Brains On! Science podcast for kids
by Brains On Universe
From the publisher
Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from Brains On Universe. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners.
Why we recommend it
A science show that takes one big kid-question per episode and actually answers it — co-hosted by real kids, so the curiosity is contagious.
What Brains On! Science podcast for kids is recognised for
Staff pick
On our hand-picked "where to start" list. Chosen by us, not computed — these are the shows we would hand a parent who is new to this.
Most reviewed
At least 400 written parent reviews. These are the shows with the deepest body of first-hand experience behind them.
Our note — best for: Curious kids, calmer than Wow
Science questions from real kids, answered properly with scientists. Covers similar ground to Wow in the World at a lower temperature.
Every distinction here is either computed from the whole catalogue or picked by us and labelled as such. How each one is decided
What parents actually say
High confidence · 178 detailed reviewsPlenty of detailed reviews to work from, so these patterns are pretty dependable. We summarise the 178 reviews long enough to describe the show, out of 422 in total — one-line raves don't tell you much.
Why parents put it on
The moments it actually gets used for.
- Great for car ridesTop4
See what they saidHide
- “Three I love this podcast Four I used to listen to it in the car every day And finally five, this is what he looks like Jimmy 🤠 /|\ / \🧳 THAT IS JIMMY Sorry for being so drama…”
- “I think this is the world’s best show ever made it’s got the perfect start and perfect ending I listen to it when I’m sleeping or in the car or even when I’m doing homework.”
What it's about
What comes up when parents describe it.
- Science & STEMTop11
See what they saidHide
- “Science is no longer a sit in a classroom boring class!”
- “This show really developed my love for science when I was younger.”
- Humor & silliness9
See what they saidHide
- “P.S.y’all so funny 😂”
- “So funny so good and I’m the goat at the mystery sounds ( : 💝♠️♣️♥️♦️ 👑 😍 👚🫰 👖 👠👠”
- Mystery & problem solving6
See what they saidHide
- “So funny so good and I’m the goat at the mystery sounds ( : 💝♠️♣️♥️♦️ 👑 😍 👚🫰 👖 👠👠”
- “This is awesome and I love all the mystery sounds.”
- Original songs & music6
See what they saidHide
- “By the way I made up a brains on theme song : brains oooooon brains ooooooooon brains OOOOOOOOOOOOON!”
- “I had a crush in 4th grade, and I knew they liked me back because they were kind of showing sings.”
- Animals & nature4
See what they saidHide
- “Do animals see clouds the same way we do or completely different?”
- “It answers all my questions about nature and other weird but true things.”
- Storytelling & adventure4
See what they saidHide
- “Lol guys I sent in a story to Story Pirates too!”
- “A message to the Minecraft god, the person who wrote the review that said, one star not good at all you are totally wrong and also the best one of the best podcast ever besides…”
What it feels like
The mood parents describe.
- EducationalTop28
See what they saidHide
- “(No offense science) this podcast has supported me for years with(prepare for the Guinness world record longest list) facts, etc (the list was to long)”
- “Im learning loads!And I have a question for you.”
- Funny8
See what they saidHide
- “P.S.y’all so funny 😂”
- “So funny so good and I’m the goat at the mystery sounds ( : 💝♠️♣️♥️♦️ 👑 😍 👚🫰 👖 👠👠”
Who's actually listening
From the 8 reviews that name a child's age.
- Tweens (9-12)4
- Preschool (3-5)2
How to read this: each number is how many reviews raised that topic in their own words — not a percentage or a score. Bars compare topics within a box only, so the longest bar is whatever came up most here, marked Top. The dots above show how much evidence we have, not how good the show is.
This summarises what reviewers said. It isn't our verdict, and we don't write reviews ourselves. See exactly how every number is calculated.
About Brains On! Science podcast for kids
In the publisher's own words, as they describe the show on its feed.
Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from Brains On Universe. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Like, do dogs know they’re dogs? Or, why do feet stink? Plus, we have mystery sounds for you to guess, songs for you to dance to, and lots of facts -- all checked by experts. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Parent reviews (422)
Real reviews from real parents — the ones we gather from public sources link back to where they were written, and the ones written here are marked as such.
Listened to Brains On! Science podcast for kids?
Tell other parents what you thought. It takes a minute and genuinely helps.
😀😀😀😀😀😀
Question does it get rid of the smell from a skunk if you bath in tomato sauce and if so how?and more hoax hunters!
🇨🇦😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 · Oct 2026
Love
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🤪🤪🤪💓💓💓💝💝💝💝💝💘💘💘💘☺️☺️
I’m just a girl.💖 · Oct 2026
This podcast is dilisos
Love it 😍
Best pudcast · Oct 2026
Hi hello83793
I’m an nz fan as well and totes agree with you I definitely think that would make a cool episode
#Moonlark · Oct 2026
Heyy
Hey Gwen (I think thats ur user) I'm Florence and I'm also 13 and I also still listen to this beautiful work of art it's genuinely entertaining still
Fadedmist(Warrior cats (=^ェ^=) · Oct 2026
Please make hoax hunters a podcast
I’d really like the hoax hunters episodes and I think it would be fun as a podcast
Mystery man 12323 · Sep 2026
Rufffffffff
LOVE THIS !🐶 but do a puppy episode 🐶🐶🐶PLEASE!!!!!!!!
Ctf00d · Sep 2026
GOD SAVES.
And He loves you! Christian questions? I’ll answer them here. ❤️✝️
Spread God’s Word <3 · Sep 2026
Showing the 120 most recent of 422 reviews we analysed. The summaries above use all of them.
Questions parents ask
What age is Brains On! Science podcast for kids for?
Brains On! Science podcast for kids is aimed at ages 5–12. In their reviews, parents most often mention tweens (9-12) and preschool (3-5).
How long are Brains On! Science podcast for kids episodes?
Most episodes run about 31 minutes, so an episode fits comfortably into a school run or a bedtime routine.
Is Brains On! Science podcast for kids any good?
It holds 4.5 out of 5 from 14,212 ratings, with 422 written parent reviews, which works out to an A- on our scale.
Is Brains On! Science podcast for kids appropriate for kids?
Brains On! Science podcast for kids is marked clean, with no explicit content flag. Parents describe it as educational, funny.
Where can I listen to Brains On! Science podcast for kids?
Brains On! Science podcast for kids is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and other podcast apps. It's free to listen to.
Why do parents recommend Brains On! Science podcast for kids?
The point that comes up most is "great for car rides" — mentioned in 4 of the 178 reviews we analysed.
Episodes
60 to play, newest first
The hows and whys of hair
Oct 6, 2026 · 31 min
The hair on our heads is on our minds. We have fun with follicles and learn about how they make hair. Our experts help us decipher what makes hair black or brown, blonde or red, and even why it turns gray. From eye lashes to ear and nose hair, this episode has it all. Why do humans have hair and not fur? Why is there hair on the top of our heads? How does hair grow? How does hair become curly or straight? Guests: Dr. Shani Francis, dermatologist and the director of the Hair Center of Excellence Sandy Cook evolutionary biologist of hair at Penn State University Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk,
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple on pizza
Oct 5, 2026 · 9 min
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Hoax Hunters: Why do crystals feel so special?
Sep 29, 2026 · 28 min
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters. This time they’re looking at the myths surrounding crystals. For hundreds of years, people have believed that these rocks are special and have powers. But is there any proof? Join Marc, Sanden and Mystery Moose as they dig into the lore and science of crystals. Guest: Marisa Galvez, professor of French and Italian at Stanford University Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 10/3 Toronto, ON* 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Mystery Sound Extravaganza fall 2026
Sep 22, 2026 · 40 min
Oh boy, oh boy! Are you ready to do some guessing?!? We have doozies to detect. There are clues to calculate. And so, so many goodies to get into. We hope your ears are warmed up, because it’s time for the… Mystery Sound Extravaganza! Have a good Mystery Sound for us? Send it in! Go to brainson.org/contact and submit it. Don’t forget to record an answer too. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/3 Toronto, ON* 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Why do we need pinky toes?
Sep 15, 2026 · 33 min
Pinky toes may seem small, but they’re kind of a big deal. Join Molly and co-host Luna Mae as they learn about why we have these tiny toes and what would happen if we didn’t have them. Plus, we talk about animals with two, three, or six toes! Plus, a Mystery Sound that’ll get your ears working overtime. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. Go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN (sold out)* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/3 Toronto, ON* 0/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Why does music make us dance?
Sep 8, 2026 · 37 min
When you hear a good beat, it can be hard not to tap your toe or bob your head. Why is this? It turns out, we may be hardwired to start dancing when we hear certain rhythms. Join Molly and co-host Adriel as they explore how the brain turns sounds into dance moves. Plus, we’ll talk to a real DJ about making beats that get people moving. And a sound that might be tough to dance to: the Mystery Sound. Guests: Julia Basso, assistant professor at Virginia Tech Constantina Theofanopoulou, assistant professor at Rockefeller University Sophia Eris, Musician and International DJ Click here for a transcript. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two sh
Black holes, wormholes and donut holes!
Sep 1, 2026 · 40 min
Black holes happen when you have a super huge, mega-giant amount of stuff --- crammed into a super-tiny, infinitely-small amount of space. AND THEY ARE SUPER COOL! In this episode, we learn all about what black holes are and how we found out they were real. We talk to a black hole hunter who has discovered supermassive black holes. And we find out what a wormhole is and why it might really, be really, really hard to ever find one -- or travel through it. Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. go to smartypass.org to learn more and sign up. Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to brainson.org/events. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN*9/26 Charlotte, NC10/11 Dallas, TX*10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)11/7 Norfolk, VA12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows)1/31 Princeton, NJ*Smash Boom Best show
How do we get Vitamin D from the sun?
Aug 25, 2026 · 30 min
There’s a bunch of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to do their body thing. Our bodies don’t make them, so we get them through food – except for vitamin D! We can get vitamin D from the UV rays from the sun, but the UV rays from the sun can also do damage. Listen to this episode to find out why you have to wear sunscreen, how we’re able to get vitamin D, and how we discovered vitamins in the first place! Click here for a transcript of this episode. Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more. Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.9/19 Minneapolis, MN* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows) 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Forever Ago: Who invented Pokemon?
Aug 18, 2026 · 33 min
We are super-excited to let you know that our pals at Forever Ago just started a brand new season. Host of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo, will dive into all sorts of cool history including trick or treating, the Wizard of Oz and pizza, just to name a few. The season kicks off with an episode all about how Pokemon was invented. It’s so cool that we want to share it with you right now. And if your a Hoax head, the Hoax Hunters have a bonus Pokemon episode in our Smarty Pass feed. It’s almost too good to be true. But guess what: it is! Until then, enjoy the episode!
Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
Aug 14, 2026 · 7 min
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.
Do plants fart?
Aug 11, 2026 · 35 min
Plants are pretty chill things, maybe because they are farting all the time! In this episode we explore the world of plant gas. Join Molly and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn how plants pass gas and why it’s important to know how much tooting trees and bushes do. Plus, a stink-free Mystery Sound! Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more. Click here for a transcript of this episode. Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness
Aug 4, 2026 · 40 min
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness. We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things. Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more. Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show