Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from Brains On Universe. 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.
The hair on our heads is on our minds. We have fun with follicles and learn about how they make hair. Our experts help us decipher what makes hair black or brown, blonde or red, and even why it turns gray. From eye lashes to ear and nose hair, this episode has it all. Why do humans have hair and not fur? Why is there hair on the top of our heads? How does hair grow? How does hair become curly or straight?
Guests: Dr. Shani Francis, dermatologist and the director of the Hair Center of Excellence
Sandy Cook evolutionary biologist of hair at Penn State University
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters. This time they’re looking at the myths surrounding crystals. For hundreds of years, people have believed that these rocks are special and have powers. But is there any proof? Join Marc, Sanden and Mystery Moose as they dig into the lore and science of crystals.
Guest: Marisa Galvez, professor of French and Italian at Stanford University
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
Oh boy, oh boy! Are you ready to do some guessing?!? We have doozies to detect. There are clues to calculate. And so, so many goodies to get into. We hope your ears are warmed up, because it’s time for the… Mystery Sound Extravaganza!
Have a good Mystery Sound for us? Send it in! Go to brainson.org/contact and submit it. Don’t forget to record an answer too.
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
Pinky toes may seem small, but they’re kind of a big deal. Join Molly and co-host Luna Mae as they learn about why we have these tiny toes and what would happen if we didn’t have them. Plus, we talk about animals with two, three, or six toes! Plus, a Mystery Sound that’ll get your ears working overtime.
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
When you hear a good beat, it can be hard not to tap your toe or bob your head. Why is this? It turns out, we may be hardwired to start dancing when we hear certain rhythms. Join Molly and co-host Adriel as they explore how the brain turns sounds into dance moves. Plus, we’ll talk to a real DJ about making beats that get people moving. And a sound that might be tough to dance to: the Mystery Sound.
Guests:
Julia Basso, assistant professor at Virginia Tech
Constantina Theofanopoulou, assistant professor at Rockefeller University
Sophia Eris, Musician and International DJ
Click here for a transcript.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
Black holes happen when you have a super huge, mega-giant amount of stuff --- crammed into a super-tiny, infinitely-small amount of space. AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL! In this episode, we learn all about what black holes are and how we found out they were real. We talk to a black hole hunter who has discovered supermassive black holes. And we find out what a wormhole is and why it might really, be really, really hard to ever find one -- or travel through it.
Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up.
Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events.
9/19 Minneapolis, MN*9/26 Charlotte, NC10/11 Dallas, TX*10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)11/7 Norfolk, VA12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows)1/31 Princeton, NJ*Smash Boom Best show
There’s a bunch of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to do their body thing. Our bodies don’t make them, so we get them through food – except for vitamin D! We can get vitamin D from the UV rays from the sun, but the UV rays from the sun can also do damage. Listen to this episode to find out why you have to wear sunscreen, how we’re able to get vitamin D, and how we discovered vitamins in the first place!
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more.
Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.9/19 Minneapolis, MN*
We are super-excited to let you know that our pals at Forever Ago just started a brand new season. Host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo, will dive into all sorts of cool history including trick or treating, the Wizard of Oz and pizza, just to name a few. The season kicks off with an episode all about how Pokemon was invented. It’s so cool that we want to share it with you right now. And if your a Hoax head, the Hoax Hunters have a bonus Pokemon episode in our Smarty Pass feed. It’s almost too good to be true. But guess what: it is! Until then, enjoy the episode!
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.
Plants are pretty chill things, maybe because they are farting all the time! In this episode we explore the world of plant gas. Join Molly and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn how plants pass gas and why it’s important to know how much tooting trees and bushes do. Plus, a stink-free Mystery Sound!
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more.
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness.
We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things.
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more.
Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.
Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your walkie talkie lingo in a special game show. And, we get a visit from our favorite dancing CEO,Gungador, who needs Molly and co-host Sebastian's help while he attends a meeting with the Brains On Dog Advisory Council. All that plus, a brand new mystery sound. Over and out!
Brains On is powered by YOU. We are an independent podcast that depends on listener subscriptions and donations to make our shows. If you're interested in helping, join Smarty Pass. As a thank you, we'll give you access to ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and so much more. Heat to smartypass.org to find out more.
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. Unexplained? Very. Join the Hoax bros as they explore this event and learn how it inspired artists, musicians, even the tourist board of Fresno, to embrace the weird stuff around us.
Want to support more hoax hunting missions? Join Smarty Pass! That's where you can get ad-free episodes of all the Brains On Universe shows, plus special bonus content, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and more! Go to smartypass.org to sign up. Thanks!
Our brains are amazing machines, but they are also very delicate. We have to wear helmets when we bike, skate, or do other activities where we might bang our skulls. Why is the brain so sensitive? Turns out, it’s a soft blob a lot like tofu, but that softness lets it do some pretty important things. Join Molly and co-host Penny as they learn about our wonderful, squishy brains. Plus, Dwayne the Brain joins us and we’ve got a brand new Mystery Sound.
Brains On is an independent podcast, which means we rely on listener support to make all our shows. You can help by joining Smarty Pass, where you'll get ad-free episodes, bonus content, online hangouts, discounts on merch and more! SmartyPass.org
Pearls are shiny little things that look great on a bracelet or necklace. They’re made by shell-dwelling creatures called oysters, but how? Dive in as Molly and co-host Katherine explore the underwater world of oysters and other mollusks. They’ll talk with researcher Priya Shukla and producer Menaka Wilhelm to learn how these squishy creatures make pretty pearls. Plus, a game show and a Mystery Sound!
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
In this episode, we're tackling all the mosquito questions that have been bugging our listeners. Why do they bite? Why do the bites itch? Is scratching them a good idea? Why do some people seem to be more delicious to mosquitoes? How can we keep them away from us? And are mosquitoes good for the world? The Hoax Hunters also make another hoax-tastic appearance.
*Note: if you had a problem with jumbled voices talking over each other, that has been fixed. Just re-download the file or refresh the feed. Appologies - I was trying to shoo away a mosquito.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes, hangouts, discounts and more!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!
We use lightbulbs everyday, but how often do we stop to think about how they work? These genius little inventions are packed with cool science. Molly and co-host Maya will explain how they work step by step. Plus we’ll hear your suggestions for what to shout when you have a bright idea. Oh, and a new Mystery Sound to light up your life. Enjoy!
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!
This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). Then, we take a look at how crystals form and get their cool colors. Plus, Marc and Sanden hunt down a hoax about Mesoamerican crystal skulls.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!
We will be back next week with a new episode! This week we have an episode from our sister show Smash Boom Best: Slime vs Slinkies!Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, wonderous slinky? Both are fun, one will triumph! Smooshing the competition for Team Slime, it’s RadioLab host Latif Nasser. And stretching toward victory for Team Slinky, it’s podcast producer Hans Buetow. Listen to see which terrific toy takes the top prize. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite at smashboom.org.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
As Brains On fast approaches 400 episodes, we wanted to re-visit this one. Not only is it our milestone episode 100, but our pal Gungador goes from Most Epic Fighting Battle Realm to a much more challenging setting: high school. We ask why people seem to love the number 100 so much. We also learn some amazing tricks involving the number 100 and fan favorite. There's a super-cool Mystery Sound too, so keep those ears open!
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we looked at skin, sweat and hair.
Want to learn more about growing? Check out this Brains On episode: Why do our bodies take so long to grow?
In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive deeper into each topic. And answer your questions, with help from super smart experts.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
Today we’re sharing with you part of an episode from our new special series, Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (the podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
This is an excerpt covering stuff that any one of any age might be interested in. Last week, we answered: what’s puberty anyway?
In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive deeper into each topic. And answer your questions, with help from super smart experts.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
We’re making a special eight episode show called Brains On Universe Presents Puberty (The Podcast). You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Over the next few weeks we’re going to play some excerpts from the series for you here.
These samples cover stuff like how hormones help us grow, how they change our skin - think zits – and how they affect our moods. We picked topics that should be appropriate for everyone interested in how bodies grow.
In the Puberty podcast feed, we’ll dive deeper into each topic. And answer your questions, with help from super smart experts.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
If you were on a merry-go-round that was spinning super fast, you’d feel it. But the Earth is always spinning and we don’t feel a thing. Why is that? Join Molly and Reean as they explore the science of spin. Plus we find out how liquid sloshing around in our ears can make us feel dizzy. And speaking of ears, get yours ready for an all new Mystery Sound.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
May 9 - Liberty Hall, Kansas City, KS
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
We're making a new limited series to tackle a topic that lots of our listeners are curious about. Puberty!
It’s a lot. There are the awkward conversations and the questions we’re too nervous to ask and the sometimes uncomfortable experience of living in a body that’s changing fast (and publicly!).
This podcast is here to help. Hosted by Molly Bloom, of the award-winning science podcast Brains On, and co-hosted by high schoolers who've just been through it, Puberty! (The podcast) is for everybody — and every body.
Designed for kids 7-12, the show will cover everything from brain chemicals to consent, in a straight-forward and digestible package. This is a safe space for young people to understand their bodies and their brains, and it’s a resource for parents to tackle otherwise difficult topics.
Experts, including Dr. Cara Natterson (Less Awkward), Chris Pepper (Talk to Your Boys), Nora Gelperin (Advocates for Youth), and Erin Walsh (Spark & Stitch Institute), provide science-filled explanations and answer listener questions.
Search for Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty! (The podcast) wherever you listen!
We wash our hands all the time, but do you ever wonder why? It turns out that soap is super good at attaching to dirt and germs and carrying that gunk off skin. Join Molly and co-hosts Hope and Heaven as they zoom in on soap to see how this sudsy stuff cleans so well. Plus we’ll learn how soap was likely invented and meet some pioneers who helped prove that washing hands keeps us healthy. Oh, and everyone’s favorite viral podcasters, Kara and Gilly, are back! Plus a new Mystery Sound.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
Humans have visited the moon but we’ve never lived there. Could we build a home on our lunar neighbor? Join Molly and co-host Ira as they find out why the moon can be a dangerous place, and what it would take to live there. We’ll imagine a visit to a lunar hotel, hear about all the stuff humans have left up there and even hear a song sung by the Moon herself!
Featured Expert: Phil Plait, astronomer, journalist and author of several books, including, Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Universe, which uses science and imagination to paint a picture of what it would be like to vacation on the moon.Resources:Learn more about NASA’s Artemis program which aims to bring humans back to the moon.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)
April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, OR
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
Sports and science go hand in hand, especially when it comes to softball and baseball. Join Molly and co-host Caris as they answer more of your questions about these two ballgames. Like why are bats measured in ounces? Or why do some players wear black paint under their eyes? Plus, we’ll hear more of your chants and guess an all new Mystery Sound.
Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon!
April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!)
April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, OR
May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY
May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!)
Baseball and softball are both a feat of physics, from the curve of a pitch to the swing of a bat. Today, we’re exploring the science of these popular pastimes. Join Molly and co-host Kian as they learn about curve balls and the stuff inside a ball. Plus, our listeners share their chants for Team Science! Oh, and what’s that noise? It’s a brand new mystery sound. Play ball! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon! April 11 - Walker Theater, Chattanooga, TN April 12 - Carolina Theater, Durham, NC April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA (2nd show added!) April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, OR May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON (2nd show added!) Click here for an episode transcript See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
