This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.

Plants are pretty chill things, maybe because they are farting all the time! In this episode we explore the world of plant gas. Join Molly and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn how plants pass gas and why it’s important to know how much tooting trees and bushes do. Plus, a stink-free Mystery Sound!

Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the ⁠Smarty Pass page ⁠to find out more.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click ⁠here⁠ for ticket info.

9/19 Minneapolis, MN*

9/26 Charlotte, NC

10/11 Dallas, TX*

10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)

11/7 Norfolk, VA

12/6 Evanston, IL

1/31 Princeton, NJ

*Smash Boom Best show

Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness.

We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things.

Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more.

Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.

9/19 Minneapolis, MN*

9/26 Charlotte, NC

10/11 Dallas, TX*

10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)

11/7 Norfolk, VA

12/6 Evanston, IL

1/31 Princeton, NJ

*Smash Boom Best show

Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your walkie talkie lingo in a special game show. And, we get a visit from our favorite dancing CEO,Gungador, who needs Molly and co-host Sebastian's help while he attends a meeting with the Brains On Dog Advisory Council. All that plus, a brand new mystery sound. Over and out!

Brains On is powered by YOU. We are an independent podcast that depends on listener subscriptions and donations to make our shows. If you're interested in helping, join Smarty Pass. As a thank you, we'll give you access to ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and so much more. Heat to smartypass.org to find out more.

Click ⁠here⁠ for a transcript of this episode.

Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. Unexplained? Very. Join the Hoax bros as they explore this event and learn how it inspired artists, musicians, even the tourist board of Fresno, to embrace the weird stuff around us.

Want to support more hoax hunting missions? Join Smarty Pass! That's where you can get ad-free episodes of all the Brains On Universe shows, plus special bonus content, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and more! Go to smartypass.org to sign up. Thanks!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Our brains are amazing machines, but they are also very delicate. We have to wear helmets when we bike, skate, or do other activities where we might bang our skulls. Why is the brain so sensitive? Turns out, it’s a soft blob a lot like tofu, but that softness lets it do some pretty important things. Join Molly and co-host Penny as they learn about our wonderful, squishy brains. Plus, Dwayne the Brain joins us and we’ve got a brand new Mystery Sound.

Brains On is an independent podcast, which means we rely on listener support to make all our shows. You can help by joining ⁠Smarty Pass⁠, where you'll get ad-free episodes, bonus content, online hangouts, discounts on merch and more! ⁠SmartyPass.org⁠

You can find a transcript of this episode here.

Pearls are shiny little things that look great on a bracelet or necklace. They’re made by shell-dwelling creatures called oysters, but how? Dive in as Molly and co-host Katherine explore the underwater world of oysters and other mollusks. They’ll talk with researcher Priya Shukla and producer Menaka Wilhelm to learn how these squishy creatures make pretty pearls. Plus, a game show and a Mystery Sound!

Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

In this episode, we're tackling all the mosquito questions that have been bugging our listeners. Why do they bite? Why do the bites itch? Is scratching them a good idea? Why do some people seem to be more delicious to mosquitoes? How can we keep them away from us? And are mosquitoes good for the world? The Hoax Hunters also make another hoax-tastic appearance.

*Note: if you had a problem with jumbled voices talking over each other, that has been fixed. Just re-download the file or refresh the feed. Appologies - I was trying to shoo away a mosquito.

Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes, hangouts, discounts and more!

Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠head to our events page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!

We use lightbulbs everyday, but how often do we stop to think about how they work? These genius little inventions are packed with cool science. Molly and co-host Maya will explain how they work step by step. Plus we’ll hear your suggestions for what to shout when you have a bright idea. Oh, and a new Mystery Sound to light up your life. Enjoy!

Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠head to our events page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). Then, we take a look at how crystals form and get their cool colors. Plus, Marc and Sanden hunt down a hoax about Mesoamerican crystal skulls.

Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠head to our events page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!

June 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OH

June 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI