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Molly Bloom
Lemonada. Today's episode is sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge. At Great Wolf Lodge, there's adventure for the whole family. You and your pack can splash away in the indoor water park where it's always 84 degrees. There's a massive wave pool, a lazy river and tons of water slides for your pack to enjoy together. And the fun doesn't stop there. Get ready to explore and play at Adventure packed attractions from Magiquest, a live action game that takes place throughout the lodge, to the Northern Lights Arcade. There's also a bunch of great dining options and complimentary daily events like nightly dance parties all under one roof. And the best part? With 22 lodges across the country, you're always only a short drive away from adventure. So bring your pack together at a lodge near you. Book your stay today@greatwolf.com and strengthen the pack. If you're looking for answers to all of your kids questions about puberty, just find our new show, Brains on Universe Puberty the Podcast. Designed for kids age 7 to 12, the show answers their questions in a straightforward and digestible way. The podcast is hosted by me, Molly Bloom of the award winning science podcast Brains on and co hosted by high schoolers who've just been through it. Experts are on hand to provide science filled explanations. Search for Brains on Universe Presents Puberty the Podcast
Lulu
Brains on Universe. You're listening to Brains on. Where we're serious about being curious.
Molly Bloom
Here at Brainson we answer your questions and over the years we've answered lots of them.
Lulu
Here's my question. I was wondering. My question is what is the science behind why is. What happens if you. What does that mean?
Molly Bloom
Over the years we've answered hundreds of questions. Everything from what's at the edge of the universe? To why is sugar so delicious? But there's one topic our listeners ask about that we haven't covered yet.
Lulu
What is puberty and why do we get puberty?
Molly Bloom
What is the science behind puberty and hormones? That's right.
Lulu
My question is what happens to our bodies when we go through puberty? And we want to know why we go through puberty? What happens to boys and girls bodies when we go through puberty? And why do we have to go through puberty in the first place?
Molly Bloom
So that's why we're making Puberty Puberty
Lulu
Puberty Puberty Puberty the Podcast.
Molly Bloom
We are making a special eight episode show called Brains on Universe Puberty the Podcast you can subscribe wherever you listen. Over the next few weeks we're going to play some excerpts from the series for you here. These samples cover stuff like how hormones help us grow, how they change our skin, think sits, and how they affect our moods. We picked topics that should be appropriate for everyone interested in how bodies grow. In the puberty podcast feed, we'll dive deeper into each topic and answer your questions with help from super smart experts. During puberty. For the first time, we're wondering what an audience of imaginary observers would think of our actions and teens who know what puberty's like. I don't know how many people have had puppies, but there is a time where they clearly become the big dog. And I think that's the best way I can really describe it. It's just one day. You feel older, you get a little taller, you become a bigger dog. If you like what you hear, find brains on Universe Puberty the podcast and subscribe to hear the whole series. Okay, on with the show. I'm your host, Molly Bloom, and my co host today is Lulu. Hi, Lulu.
Lulu
Hello.
Molly Bloom
Do you want to say how we're related?
Lulu
Um. You're my mom.
Molly Bloom
I am. And how old are you?
Lulu
I'm 10.
Molly Bloom
Freshly 10. Just turned 10. Happy birthday.
Lulu
Thank you.
Molly Bloom
So the rest of the episodes in this series are actually gonna be co hosted by teenagers, but we thought it made sense to start with the two of us, a mother daughter duo, because we know a lot of puberty talk starts at home.
Lulu
We've definitely been talking about it in our home.
Molly Bloom
So let's kick off the series by defining puberty.
Lulu
Puberty is when your body starts changing from a kid's body into a more grown up one.
Molly Bloom
Lulu, do you remember when we first started talking about puberty?
Lulu
Yeah, probably.
Molly Bloom
Like, was it a long time ago?
Lulu
Yeah, like when I was like four. I remember I sang about tampons.
Molly Bloom
That's true. You did. You wrote a song about tampons way back then. So we definitely have some puberty books at home. Have you read any of them yet?
Lulu
I'm always like to look at the pictures and giggle.
Molly Bloom
Mm, mm, mm. Do you talk about puberty with your friends?
Lulu
Gosh, yes.
Molly Bloom
Do you look at the puberty books with your friends?
Lulu
Gosh, yes. Gosh, yes, we really do.
Molly Bloom
So what comes to mind when you hear the word puberty?
Lulu
Periods.
Molly Bloom
Periods. Yup. Definitely part of it. Anything else?
Lulu
Like stinky armpits.
Molly Bloom
Stinky armpits, absolutely. What else?
Lulu
Armpit hair.
Molly Bloom
Armpit hair. That's definitely one. Would you say that your friends like talking about puberty as much as you do?
Lulu
Yes, definitely.
Molly Bloom
Do you like talk about what's happening to you personally, or is it more kind of just generally talking about puberty?
Lulu
We sometimes do. Not really, though. It's more just. Have you gotten your period? No, no, no, no.
Molly Bloom
And like, you know, deodorant talk.
Lulu
Yeah. Like, what kind of deodorant do you use?
Molly Bloom
Puberty is a time of big change. But it helps to remember your body is always changing. Think about it, Lulu. When you were first born, you couldn't walk or talk or use the toilet.
Lulu
I didn't have very much hair. I couldn't eat. I didn't even have any teeth.
Molly Bloom
Since then, you've gotten a whole set of baby teeth. And you're about halfway through losing those and replacing them with grown up teeth, right?
Lulu
Yeah, pretty much.
Molly Bloom
And your body will keep changing as long as you're alive. I've changed a lot since you were born too. In fact, even adults go through big changes sometimes.
Lulu
Yeah, I've heard you and your friends talk about new chin hairs, itchy ears, and feeling hot all the time.
Molly Bloom
Indeed. Puberty is just one period of big change in your life. Kids grow a lot during puberty, and they also go through changes that make it possible for them to eventually have kids of their own.
Lulu
But it's not just your body that changes during puberty. Your brain goes through changes too, as it rewires to become more like an adult brain.
Molly Bloom
It's like your whole body is under construction, but it's also a totally normal part of growing up. Like how teething is a totally normal part of being a baby.
Lulu
But you know how no two people have the same fingerprints? No two people go through it the exact same way. It's different for everyone.
Molly Bloom
We're gonna do our best to talk about what kids can expect during puberty. But the most important thing to remember is that your experience will be unique to you.
Lulu
How you feel about puberty will be unique to you too.
Molly Bloom
So, Lulu, how do you feel about puberty?
Lulu
Honestly, I think it's pretty funny.
Molly Bloom
Yeah, there are definitely some funny things about it. So what parts of puberty are you excited about, if any?
Lulu
Like, I really like smelling deodorant.
Molly Bloom
Deodorant does smell really good. Do you have any worries about puberty?
Lulu
Not really. I mean, like, maybe, like, I won't go through it same time as my friends or like that? Like that I'll get my period, like in a really weird place, like at like a cafe or something.
Molly Bloom
Totally. Yes. Yeah, I feel like those are super normal worries that you'll. That you'll feel different than your friends, right? Or that something will happen that you can't control. Super normal things to worry about. Some of you listening might feel really excited about puberty, and some of you might feel nervous or both. But remember, you're not in it alone. Stop for a second and think of an adult you really trust.
Lulu
That could be a parent, teacher, counselor, coach, cousin, aunt or uncle, grandparent or sibling.
Molly Bloom
That adult you're picturing, they want to help. So hit them up with your questions. Tell them what you're feeling. They've been through it, and they'll likely be more than happy to pass on what they've learned.
Lulu
In this series, we're going to hear from teens sharing their experiences, too.
Molly Bloom
Here's how some of them felt when they first started going through puberty. I remember all the boys started talking in deeper voices and it seemed like mine wasn't dropping at the same rate. So I think that sometimes it felt like people were performing.
Lulu
When I was in eighth grade, all
Molly Bloom
of my other friends had already gotten their periods and I hadn't, and I
Lulu
felt really left out. I think that's like a really common experience.
Molly Bloom
Adults tell you this when you're growing
Lulu
up, but, like, not everything is going
Molly Bloom
to happen at the same time as, like, all of your friends. When I was going through puberty, my ego was off the charts. And honestly, I think a lot of it was rooted in not feeling comfortable about who I was.
Lulu
I have body hair and a lot of people do. And I got really nervous about how I was seen if I, like, wasn't shaved or had, like a little mustache on my lip. And I realized that the people who I love and who love me really don't care. And they think I'm beautiful with my body hair and without it. It's not a requirement to shave.
Molly Bloom
You just heard from Leo, Serena, Louis, and Sophia.
Lulu
In some ways, they're experts on puberty because they went through it not too long ago.
Molly Bloom
No matter how you feel about puberty, we think that understanding the science behind it is a good way to get prepared. So let's start with our first big question. Why does it happen?
Lulu
The short answer? Hormones.
Dr. Cara Natterson
So hormones are chemical messengers our body makes, and our body sends them from one place to another to do their job.
Molly Bloom
That's Dr. Cara Natterson.
Lulu
She's a pediatrician who's written lots of books about puberty, including the Care and Keeping of youf.
Molly Bloom
She also makes a podcast about puberty for grownups called this Is so Awkward.
Lulu
Like she said, hormones are chemicals that our Bodies make. And they're super important because they make sure your body knows what to do and when to do it.
Molly Bloom
There are all kinds of hormones in our body all the time, even right
Lulu
now, like insulin, that controls our blood sugar levels.
Molly Bloom
Melatonin, that helps us sleep, and adrenaline,
Lulu
which kicks in when we're stressed out.
Molly Bloom
Our body makes over 50 different kinds of hormones.
Dr. Cara Natterson
And the hormones that are most involved with puberty are the sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone and testosterone. And every single person has all of these sex hormones. Really, what's happening during puberty is these hormones are rising and falling and rising and falling. And in some bodies, it's more estrogen and progesterone, and in some bodies, it's more testosterone.
Lulu
So think about it. During puberty, you have all these hormones rising and falling, rising and falling, over and over. No wonder it can feel a little like a roller coaster.
Molly Bloom
You've always had sex hormones, but your body usually made them in smaller amounts and they were slow and steady.
Lulu
But during puberty, they start to go up and down at a much faster speed.
Molly Bloom
The ups and downs can feel confusing when you're in the middle of them, but those ups and downs are a sign your body is starting to change.
Dr. Cara Natterson
It's the signaling that happens when they rise and fall and rise and fall in these very dramatic ways that impact everything from how thick your vocal cords are to how your bones grow.
Molly Bloom
In the next few episodes, we'll get into the nitty gritty about how these hormones change you. For some, it's mostly a smooth ride. For others, it can be a little bumpy.
Dr. Cara Natterson
Once these hormones start to level out, or once they start to get into very regular rhythms, that is when puberty has ended.
Lulu
So whether your arms are up in the air, you're screaming with glee, or
Molly Bloom
you're gripping the safety bar with your
Lulu
eyes shut tight, the hormone rollercoaster ride you're on will eventually come to an end. But, like, how long will it take to come to the end?
Molly Bloom
That's a great question that we'll answer in just a minute. Do you have more questions about puberty? Send them to us. We're doing a special episode to answer your most burning questions. Is there a topic you want to know more about? Advice for body stuff or friend stuff? Get in touch. Send your questions to brainson.org contact and they might be featured in our special episode. That's brainson.org contact. Thanks. Today's episode is sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge. At Great Wolf Lodge, there's adventure for the whole family. You and your pack can splash away in the indoor water park where it's always 84 degrees. There's a massive wave pool, a lazy river and tons of water slides for your pack to to enjoy together. And the fun doesn't stop there. Get ready to explore and play at Adventure packed attractions from Magiquest, a live action game that takes place throughout the lodge, to the Northern Lights Arcade. There's also a bunch of great dining options and complimentary daily events like nightly dance parties all under one roof. And the best part, with 22 lodges across the country, you're always only a short drive away from adventure. So bring your pack together at a lodge near you. Book your stay today@greatwolf.com and strengthen the pack.
Lulu
This is Brains on Universe Presents Puberty the Podcast I'm Lulu.
Molly Bloom
And I'm Molly.
Lulu
So far we've heard that our bodies make all sorts of hormones all the time.
Molly Bloom
They're special chemicals that help our bodies know what to do and when to do it.
Lulu
During puberty, the levels of some of
Molly Bloom
your hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone,
Lulu
they go through big ups and downs in your body that tells your body that it's time to start changing from a kid to an adult.
Molly Bloom
You'll learn lots more about those changes in the coming episodes.
Lulu
But how long does it take for puberty to happen? When will it start and when will it be over?
Molly Bloom
Here's our pediatrician friend Cara again with a really important message.
Dr. Cara Natterson
I have this little saying that I made up many years ago. There is no one normal and there is no one normal. That's my little description of puberty.
Molly Bloom
So what do you think she means by that, Lulu?
Lulu
There's not one normal way to go through puberty. There's not one person who's normal.
Molly Bloom
Yeah, everyone is different. That idea is so important, we wanted to make sure everyone got it. So remember, when it comes to puberty, there's no one normal and no one normal. Everyone's experience is going to be different.
Dr. Cara Natterson
There's no one normal time to start or to end, or one normal way to go through it. Which is why I don't use the word normal almost ever. But there is a range of expected timing for puberty, and it has shifted over time. Most physicians, most pediatricians, expect to see kids entering puberty sometime as early as 7 or 8 and as late as 12 or 13. And it can be really anywhere in there, although the vast majority have entered puberty by the time they are nine. If they are Girls and by the time they are 10, if they are boys.
Lulu
So if it can happen to you at all these different times, how do you know if you've started going through puberty?
Molly Bloom
One of the first changes you might notice is a change in how you're feeling.
Dr. Cara Natterson
Moodiness is the first emotional sign of puberty.
Molly Bloom
We are talking big feelings that can change quickly. Most of the physical changes of puberty are pretty subtle at first, but the moodiness can be easier to notice. Lulu, what does it feel like for you when you're moody?
Lulu
Like, everyone's my enemy, or like it's weird to be happy that you shouldn't be happy? It's weird.
Molly Bloom
Yeah. Maybe like, you're like, how do I get back into happy mode?
Lulu
Yes. I'm like, how do I get back into happy mode? Then I get crazy.
Molly Bloom
Do you feel like your moods go up and down pretty fast?
Lulu
Yes. I'm like, hi. Hello.
Molly Bloom
So now when you're feeling like you need some space or you're feeling angry, what do you do?
Lulu
I just yell at my parents.
Molly Bloom
What, yell at me? Yeah. What else do you do? Like, when you need space, what do you do?
Lulu
I watch TV.
Molly Bloom
TV's a good little reset. When I was going through it, my moodiness was more like I just wanted to play Tetris on my Game Boy and not talk to anyone.
Lulu
Everybody's different.
Molly Bloom
We're gonna be talking a lot more about these physical and emotional changes in the series. Lots of details about your brains and your bodies.
Lulu
And we said it earlier in this episode, but we're going to say it again.
Molly Bloom
There's no one Norma and no one normal. We're also going to do a special episode answering even more puberty questions from our listeners. So if you have questions you'd like to hear us tackle, send them to us@brainson.org contact that's it for this episode of Brains on Universe Presents Puberty. The podcast. This episode was written by me, Molly Bloom, and produced by Rosie Dupont. It was edited by Sandon Totten and Shayla Farzon. We had engineering help from Jackson V at Soft Cult Studios with sound design by Mark Sanchez and fact checking by Mim Shafer and Dr. Karen Adderson. Our original theme music was made by Mark Sanchez and the series was executive produced by me, Molly Bloom. A special thank you to Paige McLeod and the Spark ED team, Erica Pass at Sex Etc, Nora Gelpert and Brittany McBride from Advocates for Youth, Chris Pepper and mim Shafer from SFUSD, Tim McLeod, Erin Walsh from Spark and Stitch, Josh Turner and Sanjay Moses from Marin Academy and Dr. Karen Adderson and the Less Awkward team. If you want to support this kind of programming for kids, you can join SmartyPass. You get ad free feeds of brains on SmashBoom best and forever Ago and you can support smart shows for curious kids. Just head to smartypass.org to show your support. Thank you so much. Join us next week when we explore our next next Big Puberty, Hair, Sweat and Pimples. Now it's time for the Brains Honor Roll. These are the incredible kids who keep the show going with their questions, ideas, mystery, sounds, drawings and high fives. Lillian from Seattle Christopher from Melbourne, Australia Emmett from Wilhelmina, Oregon Romy from Tokoroa, New Zealand Kelsey from Franklin, Tennessee Rowan from Double Oak, Texas Asher from Tyler, Texas Monroe from Memphis, Tennessee Violet from Detroit, Michigan Moye from Medina, Washington Florence from Athens, Ohio Edith from Honol, Lulu augie from Edmonds, Washington Elliot from Wheaton, Illinois Adriel and Theo from Chicago Eliana from St. Louis Carson from South Jordan, Utah Henry from Quezon City, Philippines Sumi from Champaign, Illinois Max from Verona, New Jersey Oliver and Addison from Salem, Oregon Anthony and Bridget from Cleveland, Ohio Robin and Maeve from Castro Valley, California Lydia from New York City Michelle from Odonton, Maryland Eurydice from Bronx, New York Oakland from Litchfield Park, Arizona Teddy from Surprise, Arizona Nico from South Bend, Indiana Ida from Hillsdale, New York Elias and Elena from Elverson, Pennsylvania Ell Kaya from Portland, Oregon Ellie from Brandon, South Dakota Alex from Silver Spring, Maryland Heron from Arlington, Virginia Penelope from La Mesa, California Elliot and Ruben from Andover, Vermont Olivia from New York City Danny from Wilmington, Delaware Ivor from South Taylor, British Columbia Elodie and Everett from Rossland, British Columbia Pearl from Arkadelphia, Arkansas Samana from Schaumburg, Illinois Amelia and Jimmy from Plato, Minnesota Elia from Plano, Texas Julian from Taipei, Taiwan Penelope and Josie from Big Sur, California Eliza from Winston, Salem, North Carolina Alice and Willow from Palestine, Texas Selah from Algonquin, Illinois Alice from Ross, California Eniko from Decatur, Georgia Selah and Ezra from Neyland, California Isla from Melbourne, Australia Ben from Hopewell, New Jersey Gray from Bowmanville, Ontario Kiara from Temecula, California Chloe from Sydney, Australia Kurt from Charlottesville, Virginia Henry from Washington, D.C. and Kate from San Francisco.
Lulu
Thanks for listening.
This special episode of Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids tackles one of the most requested topics from listeners: Puberty. Host Molly Bloom and her 10-year-old daughter Lulu break down what puberty is, why it happens, how it feels, and bust myths about what’s “normal.” The episode is designed as an accessible, science-based introduction for kids (and their grownups) to the changes—both physical and emotional—that come with growing up. The episode also launches an eight-part series, "Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty The Podcast," which will delve deeper into puberty topics, featuring teen co-hosts and expert interviews.
[04:25–06:48]
[03:56–05:46]
Mother-Daughter Openness:
Molly and Lulu reflect on when they first started discussing puberty and the value of normalizing it within the family.
Puberty and Friendship:
Lulu shares that kids talk about puberty-related topics (like deodorants and periods) among friends—often with humor and curiosity.
Lulu: “Like, what kind of deodorant do you use?” (05:00)
[07:08–07:24, 15:13–15:51]
No Two Alike:
Lulu compares puberty to fingerprints—everyone’s journey is different.
Feelings About Puberty:
Lulu admits to finding puberty funny, and only worries about timing (e.g., “what if I get my period at a cafe?”).
Molly: “Some of you might feel really excited about puberty, some might feel nervous, or both. But remember: you’re not in it alone.” (08:01)
Support Systems:
Encouragement to reach out to trusted adults for questions and support.
Lulu: “That adult you’re picturing—they want to help… They’ve been through it, and they’ll likely be more than happy to pass on what they’ve learned.” (08:29)
[08:52–10:01]
Teens share personal stories about feeling left out, worries about being different, and body image anxieties.
Highlight: Acceptance of body changes and body hair
Sophia: “The people who I love and who love me really don’t care… It’s not a requirement to shave.” (09:37–09:59)
[10:22–12:50]
Hormones are the Key:
Introduces pediatrician and author, Dr. Cara Natterson.
Dr. Natterson: “Hormones are chemical messengers our body makes, and our body sends them from one place to another to do their job.” (10:25)
Sex Hormones:
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are present in every body, but levels shift differently.
Rollercoaster Metaphor:
Puberty is likened to a rollercoaster due to hormonal ups and downs, affecting everything from mood to vocal cords to bone growth.
Dr. Natterson: “It’s the signaling that happens when they rise and fall…that impact everything from how thick your vocal cords are to how your bones grow.” (12:08)
[15:08–16:34]
There Is No One “Normal”
Dr. Natterson: “There is no one normal, and there is no one normal. That’s my little description of puberty.” (15:13)
Timing:
Most kids start puberty anywhere from 7 to 13, with wide variation by gender and individual.
Everyone’s On Their Own Timeline:
Reassurance that it's okay to be early or late—and not to compare yourself to friends.
[16:39–17:52]
Dr. Natterson: “Moodiness is the first emotional sign of puberty.” (16:44)
On What Puberty Feels Like:
“One day…you feel older, you get a little taller, you become a bigger dog.” – Unnamed teen, (02:41)
Mother-Daughter Humor:
“Like, I really like smelling deodorant.” – Lulu (07:42)
Body Acceptance:
“The people who I love and who love me really don’t care…They think I’m beautiful with my body hair and without it.” – Sophia (09:37–09:59)
Science Explained Simply:
“Hormones are chemical messengers our body makes…” – Dr. Cara Natterson (10:25)
On Normality:
“There is no one normal, and there is no one normal.” – Dr. Cara Natterson (15:13)
For more, subscribe to "Brains On Universe Presents: Puberty the Podcast" for upcoming episodes on the science of hair, sweat, pimples, and more. Questions can be sent to brainson.org/contact.