Podcast Summary: Brains On! – Why Are Octopuses So Smart?

Podcast: Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids
Episode: Why Are Octopuses So Smart?
Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Rosie Dupont (guest hosting for Molly Bloom)
Kid Co-Host: Izumi, from Lethbridge, Canada
Guest Expert: Dr. Jennifer Mather, Professor of Psychology, University of Lethbridge

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores why octopuses are considered some of the smartest creatures in the ocean. Through fun conversations, guest appearances (including a very lively "Octavia Octopus"), and a deep dive with octopus expert Dr. Jennifer Mather, the hosts investigate the remarkable intelligence, unique bodies, playful behaviors, and personalities of these fascinating animals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fun Octopus Facts & Body Features

• Octopuses are unique: Over 300 species, all sizes from the “hairy octopus” (as small as a paperclip) to the giant Pacific octopus (up to 100 pounds, tentacle span as long as a car). (04:12–04:45)
• Body adaptations:
  • No bones; can squeeze through tiny spaces.
  • Three hearts, blue blood, and donut-shaped brains, with the esophagus running right through the “donut hole.” (06:12–06:39)
  • Beaks like parrots and tongues covered in tiny, sharp teeth called "radula." (07:07–07:21)
• Arms vs. Tentacles: Octopuses have arms, not tentacles—suckers run all the way down. Their arms can taste things! (07:32–07:56)

“First off, thank you for saying arms, not tentacles. Us octopuses do not have tentacles, thank you very much.” – Octavia Octopus (07:32)

2. Why Are Octopuses So Smart?

• Listener question: From Benji in Houston: “Why are octopuses so smart?” (02:56)
• Octopus Brains:
  • Dr. Mather explains that the octopus brain operates like ours, using neurons, but is large relative to most animals (not as big as a human brain). (11:47–12:30)
  • Octopuses have a central brain and clusters of brain cells in each arm, but not “nine brains.” The main brain gives general instructions, and arms figure out the details. (12:30–13:30)

“It is the brain that tells the arms what to do. But... the octopus only tells the arms kind of the general commands... and then the arms work out the details.” – Dr. Jennifer Mather (12:39–13:30)

3. Examples of Octopus Intelligence

• Problem-solving skills:
  • An octopus at the Seattle Aquarium didn’t like a bright light over its tank and learned to squirt water at it until it shorted out. (13:35–14:28)
• Play:
  • Dr. Mather observed octopuses playing with objects (like a floating pill bottle), repeatedly “throwing” and retrieving it across their tank for fun, not food. (14:34–16:13)

“Probably other animals than us play in ways that we don’t really understand... but this one was like something we did, so we could really see that this was play.” – Dr. Jennifer Mather (15:54–16:13)

• Personalities:
  • Octopuses have different personalities, from shy to outgoing. Some hide from a bristly test brush, others attack it. (16:13–17:21)

“Some of them are very sort of outgoing and pushy, and some of them are very shy.” – Dr. Jennifer Mather (16:40)

• Individual intelligence:
  • Octopuses are inquisitive, learn new things, remember, and solve puzzles. Their intelligence is “individual”—they do not have language, culture, or social learning. (17:26–17:59)

4. Interactive & Entertaining Elements

Games: "Obviously Octopus"

• Izumi answers questions about real-life clever octopus behaviors:
  • Otto, an octopus in Germany, squirted water to break a spotlight. (23:19–24:15)
  • A "mystery" octopus lived in an aquarium for a year, discovered by “banana peel”-like clues and missing crabs. (24:29–25:08)
  • Octopuses can solve puzzles in captivity, like opening jars and manipulating objects (e.g., Rubik’s Cubes). (26:11–26:57)

Mystery Sound Game

• Izumi guesses the source of a clattering sound (they think it’s Legos; it turns out to be someone rummaging through a pencil box). (08:52–09:30; 28:26–28:49)

Listener Involvement

• Kids are invited to submit nature sounds for a future episode, science questions, and drawings. (10:38–10:49)

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What would you do if you didn’t have any bones?” – Rosie (03:34)
  • “Skip class by going into a very small corner.” – Izumi (03:37)
• “Call me smart arms, Octavia.” – Octavia Octopus, on arms containing brain cells (07:57)
• “I’m surprised octopuses actually know how to play.” – Izumi (19:01)
• “It was like playing ball with yourself!” – Rosie, reacting to octopus play (19:14)
• “Octopuses have three hearts, blue blood, and a donut shaped brain.” – Recap by Rosie (27:16)
• “They can be as small as a paperclip or as long as a car.” – Izumi (27:32)
• “How will octopuses surprise us next?” – Rosie, in conclusion (27:47)

Important Timestamps

• 01:13–02:56 – Introduction & listener question
• 03:02–07:28 – Exploration of octopus bodies and features (with Octavia Octopus)
• 07:28–08:18 – Transition to intelligence and curiosity
• 11:38–13:30 – Interview with Dr. Mather: octopus brains & arm intelligence
• 13:30–16:13 – Octopuses solving problems, playing, and showing personality
• 16:13–17:59 – Octopus personalities and intelligence vs. humans
• 23:19–26:57 – "Obviously Octopus" quiz game, showcasing real octopus smarts

Episode Tone and Language

• Conversational, friendly, humorous, and kid-centered
• Features playful banter, “character” interviews, and interactive games
• Science is mixed with jokes, curiosity, and hands-on learning moments

Summary Suitable for New Listeners

This episode of Brains On! answers the question, “Why are octopuses so smart?” with science, expert insights, and lots of laughs. You’ll learn about their weird bodies (donut brains!), super skills (squeezing, tasting with arms!), clever escapes, and even discover that each octopus has its very own personality. Dr. Jennifer Mather shares stories about problem-solving, play, and what sets octopus intelligence apart from ours. Plus, you can play along with games and mystery sounds. Perfect for curious kids and adults alike!

Listen to the episode (or recommend it!) if you want to:

• Find out how clever and mischievous octopuses can be
• Hear about octopuses playing games and causing aquarium mayhem
• Discover what makes their brains (and arms!) so remarkable
• Laugh along with a fun, fact-filled journey under the sea