But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
by Vermont Public
From the publisher
But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone.
Why we recommend it
Kids send in the questions — why is the sky blue, do fish sleep — and experts answer them for real. Short, smart, and endlessly re-listenable.
What parents actually say
High confidence · 179 detailed reviewsPlenty of detailed reviews to work from, so these patterns are pretty dependable. We summarise the 179 reviews long enough to describe the show, out of 382 in total — one-line raves don't tell you much.
Why parents put it on
The moments it actually gets used for.
- Works at bedtimeTop9
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- “This is my go to podcast for going to sleep, not because it’s boring but because I love falling asleep to interesting facts.”
- “Amazing podcast love it so cool and informative its my go to podcast or just to fall asleep”
- Great for car rides7
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- “My son is very curious and loves learning, so were looked for something to listen to in the car on longer drives.”
- “I love but why because it helps me learn while I’m in the car or wherever I’m listening!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
- Works for mixed ages6
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- “I am 13 and I am still entertained by this podcast, it’s for all ages!”
- “Me and my siblings do not get along good but after listening to an episode now I do”
- Great voices & acting4
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- “I’m probably gonna submit a voice memo for this show too :3”
- “I love your voice and adventures!”
What it's about
What comes up when parents describe it.
- Original songs & musicTop5
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- “OK back to the the hosts I love your podcast so much singing a song I wish I could be part of.”
- “To everyone who made a song in the but why 🎵music celebration 🎉 i loved it 🥞🥞🩷🩷 ps could someone tell me how to make more reviews PLEASE 🙏”
- Animals & nature4
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- “I have two questions what were Dinosaurs like?and why do most girls like wearing jewelry I rate it 5⭐️ good job!”
- “CAN YOU PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO A EPISODE ABOUT AXOLOTLS!Or sea animals🦈 THEY ARE SO SO SO CUTE😊 AND FUNNY🤣 AND COOL!😎 PLEASE INCLUDE SHARK!”
- Humor & silliness4
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- “You guys are so funny and my favourite people!”
- “CAN YOU PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO A EPISODE ABOUT AXOLOTLS!Or sea animals🦈 THEY ARE SO SO SO CUTE😊 AND FUNNY🤣 AND COOL!😎 PLEASE INCLUDE SHARK!”
What it feels like
The mood parents describe.
- EducationalTop34
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- “I also wanna learn more about dyslexia and I also wanna know why both sound like problems ADHD stand for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and that just sounds like someo…”
- “This is my go to podcast for going to sleep, not because it’s boring but because I love falling asleep to interesting facts.”
- Funny4
See what they saidHide
- “You guys are so funny and my favourite people!”
- “CAN YOU PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO A EPISODE ABOUT AXOLOTLS!Or sea animals🦈 THEY ARE SO SO SO CUTE😊 AND FUNNY🤣 AND COOL!😎 PLEASE INCLUDE SHARK!”
Who's actually listening
From the 6 reviews that name a child's age.
- Preschool (3-5)3
- Tweens (9-12)3
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 But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
In the publisher's own words, as they describe the show on its feed.
But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!
Parent reviews (382)
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 But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids?
Tell other parents what you thought. It takes a minute and genuinely helps.
Thanks
I listened to this podcast when I was little so thanks a bunch
#Moonlark · Oct 2026
Todd loves this pod just like me^^
My sister and I love this pod. I have been listening for over 5 years, and my sister has been since 2021. I am 13 and I am still entertained by this podcast, it’s for all ages! Thanks so much for putting work into this awesome podcast, and stay awesome! Bye~^^ ／⌒ヽ /° ω° ＿ノ ヽ ノ ＼＿. This is Todd `/ `/ ⌒Ｙ⌒ Ｙ ヽ ( (三ヽ人 / | he likes this pod | ﾉ⌒＼ ￣￣ヽ ノ ヽ＿＿＿＞､＿＿_／he is bi like me ｜( 王 ﾉ〈 /ﾐ`ー―彡ヽ / ヽ_／ | bye cool people
LittleDIDyouKNOW56783 · Sep 2026
Good
My favourite episode is the ADHD one because I have it too!
Cats are not evil 🐈🐈⬛ · Sep 2026
To wolflover6613/LGBTQ
I have the same questions, also I’m a wolf lover and lgbtq, so yeah just wanted to say that, anyways great pod! Keep doing amazing things! -Cypher they/he
Your local social anxiety · Sep 2026
Okay
Was not for me 👎
Ifjjxrej: · Sep 2026
I’ve been listening since it came out and I remember waiting after the whale for so long I love it
I meant for the title to be the review and happy 300
Meloveunicorn!! · Sep 2026
To Jax From TADC
What about Demigender? I’m Demiboy which means my pronouns are He/they Anyways love Tadc it is phenomenal. So sad about Jax tho 😞 See ya
That Random Kid On Podcasts · Sep 2026
Amazing
Amazing just need more episodes
Hiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa · Sep 2026
Showing the 120 most recent of 382 reviews we analysed. The summaries above use all of them.
Questions parents ask
What age is But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids for?
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids is aimed at ages 4–10. In their reviews, parents most often mention preschool (3-5) and tweens (9-12).
How long are But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids episodes?
Most episodes run about 27 minutes, so an episode fits comfortably into a school run or a bedtime routine.
Is But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids any good?
It holds 4.3 out of 5 from 5,438 ratings, with 382 written parent reviews, which works out to a B+ on our scale.
Is But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids appropriate for kids?
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids is marked clean, with no explicit content flag. Parents describe it as educational, funny.
Where can I listen to But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids?
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and other podcast apps. It's free to listen to.
Why do parents recommend But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids?
The point that comes up most is "works at bedtime" — mentioned in 9 of the 179 reviews we analysed.
Episodes
60 to play, newest first
Why do we get growing pains?
Oct 2, 2026 · 31 min
As kids, you are constantly growing. You may not be able to feel yourself growing day to day, but if you’ve ever had achy legs at the end of a long day and been told, “Those are just growing pains,” it certainly SEEMS like you can feel yourself growing! In this episode we get answers to all kinds of questions about growing. Dr. Zurisadai Gonzalez Castillo, a pediatric neurologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, helps us understand: how tall can people grow? How do bones grow? Why do our nails and hair keep growing–and is it true our noses and ears never stop growing either? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
300th Episode: What’s your favorite?
Sep 18, 2026 · 36 min
This is But Why’s 300th episode! It’s safe to say we’ve answered several thousand questions from kids all over the world. We asked our listeners to tell us about their favorite episodes and today we’re hearing from all of you! We also hear a bit from a few of the podcasts you have on repeat! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Why does my voice sound weird when it’s recorded?
Sep 4, 2026 · 26 min
How does our body make our voice? How do voice boxes work? What makes our voices so different? Why are boys' voices often lower than girls' voices? Why does your voice sound different when you are sick? Why does your voice sound weird when you listen to a recording of yourself? Answers to questions about voices with Dr. Anne Hseu, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) at Boston Children’s Hospital. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
What are fossils?
Aug 21, 2026 · 31 min
What is a fossil? How are they formed? Where are they found? What’s the oldest fossil, and what’s the biggest? When you think of a fossil you might be picturing a full dino skeleton preserved at a museum. But fossils come in many different shapes and sizes. We taped this episode all about fossils in front of a live audience at the South Burlington Public Library in Vermont, with special guest Charlotte Mehrtens, a retired geology professor from the University of Vermont. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Where do constellations come from?
Aug 7, 2026 · 48 min
How are constellations formed? How many stars are there? What are stars made of? Why are there stars in the sky? Why are stars white? Why are some stars red? Why do stars twinkle? Why do we only see the stars at night? Why is the north star always facing north? We answer your questions about the stars and astronomy with Talia Sepersky of the Museum of Science in Boston. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Why does space have so many planets?
Jul 24, 2026 · 46 min
Join us on a tour of our solar system with John O’Meara, chief scientist at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. We’ll answer all of your questions about planets! How were the planets in our solar system made? Why are some planets made of gas and others are made of rock? How do planets stay in space? Why is Venus the hottest planet if it's not the closest to the sun? Why is Earth more like Mars than Venus? Why do dust storms happen on Mars? Why is the storm on Jupiter red? Why does Saturn have rings? What is a dwarf planet? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Do animals play?
Jul 10, 2026 · 34 min
Have you ever seen your dog play with another dog? Have you seen squirrels chasing each other in the woods? Are they playing or are they doing something else? We look at the behavior of animals with Marco Wendt, Wildlife Ambassador for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and host of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast . Also in this episode: Why do pigs like to play in the mud? Why do elephants like to play in the mud? Why do hamsters like to play? Is it okay for animals to live at the zoo? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
When was the first World Cup?
Jun 26, 2026 · 28 min
Right now, the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup is happening across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico and it’s time to learn a little bit about soccer…or should we say football? That’s one conundrum we’ll be tackling: why is it called soccer in some countries and football in others? We’ll also look at World Cup questions like where the first tournament was played and what makes the trophy so special. Plus: what are the basic rules of the game? Why are soccer balls often black and white? How come goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands? And what does offside actually mean? In this episode, we meet up with Meg Linehan, women’s sports lead for The Athletic at a Vermont Green FC training session and ask her all your soccer-related questions. Download our learning guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
How are video games made?
Jun 12, 2026 · 27 min
How are video games made? Who invented the concept? Why do games have levels? Who invented them? Why are game consoles so expensive? Why do people like playing these games so much and do they turn your brain to mush? What do you do if you can’t make yourself stop playing? In this episode, we talk with Patrick Klepek, writer and editor of Crossplay, a newsletter focused on video games and parenting. Download our learning guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
What is ADHD?
May 29, 2026 · 27 min
What is ADHD? How does ADHD affect the brain? Why do only some people have it? How can we control our brains? An estimated 11 percent of U.S. kids are diagnosed with the neurological condition known as ADHD, so you may have it or have a friend or classmate with this unique way of thinking. In this episode we explore how you can learn to balance the strengths and challenges of ADHD with Dr. Liz Angoff, author of the Brain Building Book . Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
What are eels?
May 15, 2026 · 23 min
What are eels? And why are some eels electric? We head to Poughkeepsie, New York to learn about eels with Chris Bowser, Hudson River estuary educator with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Plus we learn about electric eels. Electric eels have captured the imagination of many people, but they’re not actually considered eels by the scientific community. They’re a type of knife fish, more closely related to catfish and carp. But they are electric! So we’ll tackle why they’re electric and how they create electricity. David de Santana, of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, tells us what it’s like to study electric eels in the Amazon. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Why does green mean go and red mean stop?
May 1, 2026 · 36 min
Why is there traffic? How do traffic lights work? How do they know when to turn red and green? Why does green mean go and red mean stop? Why are cars able to go faster than they are allowed to go with the speed limit? Why do we drive on the right side of the road in the United States? Why are some roads bigger than others? Answers to your traffic questions with Mike Knodler, professor and director of the Transportation Center at the University of Massachusetts. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript