Join Molly and co-host Arjun on a reptilian romp, where they learn all about chameleons’ color-changing abilities, powerful eyes, and super sticky saliva. Along the way, they’ll be joined by a pair of chatty chameleon cabaret performers — Kiki and Paul — and chameleon expert Chris Anderson! Color yourself excited for this awesome creature feature, and an all-new mystery sound! If you want to learn more about chameleons, check out co-host Arjun’s own podcast, Animals Rule! He has an episode all a...
Oct 31, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Explore the dark with Molly and co-host Sasha! They’ll chat with psychologist Dr. Sandy Pimentel about why it’s totally normal to be afraid of the dark and hear from Mr. Bonejangles about why it’s the bone-a-fide best! To round out their adventure, producer Nico Gonzalez-Wisler will whisk them off on a starry, overnight field trip. The light at the end of the tunnel? An all-new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS ) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upg...
Oct 24, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pluto is tiny, icy, and used to be the ninth planet in the solar system. Used to be. So why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore? Join Molly and co-host Momo as they learn Pluto’s history, talk to planetary scientist Kelsi Singer about NASA’s New Horizons mission, and even hear from the planet itself. All that plus a nifty new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS ) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply. Factor ( Fac...
Oct 17, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Millions of kids and adults across the world have ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, though. Some people might have trouble focusing, while others might get really fidgety or take risks without thinking about them. But what is ADHD and what is happening in the brain of someone with ADHD? In this episode, Molly and cohost Julianne (who also has ADHD) learn from Dr. Julie Schweitzer of the MIND Institute at UC Davis about ...
Oct 10, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ah-CHOO! We know viruses make us sick, but what happens when a virus infects your computer? This episode, go digital with Molly and co-host Chloe as they track down a pesky computer virus infecting Brains On Headquarters. Catch our special guests, podcasting viruses Kara and Gilly, and meet a mysterious hacker named Shark Manchez. Plus, a brand new mystery sound! This episode is sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS ) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and c...
Oct 03, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Prehistoric animals rock! How much do you know about these unusual beasts? Join Brains On! host Molly Bloom as she tests the prehistoric animal knowledge of co-hosts Samaya, Roscoe, Zana, and Arjun! The games begin in the Permian Era, almost 300 million years ago, when giant dragonflies buzzed through the skies. Play along and you’ll wind up in the most recent Ice Age, when saber-toothed cats prowled the California coasts! Plus, you’ll get to hear prehistoric animal haikus and a not-so-prehistor...
Sep 26, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast People are really good at building homes out of everything from wood and concrete to mud and ice. But when it comes to animal homes, creatures can be more inventive than humans! In this creatively constructed episode, Molly and cohost Marama renovate Brains On HQ with the help of some clever critter contractors. They talk to animal experts and navigate demolition disasters to build a delicious new food hall for Brains On. Plus, a super spiffy Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ...
Sep 19, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Apples are a delicious treat! These crispy crunchy sweet snacks are everywhere: in our school lunches, at the farmers market, even covered in caramel at the fair. But as Molly and cohosts Jack and Penelope find out, growing an apple is a lot harder than it sounds. In this episode, we’ll learn how bears and horses helped the first wild apples grow (in their poop!) and meet the world’s biggest apple fan, Johnny Appleseed. Plus, even an apple a day can’t keep a brand new Mystery Sound away! This ep...
Sep 12, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Everything in our world is powered by energy. We need it to drive our cars, bake cupcakes and even jump up and down on the bed! All of this energy comes from different sources, like gasoline and wind power. Even the food that powers our bodies is a source of energy. But almost all of the energy on Earth first came from the same place: the sun! In this episode, we’ll find out how the sun powers so much of our lives. Plus, we’ll learn how the amount of energy in the universe has stayed the same si...
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Artificial intelligence has been all over the news lately — but how does it even work ? In this episode, Molly and co-host Sydney explore the how and why of A.I. with researcher Avital Balwit. Together, they imagine possible futures with A.I. and talk about how we might use these powerful tools in thoughtful ways. As a bonus, you’ll get a tricky new mystery sound and a hot track from Sanden’s band, Loudly With A Chance of Screamballs! _______ Don’t miss our next virtual events! In September, you...
Aug 22, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast All the different colors in our eyes, hair and skin are made by a super special substance called melanin! In this episode, we’ll meet a melanocyte, the artistic cell that makes melanin. Plus, Molly and cohost Jeremy talk with Dr. Tina Lasisi to learn why humans have so many different colors of skin in the first place. And a scientist goes undercover to try to solve the many mysteries surrounding melanin. All that, plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: Didn’t I Just Feed ...
Aug 15, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your brain does so much stuff! It makes sure your heart is always pumping and your lungs are breathing — plus it stores all kinds of important information, like your best friend’s birthday or your pet’s favorite kind of treat. But could your brain ever run out of storage space? In this episode, Molly and cohosts Corinne and Suriya learn all about our mighty memories. They crack the code on brain storage and figure out the science of forgetting! Plus, an unforgettable new mystery sound. This epis...
Aug 08, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Boredom is something we all feel sometimes, when nothing seems fun or interesting. But have you ever wondered what’s actually going on in your brain when you feel that way? Can it ever be good for you to be bored? Molly and co-host Maisie explore how boredom can lead to creativity, and how our brain can work past that blah feeling. Plus, a boredom-blasting brain workout from Sanden and his pal Pete the wombat, and a brand new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Didn’t I Just Feed You (...
Aug 01, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jellyfish are some of the most unique creatures on the planet. They’ve been around longer than the dinosaurs. They don’t have brains, bones or blood. And they’re not even fish! So what are they? Float along with Molly and cohost Rosie as they learn about the different parts of a jellyfish, hear from a jellyfish superhero, and talk to scientist Dr. Rebecca Helm about how jellyfish have babies. Plus, a tantalizing new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Buy a Toyota ( BuyAToyota.com - To...
Jul 25, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy birthday to us! Brains On is celebrating its tenth birthday and we’re throwing a big party. Molly is putting up decorations, Sanden has made his special Super Salty Party Punch and Gungador is ready to dance his pants off! But why is Marc hiding out in a closet? Join Molly and co-host Olive as they explore what makes parties so fun – and why they make some of us nervous sometimes. Plus a snazzy new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Buy a Toyota ( BuyAToyota.com - To explore Toy...
Jul 18, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hey, Smarty Pal, want more Brains On? Check out this sneak peek of Gungador Hosts a Dinner Party! Gungador is having a party at Brains On! HQ, and everyone’s invited! He’s whipping up special dishes for all of his guests: a tater tot hot dish, caramel coated honey gummies, even a cheese board! But he forgot to call Barbara Toddes from the Philadelphia Zoo before he started prepping meals for his animal friends... and some of his assumptions about what animals eat aren’t exactly right. Will Gunga...
Jun 27, 2023•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Molly, Marc and Sanden are hitting the road to perform the show Your Brain is Magic in Portland on June 17th and Seattle on June 18th. Plus, we'll be in Pasadena on June 25th celebrating our 10th birthday. Tickets for all events are at brainson.org/events - hope to see you there!
Jun 02, 2023•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chirp chirp, y’all! Ever wondered what birds mean when they’re singing their little birdy hearts out? This week, Molly and cohost Bessie explore the kinds of sounds birds can make, and how those sounds are used. Birdsong researcher Kristin Brunk breaks down some sweet tweet science, and we learn how human noise has affected our feathery friends. Plus, a groovy new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Liquid I.V. ( LiquidIV.com - Use code BRAINS at checkout to receive 20% off anything yo...
May 16, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Humans and every other living thing on Earth are perfectly suited to our wonderful planet. There’s life everywhere, from boiling-hot ocean vents to chilly mountain peaks. But what would life look like in other parts of the galaxy, or beyond? What would happen to our bodies if we lived in space? In an out-of-this-world episode, Molly and cohost Jaxson moonwalk through the possibilities of life in outer space. They learn what scientists look for when they want to know if a planet or moon could sup...
May 09, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Video games are fun, challenging and sometimes hard to put down. But are they good for you? Or do they rot your brain, like some people say? In this episode, Molly and cohost Colden (along with sassy alien hero Fuzzbutt Picklestar) explore how video games affect your brain, for better or worse. Plus, we look at other technologies that adults used to think were bad for kids, like novels and radio. And an extra mysterious Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Liquid I.V. ( LiquidIV.com - U...
May 02, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you love big thoughts, this is the episode for you. We’ll ponder what would happen if a fly flew into the window of a moving bus. Would it have to keep flying forward to avoid crashing into the back window? Or could it just hover inside the bus? Plus we’ll unpack one of the most important ideas in science, the Theory of General Relativity. You’ll learn how creative thinking helped Albert Einstein change the world and get a little creative yourself guessing an all-new Mystery Sound! This episo...
Apr 25, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you have a favorite food that your friend doesn't like at all? Do you look at what your parents are eating and say, "No, thank you!" Well, you’re not alone! Lots of people have different food preferences. But why do some people like certain foods and others don’t? And what’s a supertaster ? In this tasty treat of an episode, Molly and cohost Nishka visit a cooking class for kids and talk with food expert Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color (https://kidseatincolor.com/) to l...
Apr 18, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Reading is your one-way ticket to adventure! You can ride fire-breathing dragons, explore outer space, or even save the world – all within the pages of a book. But have you ever wondered how we learn to read? And why it can sometimes feel hard to do? Molly and co-host Anna talk to American Public Media reporter Emily Hanford, host of the podcast Sold a Story (https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/) about how some teaching techniques make it harder to learn how to read. Plus tips on how to...
Apr 11, 2023•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re super-jazzed to share this episode of Million Bazillion, a podcast for kids and families that helps you understand money. In this episode, hosts Bridget and Ryan get a question from Will in Ohio and are taking a cross-country road trip to answer it. Will wants to know why there are so many of the same stores. From Starbucks to Home Depot and all the McDonald’s in between, we’ll break down the reason why.
Apr 07, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We use plastic for all kinds of things, from shampoo bottles to glitter. It’s useful but also a danger, because a lot of plastic is ending up in our oceans, where it’s sucked into swirly twirly whirlpools of garbage. The biggest of these is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Hop into the ExPLORERR with Molly and cohost Ana-Victoria to learn more about this plasticy problem and find out what you can do to help solve it! Plus a brand new mystery sound! This episode was sponsored by: Liquid I....
Apr 04, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Insects can live almost anywhere: backyards, mountaintops, scorching hot deserts, underwater, even on Antarctica! There are more than a million different species out there, from speedy dragonflies that zip through the air as fast as a car to rainbow-colored beetles living in tropical rainforests. Plus, scientists are discovering new ones all the time! But why does the world need bugs? And why do they make us feel a little icky sometimes? In this super buggy episode, Molly and co-host Lorna meet ...
Mar 28, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you heard the expression “dogs are people’s best friend”? Where did it come from? And why are dogs and humans such great pals? Molly and co-host Kha-ai jump back in time to learn how dogs became humans’ best friends, and answer the question why do dogs wag their tails? Plus, we’ll also explore how dogs help humans and even other animals like cheetahs. And keep your ears perked for a brand new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and conditions app...
Mar 21, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Friendship rules! Friends help us work through problems, keep us company and bring joy to our lives. Making friends might have also helped our prehistoric ancestors survive and thrive! Still, friendship can be tough sometimes. In this episode, we’ll answer your friendship questions with Eileen Kennedy-Moore (a.k.a Dr. Friendtastic!) and hear some advice from a filmmaker with autism about making friends. Plus an all-new Mystery Sound! This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS - Te...
Mar 14, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Humans need sleep to survive, but do plants doze off too? In this episode, we’ll look into how plants rest. Turns out humans and plants aren’t all that different! We’ll hear about how we share a common ancestor, way, way back in history. We’ll also learn how plants and people have little built-in clocks that tell us when it’s day and night! Oh, and Sanden parties with his plant pals and we guess an all-new Mystery Sound. This episode was sponsored by: Indeed ( Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and condi...
Mar 07, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our big, beautiful sky stretches all the way from the ground beneath our feet to about sixty miles above the Earth. It’s made up of countless air molecules, pinging around like tiny, invisible pinballs. And even though we can’t feel the weight of each individual air molecule, all together they weigh a lot! But how much does the sky actually weigh? (spoiler alert: it involves lots and lots of farting cats…) Molly and co-host Felix learn more by talking with a band of singing walruses and a pretty...
Feb 28, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
