Explain It Like I’m...

Structural engineer Wayne Brown explains his job in kid-friendly terms, using Lego and blueprint comparisons to show how buildings are designed, who is involved, and what the plans do.

The episode also covers favorite foods and Halloween, why math and people skills matter in engineering, and simple earthquake safety tips about falling objects and building safety.

In this episode of Explain It Like I'm 9, software engineer Thanh Nguyen explains his job building software that helps detect and disable enemy drones using radio signals. He talks about how he learned programming, what his work actually does (displaying data and helping operators control anti-drone devices), and the challenges of identifying different drones.

Thanh also shares a bit about his personal life—favorite color, food, and hobbies—and why he finds programming creative and fulfilling.

In this episode of Explain It Like I Mean, host interviews Rick, a Washington State lawyer who shares his path from working as a logger near Mount St. Helens to becoming an attorney. Rick explains what lawyers do, the exams and training required (LSAT and the bar), how lawyers investigate and resolve disputes, and the challenges and rewards of the profession.

He also discusses his love for the outdoors—hiking and Hood Canal marine life—and offers advice on whether becoming a lawyer is a good choice in a changing world.

And Incidents About Burnt Popcorn

In this episode the host reads a favorite children's book about an animal searching for its lost red, pointy hat and asking various woodland creatures if they've seen it.

The story unfolds with gentle humor and a surprising, darkly funny ending, then the host signs off until the next episode.

Retired Raytheon engineer Bruce explains his work designing, testing, and managing the space sensors used to image Earth for weather forecasting. He describes how these instruments act like cameras in orbit, how they capture cloud cover and storm movement, and how his team integrated and tested them before launch.

Bruce also shares why he joined Raytheon, the role of systems engineering, and where to find more information about space sensors and Raytheon Technologies.

Seventh grade teacher Martha explains what middle school is like: moving between classes for subjects like life science, math, and PE; 50-minute lessons; lunch and a short recess; and hands-on experiments and computer research for free time.

She answers common questions about the first day, what students learn about plants, animals, and basic physics, and reassures viewers that feeling nervous is normal — middle school can be exciting and fun.