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Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resources

Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendy at some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular?

Join Molly and co-host Harlynn as they explore the fussy and fabulous world of trends. Sanden will reveal how trends start and spread throughout a population—and why beige wallpaper it out and mocha mousse brown is IN! They’ll also learn about trends in animal populations like orca whales and chimpanzees. To top things off, Marc will start a fad by accident: fruit pants! (Yes, they’re literally pants with dried fruit stuck to them.) Plus, a super cool mystery sound.

Today’s episode is sponsored by:

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• Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit

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• Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

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Oh no! Molly’s been bequeathed her great-great grandfather’s skateboard, which unfortunately contains the spirit of dictionary editor Rutherford Williams Webster! Hoping to defeat the skateboard poltergeist, Anna and Marc must attempt to spell and define Webster’s most obscure words!

Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:
Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows

Solar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. But how do they work?Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Anna as they explore the ins and outs of solar energy!

Marc and his latest invention, Sal the solar bot, stop by the studio for a special solar demonstration — then the Earth and Moon chat about why solar power is an important tool for slowing down climate change.

Plus, an electrifying new mystery sound!

Check out our series all about electricity too!

Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit

Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.