Why's That, Dad? | The Science, History & Culture of Everyday Questions for Curious Adults and Kids

Phillip.paulsen
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Ever been stumped by your child's simple "Why?" question? You're not alone. Why's That, Dad? is the show that dives deep into the profound, complex answers hiding inside common questions. Host Phil and his kids explore fundamental everyday mysteries. They explore the true science, culture, history, and surprising philosophical impact behind your kids question. Perfect for the curious adult who wants to learn the real story and for parents looking for high-quality, engaging STEM and humanities content to share with their kids. Stop settling for the simple answer, let's go down the rabbit hole.

  1. The Highway in the Sky: The Physics and Engineering of Long-Distance Power Transmission

    FEB 6

    The Highway in the Sky: The Physics and Engineering of Long-Distance Power Transmission

    In Part 2 of our series, we follow the winning Alternating Current as it leaves the power plant. We explore the ingenious physics of high-voltage transmission, including the critical "Skin Effect" . Discover the historical disasters that shaped the grid—from the paraffin-fueled fires of the Marconi Station to the cascading failure of the 1965 Northeast Blackout—and the material science behind the humming aluminum-and-steel cables that knit a continent together.

    19 min
  2. The Induced Revolution: Volta, Faraday, Tesla, and the Making of Modern Power

    JAN 21

    The Induced Revolution: Volta, Faraday, Tesla, and the Making of Modern Power

    Today we trace electricity from ancient curiosity to industrial revolution. Discover how the Greeks unknowingly touched a fundamental force, the fierce 18th-century rivalry that gave us the battery, and the brutal "War of Currents" between Edison and Tesla that decided how our modern world would be powered. We explore the physics of electromagnetic induction and why the simple ability to changevoltage determined the fate of nations.

    30 min
  3. The Physics of Shelter: Material Science, Structural Loads, and the Chronological Engineering of the American Roof

    JAN 8

    The Physics of Shelter: Material Science, Structural Loads, and the Chronological Engineering of the American Roof

    Today we deconstruct the history of roofing through the lens of material science. From the thermal insulation of pre-colonial thatch to the metamorphic durability of slate and the petroleum chemistry of modern asphalt, we analyze the physical limitations and longevity of every layer we’ve ever put over our heads. Discover why wood rots, why copper turns green, and why your current roof is essentially a ticking clock of UV degradation.

    24 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    Christmas Unwrapped: The Date, The Saint, & The 'X'

    Why is Christmas on December 25th? Is "Xmas" disrespectful? How did a 4th-century bishop become a sleigh-driving, North Pole-dwelling icon? Join host Phil and his son Dominic on a special holiday edition of Why's That, Dad? as they unwrap the surprising history behind three of Christmas's biggest "mythconceptions." From ancient Church calculations and Norse legends to German immigrants and Coca-Cola ads, discover how tradition, faith, and culture weave together to create the holidays we know and love. A fun and fascinating listen for the whole family!

    21 min
  5. The 4x8 Secret: How Railroads Designed Your Bedroom.

    12/17/2025

    The 4x8 Secret: How Railroads Designed Your Bedroom.

    In todays episode we leave the skeleton behind to explore the skin of the American home. This episode decodes the massive shift in construction technology visible right in our own "Frankenstein" house—from the plank-sheathed 1815 living room to the plywood-wrapped 1990s addition. We unpack the physics of lateral shear forces, the train-car logistics that dictated the 16-inch stud spacing, and the"Wooden Wonder" bomber that proved glue is sometimes better than steel. Essential engineering history for anyone who lives indoors.

    25 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    The Framing Evolution of the American Home: From Mortise & Tenon to the 2x4's and Cheap Nails

    Today we peel back the drywall to reveal the hidden "bones" of American architecture. This episode explores the three great revolutions in home framing—Timber, Balloon, and Platform—and the ecological tragedy of the American Chestnut that changed our building materials forever. We also explain why a 2x4 isn't really a 2x4 and go over the "Great Downgrade" of modern lumber strength.

    26 min
  7. The Geotechnical Engineering of Home Foundations: From Roman Volcanic Ash to Radioactive Radon Mitigation

    12/04/2025

    The Geotechnical Engineering of Home Foundations: From Roman Volcanic Ash to Radioactive Radon Mitigation

    In this episode, we unearth the structural science hidden beneath our feet, exploring the critical chemical distinction between cement and concrete and the history of the world's most ubiquitous building material. We travel back to the Roman Empire to uncover the secrets of pozzolana (volcanic ash) construction before digging into modern challenges like hydrostatic pressure, regional geological constraints on basements, and the physics of radon gas mitigation. A comprehensive guide to the essential engineering that keeps our homes standing.

    21 min
  8. The Physics of Iridescent Oil Slicks: From Newton’s Rings to Tempering Steel and Tiffany Glass

    11/26/2025

    The Physics of Iridescent Oil Slicks: From Newton’s Rings to Tempering Steel and Tiffany Glass

    Intodays episode we look past the pavement to explore the physics ofThin-Film Interference. We break down the wave-particle dualitydebate between Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke, explain how blacksmithsuse "oxide interference" to judge steel temperature, andreveal how the "Bragg Stacks" in beetle wings are drivingthe future of low-energy display technology (IMOD). Join us for adeep dive into path-length difference, constructive interference, andthe intersection of industrial chemistry and art history.

    22 min
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About

Ever been stumped by your child's simple "Why?" question? You're not alone. Why's That, Dad? is the show that dives deep into the profound, complex answers hiding inside common questions. Host Phil and his kids explore fundamental everyday mysteries. They explore the true science, culture, history, and surprising philosophical impact behind your kids question. Perfect for the curious adult who wants to learn the real story and for parents looking for high-quality, engaging STEM and humanities content to share with their kids. Stop settling for the simple answer, let's go down the rabbit hole.

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