Forever Ago — “We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters”
Episode Date: October 8, 2025
Podcast: Forever Ago (by Brains On Universe)
Host: Molly Bloom
Episode Overview
This lighthearted and playful episode marks the triumphant return of the Brains On Universe team in their new, whimsical headquarters. The cast shares updates about the show, their move to independence, the new subscription model, and invites listeners into their zany creative process, all while giving a behind-the-scenes tour of their new space. The episode is filled with jokes, imaginative descriptions, and audience engagement, appealing to both kids and families.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Brains On Universe is Back!
- Return Announcement: Molly Bloom welcomes listeners back amid the chaos of moving into their new headquarters, establishing an excited and energetic tone.
- Back in Action: New Brains On episodes are coming soon, Smash Boom Best will return later this year, and Forever Ago returns in 2026.
- “See? We told you we'd be back. And we're back.” — Sandon [00:37]
2. Going Independent
- Major Update: The team is now fully independent.
- “I should have led with that. Brains On is now a fully independent podcast.” — Molly [01:03]
- DIY Operation: Molly, Sandon, and Mark are running every aspect—from creative to coffee runs.
- “We make the shows, we pay the bills, we get ourselves coffee.” — Molly [01:12]
- Listener Support: Now funded directly by the audience via SmartyPass.
3. SmartyPass & Supporting the Show
- What Listeners Can Do: Explained by Mark and Sandon, SmartyPass gets supporters ad-free episodes, bonus content, live online hangouts, and even personalized messages.
- “The best way to help is to join SmartyPass.” — Sandon [01:34]
- “Every cent goes right to the Brains On Universe, so we can keep making these shows forever and ever.” — Molly [01:52]
4. Tour of the New Headquarters
- The Brains On team takes listeners on a whimsical audio tour of their new HQ, each description more imaginative than the last:
- Smart Echoes Room: Echoes can change voice effects—robot, sports announcer, dolphin, etc. [02:17–02:42]
- Taco Farm Expansion: Now includes “burrito bushes” and “nacho trees.” [02:42]
- Slide Room Upgrade: Now a zipline room. [02:55]
- Indoor Ocean: Replacing the ordinary pool. [02:55]
- Milk Chocolate Fountains: “So gooey going up.” — Molly [03:00]
5. Segmented Podcast Floors
- Each Brains On Universe show has its own “floor.”
- Smash Boom Best floor features googly eyes (and a debate: “Which is better, wind socks or sock puppets?”) [03:19–03:22]
- Forever Ago’s floor is being decorated by Joy, who employs a full-scale rodeo to place her furniture and art.
- “It's part of the decorating process. Haven't you ever set up a full scale rodeo to help you figure out where to place your lamps and plants and beanbag chairs before?” — Joy [03:44]
6. Audience Engagement — Help Design the Headquarters!
- Many rooms are still empty, and the team wants listener suggestions on what to add.
- “What should go in here? We want your ideas.” — Molly [04:35]
- Suggestions range from “random cloud generator room” to “snail emporium.” [04:43]
- “Describe it, or draw it and send it to us at brainson.org/contact. We'll feature your ideas in the show.” — Molly [05:05]
7. Fun with the CEO: Gangador
- Introduction: Gangador, the new (fictional) “world’s loudest CEO,” delivers sock advice and promotional pep talks with humor and enthusiasm.
- “Always buy argyle. … Nobody cares if your socks match. It's how you wear them.” — Gangador [05:29, 06:11]
- Call to Action: Reinforces the need for listener support through SmartyPass. [06:18]
8. Whimsical Surprise — The Pickle Ballroom
- The hosts wrap up their tour with a humorous mix-up: Molly mistakes the “pickle ballroom” for a “pickleball room.”
- “It's not a pickleball room. It's a pickle ballroom.” — Mark [06:45]
- “Yeah, you know, a big fancy room with chandeliers where you can dance while eating pickles.” — Sandon [06:53]
9. Looking Ahead
- Reminder: Brains On returns soon, Smash Boom Best later, Forever Ago in 2026.
- “Keep an ear out for new Brains On episodes. Soon. Smash Boom after that, and Forever Ago next year.” — Molly [07:02]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Molly, on moving: “Oh, careful, Sand. Don't drop that one. It is full of black holes. But you can drop that other one. It's just full of regular holes.” [00:17]
- Joy’s rodeo logic: “Obviously this isn't my first rodeo.” — Joy [04:10]
- On visionary design: “We replaced the chocolate milk fountains with milk chocolate fountains. So gooey going up.” — Molly [02:55]
- Gangador’s motto: “Brains On Universe thrives. … Nobody cares if your socks match. It's how you wear them.” — Gangador [06:12]
- Pickle ballroom reveal: “It's not a pickleball room. It's a pickle ballroom.” — Mark [06:45]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:05 – Introduction and moving in
- 01:00 – Announcement of independence and SmartyPass
- 02:17 – Smart echoes
- 02:38 – Taco farm, zipline, burrito bushes, nacho trees
- 03:13 – Dedicated show floors and Joy’s “rodeo” decorating
- 04:35 – Listener invitation: help design new rooms
- 05:27 – Meet CEO Gangador
- 06:37 – The Pickle Ballroom
- 07:00 – Episode wrap-up and thank yous
Summary Tone & Style
The dialogue is lively, loaded with puns, playful banter, and frequent fourth-wall breaks. The hosts create a welcoming, imaginative vibe, encouraging audience input and support for their independent, family-friendly podcast network.
Final Thought
This episode rekindles the Forever Ago spirit, celebrating creativity, humor, and community, while making listeners feel like co-architects of the Brains On Universe’s wild and wonderful future.