Show Notes
Some questions are so big they’re existential, meaning that they get right to the heart of human existence. These are also sometimes called philosophical questions, so for this episode we called up a professor of philosophy, Scott Hershovitz, who teaches at the University of Michigan. He’s also written a book about how adults and kids can have philosophical discussions together. It’s called Nasty, Brutish and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids.
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More from But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Have you heard of legendary creatures like Bigfoot, Yeti or the Loch Ness Monster? Maybe you’re on the lookout for them. Maybe you’re scared of them. Maybe you don’t believe in them at all! These creatures are sometimes called cryptids–hidden animals whose existence has never been proven. We’ve gotten a lot of questions about these mysterious and mostly made-up figures. So in this episode, we talk with cryptid expert (and skeptic) Daniel Loxton, co-author of “Abominable Science: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids.” We talk about Bigfoot, Yeti, Nessie, Champ (our local lake monster here in Vermont!), mermaids and more! After listening to this episode, you decide: are cryptids fact, fiction, or something in between? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
As kids, you are constantly growing. You may not be able to feel yourself growing day to day, but if you’ve ever had achy legs at the end of a long day and been told, “Those are just growing pains,” it certainly SEEMS like you can feel yourself growing! In this episode we get answers to all kinds of questions about growing. Dr. Zurisadai Gonzalez Castillo, a pediatric neurologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, helps us understand: how tall can people grow? How do bones grow? Why do our nails and hair keep growing–and is it true our noses and ears never stop growing either? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
This is But Why’s 300th episode! It’s safe to say we’ve answered several thousand questions from kids all over the world. We asked our listeners to tell us about their favorite episodes and today we’re hearing from all of you! We also hear a bit from a few of the podcasts you have on repeat! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
How does our body make our voice? How do voice boxes work? What makes our voices so different? Why are boys' voices often lower than girls' voices? Why does your voice sound different when you are sick? Why does your voice sound weird when you listen to a recording of yourself? Answers to questions about voices with Dr. Anne Hseu, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) at Boston Children’s Hospital. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
What is a fossil? How are they formed? Where are they found? What’s the oldest fossil, and what’s the biggest? When you think of a fossil you might be picturing a full dino skeleton preserved at a museum. But fossils come in many different shapes and sizes. We taped this episode all about fossils in front of a live audience at the South Burlington Public Library in Vermont, with special guest Charlotte Mehrtens, a retired geology professor from the University of Vermont. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript