Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Do trees think? That’s what our listener Alden wants to know. He has an idea that scientists might study mushroom roots to find out if trees are sending messages. Is that true? And if so, what do trees have to say?!We travel deep into the forest with a young soil scientist named Natalia Mondi from the Mother Tree Project, to find out how and why trees communicate through the ecosystem. Along the way, we’ll discover what trees are asking for, how their “forest buds” help them out, and how Natalia is using this knowledge to restore a forest in Canada, guided by the Kwiakah Nation. Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact https://tumble.science/JokeContestant

What is dark matter? Why do scientists think it exists? How are they searching for it, and why are they doing it in an underground lab?! Join us on the search for dark matter with Alvaro Chavarria, a physicist running a dark matter detector underneath a mountain in the French Alps. We’ll take you inside the lab to visit the detector, and find out why everything we think we know about dark matter… could be wrong. For more, visit our website! Our question comes from Jeronimo, a Tumble en Español listener! To listen to Tumble en Español, use this link to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1521514886 Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact . . . . . Shhh! This link is TOP SECRET: https://tumble.science/JokeContestant

Who invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? And how did it become one of the most famous lunches in America? In this episode, a question from listener Leila sends us on a trip through history to find out how peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread came together to make the classic PB&J. Along the way, we learn about the first written recipe for the sandwich in 1901, how peanut butter went from a fancy food to a lunchbox staple, and why sliced bread changed everything. To help answer Leila’s question, we turned to our buddy Mick Sullivan, host of the history podcast The Past and the Curious. Mick loved the question so much that he made a whole episode about it—and today we’re sharing it with you. Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: ⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠ Shop official Tumble merch: ⁠https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/⁠ Listen to Tumble en Español: ⁠https://pod.link/1521514886⁠ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

Why do humans usually have five fingers on each hand? And what if one day, we could grow a new finger if we lost one? In this episode, a question from six-year-old listener Ayla sends us on a journey from tiny developing embryos to one of the most amazing animals on Earth: the axolotl. We talk with Dr. Jessica Whited, a Harvard-based biologist who studies how axolotls regrow their limbs - and why humans can’t do the same… for now! Along the way, we discover how our hands develop before we’re born, why evolution settled on five fingers, and axolotls might show us the way to regrow our own limbs. Plus: why axolotls have to live in separate tanks (hint: they’re a little too snack-happy). Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

In this episode, we talk to two scientists who study animal friendships, in different animals, and in different ways. We’ll hear from Karen Bales, who studies titi monkeys (AKA “fuzzy little guys”) and Annaliese Beery, who studies voles (AKA “the cutest rodents”). Get ready to discover how animal friends play and cuddle - and what they can teach us about our own friendships. This episode was produced thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Good Science Center. Check out their website for all kinds of awesome quizzes, information, and more! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

How did Earth get created? What did our planet begin as? Why does our world exist? What started our planet? These questions take us back billions of years to learn how Earth formed in the very beginning - and then, we’ll look to a group of mysterious asteroids that might reveal how Earth became the planet it is today. With planetary scientist Bill Bottke, we’ll hear the incredible story of Earth’s earliest days in cinematic style. And get ready for a journey to Jupiter, where a NASA mission you probably haven’t heard of is heading, in hopes of revealing mysteries hidden in the Trojan asteroids. What could they reveal about why our planet came to host life? Listen to find out! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 9! Do fungi breathe? That’s what listener Alice wants to know - and we’ll find out in our punniest episode yet! We visit the Fungarium - the largest and oldest collection of fungi in the world with curator Lee Davies, who describes himself as a “librarian” of mushrooms. We’ll explore how fungi live and die, and why there’s so many species left to discover. Watch out for the zombie fungi! And beware, Lindsay and Marshall don’t hold back on the “fun guy” puns! To support Tumble on Patreon, visit patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Our merch store is at tumblepodcast.dashery.com. Go here to get more details about Tumble's appearance at Lincoln Center this February 7th at 11 am! It's totally free to the public!

This is a re-broadcast of a favorite episode from 2019. We actually won our first AAAS Kavli Award for this episode, along with The Cave of the Underground Astronauts. Check it out! Why do seals have whiskers? Listener Karah’s question dives into the wonderful world of whisker science. Robyn Grant, a self-described “whisker biologist” shares her discoveries of how whiskers work, from training a friendly seal named Moe to making slow-mo movies of super speedy “whisking.” (You will find no cuter field of research… but if you do, tell us about it!) Listen to learn about humans’ hidden whisker muscles and find out to rank whiskers like the pros! Want to learn more about whisker science? We have more from our interview with Robyn on our Patreon podcast feed! Subscribe for $1/month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You can also tune in on the Castbox podcast app by tuning into our Premium Channel. Find more whiskery educational resources on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com. If you want a t-shirt from our merch store, go check it out at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a final Mailbag episode, featuring some of our longest-running Patrons! Did you know, when you sign up to support Tumble on Patreon, you’ll get a personalized message from Marshall? And if you’ve been supporting us for years, we might just call you up to chat! We’ll meet our mysterious patron, MiloSloth and his family, and learn why they love to support the show. Plus, why is the English language so weird? Who made PB & J a combo? And do all cats hate getting wet? We have the answers. If you want to join Milo and support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge at whatever level you want! $1 or more gets you ad-free versions of the show, and $5 and up gets you a birthday shout out! Also don't forget about gift subscriptions, which make great last-minute holiday gifts! Want Tumble merch? Just go to tumblepodcast.dashery.com for t-shirts, mugs, hats, tote bags, and so much more.

How do people learn — and how can a video game help us find out? In this episode, we meet cognitive scientist Charley Wu, who built the ultimate science “mod” in Minecraft! Journey into a video game world of science to discover how and why Charley used one of the world’s most popular games to follow his curiosity about how humans learn. Featuring a “braintrust” of kid Minecraft experts to explain the game to Lindsay and Marshall, and a song inspired by The Minecraft Movie. You can learn more about Charlie, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, ⁠sciencepodcastforkids.com⁠. Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at ⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠. Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on ⁠sciencepodcastforkids.com⁠. You can also follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and subscribe to our ⁠YouTube.⁠ Try finding awesome shirts and other stuff on our merch store: tumblepodcast.dashery.com

Why do we have snot? Do animals get stuffy noses, too? We delve into the world of thick secretions with the help of Dani Rabiaotti, zoologist and author of “Believe it or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earth’s Slimy Creatures.” You’ll find out why we make so much mucus, and meet the slimiest animals on the planet. Plus, you’ll discover why scientists study slime, even though it’s super gross. This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 5, inspired by a question we recently got from our listener Harrison, who wondered why snot exists. Hopefully this answers the question for him! If you want to support Tumble with your holiday shopping, there are lots of ways to do it! Our merch store can be found at Tumblepodcast.dashery.com You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast, or give a gift subscription at Patreon.com/tumblepodcast/gift. Or, click our affiliate link at bit.ly/tumblemel and get some awesome science kits while helping support the show!

What sounds do fish make? 🐟🎶 We know that cows say moo, and sheep say baa, but what do fish say? Come explore “Under the Sea” to discover the chorus of fish noises with help from fish ecologist Audrey Looby. We’ll find out how fish can be sneaky, loud, and even “slimy, grumpy cuties” (Audrey’s words) who go boop boop - and what they can tell us about life underwater. 🌊 You can learn more about Audrey, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube.

Are ghosts real… or not? That’s what Lily wants to know. To find out, we talk to a real-life Ghostbuster and science historian Efram Sera-Shriar, who takes us on a journey back in time to when the world’s most famous scientists became ghost investigators: Sitting in on séances, inventing ghost-hunting devices, and exposing the tricks of “spirit photography.” Did you know, Thomas Edison made plans to create a phone to call ghosts? Learn all this and more when you join us on the trail of spooooky spirit science! You can learn more about Efram, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube. And don't forget to visit our merch store!

Did dinosaurs sniff each other’s butts like dogs? That’s what listener Ernie wants to know! We’ll dig up the surprising dino discovery that leads to our answer with the help of one of the world’s foremost animal butt experts, Dr. Diane Kelly! You can learn more about Diane, and find a transcript of this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. Support us on Patreon! You’ll get ad free episodes, special chances to be on the show, and of course, birthday shoutouts, when you sign up at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Find out what we’re up to - from live events, merch drops, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter, on sciencepodcastforkids.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube. Want to hear Aidee's Album "Nothing Rhymes With Orange?" Just click ⁠here⁠. (⁠https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange⁠)

This is our final Mailbag episode before all-new stories of science discovery arrive on Friday, October 17. Lindsay and Marshall share behind-the-scenes updates on what’s coming up in Season 11 — plus a special challenge to guess the topics of our first three episodes! Then, astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi (host of NOVA’s Particles of Thought and judge on Netflix’s Baking Impossible) joins us to tackle your big-universe questions: How does your body know you’re in a black hole? How do asteroids form? Why don’t we feel dizzy as Earth spins? And… what dessert would be best to eat in space? Plus we read your reviews, share how to support Tumble, and send in your own guesses and stories. Next time, we kick off a brand-new season of science adventures! LINKS! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/tumblepodcast Yoto cards: https://us.yotoplay.com/products/animal-facts-critter-curiosities-gross-science-pack Audiobook: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/tumble-media-announces-first-audiobook-collaboration-with-rbmedia Merch store: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Want to hear Aidee's Album "Nothing Rhymes With Orange?" Just click here. (https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange)

We have a big announcement: Tumble en Español is returning on September 25th! This is a rebroadcast of an episode of Tumble from last season. If you can't wait to hear the Spanish-language version, just go subscribe to Tumble en Español wherever you get your podcasts. Why are there so many axolotls in fishtanks, and so few in the wild? That’s what Maximiliano wants to know. You may have found axolotls in the lush caves of Minecraft, but in real life, they live in the lakes and canals of Xochimilco, near Mexico City. But the species is slowly disappearing from its native habitat. Axolotl veterinarian Horacio Mena takes us on a journey to Xochimilco to find out what scientists are doing to save these adorable amphibians. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2415575. Want to hear Aidee's Album "Nothing Rhymes With Orange?" Just click here. (https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange) Also don't forget to support Tumble on Patreon by going to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Our t-shirts can be found at tumblepodcast.dashery.com. Also subscribe to Tumble en Español wherever you get your podcasts, or at https://pod.link/1521514886 You can also find more resources about axolotls on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com.

There’s so much happening in the world of Tumble, and we’re excited to share it all with you! Plus we answer questions about plants with the help of plant biologist Carina Baskett. Tumble Yoto Cards A brand-new pack of 3 cards with Tumble episodes on our most popular themes - Animals, Bugs, and Gross Science - for the Yoto audio player! Get it 20% off during Yoto’s Back to School sale on educational cards: https://us.yotoplay.com/products/animal-facts-critter-curiosities-gross-science-pack Tumble Science in the Field: Europe Our first ever audiobook featuring science adventure episodes in Europe! Find it where you get your audiobooks: Audible , Libro.fm , Hoopla , Audiobooks.com , and more!! Tumble Live Events! Cambridge Science Festival in Cambridge, MA - Sept 21 Princeton Public Library, Thursday September 25th The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University. Saturday September 27th Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT - October 11 Lincoln Center, NYC - February 7, 2025 We can’t wait to see you there.

Is fire a liquid, a solid, or is it even matter at all? And what is the science of asking good questions? Lindsay and Marshall dig into the Tumble mailbag to answer listener questions with the help of Tumble's science advisors, and respond to reviews! Somehow, the whole "cats are evil" thing just refuses to die. We want to hear from you! Send us YOUR science questions, and let us know what you think of this mailbag episode! Here's how to do it: Email Lindsay & Marshall at [email protected] Upload a voice recording on our website sciencepodcastforkids.com Want to support Tumble on Patreon? Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast, and for a limited time you can get 75% off the first month using the code BTS2025 at check out! You can also stream Science Songs vol. 1 here, or find the album on Bandcamp here. Our merch store is tumblepodcast.dashery.com, where you can find the bird jacket t-shirt!