on your list? It should be as scientists map a newly discovered continent – hear our special report from “down under.” Also, feeling hungry? How about a handful of snails? They love them so much in Spain that thousands gather for a snail f...
Jun 05, 2024•23 min•Ep 181•Transcript available on Metacast On kid news this week...An orangutang in Indonesia is found doing something fascinating with a leaf after he get a wound on his face we're talking break-through self-medication! Remember our story on whale-talk? Well, we have an update on efforts to decipher the code. Plus, an update on the man who got a pig kidney transplant. Also, way down under they're blasting rockets to the sky-find out where and why. And heard the one about the Great Dutch racoon escape? Well, you will if you stay tuned ti...
May 22, 2024•21 min•Ep 180•Transcript available on Metacast In wacky world news for kids this week… We have a double dose of board game news – from the release of a new, noncombative Scrabble edition to a new Indian teenage superstar on the chess scene. We give you the lowdown on both, plus some backstory about the games. Also, learn how scientists are going to use AI to translate whale-speak. Staying with nature – two freakishly huge fossils are found that might creep you out. And a stowaway cat uses one of her nine lives and gives new meaning to a prrr...
May 08, 2024•23 min•Ep 179•Transcript available on Metacast In honor of Earth Day we have four environment and nature stories… Talk about grasping at straws – wait till you hear about the new cages being used to protect and rebuild Florida’s dying coral reef! Speaking of the environment, you won’t believe what a big group of Swiss grannies did to get their eco-warrior credentials. Taylor Swift releases her 11 album – hear what records she broke doing so. Hear a special report about a different kind of “swifty” from Indonesia gives new meaning to “spit an...
Apr 24, 2024•20 min•Ep 178•Transcript available on Metacast In world news for kids this week... Fake diamonds are on the rise, but it’s not all as dodgy or criminal as it sounds... Also, a US man and a genetically modified pig kidney make history in a ground breaking transplant, a Scottish grandmother turns into a game rand wins a fan - following despite, or because of her grumpiness and in France the beloved breakfast bun- the croissant -is "crossbread" in more ways than one!
Apr 10, 2024•18 min•Ep 177•Transcript available on Metacast In kid news this week… Researchers uncover amazing ancient and medieval tools... from the 1700-year-old egg (that still has its slimy yolk intact!) and a map that proves how well people got along. Plus, the results are in on how effective a four-day-week is, plus Ariana Grande and her grand gran break records, Major League Baseball is wrapping up its spring training before the official start of the season – we have a special report from Arizona – and two UK soccer teams give new meaning to the p...
Mar 27, 2024•23 min•Ep 176•Transcript available on Metacast This week in kid news from around the world – new, wild looking aquatic species are discovered off the coast of Chile, scientist also discover the world’s tiniest loud fish from Myanmar – and when we say loud, we’re not joking! Plus, NASA observes a new planet covered in hot water, Daylight Saving (or is it Savings?!) explained and the shroom-sprouting frog India. Yes, you read that correctly. But to find out what that actually means, have a listen to this episode now!
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Ep 175•Transcript available on Metacast In kid news this week – mobile phones are banned in UK schools in line with European cell phone bans, India’s massive solar and wind park in the salt plains of Gujarat, the world’s biggest cruise ship takes week-long jaunts and Spain’s tiniest escape room creeps us out! All that and more on your wackiest wrap of world news.
Feb 28, 2024•17 min•Ep 174•Transcript available on Metacast Gong xi fa cai , everyone! Say what? Happy Chinese New Year, of course. Hear our Year of the Dragon special with reports from China, Taiwan AND South Korea this year from our team of kid correspondents – find out how their families celebrate the biggest event of their year and the story of the first “monster” that inspired the celebrations! Plus, find out what’s causing the “blood rain” in the United Kingdom and what dust from the Sahara Desert dust has to do with it. And hear how a town in Ital...
Feb 14, 2024•16 min•Ep 173•Transcript available on Metacast In world news for kids (and adults!) this week… India sees the grand opening of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya, but not everyone is happy – we dive deep to explain why. Also, a major discovery is found hidden beneath the Amazon rainforest – not just remains of the Upano people, but – thanks to laser technology – it’s discovered they were a vast and sophisticated civilization. And did you have any idea how dirty fast-food fumes can be, never mind posh cooking in big, fancy kitchens too? Well, some...
Jan 31, 2024•22 min•Ep 172•Transcript available on Metacast Happy Lohri and Pongal, everyone! No idea what those are? Never fear – this is your round-up of South Asia’s winter sun harvest festivals. Plus, scientist find miracle volcanic clay caused ice ages and in strict Singapore cats finally get credibility and can be pets in public housing after all. All that and more this week on the best news pod for kids, Newsy Pooloozi! Also – did you hear our call-out last week? We’re expanding our team and accepting applications for MORE kid correspondents from ...
Jan 17, 2024•21 min•Ep 171•Transcript available on Metacast Hello and happy new year, everyone! Firstly, we want to say THANK YOU for being such dedicated, steadfast listeners to our wacky world news podcast! It’s a lot of work but a labor of love we’re not ready to give up. However… we ARE going to make some changes to our output in 2024, so have a listen to our special announcement to find out the details. More importantly, we are also opening applications for new kid correspondents and writers to join the Newsy Pooloozi team so we can keep this intern...
Jan 11, 2024•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we get ready to dive into a new year, we wanted to look back at the past 12 months – the highs and lows – of news and current events. Yes, we’re talking about the Best of our Big New Stories – from the heavy stories of war and natural disasters to many stories of progress and hope. And, well, ChaptGPT which sits somewhere in the middle of it all, doesn’t it? Enjoy the reflection – we’ll be back with regular world news (the big, the wacky and all that in between) soon!
Jan 03, 2024•49 min•Ep 170•Transcript available on Metacast As a little holiday gift, we bring you... laughter, of course. Yes, have a listen to the wackiest world news stories from the last 12 months in this Best of Oddball round-up episode. It's guaranteed to make you smile more than once!
Dec 20, 2023•44 min•Ep 169•Transcript available on Metacast It's that time of year for our Best Of's - listen back to our best nature and animal stories of 2023! From the resurrection of the wholly mammoth to giraffes that do math, squirrels that sniff out more than nuts, goats that help fight fires and why chimpanzees gesture - this is the best wrap of wacky world animal stories you'll hear anywhere. Plus have you heard the beautiful - if not a little weird - sounds of the ocean? Or the giant seaweed blob that was headed for Florida? And if none of that...
Dec 14, 2023•26 min•Ep 168•Transcript available on Metacast In kid news this week… Good news on the environment and innovation front - natural resources are being used to capture nasty carbon dioxide - from using limestone to suck it up in California to Italy’s cyanobacteria that likes to snack on it. Also, the latest dinosaur news in both Brazil and Mongolia, the history and wonder of Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt!) and China’s sleepy students lean into that doozy post-launch feeling with the help of new desk-beds!
Dec 06, 2023•15 min•Ep 167•Transcript available on Metacast 
