logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
30m 54s

Play ball! The first team sport

Brains On Universe
About this episode
Today, sports are popular all over the world!  But have you ever wondered what the first team sport was?  This week, Joy and cohost Xenia learn all about the Mesoamerican Ball Game, which is more than 3,000 years old! And they meet someone who is still playing today! Plus, a game of first things first that you won’t ball-lieve!This episode was sponsored by:D ... Show More
Up next
Apr 29
Why did it take so long for the U.S. to pick its national anthem?
It’s super common for a country to have a national anthem. That’s an official song that is sung at special events and is supposed to bring people together. The United States of America’s anthem is called The Star Spangled Banner. But it took a long time, and a lot of contests, to ... Show More
30m 38s
Apr 22
From Skibidi to Slay: The stories behind slang
Skibidi, rizz and slay are examples of slang. Slang words are fun, zippy terms that usually spread from one small group of people, to the entire world. This week Joy and co-host Dax explore the unexpected history of a few different slang words, from a recluse poet, to the lively ... Show More
32 m
Apr 15
The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?
The Titanic sank only four days into its voyage. Even though the ship was lost to the ocean, the history and stories survived. Join Joy and her co-host Juniper as they find out how this mega ship was built, hear some theories on why it sank, and learn how the history of this voya ... Show More
29m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
The Modern Olympics
Every four years, the Modern Olympic Games is a celebration of athletic excellence. From modest roots in 19th Century Athens, to a worldwide phenomenon which will feature almost 15,000 athletes in Paris 2024, the Modern Olympics has developed into the largest sporting festival in ... Show More
57m 27s
Apr 2025
When Presidents Play Ball ⚾
President William Howard Taft became the first Commander-in-Chief to throw the ceremonial first pitch on 14th April, 1910. Taft's participation cemented baseball as the quintessential American sport, in a period when it was still shedding its dodgy image. The game’s enduring p ... Show More
12m 6s
Sep 2025
What Is Your Favorite Sport?
<p>Everyone has a sport they love—whether it’s playing, watching, or just talking about it! In this episode, Jessica and Emily share their favorite sports and explain why they enjoy them so much. From the fast-paced strategy of tennis to the relaxing freedom of swimming, they dis ... Show More
3m 38s
Aug 2024
Are There Fewer World Class Players Now?
Where have all the maverick players gone from the game? Are tactical developments killing players’ spontaneity and freedom? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss the idea of specific players being given holidays mid-season and we hear how Micah is getting on at Disneyland in the mid ... Show More
35m 20s
Aug 2023
We Forgot What Little Kids Were Like
Once your kids are a little bit older, can you be dropped into the madness of having little ones again without missing a beat? Apparently not - here's what Margaret learned after a brief season of tending to little kids again. Amy and Margaret discuss: The stakes of babysitting ... Show More
43m 50s
Nov 2021
Serena & Venus Williams
<p>On episode 40, Shannon welcomes in two of the greatest tennis players of all time: Serena &amp; Venus Williams. </p><p>The Williams sisters discuss the new film King Richard, which is based on their upbringing in Compton. They tell Shannon why it was so important to tell their ... Show More
4m 43s