A Common Sense Selection! Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Visit www.tumblepodcast.com for educational content.
In this mailbag episode, astronomer Karen Masters joins Marshall and Lindsay to answer a listener's question: what happens when Andromeda crashes into the Milky Way? Plus, we're launching a brand-new segment: The Kid Quiz!
Find Tumble Cards on Yoto here.
To get an invite to the next Tumble meetup, as well as receive birthday shout outs and ad free versions of the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support us!
For Tumble t-shirts, visit our store on Dashery: tumblepodcast.dashery.com
And don't forget to keep checking our blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com for NGSS alignment, activities, and more!
How did Earth get its magnetic field? And why does it move around? Our listeners have questions about one of Earth’s most mysterious forces. To find out, we go on an archeological expedition in the Middle East, with pioneering paleomagnetist Lisa Tauxe. Lisa has spent decades “hunting” the magnetic field through time, to understand what ancient artifacts can tell us about how the magnetic field has changed. Did you know, magnetic north doesn’t stay in one place – and sometimes it flips? If you feel yourself pulled into this mystery, hit play on this episode!
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
In this mailbag episode, Marshall and Lindsay tackle two listener questions — whether space wormholes are real, and what a fly wing and a carrot could possibly have in common under a microscope. Plus, listener reviews and comments from China!
To get an invite to the next Tumble meetup, as well as receive birthday shout outs and ad free versions of the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support us!
For Tumble t-shirts, visit our store on Dashery: tumblepodcast.dashery.com
And don't forget to keep checking our blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com for NGSS alignment, activities, and more!
Why did T. Rex have such tiny arms? That’s what our listener Nora wants to know. We’re going to find out why the biggest, most powerful predator to ever walk the Earth did it with a teeny tiny set of arms.
Scientists have been coming up with answers for this question for decades — but science is never settled. Paleontologist Elizabeth Steell has walked into the debate with a stunning theory involving giant heads, evolutionary tradeoffs, and some serious math. Will it convince you? Listen and find out!
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
In this final mailbag episode of Summer 2026, Marshall and Lindsay address two listener questions, and learn about a surprising twist of evolution. Plus, listener reviews and comments!
To get an invite to the next Tumble meetup, as well as receive birthday shout outs and ad free versions of the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support us!
For Tumble t-shirts, visit our store on Dashery: tumblepodcast.dashery.com
And don't forget to keep checking our blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com for NGSS alignment, activities, and more!
Why do T. Rexes have tiny arms? Can dogs actually talk? Do we remember dreams or nightmares more?
Season 12 of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids drops September 11th — and we're bringing kids' wildest science questions to REAL scientists for the REAL stories behind discovery (plus the jokes and sound design you know we can't resist).
Almost 200 episodes in, and we're just getting started. 🚀
🎧 Want it early + ad-free? Pledge $1+ at patreon.com/tumblepodcast 🌐 More at sciencepodcastforkids.com
This is a rebroadcast of a favorite episode of Tumble from season 6.
What’s your favorite food? Why does it taste so good? It turns out, what we think is tasty isn’t just a matter of opinion. It’s science! Ecologist and science writer Rob Dunn takes us on a journey back in time, before kitchens, cooking, and even farming! We find out how our ancestors’ tastes shaped our own cravings - and how our experiences lead us to pick our favorites.
Curious to learn more about the science of taste? Listen to our bonus interview episode with Rob Dunn on Patreon! Available for Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/ level or higher! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources to learn more about taste and our ancient ancestors on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
In this special summer mailbag episode, Marshall and Lindsay help answer three kid questions:
How do stem cells decide what to become?
How do chameleons change color? and...
What is Morse code?
This special episode features answers from Jessica Whited, Michel Milinkovich, and Mick Sullivan, from The Past and the Curious! As well as a roundup of listener reviews, and more!
For more information about Tumble, go visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com. To send us a question and get it answered on our show, go to https://tumble.science/Question.
Also support us on Patreon! patreon.com/tumblepodcast
How do cheetahs get their super speed? We talk to a cheetah scientist to find out why a spotted cat is the fastest animal on Earth. Cheetahs are literally built for speed! Anne Hilborn spent months scoping out cheetahs on the hunt in the grasslands of the Serengeti. We’ll discover how cheetahs’ incredible speed is linked to their survival - and what they do when being fast isn’t enough.
On our special bonus interview episode - available to our Patreon supporters - Anne shares the amazing story of how being photographed while dropping cheetah poop on herself became both her most embarrassing and her proudest moment. Photos on the blog!
Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Only $1/month gets you double the Tumble, and $5/month comes with a shoutout on the show, a birthday greeting, and opportunities to be on the show!
Want to learn more about cheetah science, and reputable conservation organizations? Check out our blog at
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from last season, and one that is particularly timely for the summer!
What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that’s found nearly everywhere… but you’d never heard of it! That’s what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he’s been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community!
Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles
If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed!
T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.
What would happen if the Moon disappeared? How big is the universe, really? And what happens to atoms inside a black hole? Marshall and Lindsay get the answers to some cosmic questions in this special mailbag episode!
If you want to have your comment or review read on our show, leave one! Write a review on Apple Podcasts or comment on Spotify.
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 10!
Ever wondered how dinosaurs left their footprints behind millions of years ago? We embark on a prehistoric adventure with renowned paleontologist Paul Olsen! Discover the secrets behind dinosaur tracks and how these ancient prints can tell us incredible stories about the lives of dinosaurs. From the science of fossilization to what these footprints reveal about dinosaur behavior and habitats, Paul Olsen will guide us through the fascinating world of these mysteries left in stone - and share how he discovered thousands of dino tracks when he was just a kid.
Join us on a Dino Map Adventure at nepm.org/dinomap! We’ve created a free audio tour to explore the science and history of dinosaur tracks in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Lindsay and Marshall will guide you through the place where dinosaur footprints were first discovered - and put you on the path to becoming dino track explorers! Dinosaur Adventures in the Pioneer Valley are supported by The Bement School, The Center School, and HCS Headstart.
If you like this episode, consider supporting Tumble on Patreon by going to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get ad-free episodes for just $1 a month!
You asked, we answered! In this mailbag episode, we're tackling three big kid questions: why does the ground keep spinning after you stop? Do magnets work in space? And could a peacock and a platypus ever be BFFs? We get answers from real experts, as well as reading your reviews and comments!
Also, the Joke-ha-thon is coming up on June 3rd! Go here to donate and pick your champion, and also win some amazing, amazing prizes for yourself and your school.
If you want to have your comment or review read on our show, leave one! Write a review on Apple Podcasts or comment on Spotify.
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from the past!
It’s a scientific controversy of planetary proportions! Is Pluto a planet, or not? You decide, after we present two sides of an epic astronomy argument. Back in 2006, the International Astronomer’s Union voted on a definition of the word “planet” that excluded Pluto and other newly dubbed “dwarf planets” from planethood status. Astronomers - and everybody else - quickly chose sides. We dive deep into the debate and learn that Pluto’s not the only Space Object Formerly Known As A Planet. Then we’ll ask you to weigh in with your opinion, and see if you can find “consensus” on what should be called a planet. Featuring planetary astronomer Kirby Runyon. We have a present for your birthday!! We’ll be doing birthday shoutouts for our Patreon members, beginning next month. Want to hear a message on the podcast just for your special day? Pledge at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll be helping us make the show, and we also have extra audio goodies for you. Hear more from our interviews with scientists! For this episode, Kirby Runyon expands on the different types of planets, and the fascinating features you can find on each one. There’s more about planets, on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to Tumble and tell your friends!
See the new "Eight Planets in the Solar System" video here.
Both ants and bees work hard. So which one works harder? That’s what our listener Hadi wants to know! So we’re pitting insect against insect in a battle of industriousness. Ants or bees: Who will win?! Tune in as we attempt to crown the Hardest Working Insect!
To help, we’ve recruited Dr. Sammy Ramsey, an entomologist, National Geographic Explorer, and host and producer of the Disney+ documentary, “Secrets of the Bees.” In a series of very competitive rounds, Dr. Sammy shares the research to stack up the habits of ants and bees. Plus, Tumble Patreon members weigh in with who THEY think should win!
When you’re done listening, tell us if you agree with the results! Write a review on Apple Podcasts or comment on Spotify.
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
A special “tickle attack” Mailbag edition of Tumble! We’re tackling your questions about whether animals can be tickled, and why we laugh when we’re tickled. David Leavens, a professor of psychology, helps us break down the not-so-silly science of tickling. Plus, a brand NEW SONG from Marshall based on a listener request!
Want to be on a future mailbag episode? With an adult, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify, or email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com!
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Do trees think? That’s what our listener Alden wants to know. He has an idea that scientists might study mushroom roots to find out if trees are sending messages. Is that true? And if so, what do trees have to say?!We travel deep into the forest with a young soil scientist named Natalia Mondi from the Mother Tree Project, to find out how and why trees communicate through the ecosystem. Along the way, we’ll discover what trees are asking for, how their “forest buds” help them out, and how Natalia is using this knowledge to restore a forest in Canada, guided by the Kwiakah Nation.
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
What is dark matter? Why do scientists think it exists? How are they searching for it, and why are they doing it in an underground lab?! Join us on the search for dark matter with Alvaro Chavarria, a physicist running a dark matter detector underneath a mountain in the French Alps. We’ll take you inside the lab to visit the detector, and find out why everything we think we know about dark matter… could be wrong.
For more, visit our website!
Our question comes from Jeronimo, a Tumble en Español listener! To listen to Tumble en Español, use this link to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1521514886
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Who invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? And how did it become one of the most famous lunches in America?
In this episode, a question from listener Leila sends us on a trip through history to find out how peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread came together to make the classic PB&J. Along the way, we learn about the first written recipe for the sandwich in 1901, how peanut butter went from a fancy food to a lunchbox staple, and why sliced bread changed everything.
To help answer Leila’s question, we turned to our buddy Mick Sullivan, host of the history podcast The Past and the Curious. Mick loved the question so much that he made a whole episode about it—and today we’re sharing it with you.
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Why do humans usually have five fingers on each hand? And what if one day, we could grow a new finger if we lost one?
In this episode, a question from six-year-old listener Ayla sends us on a journey from tiny developing embryos to one of the most amazing animals on Earth: the axolotl.
We talk with Dr. Jessica Whited, a Harvard-based biologist who studies how axolotls regrow their limbs - and why humans can’t do the same… for now! Along the way, we discover how our hands develop before we’re born, why evolution settled on five fingers, and axolotls might show us the way to regrow our own limbs.
Plus: why axolotls have to live in separate tanks (hint: they’re a little too snack-happy).
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
In this episode, we talk to two scientists who study animal friendships, in different animals, and in different ways. We’ll hear from Karen Bales, who studies titi monkeys (AKA “fuzzy little guys”) and Annaliese Beery, who studies voles (AKA “the cutest rodents”). Get ready to discover how animal friends play and cuddle - and what they can teach us about our own friendships.
This episode was produced thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Good Science Center. Check out their website for all kinds of awesome quizzes, information, and more!
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
How did Earth get created? What did our planet begin as? Why does our world exist? What started our planet? These questions take us back billions of years to learn how Earth formed in the very beginning - and then, we’ll look to a group of mysterious asteroids that might reveal how Earth became the planet it is today.
With planetary scientist Bill Bottke, we’ll hear the incredible story of Earth’s earliest days in cinematic style. And get ready for a journey to Jupiter, where a NASA mission you probably haven’t heard of is heading, in hopes of revealing mysteries hidden in the Trojan asteroids. What could they reveal about why our planet came to host life? Listen to find out!
Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 9!
Do fungi breathe? That’s what listener Alice wants to know - and we’ll find out in our punniest episode yet! We visit the Fungarium - the largest and oldest collection of fungi in the world with curator Lee Davies, who describes himself as a “librarian” of mushrooms. We’ll explore how fungi live and die, and why there’s so many species left to discover. Watch out for the zombie fungi! And beware, Lindsay and Marshall don’t hold back on the “fun guy” puns!
To support Tumble on Patreon, visit patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Our merch store is at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.
Go here to get more details about Tumble's appearance at Lincoln Center this February 7th at 11 am! It's totally free to the public!
This is a re-broadcast of a favorite episode from 2019. We actually won our first AAAS Kavli Award for this episode, along with The Cave of the Underground Astronauts. Check it out!
Why do seals have whiskers? Listener Karah’s question dives into the wonderful world of whisker science. Robyn Grant, a self-described “whisker biologist” shares her discoveries of how whiskers work, from training a friendly seal named Moe to making slow-mo movies of super speedy “whisking.” (You will find no cuter field of research… but if you do, tell us about it!) Listen to learn about humans’ hidden whisker muscles and find out to rank whiskers like the pros!
Want to learn more about whisker science? We have more from our interview with Robyn on our Patreon podcast feed! Subscribe for $1/month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You can also tune in on the Castbox podcast app by tuning into our Premium Channel.
Find more whiskery educational resources on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
If you want a t-shirt from our merch store, go check it out at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.
We’re wrapping up 2025 with a final Mailbag episode, featuring some of our longest-running Patrons! Did you know, when you sign up to support Tumble on Patreon, you’ll get a personalized message from Marshall? And if you’ve been supporting us for years, we might just call you up to chat! We’ll meet our mysterious patron, MiloSloth and his family, and learn why they love to support the show.
Plus, why is the English language so weird? Who made PB & J a combo? And do all cats hate getting wet? We have the answers.
If you want to join Milo and support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge at whatever level you want! $1 or more gets you ad-free versions of the show, and $5 and up gets you a birthday shout out! Also don't forget about gift subscriptions, which make great last-minute holiday gifts!
Want Tumble merch? Just go to tumblepodcast.dashery.com for t-shirts, mugs, hats, tote bags, and so much more.
How do people learn — and how can a video game help us find out? In this episode, we meet cognitive scientist Charley Wu, who built the ultimate science “mod” in Minecraft! Journey into a video game world of science to discover how and why Charley used one of the world’s most popular games to follow his curiosity about how humans learn. Featuring a “braintrust” of kid Minecraft experts to explain the game to Lindsay and Marshall, and a song inspired by The Minecraft Movie.
You can learn more about Charlie, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.
Try finding awesome shirts and other stuff on our merch store: tumblepodcast.dashery.com
Why do we have snot? Do animals get stuffy noses, too? We delve into the world of thick secretions with the help of Dani Rabiaotti, zoologist and author of “Believe it or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earth’s Slimy Creatures.” You’ll find out why we make so much mucus, and meet the slimiest animals on the planet. Plus, you’ll discover why scientists study slime, even though it’s super gross.
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 5, inspired by a question we recently got from our listener Harrison, who wondered why snot exists. Hopefully this answers the question for him!
If you want to support Tumble with your holiday shopping, there are lots of ways to do it!
Our merch store can be found at Tumblepodcast.dashery.com
You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast, or give a gift subscription at Patreon.com/tumblepodcast/gift.
Or, click our affiliate link at bit.ly/tumblemel and get some awesome science kits while helping support the show!
What sounds do fish make? 🐟🎶 We know that cows say moo, and sheep say baa, but what do fish say? Come explore “Under the Sea” to discover the chorus of fish noises with help from fish ecologist Audrey Looby. We’ll find out how fish can be sneaky, loud, and even “slimy, grumpy cuties” (Audrey’s words) who go boop boop - and what they can tell us about life underwater. 🌊
You can learn more about Audrey, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.
Are ghosts real… or not? That’s what Lily wants to know. To find out, we talk to a real-life Ghostbuster and science historian Efram Sera-Shriar, who takes us on a journey back in time to when the world’s most famous scientists became ghost investigators: Sitting in on séances, inventing ghost-hunting devices, and exposing the tricks of “spirit photography.” Did you know, Thomas Edison made plans to create a phone to call ghosts? Learn all this and more when you join us on the trail of spooooky spirit science!
You can learn more about Efram, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.
Did dinosaurs sniff each other’s butts like dogs? That’s what listener Ernie wants to know! We’ll dig up the surprising dino discovery that leads to our answer with the help of one of the world’s foremost animal butt experts, Dr. Diane Kelly!
You can learn more about Diane, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com.
You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.
