Brains On! Science podcast for kids

By: American Public Media
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio
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Episodes
  • Trends: how do they start?

    Trends: how do they start?
    Mar 11 2025

    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

    Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendy at some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular?

    Join Molly and co-host Harlynn as they explore the fussy and fabulous world of trends. Sanden will reveal how trends start and spread throughout a population—and why beige wallpaper it out and mocha mousse brown is IN! They’ll also learn about trends in animal populations like orca whales and chimpanzees. To top things off, Marc will start a fad by accident: fruit pants! (Yes, they’re literally pants with dried fruit stuck to them.) Plus, a super cool mystery sound.

    Today’s episode is sponsored by:



    • Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit


    • Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.
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    32 mins
  • Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard

    Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard
    Mar 7 2025

    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!
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    2 mins
  • How does solar power work?

    How does solar power work?
    Mar 4 2025

    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

    Solar 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 credit


    Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins

Featured Article: The Best Educational Podcasts for Kids


Whether your child is two or 12, if you’re hesitant to break out a textbook or looking to take a break from screens, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated the best educational podcasts for kids (and the adults who teach them) to help make learning fun and entertaining. Using storytelling, song, science, and/or silliness, these podcasts will not only educate but also help inspire, soothe, and impart valuable lessons to your young ones.

Featured Article The Best Educational Podcasts for Kids

What listeners say about Brains On! Science podcast for kids

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Profile Image for JDG

yes

good. I like very much, I like the space ones, their funny, I definitely recommend.

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Profile Image for Ryan

Amazing!

I love this!😍😍😍❤❤❤
I totally recommend it.

please do more Mystery Sound Extravaganzas.
Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome!

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Profile Image for Lauren

GREAT PODCAST

I think it would be cool if you guys made another Mosties episode. If you do, I would like to suggest a most adorable animal catagory. Thanks!

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Profile Image for CarrieJC

LOVE THIS!!!

I really like this podcast. It teaches on so many great topics in a kid friendly way. Just one thing. I would like to know if a season is ending because on Tuesdays I check the feed and don`t understand if there isn`t a new episode. Otherwise, this is a great podcast!

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Profile Image for Angela Martin

Amazing podcast!!!

I love Brains On so much! It’s very engaging, which makes it really enjoyable to listen to. The questions that are answered in each episode are reworded/simplified very well, along with the amazing stories, which I find helps to define the answers quite a bit better for me than if the answers were just told straight up and flat. This podcast is truly amazing in regards to performance as well. The speakers have great diction and speak clearly, which really helps to make the podcast so fun to listen to. Brains On is truly the best, and I hope you give it a try! *Even if science is not your thing ;)*

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Profile Image for Holly Brown, Author "Of Rocks and Trials"

it is my favorite podcast I go to sleep to this

a w s o m e.
p o d c a s t .

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Best ever Podcast

Repeat great my Daughters and son really love it It's just great I recommend this4 families ☺

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Profile Image for Derek Jones

This is a great podcast definitely recommend

This is so good I love it soooo much and the topics are absolutely amazing

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Profile Image for melmed

Brains On!

Could you please do a Brains On episode on Pokémon? I love the Mystery Sounds. Can you please do some more Mystery Sound Extravaganzas?

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Amazing!

My kids love this podcast! There’s a ton of information given in a fun way. They’re always asking for more!

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