The Bedtime Scientist

Josh Fleishman
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  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
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Ranked the #1 Educational Podcast for Kids globally, The Bedtime Scientist is the ultimate nightly routine for busy, anxious minds. I help kids (and adults!) drift off to sleep by exploring the wonders of the universe...from the bottom of the ocean to the edges of space. Designed to be low-stimulation and sensory-friendly, this show is the antidote to chaotic screen time. ✨ What makes us different: Real Science: No fairy tales, just the fascinating truth about our world. 100% Human: No AI, no robots, and no jarring sound effects. Pure Calm: Just one soothing voice guiding you into a peacef

  1. Sleep: The Nightly Tide | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    2 DAYS AGO

    Sleep: The Nightly Tide | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    Our Sleepiest Episode Yet... If your child doesn't want to go to sleep, let me explain why they must... Sleep does not start all at once. It begins quietly, in ways your body already understands. In this calming bedtime science episode, we explore the invisible, busy, and beautiful work your body does while you rest. From the gentle buildup of adenosine (sleep pressure) during the day to the brain’s nighttime work of cleaning, sorting memories, and preparing for dreams, this episode explains the science of falling asleep in a slow, soothing way. Tonight, listeners will learn about: The Hourglass: Why you feel "heavy" at night due to the buildup of sleep pressure. The Nightly Tide: How the glymphatic system washes the brain clean while you dream. The Library: How your brain moves memories from the temporary vault (hippocampus) to permanent storage (cortex). The Cycles: The natural rhythm of sleep, from light drifting to deep repair and dreams. Designed for kids, families, and adults, this episode blends real neuroscience with a peaceful rhythm that helps listeners relax and drift toward sleep without effort. It is perfect for bedtime listening, quiet evenings, and winding down after a long day. 🧪 Science Glossary for this Episode: Adenosine: The chemical signal that builds up while you are awake to tell your body it is time to rest. Sleep Spindles: Tiny bursts of brain activity that act like "shields," blocking out noise so you stay asleep. Circadian Rhythm: The internal clock that uses light to set your body's schedule. There is nothing to do.Nothing to solve.Sleep is already beginning. Connect with The Bedtime Scientist:For more episodes, full scripts, and our companion book series, visit bedtimescientist.com. Keywords:Bedtime stories for kids, neuroscience, sleep science, kids meditation, calming, STEM, biology, human body, routine, parenting, education, gentle parenting, drift off, insomnia relief

    13 min
  2. Artemis II: Journey to The Moon & Back | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    6 DAYS AGO

    Artemis II: Journey to The Moon & Back | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    Tonight, we lift our gaze way up.Join host Josh Fleishman for a quiet, awe-inspiring journey to the launchpad as we explore Artemis II—the historic NASA mission carrying humans back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.No loud sound effects. No fictional drama. Just the steady wonder of physics, engineering, and the human spirit. WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN:→ The Breathing Rocket: Why does the SLS look like it's puffing white clouds before launch? We explain cryogenic liquid hydrogen and oxygen, chilled to hundreds of degrees below zero.→ The Secret of the Orange Foam: Why is the SLS deep, burnt orange instead of white? We uncover the chemistry behind this color change and the engineering decision to leave it unpainted to save hundreds of pounds.→ The Lunar Slingshot: How do astronauts get home from the Moon when fuel is running low? We explain the "free-return trajectory"—where the Moon's gravity gently swings them back to Earth.→ Earthrise: We visualize seeing our blue planet float above the lunar horizon from 230,000 miles away—a view that changes how humans think about our shared home. WHY THE BEDTIME SCIENTIST WORKS:Most kids' podcasts use stories and excitement to engage. We believe the real world is fascinating enough. By delivering factual, non-fiction topics in a calm, low-register tone, we help children ground themselves in reality. This prepares busy minds for deep sleep—switching from active beta waves to relaxed alpha waves. PERFECT FOR:• Kids who ask "Why?" before bed• Young fans of NASA and space exploration• Parents seeking screen-free, calming bedtime routines• Classroom quiet time or sensory breaks• Children with anxiety or racing thoughts at bedtime• Neurodivergent kids who need predictable, structured audio content• Teachers using podcasts for STEM education and mindfulnessFEATURED:Mission: NASA's Artemis II (Launch: 2026)Crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy HansenConcepts: Gravity assists, atmospheric reentry, cryogenic fuel, free-return trajectory, lunar orbit, space physics ABOUT THE BEDTIME SCIENTIST:The Bedtime Scientist is a sleep-focused educational podcast that explains how the universe works to calm you down. Created for kids who love science but struggle with overstimulation, The Bedtime Scientist delivers real, fact-based science—not stories or fairy tales—in a voice designed for rest.From ocean exploration to lunar missions, we dive deep into how the world actually works. Every episode is carefully paced, sensory-friendly, and designed to help busy minds transition from active thinking to deep sleep. The show has reached #1 trending on Yoto Kids Audio Platform, #15 all-time, #1 in both education and bedtime categories, listened to across 77 countries by over 20,000+ weekly listeners. Parents consistently report: "My child falls asleep faster," "They ask better questions about science," "This is the best parenting tool we've found."Perfect for bedtime routines, classroom calm-down time, or anytime a child needs to ground themselves in wonder instead of worry. SUPPORT THE SHOW:If The Bedtime Scientist is essential to your nightly routine, please consider supporting us at BedtimeScientist.com. Your support keeps us ad-free and helps us create more episodes for families worldwide.---Keywords: kids podcast, bedtime stories for kids, science podcast for kids, space, NASA, Artemis II, Moon mission, SLS rocket, astronomy, STEM education, sleep aid for kids, anxiety relief children, educational podcast, non-fiction, physics, engineering, astronauts, calming podcast for sleep, sensory-friendly content, screen-free parenting, parenting tools, kids audio, educational content, space exploration, rocket launch, lunar landing, sleep routine, children's education

    13 min
  3. Sight: How the World Gets Inside Your Head (The 5 Senses: Part 2) | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    31 JAN

    Sight: How the World Gets Inside Your Head (The 5 Senses: Part 2) | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    Welcome to Part 2 of our deep dive series: The 5 Senses. In our last "Senses" episode, we floated down the "River of Flavor." Tonight, we turn our attention to something even faster, more constant, and incredibly complex: the speed of light. Have you ever wondered how the color of your blanket, the soft glow of a nightlight, or the shape of your room actually gets inside your brain? It starts with a journey that spans millions of miles and ends in the quiet, dark space behind your eyes. In this episode of The Bedtime Scientist, we explore the physics of light and the biology of the human eye. We trace the path of a single photon—from the moment it bounces off an object to the split second your brain turns it into a picture. What We Explore Tonight: The Speed of Sight: Light travels at 186,000 miles per second. We explain how these tiny packets of energy, called photons, are constantly reaching toward you, even in a dim room, waiting to be seen. Your Biological Camera: We break down the anatomy of the eye, starting with the pupil (the window) and the iris (the curtain). Discover how your iris automatically adjusts to keep light levels comfortable without you ever having to think about it. The Living Lens: Unlike a glass camera lens, your eye's lens is alive. It changes shape, curving and flattening to focus on things near and far. We explain "accommodation"—the process that lets you shift focus from a book in your hand to a star in the sky instantly. The Upside-Down World: Did you know your eyes actually see the world upside down? We reveal how the lens flips light and how your occipital lobe (the brain's visual center) instantly flips it right-side up again so the world makes sense. Rods and Cones: Meet the millions of tiny sensors on your retina. We explain the difference between cones (which handle color and bright light) and rods (which help you see shapes and movement in the dark). The Power of the Blink: Why blinking isn't just a reflex—it's a "gentle reset" that cleans, hydrates, and rests your eyes thousands of times a day. Why This MattersUnderstanding how we see helps us appreciate the complexity of our own bodies. By breaking down the mechanism of sight—from the optics of the cornea to the processing power of the brain—we turn a complex biological miracle into a calming, logical reality. This episode is designed to help kids and adults alike disconnect from the visual noise of the day and appreciate the darkness of sleep. About The Bedtime ScientistHosted by Josh Fleishman, The Bedtime Scientist is the number one educational sleep podcast for families. We don't do fairytales; we do hard science, delivered calmly. Whether it’s the geology of volcanoes, the chemistry of candy, or the physics of sight, we believe that understanding the world is the best way to relax in it. Perfect for curious kids, ADHD brains, and anyone who loves to learn while they drift off. Keywords: Human eye anatomy for kids, how vision works, rods and cones explained, physics of light, optics for kids, calm science podcast, sleep stories for science lovers, biology of sight, The 5 Senses series, Josh Fleishman, occipital lobe, sensory processing, educational sleep aid.

    10 min
  4. Capybaras: The Masters of Stillness | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    26 JAN

    Capybaras: The Masters of Stillness | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    In this episode of The Bedtime Scientist, we journey to the warm wetlands of South America to visit the ultimate master of relaxation: the Capybara. In a world that equates size with noise and power with force, the capybara teaches us a different lesson. As the world’s largest rodent—the size of a large dog—it dominates its environment not by roaring or rushing, but through the profound power of stillness. In this sleep story, you will discover: The Science of "The Drift": How capybaras act as amphibious wonders, using their unique biology to float nearly weightless in the river, and how you can visualize this sensation to release tension in your own muscles. The Safety of the Huddle: We explore the communal resting habits of these gentle giants, learning how they create warmth and safety through connection—a perfect metaphor for finding your own security before sleep. Nature’s Living Anchors: Why other animals (birds, turtles, and monkeys) are drawn to the capybara’s calm energy, and how you can adopt that same steady rhythm to quiet your racing mind. The Biology of Rest: A soothing look at how the nocturnal transition of the wetlands mirrors your body’s own circadian rhythm, guiding you from alertness to deep, restorative sleep. Why This Episode Helps You Sleep:This episode is designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and rest. By focusing on the slow, deliberate movements of the capybara and the ambient calm of the rainforest, we help lower your heart rate and shift your nervous system into a state of "rest and digest." It is perfect for adults struggling with insomnia, parents looking for a calming bedtime story for kids, or anyone who needs a mental vacation to a quiet, natural place. About The Bedtime Scientist:The Bedtime Scientist is a sleep podcast that blends real science education with relaxation techniques. We believe that the universe is a soothing place if you know how to look at it. Each episode explores a scientific concept—from astronomy and geology to biology and physics—framed in a way that is warm, fatherly, and designed to help you drift off. Whether you are a curious child or a tired adult, let the wonders of the cosmos carry you to sleep. Keywords & Themes:Capybara facts, South American wildlife, Pantanal wetlands, Amazon rainforest animals, sleep stories for adults and kids, nature documentary for sleep, mindfulness meditation, insomnia relief, calming voice, bedtime routine, biology and zoology, animal behavior, slow living, restorative rest, ASMR style storytelling, gentle science. Connect With Us:If this episode helped you find your place of rest, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs a little more quiet in their life.

    10 min
  5. Snowflakes: Winter's Quiet Blanket | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    24 JAN

    Snowflakes: Winter's Quiet Blanket | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    Have you ever caught a snowflake on your mitten and watched it vanish in the blink of an eye? Something that delicate, built with such intricate care, lives for only minutes—not hours. Tonight on The Bedtime Scientist, we slow down time to live that tiny life. We trace the journey of a single crystal from the moment it appears in the sub-zero clouds to the moment it lands to quiet the world. This isn't just a story about winter; it is a deep dive into the molecular physics that shape our world. In this episode, we explore: 1. The Miracle of DepositionMost of us learn that water freezes from liquid to solid. But high in the atmosphere, something else happens. We explain deposition—the process where water vapor jumps straight from invisible gas to solid crystal, skipping the liquid phase entirely. It is a moment of instant transformation, where a water molecule locks onto a dust grain and decides, without hesitation, exactly what it wants to be. 2. The Geometry of the HexagonWhy do snowflakes always have six sides? We break down the atomic "rules" of water. You’ll learn about hydrogen bonds—the "hands" water molecules use to hold onto each other. We visualize how oxygen and hydrogen atoms arrange themselves in a perfect 120-degree geometry, creating the hexagonal lattice structure that has defined ice for billions of years. 3. The "Sky Diary" & DendritesAs the snowflake falls, it keeps a diary. Every branch and flat plate is a record of the temperature and humidity it passed through. We discuss dendrites (tree-like branches) and the mystery of symmetry: how six separate arms, with no nervous system or blueprint, manage to grow in perfect synchronization, painting the exact same picture without ever seeing one another. 4. The Physics of Silence (The "Quiet Button")Have you ever noticed the heavy, peaceful silence that blankets the world after a snowstorm? That isn’t just a feeling; it’s physics. We explain how fresh snow, which is mostly air trapped in an ice lattice, acts like an acoustic sponge. We dive into how these tiny pockets absorb sound waves, acting as nature’s insulation to dampen the noise of the world. 5. The Warmth of IceFinally, we look at the paradox of snow: it is made of ice, yet it acts as a blanket. We explain how the trapped air within the snowpack prevents heat from escaping the soil, keeping seeds, roots, and small creatures safe and warm through the winter. A Note for the Listener:This episode touches on a quiet truth about us. Just like snowflakes, our lives are shaped by the "weather" we fall through. Maybe you’ve felt broken, lopsided, or imperfect. But in the physics of snow, every crystal—whether perfect or broken—lands. They all join the blanket. They all create the quiet. Key Vocabulary: Deposition: Phase transition from gas directly to solid. Nucleation: Freezing around a particle (like dust). Hydrogen Bonding: The attraction between water molecules. Dendrites: The branching structures of a snow crystal. Acoustic Attenuation: The absorption of sound energy. Support The Mission The Bedtime Scientist is about the calm, confident analysis of the world. It takes time, research, and expertise to turn complex data into a clear path toward sleep. If the quiet wonder of this show is essential to your family’s routine, please consider becoming a partner in my mission on Patreon. Your contribution ensures that this ad-free, deep-dive science keeps coming every week. For More, Check Out: ⁠⁠https://www.bedtimescientist.com/ ⁠⁠ ⭐️ If you love The Bedtime Scientist, here are two ways you can support our mission! Join our Patreon community! Get exclusive bonus episodes and episode guides for parents. ➡️⁠⁠⁠The Bedtime Scientist on Patreon⁠⁠⁠Explore our books! Your voice is most important; become the bedtime scientist for your kids. ➡️⁠⁠⁠Browse The Bedtime Scientist Books ⁠on Amazon

    12 min
  6. Electricity: The Copper Highway & The Speed of Sleep | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    19 JAN

    Electricity: The Copper Highway & The Speed of Sleep | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    Welcome to The Bedtime Scientist, the podcast where we skip the fairy tales and dive into the fascinating data of the real world. We believe that for many curious children—especially those who are neurodivergent, have ADHD, or are simply highly inquisitive—the best way to wind down is to understand the "magic" of how things actually work. In tonight’s episode, we explore the Invisible River of Electricity. Electricity isn't just something that lives in our walls or powers our screens; it is a fundamental force of nature that connects the wind on a distant hill to the very beat of our own hearts. Instead of a high-energy science lesson, Josh guides listeners through a low-stimulation, calming analysis of physics, biology, and the modern world. What’s Inside Tonight’s Episode? The World of Electrons: We zoom in on the tiniest building blocks of our universe. We’ll learn about electrons—particles so small that more than you could ever count could fit on the tip of a pencil—and how their simple motion creates the power we use every day. The Copper Highway: We explain the concept of conductors and why copper is the preferred path for electricity’s long journey. The Long Journey Home: Follow the path of an electron from a spinning wind turbine, across mountain-high wires, through the quiet rest stops of substations, and finally into your bedside lamp. The Biological Connection: Discover the "electricity inside you." We explain how tiny electrical signals are the reason your heart beats "squeeze and release" and how your brain creates thoughts. The Speed of Sleep: A gentle transition into the "Current Quieting Down," where we explain how the nervous system settles its internal energy to prepare for rest and repair. Why The Bedtime Scientist? Created by Josh, The Bedtime Scientist is a mission-driven podcast designed to provide a safe, calm, and intellectually honest space for children. We know that many kids don’t want "bedtime stories"—they want to understand the mechanics of the universe. Our episodes are carefully paced to be low-stimulation, featuring: No loud music or sudden transitions. Sophisticated vocabulary that respects a child’s intelligence. A focus on factual patterns that provide a sense of security and predictability. A neurodiversity-affirming approach that understands how a busy brain finds peace through focused curiosity. Whether your child is a future engineer, a young physicist, or just a kid who likes to know the "why" behind the "what," this episode provides the perfect balance of education and relaxation. Keywords for Parents & Educators: Electricity for kids, physics for sleep, educational podcast for children, ADHD sleep aid, autism-friendly bedtime, low-stimulation science, how electricity works, STEM for kids, calming science, neurodivergent bedtime routine, The Bedtime Scientist.

    9 min
  7. Taste: A Journey Down the River of Flavor (The 5 Senses: Part 1) | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    17 JAN

    Taste: A Journey Down the River of Flavor (The 5 Senses: Part 1) | Calm Bedtime Science for Kids & Families

    Tonight we begin a special five-part series exploring the human body. We start our journey with the Sense of Taste. Have you ever wondered how your tongue knows the difference between a sweet strawberry and a sour lemon? It is a fascinating chemical process that happens every time we eat. In this episode, we drift down the "river of flavor" to see how it works. We will learn about the thousands of tiny sensors called taste buds and how they work with your nose to send delicious messages to your brain. This episode is designed to be low-demand and high-interest. It captures the imagination without overstimulating the senses. It is the perfect tool to help your child transition from a busy day to a restful sleep. Why This Episode Works: 100% Human Created: No AI voices here. Just a calm, real father’s voice to comfort your child.Neurodiverse Friendly: No sudden loud noises, no complex storylines to follow, and a consistent soothing tone.Educational & Calming: We turn complex biology into a relaxing visualization that encourages focus and rest.

    12 min
  8. Caves: The Sculptures of Water | Calm Non-Fiction Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    12 JAN

    Caves: The Sculptures of Water | Calm Non-Fiction Bedtime Science for Kids & Adults

    Welcome to The Bedtime Scientist, where curiosity meets sleep and wonder leads to rest. Tonight, we journey deep underground into caves, places where the sun never shines, yet extraordinary beauty grows in complete darkness. This calming bedtime story explores how water acts as a patient, invisible sculptor, carving vast chambers and towering formations from solid limestone over thousands and thousands of years. Discover how stalactites hang like frozen waterfalls from ceilings, how stalagmites rise from cave floors, how blind fish have perfectly adapted to master their world without light, and how ancient humans found safety and shelter deep within the earth. Listen as we explore the science of how caves form, the patience required to build stone cathedrals, and how the geology of dissolving limestone mirrors the mind at rest. Just as water slowly clears space in rock, sleep gently clears space in your mind, washing away the day's worries and thoughts. What You'll Learn:Karst topography and cave systems. Chemical weathering and how acidic water dissolves limestone. The difference between stalactites and stalagmites. How blind fish navigate through darkness using vibrations. Evolutionary adaptation in cave ecosystems. The deep time scale of geological processes. How ancient humans sheltered in caves for protection and rest. Why Listen:This episode uses real earth science and geology as a gentle metaphor for sleep and mental rest. A single calm voice guides you into deep, restful sleep with zero sound effects, music, sudden noises, or jarring transitions. The pure voice approach creates a peaceful, uninterrupted journey. Features a heartwarming introduction from The Junior Bedtime Scientist (Josh's son, Blake). Perfect for anyone who loves science, nature, geology, and meaningful bedtime stories that educate while they soothe. Perfect For:Bedtime stories for kids / Science podcasts for families / Geology education for children / Calm sleep stories / Sleep meditations / Anxiety relief for kids and adults / Neurodiverse-affirming content / ADHD sleep aids / Autism-friendly podcasts / Non-fiction storytelling / Relaxation and mindfulness / Educational entertainment / Nature lovers / Science enthusiasts Tags/Keywords: caves, geology, bedtime stories, sleep podcast, kids science, calm voice, anxiety relief, ADHD, autism-friendly, water erosion, stalactites, stalagmites, earth science, educational storytelling, sleep aid, karst topography, limestone, cave formations, blind fish, ancient humans, nature education, relaxation, mindfulness, science for kids, sleep meditation, bedtime podcast, nature podcast.

    12 min
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About

Ranked the #1 Educational Podcast for Kids globally, The Bedtime Scientist is the ultimate nightly routine for busy, anxious minds. I help kids (and adults!) drift off to sleep by exploring the wonders of the universe...from the bottom of the ocean to the edges of space. Designed to be low-stimulation and sensory-friendly, this show is the antidote to chaotic screen time. ✨ What makes us different: Real Science: No fairy tales, just the fascinating truth about our world. 100% Human: No AI, no robots, and no jarring sound effects. Pure Calm: Just one soothing voice guiding you into a peacef

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Fleishman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Josh Fleishman
  • Show Website
    The Bedtime Scientist

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