Introducing Constant Wonder Kids: Do Plants Think?

More from If Objects Could Talk All episodes →

1. 

   S2 · 21 Sep 2026 · 14 min

   Purrquoise the Traveling Cat

   As soon as he arrived in Los Angeles, Purrquoise, the turquoise cat, was a star. But this charismatic kitty traveled a long way to get here! Made in China in the 1750s, he moved by ship to France, where he padded around with the rich and famous—like Madame de Pompadour, noted companion of King Louis XV—as well as those who served them. After a few centuries there, he traveled across the Atlantic and settled in at the Getty Museum in 2024. Adjusting to a new culture takes time, an open mind, and an adventurous spirit. Hear about 18th-century trade and travel and the importance of changing…

2. 

   S2 · 14 Sep 2026 · 12 min

   The Magnificent Microscope and the Fabulous Flea

   It’s a knight! It’s a cat! No, it’s a…flea? Picture it: the French countryside, 1751. A young flea prepares for his moment in the spotlight—of a magnificent gold and sharkskin microscope. This compound microscope was the height of scientific knowledge, showcasing both the newest technology and fashionable design. It allowed people—including science lovers like King Louis XV—to discover new worlds in small things. In this first episode of season two, learn about compound microscopes, the Enlightenment, and what “rococo” means. Like this episode? Head to the website ( www.getty.edu/ioct ) for…

3. 

   S2 · 9 Jul 2026 · 5 min

   Coming Soon: Bastille Day (and Season 2)

   Announcing Season 2, this mini-episode features Purrquoise, a bright turquoise porcelain cat that was made in China in the 1700s and has traveled the world ever since. Now that he’s made himself at home in Los Angeles, he’s ready to pitch his script all about the storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution. Of course, if he can’t get that movie made, he’s still excited to announce that If Objects Can Talk returns this fall with ten more stories from adventurous, luxurious—and sometimes very silly—objects, including Purrquoise himself! Feeling inspired to celebrate Bastille Day? Learn…

4. 

   6 Mar 2026 · 10 min

   (Rerun) Snake Charm on Your Arm

   (Rerun) How does a snake bracelet celebrate her favorite holiday? Learn about gold jewelry, the meaning of snakes for ancient Egyptians, and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia from this snake who knows all the best secrets! For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/ . Come see the bracelet in person at the Getty Villa in gallery 216!

5. 

   2 Feb 2026 · 13 min

   Going for Glory: A History of the Ancient Olympics

   You probably know that the Olympics started in ancient Greece, but did you know that they started as just a single running race? Or that the athletes—all male—competed naked and covered in oil? As the world gears up to watch athletes from nearly 100 countries compete in ice skating and bob sledding (two sports the Greeks would have been shocked at!), we had to know more about where the Olympics came from nearly 3000 years ago! Learn all about the early Olympic games in this bonus conversation with archaeologist Shelby Brown. Visit the episode website for images of art that teach us about…

6. 

   17 Dec 2025 · 9 min

   Your Ultimate Saturnalia Gift Guide!

   From bad poetry and papyrus to candles and boar, give the gifts any Roman would love to receive with our Ultimate Saturnalia Gift Guide! (Cue the air horns.) In this special episode, a carved doll has combed the ancient literature to bring you timeless gift advice for the holiday season. Io Saturnalia! For a listening guide filled with Roman-inspired DIY gifts, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/ .

7. 

   15 Dec 2025 · 16 min

   Culture Kids Collab: You're Invited to an Ancient Roman Dinner Party! (Part 2)

   This week we’re sharing part two of our collaboration with the Culture Kids podcast. (Head back to the feed for part one if you haven't listened yet!) Asher and his mom Kristen join If Objects Could Talk producer Zoe on the Culture Train Time Machine for an unforgettable visit to ancient Rome. Together, they tiptoe into a glowing triclinium, the Roman dining room, to watch a real dinner party happening over two thousand years ago! You’ll discover how ancient Romans lit up the night, what they wore to make room for dinner, and what foods they ate. Hear more from Culture Kids on your favorite…

8. 

   8 Dec 2025 · 18 min

   Culture Kids Collab: Culture Train Time Travel to Ancient Rome! (Part 1)

   This week we’re sharing a collaboration with the Culture Kids podcast. Asher and his mom Kristen join If Objects Could Talk producer Zoe at the Getty Villa Museum to learn about Roman dinner parties—then we travel back in time to experience one! In this two part series, you’ll learn more about how and what the Romans ate—especially when they wanted to show off to their friends. You’ll discover how ancient Romans reclined on couches while eating, what dishes and cups looked like in the ancient world, why people often ate with their hands, and how paintings inspired by Egypt became popular…

9. 

   17 Nov 2025 · 12 min

   (Rerun) All's Fair in Love and Games

   (Rerun) Does this acrobatic astragalos (an ancient kind of dice) have what it takes to win the big game? Learn about the twists and turns of ancient gameplay and how sheep knucklebones aren’t so different from modern dice. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/ .

10. 

    10 Nov 2025 · 7 min

    Introducing Who Arted: The Treasures of King Tutankhamun's Tomb

    This week we're sharing an episode of another art history podcast we love! Who Arted celebrates art in all of its forms and in terms anyone can understand. Each episode tells the story of a different artist and artwork. Who Arted is written and produced by art teacher Kyle Wood with the goal of making art history fun and accessible to everyone. This episode focuses on King Tut's tomb. On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter prepared to enter the tomb of a little-known pharaoh. Nobody had set foot inside the space for over 3,000 years, but as Carter held up his candle, his partner, Lord Carnarvon…