Brains On! Universe Podcast Shows

Channel • 5 Shows

Kids & Family

Kids & Family

Updated weekly
Education for Kids

Education for Kids

Updated weekly
Education for Kids

Education for Kids

Every two weeks
Stories for Kids

Stories for Kids

Updated 14/10/2020
Education for Kids

Education for Kids

Updated daily

05/07/2023

Happy Birthday to You: The story of the world's most popular song

Do you know the birthday song? We bet you do! People all over the world sing a version of “Happy Birthday to You.” It’s even been played in OUTER SPACE! Way less well-known, though, is the story behind the song, and the sisters who wrote it! Listen in to hear Elysse tell Joy the story, so she can get inspiration for her own quest to write a solar-system famous song. Plus, an all new birthday themed First Things First featuring birthday cakes, wrapping paper and piñatas! (edited)

05/07/2023

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29 min
17/05/2023

Way to Play: How Playgrounds Grew Up

We’re so excited to be back for season THREE of Forever Ago! Join Joy, Elysse, and some talking playground equipment as they spring through time to explore playgrounds of the past, present and future. You’ll hear how playgrounds started popping up thanks to the industrial revolution. You’ll visit 1960’s London to hang out with the godmother of Adventure Play, and meet a group of students working to transform their inaccessible playground into a recess retreat for everybody! And of course, a new First Things First!

17/05/2023

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37 min
23/09/2020

There Might Be Lobsters and Pilar's Worries

How do you face a big, roaring ocean if you’re just a tiny dog? Or what if you love to dance, but can’t muster the courage to audition for the big ballet performance? Today, we’re reading two books about facing fears. Author Victoria M. Sanchez drops by the library for a visit. Plus, Andres Gonzalez from the Holistic Life Foundation teaches us to conquer anxiety with just our breath. Submit your Wonderful Words at julieslibraryshow.org/contact. Support the podcast at julieslibraryshow.org/donate. This episode is sponsored by PayPal (paypal.com), Varsity Tutors (varsitytutors.com/library), American Heritage Chocolate (americanheritagechocolate.com), and Daily Harvest (dailyharvest.com with promo code LIBRARY) Today’s featured books: THERE MIGHT BE LOBSTERS. Text copyright © 2017 by Carolyn Crimi. Illustrations copyright © 2017 by Laurel Molk. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA. “Pilar’s Worries” written by Victoria M. Sanchez, illustrated by Jess Golden. Copyright © 2018. Used with permission of Albert Whitman & Company. All rights reserved.

23/09/2020

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29 min
9 MAY

Stripes vs. Polka Dots: a stylish debate

Today’s debate is a charming challenge between two patterned phenoms. It’s Stripes vs. Polka Dots! Voice actor and podcaster Merk Nguyen is ready to straighten the record for team Stripes, and actor, playwright and improviser Shanan Custer is ready to round out the story for team Polka Dots! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on over to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: IF - from writer and director John Krasinski comes a new film about what happens to our Imaginary Friends (IFs) when we grow up. Out in theaters on May 17th! Also… do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!

9 May

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34 min
15 MAY

Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

When most of us think of fortune cookies, we think of those little folded cookies that come with Chinese food. But did you know that fortune cookies aren’t from China? So where did they come from? And why do we think of them as Chinese? Join Joy and co-host Harlem as they find answers and trace the cookie’s journey. We’ll also hear from journalist Jennifer 8. Lee who wrote an entire book all about fortune cookies, plus a brand new First Things First!Featured expert: Jennifer 8. Lee is a journalist, film producer, and author. She wrote an entire book about the history of fortune cookies called The Fortune Cookie Chronicles. Lee also produced a documentary about the origins of General Tso’s Chicken. To learn more, check out her website.Resources: To learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans, check out the graphic novel Displacement by Kiku Hughes.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.

15 May

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24 min
29 MAY

Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

It’s easy to take toilets for granted, but these porcelain thrones are nothing short of marvelous. In this episode, Joy and co-host Caleb find out how bathrooms and sewers helped civilizations grow. Plus they take a pit stop in ancient Rome where public restrooms were very public. And they learn about a privy fit for a literal queen. Enjoy and remember to wash your hands when you’re done!This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

29 May

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29 min
27/12/2023

Chew on this! The surprising history of gum

Who doesn’t love gum? It’s fun, sticky, and sweet! But did you know people have been chewing on stuff for centuries? Come explore the surprising history of gum with Joy, co-host Aliyah, and their new friend Gumpy (who may or may not be a sculpture made of old gum who magically came alive). Learn how several happy accidents led to the invention of modern chewing gum and why bubble gum is pink. And be sure to stick around for a new First Things First!

27/12/2023

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24 min
22/11/2018

Skateboards: When Roller Skates Met Surfboards

The first skateboards didn’t come from a store. Kids had to make them from scratch! And they made for a bumpy ride… Joy Dolo and twelve-year-old pro skater Minna kickflip their way through history with reporter Chris Greenspon. We’ll get the scoop on low-tech early skateboards and the skaters who innovated their way to a smoother ride. Plus, we’ll talk with a skater who wants to change the world with four wheels and a deck. You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.

22/11/2018

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29 min
7 MAR

Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate

Today’s debate is a brawl that can be seen on any power line. One is a feisty furry phenom who goes nuts for acorns, the other is a sleek, feathered enigma who represents the melancholy and mysterious. It’s Squirrels vs. Crows! In one corner we’ve got improviser, content creator, and “Good Luck High Five" podcast host Meghan Wolff ready to ruffle feathers for team crows! And here to chitter chatter for team squirrels is improviser, content creator, and also “Good Luck High Five” podcast host Maria Bartholdi. Vote below for the team YOU think won. This week’s sponsors are: Sitkaseafoodmarket.com - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order. Also…do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!

7 Mar

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34 min
1 FEB

Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets: a crafty debate

Today’s debate is a creative collection of craftsmanship. It’s a colorful spread against a twisted thread. It’s Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets! Brains On producer Aron Woldeslassie paints a picture for team Tie-Dye, while comedy writer Sam Suksiri deftly defends team Friendship Bracelets. Vote below for the team YOU think won! This week’s sponsors are: Sitkaseafoodmarket.com - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.Also…do you have your Smarty Pass yet? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today. As an added bonus, your Smarty Pass will grant you access to a super special debate starring Sanden and Molly!

1 Feb

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35 min

The Brains On Universe is your number one stop for award-winning podcasts for kids and curious adults. Check out shows like Brains On, Forever Ago, Smash Boom Best and Moment of Um. Whether you love science, history, debate or just want cool facts to impress your friends with, we’ve got you covered. Brains On Universe podcasts are produced by American Public Media. Learn more at www.brainson.org

Website

Top Shows

Happy Birthday to You: The story of the world's most popular song

Way to Play: How Playgrounds Grew Up

There Might Be Lobsters and Pilar's Worries

Stripes vs. Polka Dots: a stylish debate

Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

Chew on this! The surprising history of gum

Skateboards: When Roller Skates Met Surfboards

Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate

Tie-Dye vs. Friendship Bracelets: a crafty debate

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