logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
35m 6s

Do scientists have superpowers?

American Public Media
About this episode

Hi! It’s Joy Dolo here. Forever Ago will be back in your feed with new episodes in May! But to tide you over until then, I wanted to share this episode with you that I made with my friends at Brains On. You’ll get to meet some incredible scientists, play the mystery sound game and listen to me contemplate whether tacos are sandwiches! It’s so much fun. Thanks, Friends! Enjoy the show!

It's just a normal day at Brains On headquarters, until Molly and co-host Aaliyah find Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in the midst of a full-blown stress attack. She has a lot on her agenda: it's her birthday month and Black History Month, she's producing a one-woman show, she's got episodes to host, parades to plan and a self-portrait made entirely out of found objects due for her art class! Joy isn't sure which way is up, if tacos are sandwiches and if she should re-think her entire life. Luckily, there are all sorts of amazing scientists who just happen to be hanging out at Brains On HQ happy to help. Chemist Joya Cooley, urban ecologist Jasmin Green, roboticist Randi Williams, entomologist Jessica Ware and space suit technician Sharon McDougle are on the case, ready to share their wisdom and superpowers with Joy.

This episode is sponsored by Disney Channel and Disney+. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur premieres Friday, February 10 at 8p on Disney Channel and available on Disney+ Wednesday, February 15. Visit disneyplusoriginals.disney.com for more info.

Up next
Oct 8
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop u ... Show More
7m 30s
Jun 2025
Where did school uniforms come from?
Our world is filled with uniforms. From mail carriers, to sports teams to students! This week, Joy, cohost Hannah and Articles of Interest’s Avery Trufelman trace the history of school uniforms, from their start 800 years ago in England, to their popularization in America by immi ... Show More
32m 25s
Jun 2025
A big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
Oceans vs. Microplastic vs. Mermaids! (Earth Week remix)
An interview with a mermaid scientist!!! This Earth Week remix episode of Ear Snacks features the bright light of science communicator and mermaid, Danni Washington. Check out her amazing book, Bold Women in Science, and her podcast for kids, Genius Generation. Thanks again to ou ... Show More
21m 24s
Dec 2024
Bioluminescence! (Winter Break remix)
(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) Celebrate the winter solstice by exploring the darkest depths of the ocean with marine biologist and self-proclaimed M ... Show More
24m 8s
Jun 2024
Andragogology (300TH EPISODE SPECIAL) with Alie Ward
Boy howdy hot dang, Ologies has hit its 300th new episode! In celebration of this milestone, we’ve turned the tables and lead editor Mercedes Maitland hosts this episode with special guest… Alie Ward! We talk about Alie’s twists and turns finding her way into a career in science ... Show More
1h 56m
Jun 2025
Bonnie and the Great Watermelon War
🍉🧸🎶Tonight’s magical story comes from Farrah, 4 years old, all the way from Sunshine Coast, Australia. Farrah has been listening to our stories every night for over a year (thank you, Farrah!) — and tonight’s adventure is based on her wonderful idea! It’s called “Bonnie and th ... Show More
16m 40s
Aug 2024
Auroras: Nature's light show
Have you ever seen an aurora? These spectacular night-time displays can fill our skies with dancing lights and bursts of color. But why do they happen in the first place? Join Molly and co-host Mariam as they learn about what makes an aurora (hint: it starts with spicy sun burps) ... Show More
30m 19s
Mar 2025
When the Party Never Stops
🎉 Cowy’s birthday is the best day ever—games, cake, and nonstop fun! But when she makes a wish for the fun never to end, things start getting a little… exhausting. 😵‍💫Join the Lingokids Podcast as the Lingokids friends go on a playful adventure about why breaks are important, ... Show More
7m 28s
Jul 2023
Peace Out Presents: The Ten News
We're taking a little break, but don't worry, I'm sharing an episode from one of my podcast friends! But first... RED PANDA PLUSH TOY PRIZE DRAW DEADLINE EXTENDED! Yes, you can still enter our lucky draw for a red panda plush toy from our collaborator the Red Panda Network until ... Show More
18 m
Apr 2024
How Do Birds Fly?
Have you ever watched birds soaring in the sky and wondered... How do they fly like that? Our guest,  Alex Troutman, wildlife biologist and science communicator, is here to explain it all. A lifetime birding enthusiast, Alex turned his interest in birds into a job as a scientist. ... Show More
28m 45s
Apr 2025
Forever Ago: The history and mystery of mayonnaise
Hey Smash Boom Besties! Today we're bringing you an extra special episode from our sister podcast Forever Ago! You’ll remember debater Joy Dolo from so many debates including the spooky Ghosts vs. Zombies and the hilarious Halloween Candy Grab Bag. Turns out, Joy also made an ent ... Show More
30m 35s
Jul 15
Dr Tara
You'll never guess what today's guest pulls out from her bag!Sexologist, university professor and relationship expert from TV's Celebs Go Dating, Dr Tara, gives Zoe & Georgia plenty of shocks and huge laughs in today's hilarious show.We put your questions to Dr Tara about everyth ... Show More
54m 7s