logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
51m 31s

What is popcorn?

Melissa and Jam, Bleav
About this episode
#161Summer's here, blockbusters are coming out, people will be headed to the movies, and nothing goes better with a movie... than popcorn. At least that's how we feel around here. But what even is popcorn? Are the kernels just like regular corn? How do they pop to become popcorn? What even is the stuff we're eating? Can someone please tell me what's going on ... Show More
Up next
Sep 10
What the heck is going on inside microwaves?
#007 Rebroadcast Melissa finally explains to Jam how microwaves work after making him wait for an entire week. What the heck is going on inside microwaves? How does it do it's thing and make our food tasty? Is it magic? Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Appare ... Show More
24 m
Sep 3
Which chemistry lessons have stuck with us? (Happy Chemiversary!)
What happens when a chemist and a non-chemist make a podcast together for seven years? Which chemistry lessons stuck, which episode ideas spectacularly refused to cooperate, and does Jam still count as a layperson after all this time? Joined by returning guest Claire, Melissa and ... Show More
1h 14m
Aug 27
Can water air-condition your house?
What exactly is a swamp cooler, and why can it beat the heat in Arizona but leave you sweaty and betrayed in Houston? How can an air conditioner run on water, what does humidity have to do with its effectiveness, and could an icy new invention help prevent overloaded power grids? ... Show More
31m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2016
Popcorn
Popcorn, get your fresh popcorn! This week we're talking all about the treat that's a treat to eat: popcorn. How does corn turn into popcorn? What are the different ways to make popcorn? Why doesn't Tim like popcorn? All of these questions and more are answered on this week's epi ... Show More
1h 13m
Oct 2021
Curious About Popcorn
<p>In episode 160, we get curious about popcorn for Margaret and Katherine of Ann Arbor Michigan.  How does popcorn pop?  How much popcorn do Americans eat each year?  What makes popcorn a pretty healthy snack?</p> <p>Visit the Curious Kid Podcast Website - <a href="http://www.cu ... Show More
10m 16s
Jul 2019
ELI5 Popcorn - What makes it pop?
What makes popcorn pop? Can we pop other grains like rice or quinoa? Why does the first kernel popped not burn while the others are being popped? Why do most brands of microwave popcorn require one specific side to be placed up?   ... We explain like i'm five!   Thank you to the ... Show More
7m 27s
Mar 2019
What's in Movie Theater Popcorn?
The salty, buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters is nigh irresistible, but there's zero butter involved. Learn what it's made of in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa ... Show More
5m 11s
May 2025
Popcorn: Who doesn't love it?
We love popcorn and suspect that most people do too. But do you know why it even pops? Or if it's healthy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
45m 56s
Jun 2024
Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?
Popcorn is a buttery, tasty treat. You can find it everywhere, from circuses to sports games. But it’s probably best known for its starring role as a movie theater snack! So why do we eat popcorn at the movies anyway? Why not pizza or peanuts or potato chips? Join Joy and co-host ... Show More
32m 46s
Jun 2024
Popcorn
<p>A lot of the stories that are told about popcorn in history – particularly in North America – are incorrect. Popcorn has been around for a very long time, though its rise to popularity as a snack has accelerated in recent years.</p> <p>Research:</p> <ul> <li>“Ancient Popcorn D ... Show More
41m 14s
Sep 2024
Could a popcorn kernel grow into a popcorn plant?
If you plant certain seeds in the right condition - a plant or tree might grow. But what happens if you plant a popcorn kernel? Will a bowl of popcorn grow right out of the ground? We needed to know, so we asked Phil Fox of Popcornopolis to help us find the answer. Are you search ... Show More
4m 17s
Mar 2011
Eat Popcorn. Eat Popcorn. Eat Popcorn.
<p>Subliminal messaging dates back to 1957, when James Vicary slipped images of popcorn and soda into films at a New Jersey theater. It spooks some consumers, but does it actually work? Tune in to learn more about the science behind subliminal messaging.</p><p> </p> Learn more ab ... Show More
33m 13s
Jul 2017
Hot Buttered Popcorn...PEE?!?
How in the world does hot buttered popcorn smell so good? Where in the world can we find that smell in the wild? And what in the world does PEE have to do with it? Join Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas on an epic adventure to Southeast Asia for the latest who, what, when, where, why, how ... Show More
17m 45s