Ever tried to convince a child that broccoli is “nice” and immediately lost all credibility? This is that conversation but louder, weirder, and much more honest.

This week, we take on the greatest mystery of all: why does bad food taste so good? Expect bold claims, ridiculous theories, and a strong case that broccoli might actually be a tiny forest. Look out for the strange brussels sprout fact too!

Built for family listening, especially on car journeys where the children need entertained. Perfect for curious little ones (and equally curious adults) who enjoy a funny podcast for kids. If you’ve ever negotiated “just one bite,” this one’s for you.

New episodes land as and when we have time to make them lately! Got a big question? Send it in. Follow the show so you don’t miss one, and share it with another family who’ll definitely recognise this argument.

This week’s big question: why are boys and girls so different? Are girls secretly half cat? Do we send boys to Mus University? We start with the ridiculous theories (obviously) before edging our way toward chromosomes, bodies, and what actually shapes who we are. It’s lively, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly thoughtful once the giggling settles.

Perfect for car journeys where someone’s about to argue in the back seat. Designed for curious kids aged 5–11, but built as a family podcast that grown-ups genuinely enjoy too. If you’re after science for kids that doesn’t feel like homework, this one’s for you.

New episodes land every Monday. Follow the show so you never miss a big question, send us the weird and wonderful things your children ask, and share it with another family who could use smarter road trip listening.

Send us your questions to smartiepantsbigwhy@gmail.com

This week on Smartie Pants and the Big Why, we’re asking a very important question: why do we draw hearts to show love?

With help from Aelish (age 7), we dive into the mystery of the world’s most famous squiggle. Why does the love heart look nothing like the actual heart inside your chest? Did someone guess? Did they sneeze halfway through a circle? Or are hearts secretly just two bum cheeks squeezed together?

Join us as we wobble our way through heartbeats, big feelings and the moment humans decided that two bumpy curves and a point meant “I like you quite a lot”.

Perfect for curious primary-aged kids and their grown-ups who have ever drawn a heart on a card without really knowing why.

Got a big “Why?” from your own Smartie Pants?

Email us at smartiepantsbigwhy@gmail.com and we might answer it in a future episode.

Subscribe now so you never miss a big question… and maybe practise your heart-drawing skills before the next one.