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So you want to be a…

So You Want to Be a… is a podcast where curious kids Max and Calvin interview real-life professionals to uncover what it’s like to do their jobs. From doctors to designers, each episode dives into the world of work to inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers.

Oct 05 2026 | 00:06:41

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the explosive world of explosives engineering! They discover how engineers use carefully controlled blasts in mining, quarrying, tunneling, construction, and demolition. They also travel through the history of explosives, from ancient gunpowder to nitroglycerin and Alfred Nobel’s invention of dynamite. Plus, they learn how engineers can control where explosive energy goes, how gravitational potential energy helps bring down buildings, and explore some incredible record-breaking demolitions. It turns out explosives engineering isn’t about making the biggest explosion—it’s about making an explosion do exactly what you planned!



Sep 28 2026 | 00:07:45

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore what it’s really like to be an eye doctor! They learn how eye doctors examine your eyes, figure out why some people need glasses, and use special tools to look all the way to the retina and optic nerve. Plus, they uncover some unbelievable true stories, including a contact lens stuck inside an eyelid for 28 years, a piece of wood that stayed in someone’s eye for 15 years, and an eye surgeon who performed more than 600,000 eye operations during his career. From eye exams and dilating drops to some truly strange discoveries, there’s a lot more to your eyes than you might think!


Sep 21 2026 | 00:08:05

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin discover what it’s really like to be a lawyer! They learn what lawyers actually do, how courtroom trials work, why lawyers make objections, and what really happens before a case ever reaches a jury. Plus, they explore some unbelievably strange real court cases, including the time the Supreme Court had to decide whether a tomato was a fruit or a vegetable and the man who took Pepsi to court over a fighter jet. It turns out the law can get a lot weirder than you might expect!

Sep 14 2026 | 00:07:55

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore what it’s really like to be a dairy farmer! They learn how farmers care for cows and newborn calves, how modern milking works, and how milk travels from the farm all the way to the grocery store. Plus, they discover why colostrum is so important for newborn calves, how cows can wear their own “Fitbits,” and how some farms even use robots to milk cows! From cow nutrition and digestion to preventing problems like mastitis and milk fever, there’s a lot more science, technology, and animal care behind dairy farming than you might think.

Sep 07 2026 | 00:10:59

robotics engineering! They discover how robots sense what’s around them, how engineers make them move, and why building a robot takes lots of testing and problem-solving. Plus, they uncover some incredible robotics facts, including a robot that solved a Rubik’s Cube in 0.305 seconds, robots competing in RoboCup soccer, and tiny experimental machines made from living cells. From motors and sensors to AI and robots unlike anything we’ve seen before, robotics engineering is helping build the machines of the future!

Aug 31 2026 | 00:06:02

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin discover what it’s really like to be a physical therapist! They learn how physical therapists help people work toward their own movement goals, how exercise can help the body and brain adapt, and why every person’s progress can look different. Plus, they uncover some amazing facts about astronauts returning from space, neuroplasticity, and robotic exoskeletons used in rehabilitation. It turns out physical therapy involves a lot more science, technology, and problem-solving than you might think!

Aug 24 2026 | 00:07:37

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dive into the surprisingly fascinating world of plumbing! 🚰🔧 They discover how water travels through our homes, why that weird curved pipe under your sink is actually really important, and where everything goes after you flush the toilet. Plus, they uncover crazy plumbing facts about, tree roots growing into sewer pipes,ancient plumbing pipes  , and how plumbers use plumbing robots to solve problems hidden underground. It turns out there’s a lot more science and problem-solving behind our pipes than you might think!


Aug 17 2026 | 00:07:58

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin take to the skies to discover what it’s really like to be a pilot! They learn what pilots do before, during, and after a flight, how autopilot actually works, and how pilots train for emergencies. Plus, they uncover incredible facts about a passenger jet that lost all four engines and mysterious ball lightning. And a special thanks to Will for suggesting this week’s episode!

Aug 10 2026 | 00:10:07

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dive into the incredible world of genetics! 🧬 They learn what DNA and genes actually are, discover how scientists can edit DNA with CRISPR, find out why researchers make animals glow, and explore DNA recovered from woolly mammoths. They even answer the ultimate genetics question: Could scientists really make Jurassic Park? Along the way, they discover how geneticists are learning to read—and even change—the instructions of life.

Aug 03 2026 | 00:06:39

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…!, Max and Calvin take to the skies to learn what it’s really like to be an air traffic controller. They discover how controllers keep airplanes safely separated, hear unbelievable true stories about real aviation emergencies, and find out why clear communication and quick thinking help make flying one of the safest ways to travel. Whether it’s guiding a passenger through landing an airplane or helping pilots during an emergency, you’ll see why this is one of the most important jobs in the world.

Jul 27 2026 | 00:08:14

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…!, Max and Calvin discover what it’s like to be a wildlife conservationist. Learn how these scientists protect endangered animals, restore habitats, and use incredible tools like GPS turtle eggs, helicopters, and even airplanes to help wildlife survive. Along the way, you’ll hear amazing true facts, discover how ecosystems work, and find out what it takes to turn a love of animals into an exciting career.


Jul 20 2026 | 00:04:08

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin step into the fiery world of glassblowing! They discover how artists transform glowing molten glass into beautiful works of art, learn why glass isn’t quite like other solids, and uncover amazing facts about colorful glass, nearly unbreakable glass drops, and even how glass helps carry the internet around the world. Along the way, they find out that being a glassblower is the perfect mix of art, science, and creativity—and that shaping molten glass takes incredible skill and patience


Jul 13 2026 | 00:05:55

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dive beneath the waves to explore the exciting world of marine archaeology. They discover how scientists use sonar and underwater robots to search for lost shipwrecks, uncover the incredible 2,000-year-old Antikythera Mechanism, learn how ancient food survived inside clay jars, and find out why the Titanic is still teaching us new things today. Along the way, they learn that the greatest treasure isn’t gold—it’s the stories hidden beneath the ocean.


Jul 06 2026 | 00:05:41

In this special Fourth of July episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin discover what it was really like to help build the United States. They uncover surprising true stories about the Founding Fathers—including why the Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on July 4th, why George Washington turned down the chance to become king, and other incredible moments that sound almost too amazing to be true. Along the way, they learn that courage, teamwork, and great ideas helped shape a brand-new nation. 


Jun 29 2026 | 00:03:59

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dig into the fascinating world of geology. They discover how mountains are still growing, why diamonds and pencil lead start out as the same material, and how rocks can tell the story of our planet’s past. Along the way, they learn what it’s really like to be a geologist and how these scientists help us understand the amazing world beneath our feet. 


In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dig into the fascinating world of geology. They discover how mountains are still growing, why diamonds and pencil lead start out as the same material, and how rocks can tell the story of our planet’s past. Along the way, they learn what it’s really like to be a geologist and how these scientists help us understand the amazing world beneath our feet. 

Jun 22 2026 | 00:04:49

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dive into the fascinating world of marine biology. They explore what it’s like to study life in the ocean, from 400-year-old sharks and giant blue whales to glowing fish and the real-life creatures that may have inspired the legend of the Kraken. Along the way, they learn how marine biologists help us understand and protect one of the most mysterious places on Earth—the ocean.


Jun 15 2026 | 00:05:26

With the World Cup underway, Max and Calvin explore what it’s really like to be a professional soccer player. They talk about the difference between soccer and football, what life is like for players who compete at the highest level, and some surprising facts about training, travel, and playing around the world. Along the way, they discover that becoming a professional athlete takes much more than just talent—it takes years of hard work, dedication, and a love for the game. 


Jun 08 2026 | 00:05:44

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the fascinating world of speleology, the study of caves. They learn how caves form, what it’s like to explore places few people have ever seen, and discover incredible facts about underground rivers, giant cave systems, and even a cave with its own weather. Along the way, they explore what it takes to become a speleologist and why there are still hidden places on Earth waiting to be discovered. 

Jun 01 2026 | 00:04:17

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the exciting world of herpetology. They talk about reptiles, amphibians, giant crocodiles, freezing frogs, and what it takes to become a scientist who studies some of the coolest animals on Earth.



May 25 2026 | 00:04:40

In Part 3 of this special entrepreneurship series, Max and Calvin explore what it’s REALLY like to be an entrepreneur. They talk about the exciting parts of building a business, the difficult challenges entrepreneurs face, and why persistence matters so much. Along the way, they share inspiring stories about famous entrepreneurs who failed, kept going, and eventually changed the world.


May 18 2026 | 00:03:35

In Part 2 of this special entrepreneurship series, Max and Calvin explore how entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. They share surprising stories about famous companies like Apple, YouTube, and Netflix, and talk about the crazy ideas that started them all.

May 11 2026 | 00:03:54

In Part 1 of this special three-part entrepreneurship series, Max and Calvin explore what an entrepreneur actually is. They talk about how businesses get started, how kids can be entrepreneurs too, and how some of the biggest companies in the world started with one simple idea.


May 04 2026 | 00:03:21

In a galaxy not so far, far away, Max and Calvin dive into the world of Star Wars and explore what it would be like to be a Jedi. They talk about the Force, lightsabers, and what makes Jedi such legendary protectors of the galaxy.


Apr 27 2026 | 00:03:30

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the exciting world of archaeology. They talk about how archaeologists dig up ancient artifacts, discover lost cities, and uncover clues about how people lived thousands of years ago. Along the way, they share amazing real discoveries like buried cities, hidden treasure, and ancient cave drawings.


Apr 20 2026 | 00:03:11

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin dive into the incredible world of neuroscience. They explain how your brain sends messages, controls your body, and helps you think, learn, and remember. Plus, they share some mind-blowing facts about how fast your brain works and what makes it so powerful.


Apr 13 2026 | 00:03:13

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the fun world of voice acting. They talk about how voice actors bring characters to life using only their voices in cartoons, movies, and video games. Along the way, they share surprising facts about how voices are created and what it takes to become a voice actor.


Apr 06 2026 | 00:02:25

Ever wonder who gives dogs their haircuts? In this episode, Max and Calvin explore the job of a dog groomer, sharing fun dog facts and what it takes to keep our furry friends clean and fluffy.

Mar 30 2026 | 00:04:54

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the tiny world of microbiology. They talk about scientists who study bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic life, and how these tiny organisms can have a huge impact on our world. Along the way, they share some mind-blowing facts and even connect it to a favorite book where the main character is a microbiologist.


Mar 24 2026 | 00:03:44

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore the exciting world of Search and Rescue. They talk about the teams who help find hikers, climbers, and campers who are lost or injured in the outdoors. Along the way they share amazing real rescue stories, incredible search dogs, and what it takes to become part of a Search and Rescue team.

Mar 16 2026 | 00:02:56

In this episode of So You Want to Be a…, Max and Calvin explore what it’s like to be a school principal. They talk about how principals lead schools, help teachers and students, and make big decisions that keep everything running smoothly. They also share some surprising facts about the job and what it takes to become a principal.