Electric Kids

The Erie Canal and The Chicago River were two of the most impressive engineering feats in history. For the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal we look at the opening celebration, along with a fun musical diversion or two. And how can you talk about moving water wit ... Show More

We're a part of Big Emotions this week! We’re feeling all squishy this week, as we dive into two of the strongest emotions of all. Love is powerful, joyful, and comforting - and when it changes or we feel its absence, sadness often follows. Sadness can feel heavy, but it helps us ... Show More

Did a no-longer-living Mark Twain send a novel from the great beyond with a Ouija Board? Find out about the real story with help from our pal Nate DuFort of the podcast, Unspookable. 

<p>Meet Nikola Tesla, an engineer WHO was instrumental in inventing some of the world's most prominent technologies, such as air conditioning and the modern-day lightbulb! Join Rebecca Sheir as we meet this innovator and discover how his WOWs have changed the world! Head to <a hr ... Show More

What does it take to become an inventor? To find out, we spoke with an inventor named Josh Miele about one of his greatest inventions: tactile maps! Tactile maps use braille technology to help blind people explore their neighborhoods with their fingers first. But how does Josh cr ... Show More

It is literally all around you (and even inside you) - electricity makes up the basis of modern life. But what exactly is electricity and how does it work? In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck chase away the darkness and explain electricity in their usual electrifying way.See ... Show More

<p><strong><em>Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:</em></strong><br><strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublicmedia.org/BOU-pod-ms" class="c-link">Support</a></em></strong><em><a href="https://support.americanpublic ... Show More

In 1890, the Governor of New York called for a new method of capital punishment. A more modern, efficient, scientific method was being sought. There was still a buzz around the recently harnessed power of electricity, which, when delivered. at high voltage to a prisoner strapped ... Show More

A long time ago, people had to copy books by hand, which took a very long time. Then, Johannes Gutenberg invented a special machine called the printing press. It helped make books much faster and cheaper, so more people could read and learn new things. His invention changed the w ... Show More

February 24, 1893. Most homes don't have electricity. And yet, one of the technology's pioneers, Nikola Tesla, is about to give the world a glimpse into a fully electrified future. He takes the stage at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and begins a demonstration. He shoots ... Show More

"With the great power to invent technology comes a great responsibility." – In this lively and energetic podcast conversation, economic sciences laureate Simon Johnson talks about how the past, future and present are interconnected, as well as how science fiction and history are ... Show More