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Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

By Tumble Media

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A Common Sense Selection! Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Visit www.tumblepodcast.com for educational content.

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The Secret Senses of Plants [ENCORE]

Tumble Science Podcast for KidsSep 06, 2019

00:00
14:03
A Kid's Guide to the Total Eclipse

A Kid's Guide to the Total Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is coming to the United States! Join us for Tumble’s Eclipse Spectacular with games, music, and a thrilling audio experience to learn what it’s like to be on the path of totality. Eclipse expert Vivian White guides us and our listeners through the mysteries of this rare astronomical event. You’ll be singing our new song, “Total Eclipse of the Sun” with your eclipse glasses on! 

Hear our bonus interview episode with Vivian on our Patreon feed at patreon.com/tumblepodcast, when you pledge just $1 or more a month.

There’s more free resources to learn about the eclipse on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com

“Total Eclipse of the Sun” will be available on Spotify by eclipse day!

Mar 01, 202421:48
The Case of the Molecular Detective
Feb 16, 202418:28
Sound Seismology with Jackie Caplan-Auerbach

Sound Seismology with Jackie Caplan-Auerbach

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "The Swift Quake"? In the episode, we met geophysicist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, who showed us the science behind the Swift Quake! In today's episode, Elliot learns more about how Jackie uses sound to investigate underwater seismic activity! Tune in for a special audio show-and-tell!

Feb 05, 202407:48
The Swift Quake
Feb 02, 202428:02
The Love of Language with Robert Engelbretson

The Love of Language with Robert Engelbretson

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "How Did Language Start?" In the episode, we met linguist Robert Engelbretson, who told us how language developed. In today's episode, Elliot learns more about Robert's journey in linguistics and how people help protect endangered languages.

Jan 22, 202410:09
How Did Humans Create Language?

How Did Humans Create Language?

What are the origins of human language? That’s what Elliana wants to know. Linguist Robert Englebretson joins us for a time travel adventure to unravel the mysteries of a question that has stumped scientists for centuries. 

Learn more about the study of language with Robert Englebretson on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast

Check out free resources for this episode available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.



Jan 19, 202420:24
Tumble's 150th Episode Quiz Show!

Tumble's 150th Episode Quiz Show!

It’s Tumble’s 150th episode! 🥳 To celebrate, we had a Quiz Show with four of our biggest fans. Hear our Patrons Zoe, Kai, Eleanor and Avery compete in Tumble trivia with questions from episodes across all nine seasons of our podcast!

You can play along at home, too! Click here or visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com to find an online quiz form that you can fill out as you listen. There will be a prize for our first three winners!

Thank you to our amazing contestants! If you would like to compete in a future quiz show and help support the show, sign up to become a Tumble Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll get access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more goodies like these Quiz Shows.



Jan 05, 202422:10
Do Dreams Have Meaning? [ENCORE]

Do Dreams Have Meaning? [ENCORE]

Happy Holidays! If you would like to help support Tumble and get a last-minute holiday gift, consider becoming a Patreon member! Pledge your support on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast to get access to ad-free episodes, bonus interview extras, and your very own shoutout!

Before we go away on break, we’re sharing one of our favorite episodes: “Do Dreams Have Meaning?”. Join neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro as we unveil the fascinating history of dreams and witness how science revolutionized their interpretation forever. From ancient gods to Freud's couch, we'll discover how an 8-year-old boy contributed to a major scientific breakthrough, all while asleep. Learn three steps to unlock the meaning of your own dreams before drifting off to Dreamland. Sweet dreams!



Dec 21, 202319:13
Do Aliens Exist? [ENCORE]

Do Aliens Exist? [ENCORE]

Our 150th episode is coming up! To celebrate, we’re doing a quiz show with trivia from all 9 seasons of Tumble! Get entered to be on the show: Sign up now to become a Tumble Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast, and tell us why you would make a great contestant! (Microphone licking not required.)


How likely is it that we’ll find intelligent alien life on other planets? Are there extraterrestrial civilizations that we could contact - or that could contact us? And what would these aliens be like? We’re going to try to answer these big questions with the help of two scientists, and a very famous math equation.

We have free resources available on the blog on our website, ⁠https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/do-aliens-exist

Dec 08, 202320:57
How Do Toilets Work? [ENCORE]

How Do Toilets Work? [ENCORE]

When you have to go, where does it go? That’s what our listener Ellie wants to know. Prepare for potty humor and science as we hear from civil engineer and toilet expert Francis de los Reyes! Who invented the toilet? And what’s “The Great Stink?” We’ll be plunging into the past, present, and future of flushing to discover how toilets don’t just save us from stinky smells - they save lives. 

Thanks so much to KiwiCo for sponsoring this episode. If you want to get 50% off your first month of any crate, go to kiwico.com/TUMBLE.

Nov 22, 202320:04
Saving Animals with Rae Wynn-Grant

Saving Animals with Rae Wynn-Grant

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "What If There Were No Animals"? In the episode, we met Rae Wynn-Grant, an ecologist who told us what Earth would be like if there were no animals. In today’s episode, Elliot learns more about how exactly experts and communities go about making a world that’s better for animals. Tune in to hear amazing stories of conservation and how you can help save endangered species.

Nov 17, 202312:42
What If There Were No Animals?

What If There Were No Animals?

What would the world be like without animals? Rae Wynn Grant - ecologist, podcaster, and bear cub cuddler - gives us a picture of what would happen if animals disappeared, and explains how we can stop it from happening. We’ll find out how the Endangered Species Act has worked for over 50 years to save endangered species, and how we can make it even better for the next generation. Thanks to Elliana, as well as Hadley and Roman for their question! 


This episode is part of the Kids Podcast Party! Tumble and other kids podcasters are making episodes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Want to hear more? Check out Smash Boom Best, and their episode about Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons. 


Hear more from our interview with Rae Wynn Grant - host of Going Wild with Rae Wynn Grant - on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast


We have free resources for this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.

Nov 10, 202320:10
Controlling Parasites with Sebastian Lourido

Controlling Parasites with Sebastian Lourido

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “The Mind Control Cat Parasite"? In the episode, we met Sebastian Lourido, a biologist who studies toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can manipulate the behavior of mice, making them lose their fear of cats! In today's episode, Elliot learns more about Sebastian's journey into the lab and how he applies his creativity to the crucial battle against parasites.

Oct 30, 202311:45
The Mind Control Cat Parasite

The Mind Control Cat Parasite

It’s a Halloween episode! “There’s a scary secret lurking in the kitty litter…” We’re making a horror movie about a common cat parasite - that can control minds! Toxoplasma gondii makes mice lose their fear of cats, in a plot to take over the world! Biologist Sebastian Lourido helps us tell the true tale of toxoplasma’s quest for cat domination, and what scientists are doing to stop the parasite in its banana-shaped tracks.

Oct 27, 202321:48
The World of Blindness with Andrew Leland

The World of Blindness with Andrew Leland

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “How Do We Read?" In the episode, we met Andrew Leland, a writer who told us about his experiences with braille. In today's episode, Elliot AND Marshall learn more about Andrew's blindness and the wonderful world of accessibility. Tune in to hear about Andrew's inspiring fight to learn braille!

Oct 22, 202312:37
How Do We Read?

How Do We Read?

How does reading work in the brain? It’s a question that has fascinated scientists for years. Could braille - the system of raised dots that blind and low vision people use to read - be the key to understanding how it works? We talk to writer Andrew Leland (“The Country of the Blind”) and neuroscientist Simon Fischer-Baum to learn about the invention of braille, and how it could be the key to learning how reading works - for everyone. And we might just solve a bedtime reading mystery along the way. 

Learn more about braille on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. 

We have more free resources about braille and the science of reading available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. 



Oct 13, 202326:01
The World of Fungi with Lee Davies

The World of Fungi with Lee Davies

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “The Science of Fungi”? In the episode, we met Lee Davies, collection manager of the Fungarium in Kew Gardens London. Lee took us into the world of fungi science and today, Elliot is looking deeper into mycology. Who was the first mycologist at Kew and what is the science like today? Tune in to hear the wonderful world of Lee's work.

Oct 02, 202308:43
The Science of Fungi
Sep 29, 202322:08
Researching the Past with Dave Wilkinson

Researching the Past with Dave Wilkinson

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “Did Dinosaurs Burp?” In the episode, we met Jessica Whiteside and Dave Wilkinson, who helped us discover the secrets behind dinosaurs’ smelly past. Today, Elliot is learning more about how scientists like Dave study the past. Tune in to see how Dave uses math as a time machine.

Sep 18, 202308:27
Did Dinosaurs Burp?

Did Dinosaurs Burp?

Tune into our Season 9 premiere to find out the answer to this stinky question. We’ll hear about dino gasses from returning guest Jessica Whiteside and their potential ecological impact from David Wilkinson. Our dive into dinosaur digestion will lead us to a smelly look at gas in Earth’s past!

Listen to our bonus interview episode with Dave to learn more about how he studies the past without a time machine. You can hear it when you support us for just $1 on Spotify or on Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com

Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: https://tumblepodcast.threadless.com/



Sep 15, 202320:48
Coming September 15th - Tumble Season 9!

Coming September 15th - Tumble Season 9!

A new season of Tumble is coming soon! Have you ever wondered whether dinosaurs burped? Or where the largest fungus collection in the world is? Or how braille was invented? Learn that and more in the newest season of Tumble!

Also, if you love our show, make sure to tell three people you know about how awesome you think it is. It really helps us out!

Sep 12, 202302:07
The Great Cave Road Trip
Sep 01, 202352:09
Tumble Presents Girl Tales

Tumble Presents Girl Tales

Do you ever wonder what would happen if Cinderella started her own rock band or if Medusa realized just cool her hair was? Well … there’s a Webby Award winning show called Girl Tales that takes classic stories and puts a unique twist on them, giving girls the chance to save the day, use their intelligence and bravery, and show that they can be the heroes of their own stories! If you're ready for an adventure, find Girl Tales wherever you get your podcasts! 


Meema (or Memory) and her sisters run the most successful inspiration factory in the universe: The Idea Factory! In the Idea Factory, they don't make money, they make ideas! Meema wants to tell you a story (that's never-ended) about Narcissus & little black mirrors that make everyone just like him, obsessed with themselves and what the mirror reflects back at them! 


This Girl Tales episode won the Variety/Gotham Audio Honors in 2022.


Written by Georgina Escobar

Starring: Barron Bass, Jennifer Sun Bell, Adriana Colon, & Mindy Escobar-Leanse

Produced by Chad Chenail

Assistant Produced by Megan Bagala

Executive Produced by Rebecca Cunningham

Aug 18, 202329:33
The Cave of the Neanderthal Tools [ENCORE]
Aug 04, 202317:05
Tumble is Bilingual! “The Dinosaur Asteroid” & “El Asteroide Que Mató Los Dinosaurios”
Jul 21, 202336:05
Presenting The Ten News: Making Changes to Major League Baseball ⚾
Jul 07, 202318:40
Special Road Trip - Life Lab
Jun 30, 202301:30:57
Tumble's Summer Quiz Show!
Jun 23, 202315:53
What If Oceans Didn't Exist? [ENCORE]
Jun 09, 202316:44
Dog Smarts and Training with Zachary Silver

Dog Smarts and Training with Zachary Silver

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "What Do Dogs Think"? In the episode, we met Zachary Silver, a canine cognition researcher who investigates just how smart dogs are. Today, Elliot is learning more about the questions Zachary and his lab ask when it comes to dog smarts and dog training! Tune in to hear about what inspires Zachary!

Jun 01, 202310:41
What Do Dogs Think?
May 26, 202320:09
Accessible Technology with Yuma Antoine Decaux

Accessible Technology with Yuma Antoine Decaux

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "Hearing the Stars"? In the episode, we met Yuma Antoine Decaux, a computer engineer who’s developing accessible technology like Astreos - an astronomy app. Today, Elliot is investigating this accessibility and why it's so awesome. Tune in to learn how Yuma overcame obstacles and used creativity along the way!

May 25, 202309:35
Hearing the Stars

Hearing the Stars

Can we hear and touch the stars, if we can’t see them? Yuma Decaux is trying to put the night sky into everyone’s hands, through technology and engineering. Find out how stargazing captured Yuma’s imagination when he was six, and how losing his sight inspired him to explore the cosmos in a whole new way - making astronomy accessible to everyone. 

Astreos, Yuma’s app, is currently in Beta. That means that when you try it out, you can give Yuma feedback on how to make it better! Download it on iOs here: https://astreos.space/

Listen to our bonus interview episode with Yuma to learn more about how he developed Astreos and what accessibility means to him. You can hear it when you support us on Spotify or on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

There are free resources, including a transcript, about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. 

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. 

Sounds in the episode are courtesy of Astreos and Cricket Ambi by VMan533 on freesound.org


May 12, 202321:51
Are Human Brains Special? - with Suzana Herculano-Houzel

Are Human Brains Special? - with Suzana Herculano-Houzel

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "Was T-Rex Smart?" In the episode, we met Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, a neuroscientist who told us how brains have developed and, well, how smartness began! We learned about T-Rex brains in the main episode, but today, Elliot is wondering about human brains. Are they really that exceptional? Join us as Suzana shows us the secrets of brain science!

May 01, 202310:39
Was T-Rex Smart?

Was T-Rex Smart?

When did smartness begin? We’ll find out how a neuroscientist blends up brains, and cracks the case of the Tyrannosaurus Rex smarts! Suzana Herculano-Houzel helps us answer listener Penny’s question by explaining how “smartness” might not mean what you think - and how all animals have shown off their intelligence over time.

Help us out by taking our listener survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tumblepodcast

Listen to our bonus interview with Suzana on our Patreon when you pledge just $1 a month or more! patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about Suzana and her work on the evolution of intelligence the blog on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.


We apologize that the cover art of the episode is not a scientifically accurate portrayal of a T.Rex! We know that they likely did not wear graduation caps.

Apr 28, 202322:07
[INTERVIEW EXTRA] Birding by Sound with Trevor Attenberg

[INTERVIEW EXTRA] Birding by Sound with Trevor Attenberg

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "What's That Bird Song?" In the episode, we met Trevor Attenberg, a birder who showed us the wonders of bird songs. In today's interview extra, Elliot questions what it's like to hear these songs through Trevor's ears. Join us as we embark on a serene soundscape and learn some songs!

Apr 21, 202312:11
What's That Bird Song?
Apr 14, 202320:55
Henrietta Leavitt's Impact with Karen Masters

Henrietta Leavitt's Impact with Karen Masters

Have you listened to our most recent episode, "How Big Is The Universe?" In the episode, we met Karen Masters, an astronomer who told the story of Henrietta Leavitt. Henrietta made a huge impact on astronomy, so in today's interview extra, Elliot explores her influence on today's science world with Karen.

Click here to access Galaxy Zoo!

Mar 31, 202307:25
How Big is the Universe?
Mar 31, 202319:45
Why Do Cats Purr? (ENCORE)

Why Do Cats Purr? (ENCORE)

We're working on a special project that we'll announce in our next episode! Enjoy one of our favorite episodes while we make it ready for you.   

Why and how do cats purr? That’s what Reid wants to know. It sounds like a simple question, but it leads us to a deep challenge: Can we ever understand cats? To find out, we launch a full-scale cat purr investigation. You’ll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studied her cat’s annoying purr, and the author of purring.org, the premier cat purr research website. It’s a purr-fect episode for everyone who’s curious about cats.

Mar 17, 202321:23
Saving Sloths with Rebecca Cliffe

Saving Sloths with Rebecca Cliffe

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “Why are Sloths Slow?" In the episode, we met Rebecca Cliffe, sloth scientist and founder of The Sloth Conservation! In today's interview extra, Elliot learns more about sloth evolution and how Rebecca and her team help save sloths.

Mar 06, 202310:40
Why Are Sloths Slow?

Why Are Sloths Slow?

Why are sloths so slow? We’ll find out how one sloth scientist got crafty and discovered why slowness is a sloth’s secret to survival. Rebecca Cliffe, founder of the Sloth Conservation Foundation, shares the story of her quest to study these sneakily stealthy creatures, with the help of a special backpack. What she finds will definitely surprise and delight you! If you're like Marshall, you might even laugh/cry. 


To hear more about Rebecca’s slothsome adventures, listen to our bonus interview episode! It’s available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Learn more about sloth research and conservation with the free resources on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com - where you’ll also find a free transcript for the episode.

Mar 03, 202322:14
An Ocean Expedition with Amy Bower

An Ocean Expedition with Amy Bower

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “The Science of Ocean Sounds”? In the episode, we met Amy Bower, an oceanographer who knows a thing or two when it comes to the sea, sound, and accessibility! In today's interview extra, set sail with Amy as she and her team embark on an ocean expedition of sights and sounds. Also, join Elliot as he discovers how science is brought to learners of all kinds.

Feb 24, 202313:35
The Science of Ocean Sounds

The Science of Ocean Sounds

Explore the sounds of ocean science on a sound scavenger hunt! Tune in as oceanographer Amy Bower takes us to the sea, to show us how she uses sound to study ocean currents and make ocean science accessible for blind and visually impaired people. Listen up and help us search for clues beneath the waves to reveal the secrets of the underwater realm!

Ocean data sonifications courtesy of Dr. Jon Bellona at the University of Oregon, and the Accessible Oceans project.

Learn more about Dr. Amy Bower in our bonus interview episode, available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month to support Tumble, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

We have free resources to keep exploring the world of ocean science and data sonification with Amy Bower. They’re on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, along with a free transcript.

This episode is the first in a series featuring blind scientists. The material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Feb 17, 202320:15
Discovering Your Interests with Shawn Abrahams

Discovering Your Interests with Shawn Abrahams

Have you listened to our most recent episode, “The Hidden Histories of Plant Science”? In the episode, we met Shawn Abrahams, a botanist, evolutionary biologist, and PhD fellow at Yale University. They are passionate about plants and history! In today's interview extra, Elliot learns more about Shawn's background and how they discovered their interest in plants and how they apply this to their career.

Feb 10, 202312:04
The Hidden Histories of Plant Science
Feb 03, 202319:47
Polar Bear Jails with Andrew DeRocher

Polar Bear Jails with Andrew DeRocher

Did you listen to our most recent episode, "The Polar Bear Adventure"? In the episode, we met Andrew DeRocher, a biologist and professor at the University of Alberta. He studies ecology, conservation, and of course, polar bears! In this Interview extra, Elliot learned what townspeople and scientists do when polar bears get a little too close for comfort. You'll hear about polar bear jails and the power of polar bear science. Enjoy!

Jan 27, 202310:37
The Polar Bear Adventure
Jan 20, 202318:45
The Science of Butts [ENCORE]
Jan 06, 202318:15
Winter Road Trip Adventure!

Winter Road Trip Adventure!

Join Marshall as he treks through a blizzard to find a warm spot by the fire, and listen to these great winter-themed episodes of Tumble. In this Road Trip Pack, you'll hear these episodes: 

  • The Great Seal Count
  • The People of the Snow
  • The Power of Pika Scientists
  • The Volcanic Eruption Adventure

Whether you're curled up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa or out on a snow-shoe trek through the wilderness, enjoy these great episodes about science in the snow! 

Dec 23, 202258:09