May 13

How did soccer start?

Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear the answers to these questions as Joy and co-host Brooke learn about the history of the sport, plus the story of the first ... Show More

27m 7s

May 6

Bird poop facials and toilet masks: Skin care of the past

There are so many trends in skin care, from fun-shaped pimple patches to Korean sheet masks. They might seem like the latest fad, but did you know some of these beauty treatments have been around for hundreds of years? Join Joy and co-host Roop as they look back through skin care ... Show More

26m 52s

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

Oct 2025

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

8m 15s

Oct 2025

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

8m 15s

Oct 2025

See Smash Boom Best live in Princeton, NJ!

Get tickets for Smash Boom Best live! Nothing’s better than a good debate. Except maybe a good debate -- LIVE! That’s why we’re bringing Smash Boom Best to Princeton, New Jersey. It’s gonna be a knock down, drag out brawl of words, jokes and probably some impromptu dance moves. O ... Show More

45s

Jun 2025

A big update about Smash Boom Best 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 mea ... Show More

3m 41s

Jun 2025

A big update about Smash Boom Best 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 mea ... Show More

3m 41s

Nov 2024

Slides vs. Swings: a playground debate

Today’s debate is a beastly battle between two playground legends. It’s Slides vs. Swings! Comedian Tim Platt zooms towards glory for team slides while comedian, actor and writer Fareeha Khan soars through the sky for team swings. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on ... Show More

41m 9s

Nov 2024

Slides vs. Swings: a playground debate

Today’s debate is a beastly battle between two playground legends. It’s Slides vs. Swings! Comedian Tim Platt zooms towards glory for team slides while comedian, actor and writer Fareeha Khan soars through the sky for team swings. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on ... Show More

41m 9s

May 2025

Forts vs. Puzzles: a constructive debate

Today’s debate requires a little concentration and is seen across the nation. Put your hands together for Forts vs. Puzzles! We’ve got Forever Ago host Joy Dolo ready to rumble for team Forts, and comedian Comrade Tripp is eager to defend team Puzzles. Who will be crowned the Sma ... Show More

40m 13s

May 2025

Forts vs. Puzzles: a constructive debate

Today’s debate requires a little concentration and is seen across the nation. Put your hands together for Forts vs. Puzzles! We’ve got Forever Ago host Joy Dolo ready to rumble for team Forts, and comedian Comrade Tripp is eager to defend team Puzzles. Who will be crowned the Sma ... Show More

40m 13s

Jun 2025

A big update about 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 mea ... Show More

3m 41s

We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new...