Matt Beard

Podcasts

Episódios

  1. BITES – Being scared of spiders

    18/12/2025

    BITES – Being scared of spiders

    Molly’s just an itsy bitsy cutesy spider, but Carl is freaking out! Lots of people are scared of spiders. In fact, people can be scared of a whole range of things you might find surprising, like a fear of clowns or paper or pancakes. But is that OK?

    4min
  2. Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people? 

    30/09/2025

    Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people? 

    We all have thoughts about other people that we’d never say aloud. But do our private thoughts say something about the kind of people we are? Or is it only our actions that count?  Brains Trust - Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Layla, Avjot, Johanna, Imogen, Sampada, Claudia. Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds.  Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedyPerfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussionsCreated by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children’s contentBinge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide

    20min
  3. Is it okay to yell at a robot?

    14/09/2022

    Is it okay to yell at a robot?

    Have you ever found yourself being rude to a smart speaker because it doesn’t understand you? As robots get better and smarter and more human-like, how should we treat them? Does it matter if we act badly towards something that isn’t even human?   Brain Trust - Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava

    23min
  4. Should you have to pass a test to have kids?

    01/10/2025

    Should you have to pass a test to have kids?

    We test for everything: to get a licence, to move to the next grade, to prove you're ready to use a pen. But when it comes to becoming a biological parent, there's no test to pass. Should there be? Would a parenting test be a good idea? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedyPerfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussionsCreated by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's contentBinge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide

    23min
  5. Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art?

    30/09/2025

    Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art?

    Ever walked past a spray-painted wall and thought, "That's actually really cool and beautiful!" But is it art or just stylish vandalism? Molly and Carl grab some spray cans and dive into the messy, colourful world of graffiti to ask: when does a rebellious scribble become art, and who gets to decide? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedyPerfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussionsCreated by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's contentBinge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide

    23min
  6. Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings?

    30/09/2025

    Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings?

    There's wild surf at the beach today, but people are still choosing to swim outside the area patrolled by lifeguards. If those swimmers get into trouble out there, should other people put themselves at risk to save them? Or does ignoring the warnings mean you're on your own? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedyPerfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussionsCreated by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's contentBinge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide

    21min
  7. Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame?

    30/09/2025

    Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame?

    Most dogs are loving companions, but what about the ones that bite, bark, or cause chaos? Is a dog's bad behaviour their own fault or is it down to the way they were raised? From neglected pups to misunderstood mutts, we dig into the debate: Who's really responsible when a dog goes rogue, and what should we do about it? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Layla, Avjot, Johanna, Imogen, Sampada, Claudia. Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedyPerfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussionsCreated by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's contentBinge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide

    21min
  8. Can you lie even when you don’t say anything?

    01/04/2025

    Can you lie even when you don’t say anything?

    The line between truth and deception can be blurry. Is leaving out important information a lie? What about misleading gestures, or half-truths? Babysitting Matt's kids force Molly and Carl to confront these complexities firsthand as they lie to get out of tricky situations. Summer Hill Public School: Dimitri, Mia, Teddy, Milla, Cleo, Marcus

    24min
  9. Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it?

    01/04/2025

    Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it?

    Have you ever had a fight with your sibling over who should get to keep something? In a small village a long time ago, Queen Ethiconia had to settle a dispute between three siblings fighting over a musical instrument they all want and all think they deserve: a wooden recorder. Each says the recorder should be theirs, but for very different, compelling reasons. So, who should get the flute? You decide. South Wagga Public School: Noah, Lucas, Jasmine, Hunter, Olivia

    24min
  10. What would it be like to talk to a whale?

    30/09/2024

    What would it be like to talk to a whale?

    Would you like to learn to speak whale language at school instead of Italian or Mandarin? Molly and Carl go on a deep-sea mission to test a new translation device that will let them talk to whales. But even if they manage to make the technology work, will they be able to truly understand each other? Come dive with us and find out. Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Ivy, Finn, Oliver, Ken, Aaron, Nicholas

    20min
  11. How to win an argument with your parents

    31/03/2022

    How to win an argument with your parents

    Have you ever been trying to convince your parents of something and just ended up crying, yelling or storming off to sulk in your room? Grown-ups might be bigger than you, they might have more power than you, and they might even be wiser than you, but that doesn’t mean you can't beat your parents in a good fair argument. And even if you still don’t win, learning to argue in a way that’s good for everyone is a really handy skill to have.  Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy

    22min
  12. Is a child's life more valuable than an adult's?

    02/01/2024

    Is a child's life more valuable than an adult's?

    The Titanic cruise ship hit an iceberg in 1912 and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Lots of people died because there weren't enough life rafts for everyone. Women and children were offered seats on the lifeboats first because of their age and gender. But is that fair? Are the lives of kids more precious than the lives of adults? Guest: David Dyer, author of The Midnight Watch. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Meena, Caitlin, Banjo, Rosey, Hailey and Rex.

    21min
  13. What if you can’t invite all your friends to your birthday party?

    28/03/2024

    What if you can’t invite all your friends to your birthday party?

    Is it okay to not invite all your friends to your birthday party? Molly has an exciting plan for her next birthday party and she can't wait to invite her best and closest friends. The only trouble is she has five close friends but she can only invite four people. What should she do? And what should you say to people who aren't invited? Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Sarah, Mariam, Adhit, Kenny, Panayiotis, Alaina and Ryan

    22min
  14. How do you know if you're dreaming or awake?

    30/09/2024

    How do you know if you're dreaming or awake?

    Right this very moment, are you awake or are you dreaming? You're awake, right? But are you sure? Maybe you're just in the middle of a very realistic dream? Philosophers have been debating this question for centuries. And we are going to solve it today! Or are we? Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Genevieve, Grace, Alexa, Poppy, Chelsea, Sophie

    20min
  15. Do we need a rule book to be a good person?

    01/04/2025

    Do we need a rule book to be a good person?

    Molly and Carl visit Greece in search of the mythical "Scroll of Rights and Wrongs", an ancient guide written by the smartest person to have ever lived: Adamantia The Wise*. The elusive ancient text contains the ultimate guide to morality, but what does it say? South Wagga Public School: Noah, Lucas, Jasmine, Hunter, Olivia *definitely not a real person and very much the invention of Molly & Carl.

    22min
  16. BITES – Cats VS Dogs

    15/12/2025

    BITES – Cats VS Dogs

    As long as kitties have been meowing, and puppies have been prowling, people have asked - which is better, Cats or Dogs? Finally, the Short & Curly crew tackle this colossal question... but is it even a philosophical question?

    4min
  17. Is it fair to punish the whole class?

    24/12/2020

    Is it fair to punish the whole class?

    Have you ever been in a situation where someone did something wrong, but didn't own up? And then the teacher punished the whole class until the real culprit confessed! Is it fair for a whole group to be punished for something one person did? Molly, Carl and Matt go back to school to find out. Brains Trust — Somerset College in Queensland: Ethan, Saeesha, Spencer, Maddi, John, and Harry.

    17min
  18. BITES – Driverless cars

    17/12/2025

    BITES – Driverless cars

    Cars that drive themselves are no longer just something you’d see in a sci-fi movie… they’re on roads and highways right around the world. But what should happen if something goes wrong? Whose fault would it be – the passenger? The manufacturer? The... car itself?!

    4min
  19. BITES – Grown-ups making the rules

    16/12/2025

    BITES – Grown-ups making the rules

    Who’s in charge at school? Why, that would be the teachers. And who is in charge at home? Your parents or carers. Who is in charge of running the country? Politicians, that’s who. And what do they all have in common?! They’re all grown-ups! How is that fair?!

    3min
  20. A World Without … Privacy

    12/09/2023

    A World Without … Privacy

    Imagine if something private you told a friend could be shouted out for the whole world to hear? Or if an embarrassing bodily function was shared with everyone? Some people say privacy is only necessary if you have something to hide, but are there other reasons to keep certain things just for yourself? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Ibrahim, Kiara, Victoria, Vinugo and Sienna.

    22min
Matt Beard na Apple