Science
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Kids send in their own big questions, and host Jane Lindholm seeks out experts to answer them on air.
But Why, from Vermont Public, is steered almost entirely by what kids want to know. Children record a question, send it in, and host Jane Lindholm goes looking for someone who can answer it. One episode might take on why cats purr, another how bridges stay up or why people need sleep, and the questions play in the kids’ own voices. Hearing other children ask things seems to nudge listeners toward recording a question of their own. The maker describes new episodes every other Friday, and the archive ranges across animals, space, words, feelings and history. Learning guides, a book series and video episodes sit alongside the audio for kids who want more. Its gentle pace and short expert segments look well matched to the four-to-ten range the show names, though older kids may find some topics familiar.
- Ages
- Ages 4–10
- Works on
- Web browser; iPhone and iPad app; Android app
- Topics
- Science, Nature, History
- Languages
- English
- Listed
- 2026-10-18
What kids do
- Record and send in a question
- Hear an expert answer a kid’s question
- Choose an episode by topic from the archive
- Work through a learning guide after listening
Who it suits
Ages 4–10. The publisher provides this age guidance.
Notes for parents
Produced by Vermont Public since 2016. Questions go in by email to questions@butwhykids.org or through a form on the show’s site.
What you need
- A podcast app or web browser
Visit But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
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