Podcast Episodes

How do synthesizers work?

Synthesizers are a very recent invention, especially when you compare them to acoustic instruments, like pianos and guitars. In this episode, we learn how these machines with keys, knobs, switches, b…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Why is it so hard to break a habit?

If habits are really stuck, we don't think much about them -- we just do them! Some habits are good (like brushing your teeth in the morning) and others are not as good (like biting your nails).

Toda…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Smash Boom Best: Flowers vs Rainbows

We’ll be back with new episodes in January. But we wanted to share another show with you that we’ve been working on: Smash Boom Best!

It’s a debate show where we take two cool things, smash them toget…

Published on 5 years ago

Bones from the inside out

Bones! They’re spooky. They’re creepy. They’re utterly fascinating!

This episode we dig up the science behind skeletons. We’ll look at how our bones grow, what happens when we break a bone and why bon…

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

Why do siblings annoy each other?

Having a sibling is a special thing -- but, wow, can they be annoying! In this episode we’ll look at why our brothers and sisters are so good at pushing our buttons. Plus, is there any truth to the i…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

How do flu vaccines work?

The flu shot changes every year. But why is the flu special, if other illnesses have much longer-lasting vaccines? This episode takes us into the world of viruses and immunity.

We released this episod…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Past, present and future: Using time to understand this pandemic

If time feels weird to you lately, you’re not alone. The pandemic has changed the pace of life for people around the world. We’ll talk to a psychologist about how our sense of time works. We’ll look …

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Smash: When continents collide!

How are mountains made? What causes an earthquake? How does hot lava come bubbling up? The answer in each case is…tectonic plates!

These are giant, moving slabs of rock covering the Earth’s surface. W…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Behind the scenes: See how we make the show

A listener asked how making  Brains On is different during the pandemic. So with this episode we're giving you a peek into how we're making the show while staying safe. Spoiler alert: we're doing it …

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

The buzz on bees, pt. 2

In this second episode on bees (a bee-quel, you might say!) we’re taking a look at pollination: the many pollination talents of different bees, why pollination is so important, and what you can do to…

Published on 5 years, 3 months ago