But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

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Vermont Public
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#10 in Kids & Family Science Education
Audience & Performance Metrics
94.2K - 157.0K listeners Neutral 4.3 rating 6278 reviews 256 episodes USA
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30s Ad: $2,888 - $3,641 60s Ad: $3,516 - $4,269 CPM Category: Education
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But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to [email protected]!

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.

Hosts

But Why Team

Previous Guests

Dr. Ben Still
Dr. Ben Still is a physicist and author known for his work in particle physics. He has written several educational books, including 'Particle Physics Brick by Brick' and 'The Secret Life of the Periodic Table'. His upcoming book, 'How the Universe Works', is set to be released in September. Dr. Still is dedicated to making complex scientific concepts accessible to children and young learners.
Stacey Vanek Smith
Stacey Vanek Smith is a business reporter known for her work in explaining complex economic concepts in an accessible manner. She has contributed to various media outlets, providing insights on economic trends, taxes, and tariffs, making her a valuable resource for understanding the economy.
Chelsea L. Wood
Chelsea L. Wood is a parasite ecologist known for her research on the role of parasites in ecosystems. She is the author of the book 'Power to the Parasites', which explores the fascinating and often misunderstood world of parasites and their importance in maintaining ecological balance. Wood's work emphasizes the beauty and complexity of these organisms, challenging common perceptions of them as merely harmful.

Topics Discussed

atoms particle physics color of atoms scientific discovery universe records record player music Gold Rush Vinyl Austin vinyl production tacos Mexico Nixta Taqueria crispy shells soft tortillas sauce corn colors economy taxes inflation tariffs business reporting tapeworms parasites ecosystem Chelsea L. Wood Power to the Parasites

YouTube Channel

Channel Info

But Why Kids
@butwhy_kids

Channel Stats

Subscribers: 50,100
Total Videos: 204
Total Views: 655,930
Joined: May 4, 2022
Location: United States

Description

But Why, from Vermont Public, is a show led by you, kids! You ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Subscribe and check out butwhykids.org.

Instagram Profile

Instagram

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@butwhy_kids
But Why: for Curious Kids

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Followers: 3,160
Posts: 327

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Account Type: Business
Privacy: Public

Biography

But Why celebrates the diversity of childhood experience and fosters lifelong curiosity.

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.

0:00 28:43

Do atoms never touch?

Guests
Dr. Ben Still
Keywords
atoms particle physics color of atoms scientific discovery universe

What are atoms made of? Why is everything made of atoms? Why are atoms so small? How many atoms are there in the world? How did scientists find atoms if we can’t see them? How do atoms get their color? We learn about atoms with Dr. Ben Still, author of “Particle Physics Brick by Brick” and “The Secret Life of the Periodic Table.” His new book, “How the Universe Works,” will be released in September.


Check out Dr. Ben Still's YouTube channel to learn more about atomic, nuclear and particle physics.


Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Further reading:

Cosmic History - NASA

The Secret Science of Atoms

DOE Explains...Nucleosynthesis | Department of Energy   

0:00 23:58

How are records made?

Hosts
But Why Team
Keywords
records record player music Gold Rush Vinyl Austin vinyl production

How are records made? How does a record player make sound? Why are we still listening to and buying records when there are so many digital ways to listen to music?! But Why visits Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin, Texas to learn how little plastic beads become brightly colored records that can play back your favorite music or sounds.  


Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

0:00 25:39

Who invented tacos?

Hosts
But Why Team
Keywords
tacos Mexico Nixta Taqueria crispy shells soft tortillas sauce corn colors

Do you love tacos? Then you’re not alone! Tacos originated in Mexico but they’re popular worldwide and they are ever evolving. Kids have a lot of questions about this favorite food so we visited Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas to learn more! Who made the first tacos? And where? What’s the deal with crispy shells vs. soft tortillas? Why do tacos have sauce? Why does corn come in so many different colors? And are there rules about what makes a taco…a taco? 


Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

0:00 32:51

What are taxes and tariffs?

Guests
Stacey Vanek Smith
Keywords
economy taxes inflation tariffs business reporting

No matter how old you are, you’re part of the economy, but it can be tricky to understand what the economy actually is. Plus, what are taxes? What’s inflation? What are tariffs and why have they been in the news so much in 2025? In this episode, we break down economic terms and concepts with business reporter Stacey Vanek Smith.


Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

0:00 34:15

Are tapeworms sticky?

Guests
Chelsea L. Wood
Keywords
tapeworms parasites ecosystem Chelsea L. Wood Power to the Parasites

Fleas, lice, tapeworms and ticks - these are all examples of parasites, living organisms that live on or in a host species and need this other organism to complete their complex life cycles. Sounds bad, but parasites are essential to a healthy ecosystem! And our guest for this episode says they’re also fascinating and even beautiful. Parasite ecologist Chelsea L. Wood, author of Power to the Parasites, tackles all your parasitic questions in this episode! They include: Why are there worms in our stomachs? Why do fleas bite cats and dogs? Where did head lice come from? Why do lice make you itch? Why do ticks suck our blood? 

Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Ratings

Global:
4.3 rating 6278 reviews

USA

4.3 ratings 4700 reviews

Canada

4.3 ratings 610 reviews

Australia

4.2 ratings 518 reviews

UK

4.4 ratings 313 reviews

New Zealand

4.4 ratings 70 reviews

Ireland

4.3 ratings 26 reviews

Singapore

4.0 ratings 21 reviews

South Africa

4.0 ratings 20 reviews