Do plants fart?

More from Brains On! Science podcast for kids

1. 

   25 Aug 2026 · 30 min

   How do we get Vitamin D from the sun?

   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…

2. 

   18 Aug 2026 · 33 min

   Forever Ago: Who invented Pokemon?

   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!

3. 

   14 Aug 2026 · 7 min

   Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock

   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.

4. 

   4 Aug 2026 · 40 min

   Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness

   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…

5. 

   28 Jul 2026 · 30 min

   How do walkie talkies work?

   Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your walkie talkie lingo in a special game show. And, we get a visit from our favorite dancing CEO,Gungador, who needs Molly and co-host Sebastian's help while he attends a meeting with the Brains On Dog Advisory Council. All that plus, a brand new mystery sound. Over and out! Brains On is powered by YOU. We are an…

6. 

   21 Jul 2026 · 30 min

   Hoax Hunters take on the Fresno Nightcrawler

   Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. Unexplained? Very. Join the Hoax bros as they explore this event and learn how it inspired artists, musicians, even the tourist board of Fresno, to embrace the weird stuff around us. Want to support more hoax hunting missions? Join Smarty Pass! That's where you can get ad-free episodes of all the Brains On Universe…

7. 

   6 Oct 2026 · 31 min

   The hows and whys of hair

   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…

8. 

   5 Oct 2026 · 9 min

   Sneak peek: The history of pineapple on pizza

   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.

9. 

   29 Sep 2026 · 28 min

   Hoax Hunters: Why do crystals feel so special?

   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…

10. 

    22 Sep 2026 · 40 min

    Mystery Sound Extravaganza fall 2026

    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…

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