But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids Episode: How Do You Whistle? Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, hosted by Jane Lindholm from Vermont Public Radio, the curious and often challenging art of whistling takes center stage. The episode delves into the mechanics of whistling, explores its cultural significance, and offers practical tips for listeners eager to master this skill. Through interviews with musician Luke Reynolds, champion whistler Emily Egan, and expert Yuki Takeda, the show provides a comprehensive exploration tailored to both young listeners and the young at heart.

Meet the Guests

Luke Reynolds: The Musical Whistler

[03:22] Luke Reynolds, a talented musician and multi-instrumentalist from the band Guster, shares his unique relationship with whistling. He explains how whistling serves as a creative tool in his music-making process.

Luke Reynolds: "Whistling is easier for me than singing because I have more control over the subtleties and embellishments than I do with my human voice."

Reynolds discusses his contribution to the podcast's theme song, revealing that the iconic whistle originated from his solo album track "No Way to Know What's Coming." His impromptu decision to include whistling added a distinctive and humanizing element to the music.

Yuki Takeda: The Champion Whistler

[06:59] Yuki Takeda, a world champion whistler and college student, provides expert techniques on mastering the art of whistling. He breaks down the mechanics, emphasizing the importance of tongue placement and airflow.

Yuki Takeda: "The tip of your tongue must touch your lower teeth or your lower gum in the front. Both sides of your tongue must be touching the upper back teeth."

Takeda also touches on the emotional and societal aspects of whistling, advocating for its role in promoting happiness and peace.

Emily Egan: Whistling as an Art Form

[10:53] Emily Egan, a versatile musician known for her singing, ukulele playing, and exceptional whistling skills, shares her journey from a casual whistler to a professional champion. She discusses how whistling became a powerful tool in overcoming stage fright and building confidence.

Emily Egan: "Whistling became the thing that got me over my shyness. It was like, hey, I have this funny, quirky, cool thing that no one else can do and that I can do really well."

Egan elaborates on her experiences in international whistling competitions, highlighting the versatility and expressive potential of whistling in various musical contexts.

Whistling Techniques and Tips

The episode provides a detailed guide on how to whistle, perfect for listeners eager to learn or improve their skills. Madison, Emily's daughter and a fellow whistler, offers step-by-step instructions:

[15:20]

Madison: "First, lick your lips or use some lip balm. Then, stick your tongue touching your bottom teeth. Make a little chamber by curling your tongue and blow gently through the philtrum—the divot beneath your nose."

Listeners are encouraged to experiment with tongue movements to control pitch and tone, enabling them to produce a range of sounds from simple tunes to complex melodies.

The Role and Significance of Whistling

Whistling isn't just a fun pastime; it holds various cultural and practical applications. The podcast explores:

• Communication: Historically, whistles have been used to communicate over long distances or signal during performances.

  Madison: "Whistling is used as part of some languages, like Silbo Gomero in Spain's Canary Islands, where you can communicate using whistles alone."

• Emotional Expression: Whistling often reflects a person's mood, predominantly associated with happiness and contentment.

  Madison: "I think humans whistle because it's fun. Most of the time when people whistle, it's because they feel really good and it feels really good to do it."

• Cultural Practices: From calling dogs to signaling in noisy environments, whistling serves diverse functions across different societies.

Listener Q&A

The episode features questions from young listeners, providing personalized answers:

1. Ava from Winnipeg, Manitoba (02:04 & 14:15): "How do you whistle? And why is whistling so hard?"

   Madison explains the physical mechanics involved, emphasizing lip and tongue coordination.

2. Victoria from Oakland, California (23:26): "Can people with laryngitis whistle?"

   Madison reassures that whistling relies on different parts of the mouth and throat, allowing those with sore throats to whistle without strain.

3. Graham from Brooklyn, New York (21:57): "How do you get a trophy for whistling?"

   Emily details her journey in international competitions, illustrating the process of honing skills to earn accolades.

Interactive Whistling Fun

Listeners are invited to participate by sending in their whistling recordings. The podcast showcases a chorus of various whistling entries, demonstrating the creativity and diversity of whistling styles among young enthusiasts.

Jane Lindholm: "Some of you whistled kind of slow, and some of you whistled kind of fast. Some of you added those extra notes or trills to fancy it up, and some of you tried to do it just like Luke."

This segment not only celebrates the community's contributions but also inspires others to explore their unique whistling voices.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Jane reflects on the multifaceted nature of whistling and its impact on personal and cultural levels. She extends gratitude to guests Luke Reynolds and Emily Egan, as well as to Yuki Takeda for his expert insights.

Luke Reynolds: "There’s no right way or wrong way to whistle. Just have fun with it."

Jane encourages listeners to continue their curiosity and invites them to submit more questions for future episodes. The episode underscores the joy of discovery and the simple yet profound act of whistling as a universal form of expression.

Stay Curious!

For more information, tips, and to submit your own questions, visit But Why Kids or email your recordings to questions@butwhykids.org.

Produced by Melody Beaudet and Jane Lindholm at Vermont Public Radio. Distributed by PRX. Special thanks to engineer Peter Engish and all our wonderful guests and listeners.