 is an award-winning science podcast hosted by Molly Bloom and a rotating cast of kids. Every episode answers questions from listeners like “Why do feet stink?” “What did dinosaurs sound like?” and “What is ADHD?”

Brains On! is an award-winning science podcast hosted by Molly Bloom and a rotating cast of kids. Every episode answers questions from listeners like “Why do feet stink?” “What did dinosaurs sound like?” and “What is ADHD?”


Are birds dinosaurs?

When you think of dinosaurs, you might picture giant, scaly creatures that roamed earth millions of years ago. And when you think of birds, you probably picture our fluffy, feathered, chirpy friends. But did you know that birds are actually dinosaurs?

Trends: How do they start?

Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendy at some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard

Oh no! Molly’s been bequeathed her great-great grandfather’s skateboard, which unfortunately contains the spirit of dictionary editor Rutherford Williams Webster! Hoping to defeat the skateboard poltergeist, Anna and Marc must attempt to spell and define Webster’s most obscure words!


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Forever Ago, and more. 

Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games, like this one. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Hey, Molly. Hey, Anna. What are you up to? 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Molly got this sick new skateboard, so we're doing tricks. 

MARC SANCHEZ: That skateboard is new? It looks super old. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, it's new to us, but you're right, it's really old. I just got it from my Great Aunt Petunia. She says it belonged to her father, Amadeus Bloom. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Wait, your great, great grandfather is Amadeus Bloom, the wealthy oil tycoon who made billions in the early 1920s? 

MOLLY BLOOM: No, my Amadeus Bloom sold beef jerky out of a wagon, but people confuse them for each other a lot. My great, great grandfather traveled the country selling jerky. And the story goes, some old guy couldn't afford his jerky, so he gave him this skateboard instead. 

RUTHERFORD WILLIAMS WEBSTER: That's not what happened at all. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Molly, look out, a ghost just came out of your skateboard. 

ANNA GOLDFIELD: Totally radical. 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartpass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartpass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On universe, smarty pals. 

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. But how do they work?Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Anna as they explore the ins and outs of solar energy! 


How does solar power work?

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that can make it hard to breathe. And it’s common! One in twelve people in the United States have it, including host Molly Bloom. But what is asthma? And why do some people have it, but not others?

How do coral communicate?

Coral is one of the coolest creatures in the ocean. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, from bright yellow stars to big round brains. Sometimes, coral looks like rocks or even plants – but did you know it’s actually an animal?

How does coral communicate?

Why do we have crushes?

Butterflies in your stomach, blushing, that giddy feeling... why do crushes do these things to us and what can it teach us?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smarty Pass Deli

Have you heard of Molly Bloom’s fantastic deli at Brains On HQ? It’s got the tastiest food in town! The only problem is that the delivery person, Rosie duPont, is having trouble figuring out who gets which order. Grab your smarty pass to hear how she manages some of the strangest orders in the animal kingdom!





MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

Whoo! Hey, Smarty pal, I'm super busy working the lunch rush at the Brains On deli. It's the only deli run by real podcast hosts. Unfortunately, today, I am the only one working. I've got orders up to my ears, and my delivery driver isn't here yet. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Hey, Molly. I'm so glad you asked me out to lunch. I've never had liver before. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Producer Rosie duPont, you're not here for liver. You're here to deliver. Now, get on that bike and get these orders out. 

ROSIE DUPONT: Wait, what? I've never delivered food before. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Oh, it's easy. You're so great. You're going to be fine. You just read the name on the order and bike the food to the customer. Most are animals. Don't ask me why they keep calling. Shouldn't they be able to get their own food? I don't know, but they keep calling. So please, you got to hurry, since I've got so many orders. Go, Rosie. Go! 

ROSIE DUPONT: Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait! But, Molly, none of these orders have any names on them. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I don't have time to write down every name. I've got 200 pounds of kelp to fry, a rack of eels in the oven, and a pot of boiling gazpacho on the stove. 

ROSIE DUPONT: But Molly, gazpacho is famously served cold. Everybody knows that. 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and get you fun bonus content like this, plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On Universe, Smarty pals. 

Why does salt make food taste so good?

Salt is made up of tiny crystals! Under a microscope, some salt crystals look like pyramids, staircases, or even snowflakes. But why do these salty little crystals make food so tasty?

Why is Jupiter called Earth's bodyguard?

Some call Jupiter “Earth’s bodyguard” because it keeps asteroids and comets from hitting our planet. But is Jupiter really protecting Earth?


Educators - Lesson Plan for Brains On! - Why is Jupiter called Earth's bodyguard? (Right Click to Download)

Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system. It’s also the biggest. Some call it “Earth’s bodyguard” because it keeps asteroids and comets from hitting our planet. But is Jupiter really protecting Earth?
Join Molly and co-host Rida as they head to a live taping of everyone’s favorite space talk show, Pop Planet, and learn about Jupiter — from the gassy giant itself! Plus a mystery sound that’s out of this world!

Why is Jupiter called Earth’s bodyguard?

What is Down syndrome?

You may have heard of Down syndrome, but what is it exactly? In this episode, we'll break down the science of chromosomes and how having an extra one leads to this fairly common condition. Plus, we'll learn some tips for making friends with someone who might seem different than you. We'll also swing by a farm staffed by ranchers with Down syndrome. 


What is Down syndrome? 

Understanding big fires and big feelings

In today’s episode, we’re talking with a therapist about how to process the wildfires happening in Los Angeles County and we’ll learn about smoke and how it travels. We’re also going to check in with Sanden Totten, who had to evacuate his home with his family. Then, we’re also going to play some parts of a 2021 episode about how wildfires start and how people work to contain them.





Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Myth Busting Extravaganza

Anna Goldfield is full of facts! She knows the capital of New Hampshire is Concord and that the Greek God of the Sea is Poseidon! But does she know enough to join Anna Weggel and Aron’s Tuesday Trivia Team? Listen to find out, and test yourself along the way!


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On! We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feat of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

[WHISTLE] 

ANNA: Oh! 

ARUN: Hi, Anna. 

ANNA: Hi, Arun. So nice to see some pals in the labra-kitchen. 

ARUN: Hi, Anna. 

ANNA: Whoa, intense energy guys. Oh, did you have a nasty snack? Are you disappointed because we're all out of archeology ice cream? It is the best kind. You get to dig with your spoon for chocolate artifacts. 

ARUN: No, we're just feeling anxious. 

ANNA: Oh, do tell. Anxiety is one of my specialties. 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On! Universe, smarty pals. 

How is paper made?

Paper is all around us. There’s toilet paper and pizza boxes, wrapping paper, and receipts. Most of the paper in the U.S. is made from trees, but it can be made out of all sorts of plant material – banana peels, cotton, rice, you name it!

Whirr. Zoom! Plink plink. It’s a Mystery Sound extravaganza

Shelley Roden guessing mystery sound

Shelley Roden describes Inside Out 2 scene

Bzzz. Shloop! Bang Bang. Wooooosh! It’s time for another Mystery Sound Extravaganza.

Join Molly and co-host Violet as they figure out what’s making some seriously mysterious noises. 

Plus, they'll interview Foley artist Shelley Roden about the art of making sound effects for movies. And they'll help Bob sort out some mixed up mystery sounds! Tune in and turn on your ears, cuz it’s time to guess some confounding sounds!

Featured Guests:
Shelley Roden is an award-winning Foley artist at Skywalker Sound in Northern, CA. Read more about her work here.


Is it true? Vikings, dogs, and twins edition

Listeners send us LOTS of questions. Like hundreds a month! We read every single one — and we love all of them! Every now and then, we get a special kind of question that starts with “Is it true that…?” These questions are special because they’re skeptical. They’re designed to seek out the truth.

How do whales communicate?

Baleen whales sing. Toothed whales click. But how and why do they make these musical sounds?

Are whales communicating with their clicks and songs?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Bones On Mystery Sounds!

It’s almost midnight and Mr Bone Jangles has snuck into the studio to debut his new show -- Bones On! His plans are foiled when Molly pops in and asks him to guess some mystery sounds instead!


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi. Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On, Smash Boom Bust, Forever Go, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feed of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

Mr. Bonejangle, what are you doing in the studio? 

MR. BONEJANGLE: Me, in the studio? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Yes. You're sitting behind the microphone in the Brains On studio. 

MR. BONEJANGLE: Oh, that. [LAUGHS] I was just in there making sure this chair doesn't squeak. [LAUGHS] I wouldn't want any chair squeaks being picked up on this gorgeous microphone. [LAUGHS] You know my motto. My bones may creak, but the chairs shouldn't squeak. It's one of many. 

MOLLY BLOOM: OK. Anyway, as long as you're here, can I test out some new mystery sounds on you? 

MR. BONEJANGLE: Oh, Molly, my esteemed friend, I would be honored and delighted and a little scared. 

MOLLY BLOOM: To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this. Plus, ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On Universe, Smarty pals. 

We're back December 17!

Brains On will be back with new episodes starting December 17! We’ve got a gaggle of mystery sounds, so many great questions to answer and surprises in store. We can’t wait for you to tune into our next season!


[BIRDS CHIRPING] SANDEN TOTTEN: Aah, another peaceful day at Brains On! headquarters. 

[EMERGENCY ALARM RINGING] 

Hah! I spoke too soon. Molly, Marc, new question incoming. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Someone just sent us a question? We've got to answer it. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Let's go find out what it is. Quick, to the mail room. 

[FOOTSTEPS STOMPING] 

MOLLY BLOOM: Woo hoo. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Yipee! 

MOLLY BLOOM: Glad I have my question answering pants on. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Question time! 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh, it looks like a good one. OK, let's see. The question is-- 

CHILD 1: Does every individual whale sing a different song? 

[BEEPING] 

MARC SANCHEZ: Well, I didn't see that one coming. What a fin-tastic question. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Aw, Marc. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Whoa, there's another one? 

CHILD 2: I was wondering, why does salt make everything taste so good? 

[BEEPING] 

MARC SANCHEZ: Uh, not just one. Look, heads up! 

CHILD 3: How do solar panels work? 

CHILD 4: How do trends start? Like, how do things become cool? 

CHILD 5: Is it true that Viking helmets didn't have horns? 

CHILDREN: How is paper made? 

CHILD 6: We were wondering, why do some people have asthma and what causes it? 

CHILD 7: Is it true that dogs can't see as many colors as humans? 

MARC SANCHEZ: So much curiosity. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: All those questions are brilliant. How will we choose? 

MOLLY BLOOM: We won't. We'll answer all of them. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: All of them? 

MOLLY BLOOM: All of them. Sanden, you start calling experts. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: On it. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Marc, make sure the Explorer is tuned up and ready to rumble. 

MARC SANCHEZ: Aye, aye, captain. No time to spare. 

MOLLY BLOOM: And I'll finish knitting my new sweater for Mr. Bonejangles. It's a herringbone pattern. His favorite. He keeps complaining about getting the chills. 

Get ready for a brand new season of Brains On! The fun starts Tuesday, December 17th. 

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Mystery Animal Poetry Slam

Molly’s got a case of poetry fever, and she’s ready to rhyme! She’s testing out her newest stash of stanzas on her pals, Marc and Sanden. They’ll have to guess the animals featured in four of Molly’s poems. It’s a case of versus AND verses in the…MYSTERY ANIMAL POETRY SLAM CHALLENGE! 


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On. Smash Boom Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus feed of all new episodes where we play games, like this one. 

INTERVIEWER 1: Molly, I thought you said you had a present for me. 

INTERVIEWER 2: And don't get me wrong, we are your adoring fans. But I was definitely told that we were having sandwiches. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, great news, as a present for you both. I have sandwiched together my love of poetry with my passion for game shows to create the mystery animal poetry Slam Challenge. To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this. Plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On Universe, Smarty pals. 

Smarty Pass Presents: Noun Noun!

Usually, bonus episodes like this are exclusively for Smarty Pass subscribers but this month we’re sharing them with all our listeners. If you like this bonus episode and want to hear fun games every month, plus ad-free episodes, sign up for Smarty Pass.




ARON WOLDESLASSIE: Hey, it's Aron Woldeslassie from Smash Boom Best. I've got exciting news. This October, the Brains On! universe team is sharing some of our super special bonus episodes. If you're a Smarty Pass subscriber, you already know about these episodes. But if you aren't, we wanted to give you a taste of what you'd get if you joined. 

All October, we're asking you to support our shows by subscribing to Smarty Pass. And to celebrate, we'll hosted Virtual Smarty Party in November just for Smarty Pass subscribers. Join today at smartypass.org, and you'll have bonus episodes like these, ad-free episodes, and other awesome perks. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks so much for supporting the shows. 

ANNOUNCER: Now entering Brains On! headquarters. 

[BEEP] 

[DOOR OPENING] 

MOLLY BLOOM: Hey there, Smarty pal. I was just on my way to meet producers Ruby Guthrie in Sanden Totten for lunch. I have a new project that I am so excited to tell them about. There they are. Ruby, Sanden, over here. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Hi, Molly. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Hey, Molly. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: So, Molly, what's this new project all about? You've been hinting at it all week. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Ruby, it's only Tuesday. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Ruby Tuesday, that is. Yeah, all week. Let's hear it, Molly. 

MOLLY BLOOM: So you both know that I love to collect things. I've got my doorknob collection, my sticker collection, my Dolly Parton-themed rug collection. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Ugh, of course, the Dolly Parton rug collection. That's legendary. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, I am thrilled to announce that I am now collecting collective nouns. 

[CRICKETS CHIRPING] 

I see from your perplexed expressions that I should explain. A collective noun is a word for a group of animals, like a flock of chickens or a pack of wolves. But that's just the start. You may have heard that a group of crows is called a murder of crows or a group of bees is a colony of bees. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Oh, yeah, like a herd of horses, cool. So you have a whole collection of those? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Wait, I'm sorry. You're collecting words? That doesn't really-- 

MOLLY BLOOM: Yeah, I'm keeping them in this binder here. It's pretty hefty, and I thought it would be super fun to see if you two can guess some of my favorite names for animal groups. Are you ready to play? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Ready to play what? 

MOLLY BLOOM: The newest game taking the world by storm, Name That Noun. 

[MUSIC PLAYING] 

I will give you a point for each answer you get right. And I may also award bonus points for creative guesses. The person with the most points will get to join the Collective Noun Pantheon of Champions. Here we go. Sanden, what is the collective noun for a group of lions? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Molly, this one is easy. As a many time watcher of the Lion King, I know that a group of lions is called a pride. Roar! 

[BELL CHIMES] 

MOLLY BLOOM: Correct. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Wow. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ruby, what is the collective noun for a group of whales? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Ooh, like a whopper of whales? Wait, I think I actually-- I think I know this one. Aren't whales like dolphins? Is it a pod of whales? 

[BELL CHIMES] 

MOLLY BLOOM: Correct, Ruby. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Aah! 

MOLLY BLOOM: Sanden, what is the collective noun for a group of jellyfish? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Ooh. So I'm thinking jelly. I'm thinking jar, a jar of jellyfish, but then not quite. Maybe they're globular, maybe a blob of jellyfish, or they could be like fish. It could be a school of jellyfish because they are in the water. I'm going to go with neither of those. I'm going to go with a flotilla of jellyfish. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I love that guess. I'm giving you points for creativity. But the correct answer is a smack of jellyfish. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: [LAUGHS] 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh, I should have stuck with jelly, and then gone to Smucker's. And Smucker's sounds like smack. I see how they did that. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: You'll get there eventually. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: The logic is there. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ruby, it's your turn. What is the collective noun for a group of owls? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Ooh, I love it, like, a hoot, a hoot of owls, I think-- Harry Potter might serve me here. I think it's like British government and the iconic funk band, parliament of owls? Is that something? 

[BELL CHIMES] 

MOLLY BLOOM: You are correct. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Ha-ha, yes! 

SANDEN TOTTEN: And are those owls wearing curly white wigs when they're in a parliament? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Always. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Absolutely. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Always. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Sanden, your turn. What is the collective noun for a group of lemurs? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh my gosh. What's a lemur again? 

MOLLY BLOOM: They're the kind that look like meerkats. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Zoboomafoo? 

MOLLY BLOOM: [LAUGHS] No. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Take me back to Lion King. Speaking the language, I understand, they're like 

MOLLY BLOOM: No, lemurs in Madagascar, Madagascar, the movie. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh, yeah, with the stripy tails? That's right. 

MOLLY BLOOM: King Julien. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: That's right. That's right. (SINGING) I like to move it, move it. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Exactly. 

SANDEN TOTTEN (SINGING): We like to move it 

MOLLY BLOOM: [LAUGHING] 

SANDEN TOTTEN: A group of lemurs is called a dance floor of lemurs. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Yes, another point for creativity there, but not correct. The answer is a conspiracy. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh, they're up to no good? Let me join in. I love it. 

MOLLY BLOOM: They are. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Sneaky. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Sneaky little lemurs. The owls are making laws, but the lemurs are making plans. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: I knew we would get along. 

MOLLY BLOOM: All right, here's the last one. Ruby, what is the collective noun for a group of hyenas? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Oh, wow, shout-out Lion King for the third time. I think-- hyenas love to laugh. I wonder if it's like a cackle of hyenas? That would be cool. A cackle of hyenas. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Is that your guess? 

RUBY GUTHRIE: I think that sounds cool. Cackle of hye-- [COUGHS] It sounds cool, but I can't say it. 

[BELL CHIMES] 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ruby Guthrie is on fire because she is correct. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Oh, no! 

RUBY GUTHRIE: That's right? 

[LAUGHING] 

Woo! Shout-out Lion King. Hakuna matata. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Wow. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: I mean, a fitting name, but I really didn't think that was the real answer. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, you did-- 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Or like a hysteria of hyenas. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: That's even better. The double H's, yeah. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Alliteration, we love it. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Well, great job, you two. Those are only some of my favorites. There are definitely more than I'm saving for later, though. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Kind of makes me wonder, what would you call a group of Brains On producers? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Fabulous question, Ruby. How about a confetti, a confetti of producers? 

MOLLY BLOOM: Ooh. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: Ooh, I love that, so festive. How about fiesta? No, wait, frolic, a frolic. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Yes, we're totally a frolic, or a boogie-woogie? A boogie-woogie of producers coming to the studio. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: To boogie-woogie. What about an earful? 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Hmm, I mean, maybe when Marc and me are really yapping maybe, but-- 

[LAUGHTER] 

What about you, Molly? What do you think we're called? 

MOLLY BLOOM: A hug, a hug of producers because I love you all so much. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Get in here. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Group hug. I'm adding all of these to my collection. 

That's it for this Smarty Pass episode. It was made by Aron Woldeslassie and Anna Goldfield. Our executive producer is Beth Perlman. And the executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavati, Joanne Griffith, and Alex Schaffert. Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. Thanks, Smarty Pass friends. We appreciate you. Bye. 

RUBY GUTHRIE: See ya. 

SANDEN TOTTEN: Later, Smarty pals. 

[MUSIC PLAYING] 



Smarty Pass Presents: Noun Noun

The real vampires of the animal world

According to legend, vampires are creatures with pale skin and sharp teeth who drink blood. These creepy ghouls are not real, but in this episode, we'll meet some vampire animals that do exist!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Game Show Molly

Molly has her sparkly special suit on which means it’s time for GAME SHOW MOLLY! Game show Molly is just like regular Molly but with an awesome new game! Grab your smarty pass to hear Molly’s new rhyming game.


MOLLY BLOOM: Hi, Molly Bloom here. We love playing games at Brains On! We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges. If you want to play along with us, sign up for the Smarty Pass. 

For just $5 a month, you'll get access to ad-free versions of Brains On! Smash Boom Best, Forever Ago, and more. Plus you'll get a bonus feed of all new episodes where we play games like this one. 

Oh, my goodness, it's my co-host, Quinn. Thank you so much for the complement. This is my special, sparkly suit that I only wear when I become a "Game Show, Molly," this time with a theme song. 

[THEME SONG] 

QUINN: Ooh, I love this. 

MOLLY BLOOM: Thanks, it's my alter ego. Today, we're going to play an extra special game show all about nature's bloodsucking creatures. It's called "Feast or Flee." 

QUINN: It sounds horrifying. 

MOLLY BLOOM: I know. It's so exciting. In this game, I'll set up a short poem for you and you'll have to finish the last line with the correct word. For example, playing this character makes me jolly. My alter ego's name is "Game Show-- 

QUINN: Molly! 

[CHIME] 

MOLLY BLOOM: That's right. Now, let's start with our first fact. 

[THEME SONG] 

To hear more, head to smartypass.org and subscribe. A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun, bonus content like this plus ad-free versions of all of our shows. Again, that's smartypass.org. Thanks for supporting the Brains On! Universe Smarty pals. 



Achoo! How fast does a sneeze travel?

Every sneeze is like a snowflake. Unique, beautiful, wet! Sneezes help our noses get rid of stuff that’s not supposed to be there, like dust, dirt, or pollen. But how fast do sneezes travel? And how exactly does our body make them?

All Episodes

Are birds dinosaurs?

Trends: How do they start?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard

How does solar power work?

What is asthma?

How does coral communicate?

Why do we have crushes?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Smarty Pass Deli

Why does salt make food taste so good?

Why is Jupiter called Earth’s bodyguard?

What is Down syndrome?

Understanding big fires and big feelings

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Myth Busting Extravaganza

How is paper made?

Whirr. Zoom! Plink plink. It’s a Mystery Sound extravaganza

Is it true? Vikings, dogs, and twins edition

Are whales communicating with their clicks and songs?

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Bones On Mystery Sounds!

We're back December 17!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Mystery Animal Poetry Slam

Smarty Pass Presents: Noun Noun

The real vampires of the animal world

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Game Show Molly

Achoo! How fast does a sneeze travel?