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Artwork for But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Vermont Public
Weather
Curiosity
Pizza
Insects
Solar Eclipse
Snow
Vision
Family
Whistling
Tariffs
Horseshoe Crabs
Rabbits
Anxiety
Animals
North America
Happiness
Cicadas
Superheroes
Taxes
Inflation

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!

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes298Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyScience

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Latest Episodes

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 growi... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Zurisadai Gonzalez Castillo
Pediatric neurologist at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Episode: Why do we get growing pains?
Dr. Anne Hseu
Pediatric otolaryngologist
Boston Children's Hospital
Episode: Why does my voice sound weird when it’s recorded?
Charlotte Mehrtens
Retired geologist from the University of Vermont, guest expert on fossils
University of Vermont
Episode: What are fossils?
John O'Meara
Astronomer, Keck Observatory
WM Keck Observatory
Episode: Why does space have so many planets?
Marco Wendt
Wildlife Ambassador for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Episode: Do animals play?
Meg Linehan
Women's Sports Lead at The Athletic
The Athletic / New York Times
Episode: When was the first World Cup?
Patrick Klepek
Writer and editor for Crossplay focusing on parenting and video games
Crossplay
Episode: How are video games made?
Dr. Liz Angoff
Licensed educational psychologist; author of books on neurodivergence
Author/Educator
Episode: What is ADHD?
Mike Knodler
Director of the Transportation Center at the University of Massachusetts; Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Massachusetts
Episode: Why does green mean go and red mean stop?

Hosts

Jane Lindholm
Host of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, guiding questions and discussions with guests
Katie Miller
Host/Team member for But Why episode, helping run the show and engage with young audiences

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 9.9k ratings
  • Thanks

    I listened to this podcast when I was little so thanks a bunch

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    #Moonlark
    New Zealand12 days ago
  • 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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LittleDIDyouKNOW56783
    United States18 days ago
  • Good

    My favourite episode is the ADHD one because I have it too!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cats are not evil 🐈🐈‍⬛
    United States24 days ago
  • 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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Your local social anxiety
    United States25 days ago
  • Okay

    Was not for me 👎

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ifjjxrej:
    United States25 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise accessible explanations and kid-driven questions.
Positive feedback on ADHD and neurodiversity coverage and practical tips.
Seasoned guests and live questions are highlights for many.
Some episodes include sponsor segments that can disrupt flow for a few listeners.
Fans appreciate the breadth of topics, from science to civics to philosophy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#8
United States/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts
#13
Canada/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts
#44
United Kingdom/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts
#44
Australia/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts
#174
Italy/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts
#190
France/Kids & Family

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

300th Episode: What’s your favorite?
Q: What is ADHD and how does it affect attention and activity?
ADHD involves attention and hyperactivity components; attention can be highly focused on subjects of interest (hyperfocus), while other tasks may be harder to engage with, and hyperactivity can manifest as movement or rapid, spontaneous actions.
300th Episode: What’s your favorite?
Q: How would you answer the question of where the sky begins?
The discussion blends science and philosophy, explaining that while there is a physical boundary in theory, in practice the boundary is unclear and changes with conditions, inviting curiosity rather than definitive answers.
What are fossils?
Q: Why do some fossils have skin, and how?
Skin and other delicate tissues can be preserved when the organism dies in an environment with very little oxygen and rapid burial, which prevents decay and allows mineral-rich sediments to take the place of soft tissues over time.
Do animals play?
Q: What happens at the zoo at night?
Zookeepers monitor nocturnal and crepuscular animals; some sleep patterns shift, and many species remain active or are fed at night to match their natural cycles.
Do animals play?
Q: Do adult animals play too?
Adults can also play for fun, though the reasons may vary and be more complex, including social bonding and learning.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

What is But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A curiosity-driven, kid-led science and world-exploration show that invites young listeners to ask questions and get accessible explanations from experts. Episodes span fossils, space, animals, technology, civics, and human behavior, mixing live Q&A with hands-on demos and kid-friendly demonstrations. Notable strengths include a steady stream of expert guests, a strong emphasis on neurodiversity and inclusive learning, and sponsorships that keep content approachable for families. The format is welcoming to both kids and adults, making complex topics approachable while showcasing practical takeaways for curious learners and future-makers.

What stands out is the show's ability to translate big ideas into engaging, age-appropriate conversatio... more

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Which podcasts are similar to But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids?

These podcasts share a similar audience with But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids:

1. Brains On! Science podcast for kids
2. Wow in the World
3. Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
4. Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids
5. Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

How many episodes of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids are there?

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids launched 11 years ago and published 298 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids?

Recent guests on But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids include:

1. Zurisadai Gonzalez Castillo
2. Dr. Anne Hseu
3. Charlotte Mehrtens
4. John O'Meara
5. Marco Wendt
6. Meg Linehan
7. Patrick Klepek
8. Dr. Liz Angoff

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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