logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
32 m

How do animals build their homes?

American Public Media
About this episode
People are really good at building homes out of everything from wood and concrete to mud and ice. But when it comes to animal homes, creatures can be more inventive than humans! In this creatively constructed episode, Molly and cohost Marama renovate Brains On HQ with the help of some clever critter contractors. They talk to animal experts and navigate demol ... Show More
Up next
Apr 28
How does soap work?
We wash our hands all the time, but do you ever wonder why? It turns out that soap is super good at attaching to dirt and germs and carrying that gunk off skin. Join Molly and co-hosts Hope and Heaven as they zoom in on soap to see how this sudsy stuff cleans so well. Plus we’ll ... Show More
34m 10s
Apr 21
How to build a house on the moon
Humans have visited the moon but we’ve never lived there. Could we build a home on our lunar neighbor? Join Molly and co-host Ira as they find out why the moon can be a dangerous place, and what it would take to live there. We’ll imagine a visit to a lunar hotel, hear about all t ... Show More
32m 7s
Apr 14
More sport science: Bats and black eyes
Sports and science go hand in hand, especially when it comes to softball and baseball. Join Molly and co-host Caris as they answer more of your questions about these two ballgames. Like why are bats measured in ounces? Or why do some players wear black paint under their eyes? Plu ... Show More
28m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
Today’s debate is a colossal critter competition! One of them stings, the other has wings. It’s scorpions vs. butterflies! We’ve got standup comedian and health educator Khadijah Cooper ready to sing the praises of the snazzy scorpion and writer, actor and comedian Becky Abrams h ... Show More
40m 37s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons! Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating Capybaras, while writer, acto ... Show More
34m 39s
Nov 2023
Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons: a creature debate
Today’s debate is a fantastic face-off between a relaxed rodent and a raging reptile. We’ve got a cuddly meme, and a hissing, hunting machine! It’s Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons! Brains On producer and archaeologist Anna Goldfield reps the captivating Capybaras, while writer, acto ... Show More
34m 39s
Sep 2023
Scorpions vs. Butterflies: a critter debate
Today’s debate is a colossal critter competition! One of them stings, the other has wings. It’s scorpions vs. butterflies! We’ve got standup comedian and health educator Khadijah Cooper ready to sing the praises of the snazzy scorpion and writer, actor and comedian Becky Abrams h ... Show More
40m 37s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
Today’s debate is a poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the steal ... Show More
37m 48s
Nov 2023
Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies: a deadly debate
Today’s debate is a poisonous, blood-sucking battle between two dangerous creatures. One hides out in a decorative shell, the other buzzes ‘round like a carousel. It’s Cone Snails vs. Tsetse Flies! Radiolab co-host and science historian Latif Nasser gives it his all for the steal ... Show More
37m 48s
Mar 2024
Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate
Today’s debate is a brawl that can be seen on any power line. One is a feisty furry phenom who goes nuts for acorns, the other is a sleek, feathered enigma who represents the melancholy and mysterious. It’s Squirrels vs. Crows! In one corner we’ve got improviser, content creator, ... Show More
36m 27s
Mar 2024
Squirrels vs. Crows: a brilliant debate
Today’s debate is a brawl that can be seen on any power line. One is a feisty furry phenom who goes nuts for acorns, the other is a sleek, feathered enigma who represents the melancholy and mysterious. It’s Squirrels vs. Crows! In one corner we’ve got improviser, content creator, ... Show More
36m 27s
Nov 2023
Trolls vs. Leprechauns: a legendary debate
It’s a mythological mashup for the ages! Will mischievous fairies prevail or will cave creatures conquer? It’s Trolls vs. Leprechauns! Circle Round host Rebecca Sheir will leap for lovely leprechauns while What if World host Eric O’Keefe will tell us why trolls should triumph. He ... Show More
35m 56s
Apr 2024
Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat: a wild debate
Today’s debate has some real skin in the game. It’s a wild matchup between two creatures of the depths. It’s Blobfish vs. Naked Mole Rat! In one corner we’ve got actor and comedian Mike Cabellon ready to put on the pressure for team Blobfish! And donning the mantle for team Naked ... Show More
34m 50s