Are we in the middle of an Ice Age right now?

Summary

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Who Smarted? – Are We in the Middle of an Ice Age Right Now?

Date: October 22, 2025
Host(s): Trusty (A), with co-host Chet Nickerson (B)
Podcast: Who Smarted? (Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media)

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Episode Overview

This lively episode of Who Smarted? poses the question: "Are we in the middle of an Ice Age right now?" With the podcast’s signature blend of humor, banter, interactive trivia, and storytelling, the episode unpacks what an ice age really is, how humans have experienced them, and whether our planet is currently experiencing one. Hosts Trusty and Chet delve into what causes ice ages, how we know they happened, and what it was like during the last glacial period, all while keeping things funny and deeply engaging for young listeners and their families.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What Is an Ice Age? (00:00–03:48)

• The episode opens with sound effects and interactive questions to get kids picturing cold, icy conditions.
• Definition: An ice age is when thick sheets of ice cover large areas of land on Earth—think Greenland and Antarctica today.
• Fun trivia questions engage listeners (e.g., “Is it called an Ice Capane, Ice Age, or Super Slippery Age?”—[01:15]).
• Surprising Fact: “Humans have survived an ice age—even if we weren't around when the earth was a giant ‘snowball’ billions of years ago.” ([01:48])

2. Are We Still in an Ice Age? (03:48–06:49)

• The hosts clarify that, technically, we’re still in an ice age that began 2.5 million years ago—even though the whole planet isn’t covered in ice.
• Staged breaking news humor: Chet pretends to report “snowing at the pyramids,” quickly debunked by Trusty for laughs ([02:32–03:10]).
• The episode explains that ice ages are defined by the presence of permanent ice sheets, mainly at the Poles.
• Quote: "An ice age is any period where massive areas of land are covered by thick sheets of ice. For example, Greenland and Antarctica today." — Trusty ([06:39])

3. Why Do Ice Ages Happen? (06:49–11:26)

• Head to the North Pole (with a Santa cameo, for extra fun) to discuss real causes, not magic or superheroes ([07:36–08:12]).
• Causes (all correct!):
  • Changes in volcanic activity
  • Greenhouse gas levels (CO₂)
  • Changes in the sun’s output
  • The Earth's orbital and axial tilt changes ([08:46–09:25])
• Quote: “If you guessed B, C, or D, you’re also correct!” — Trusty ([09:04])
• The podcast covers how Earth’s orbit becomes more or less oval every 100,000 years, and its tilt shifts every 41,000 years, changing sunlight and temperature ([10:39–11:26]).
• These lengthy cycles explain the periodic freezing and thawing Earth has seen.

4. Glacial vs. Interglacial Periods (12:19–13:08)

• Ice ages contain cycles:
  • Glacial periods: when ice sheets spread
  • Interglacial periods: when ice sheets melt (the current period)
• “When people refer to ‘the Ice Age,’ it’s this last glacial period with cavemen and woolly mammoths!” — Trusty ([13:08])

5. How Scientists Know About Ice Ages (13:16–13:41)

• Scientists drill and study “ice cores” in Greenland/Antarctica to learn about history and climate ([13:22]).
• “By drilling down through ancient ice sheets and pulling out cylinders of ice called cores, scientists can learn more about ice ages.” — Trusty ([13:41])

6. Life During the Last Glacial Period (13:41–15:23)

• Ice covered Canada, much of northern Europe, Asia, and parts of South America.
• This era featured massive animals: woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, giant deer/beavers, huge bears, and car-sized ground sloths (Megatherium).
• How did humans survive?
  • By hunting, using language to cooperate, developing tools, and making warm clothing.
  • There were once at least 9 human species, but now just one remains: homo sapiens.
  • Many animals and some plants also went extinct at the end of the last glacial period.
• Quote: “Humans did quite well through the roughest parts of the Ice Age. Well, not all humans… there were at least nine human species, now just one.” — Trusty ([14:37–15:23])

7. Are We Heading Into Another Ice Age? (15:23–15:39)

• Chet asks if another glacial period is coming.
• Trusty explains: some scientists say we should be due for another, but human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are preventing it—this isn’t necessarily good news, as global warming brings its own challenges.

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Memorable Quotes

• “We are in an ice age, so be prepared. Round up your scarves and mittens because it’s freezing in the Caribbean. Now, where is my snow blower?” — Chet, spoofing a panicky news report ([02:50])
• “The Earth's movement changes—Jupiter and Saturn pull on our planet… Scientists believe the Earth's orbit goes from circular to more oval-like and back every 100,000 years.” — Trusty ([10:39–11:26])
• “As it turns out, there are names for these periods of time… glacial and interglacial. We are in an interglacial period now, as the ice sheets melt.” — Trusty ([12:24])
• “By drilling down through ancient ice sheets and pulling out cylinders of ice called cores, scientists can learn more about ice ages.” — Trusty ([13:41])
• “Humans were a clever bunch… They hunted, developed language, created tools, made clothing for the harsh conditions…” — Trusty ([14:37])

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Notable and Memorable Moments

• Santa Claus surprises at the North Pole: Comic interlude with Santa lending his coat to Chet ([07:36–08:12]).
• Running joke: Chet’s faux breaking-news bits ("breaking news: the ice age is no longer breaking news!") ([05:57]).
• Interactive Trivia: Listeners are continually engaged with true/false and multiple-choice questions.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction to Ice Ages: 00:00–03:48
• Are We Still in an Ice Age?: 03:48–06:49
• Why Ice Ages Happen: 06:49–11:26
• Glacial/Interglacial Periods: 12:19–13:08
• How Scientists Research Ice Ages: 13:16–13:41
• Last Glacial Period & Giant Creatures: 13:41–15:23
• Will Another Ice Age Come?: 15:23–15:39

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Conclusion

This Who Smarted? episode uses humor, dialogue, and imagination to answer if we’re living in an ice age, why ice ages happen, how scientists study them, and what life was like during the last glacial maximum. Engaging for listeners of all ages, this episode encourages curiosity about Earth’s history, climate cycles, and the surprising resilience of humans and animals. The episode ends with a thank-you shoutout to listeners from the Cayman Islands, emphasizing the podcast’s broad appeal and educational value.

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Transcript

[A]

And now it's time for. Who Smarted. Psst. Hey, smarty pants. I bet most of you can guess that sound. Now, which of these would you associate that sound with? Hot or cold? Why, of course. Cold. Now close your eyes and picture a time when you might hear such cold wind. Did you say winter? Great. Now close your eyes and picture the scene. What do you see? Maybe snow, sleet, ice. Or icicles. Or even a polar bear. Or a penguin. Wow, this wind is really something. Brr. Getting shivers just thinking about it. Where do you think you'd have to go for it to be this windy and cold? Did you say Antarctica? Great guess. The North Pole isn't a bad guess either. Neither is Cleveland.

[B]

Me cold.

[A]

Right, my caveman friend, Smarty pants. Instead of winter and Antarctica, imagine, if you will, this kind of weather all year long and everywhere on Earth. That's right. Happened before. About 2 billion years ago, our planet was completely frozen over, making it one giant snowball.

[B]

Hey. Gotcha. Snowball fight.

[A]

Maybe later. Anyway, humans, fortunately, weren't around back then. Smarty pants, what do we call a time when the Earth is covered in thick sheets of ice? A, an ice Capane, B, an ice age, or C, the Super Slippery age?

[B]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Me falling?

[A]

You guessed it. It's an ice age. But here's something you might not know. Even though humans weren't around when the Earth was completely frozen, they have survived an ice age.

[B]

Me fight ice. Me build fire. Me stay warm. Me cook fish and meat and pizza.

[A]

Uh, yeah, that's mostly accurate. What we know for sure is ice ages have had a huge impact on the world. And human. Smarty pants, do you know when the last ice age ended? Was it 635 million years ago, 50 million years ago, or 12,000 years ago? Actually, it's a trick question. That's because we're still in an ice age.

[B]

Say wha.

[A]

Yep. Also, Chet, you can stop pretending to be a caveman.

[B]

Oh, well, in that case, this is Chet Nickerson with breaking news. Forget global warming. Break out your sweaters and snow boots shovels, too, because it's going to be snowing at the pyramids of Egypt. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[A]

That's not exactly true.

[B]

But we are in an ice age, so be prepared. Round up your scarves and mittens because it's freezing in the Caribbean. Now, where is my snow blower?

[A]

Uh, Chet?

[B]

Yes, trusty?

[A]

What's the temperature right now in the Caribbean?

[B]

I don't have exact numbers, but it's probably quite warm.

[A]

Right? And you Know what? Global warming and climate change, they're still happening. We're not heading toward any deep freeze.

[B]

But you just said we're in an ice age. I don't make the news, I just report it.

[A]

Yes, I did say that, and we are.

[B]

But how can that be?

[A]

Good question, smarty pants. Do you know why do ice ages happen? Is another big freeze coming? And what wild and unusual animals were around the last time the Earth was super frosty? It's time for another whiff of science on how smarted.

[B]

Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted?

[A]

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[B]

Breaking news. The ice age is no longer breaking news. It turns out we've been shivering for millions of years.

[A]

Brr. Uh, no. Certainly not all of us, Chet. But in some parts of the world, it's been frosty for quite a long time. Smarty pants, which regions are famously cold? We mentioned them earlier. Why? Of course, it's the north and South Poles. Which means the question, why are we in an ice age? Is also easy to answer.

[B]

Um, I'm guessing it has to do with the north and South Poles.

[A]

Exactly. And what will you find at the north and South Poles that has to do with an ice age?

[B]

Um. Oh, of course. Ice.

[A]

Yep, it's that simple. An ice age is any period where massive areas of land are covered by thick sheets of ice. For example, Greenland and Antarctica today.

[B]

I see. But does that mean there was once a time when Antarctica wasn't covered in ice?

[A]

Smartypants, what do you think? Was there ever a time when Antarctica wasn't covered in ice? The answer is yes.

[B]

Whoa.

[A]

In fact, 53 million years ago, Antarctica was home to palm trees.

[B]

That's amazing. Not exactly breaking news, but interesting nonetheless. So, trusty, tell us, why do ice ages happen?

[A]

You can find the answers from a place where they do happen. Prepare to teleport. Welcome to the North Pole.

[B]

Brr. You know, trusty, you c could give a guy a little warning. I would have brought a warning. Warmer coat. Ho, ho, ho. You can borrow my coat, Chet. Wow. Thanks, Santa. Now, this is what I call breaking news. Let's just keep this between us. And what can I get you, trustee?

[A]

Actually, we're not here for you, Santa.

[B]

Oh, Then who are you here to see? Superman?

[A]

No, we're not here to visit the Fortress of Solitude either.

[B]

I see. Oh, well, I'll leave it to you. Come, Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Bye, Santa. I'll mail your coat back to you. Wow. Nobody's gonna believe this. Anyway. Trusty, why are we here? Is there another magical person who lives here in the North Pole that creates ice ages?

[A]

What do you think, smarty pants? No, of course not. The truth is, ice ages are caused by natural events.

[B]

Aha. And what natural event is that? I might ask Smartypants.

[A]

See if you can guess. Is it A, volcanoes, B, the atmosphere, C, the sun's energy, or D, the earth's movement and tilt? If you guessed A, volcanoes, you're correct.

[B]

Volcanoes. Interesting. Who knew? Well, besides you.

[A]

But wait, Chet, there's more. You see, if you guessed B, C or D, you're also correct.

[B]

Oh, I did not see that coming.

[A]

If, for example, the atmosphere has a low level of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, an ice age can happen.

[B]

Too little greenhouse gas. Yeah, not these days.

[A]

No, but there Was a time. Also, the sun can play a factor. Sometimes it gives off less energy, and that could trigger an ice age. And then there's the Earth itself. Whenever its orbit or tilt changes, certain areas get less sunlight than before. And that's also when things can get a little frosty.

[B]

Frosty the snowman was a jolly.

[A]

No, not that frosty.

[B]

Hold on, hold on. I've reported on many amazing natural forces like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, but not once have I seen evidence that the planet is moving differently.

[A]

Smarty pants, what do you think? True or false? The Earth's movement does not change. That answer is coming up right after this quick break. And a word from our sponsors. Now back to who smarted? Okay, Chet Nickerson and I are still here in the North Pole trying to understand what causes an ice age. One of the reasons could be due to a change in Earth's orbit through space. The question is, do you think it's true or false that the Earth's movement stays the same? The answer is false.

[B]

But how can that be?

[A]

Don't forget, Chet, the Earth's been around for billions of years. Way longer than your lifetime or human history. Some changes take thousands of years, but they happen. Jupiter and Saturn pull on our planet, moving its orbit. Scientists believe the Earth's orbit goes from circular to. To more oval like and back every 100,000 years. No, no, no, no, no, no. That's not breaking news. And neither is the fact that every 41,000 years, the tilt of Earth's axis changes. And to be clear, Earth's axis is an imaginary line through the center of the planet. As Earth rotates on that axis, it wobbles a little, like a spinning top that's not perfectly upright. All of these things affect the seasons and. And the amount of sunlight. And can trigger what?

[B]

An ice age?

[A]

Exactly. Smarty pants. Guess how many ice ages have happened. Is it 1? At least 5, at least 10, or at least 100? The answer is at least 5. Though some last more than 100 million years.

[B]

That is fire. So this ice age we're in right now, if it started more than two and a half million years ago, that means we're sharing the same ice age with cavemen and cave women. Nice ice age we're having.

[A]

That's right. And even though temperatures are rising now, don't forget an ice age is just a period of time when ice sheets cover parts of the Earth. Some of the time the ice grows, other times it shrinks.

[B]

Incredible. It feels like there should be names for these.

[A]

Great point, Chet. As it turns out, there are names for these periods of time. Smarty pants. Can you guess what they are? A, glacial and interglacial. B, icing and thawing. Or C, Olaf and Kristoff. Wait, how did that get in there? No, no, no, no, no, no, no. We're not doing that. Plus we'll get sued. The answer is a glacial and interglacial. We are in an interglacial period now, as the ice sheets melt, the last period of ice growth, a glacial period, peaked about 18,000 years ago and ended more than 11,000 years ago. When people refer to the Ice Age, you know, the one with cavemen, it's this glacial period that they're talking about.

[B]

I see. And while I believe you when you say there were at least five ice ages, how do scientists know for sure?

[A]

Wow, Chet, you really ask great questions.

[B]

Hey, I'm a lot more than weather, traffic and sports, my friend.

[A]

Smarty pants. What do you think? How are scientists able to know approximately how many ice ages there are? The answer is by drilling. By drilling down through ancient ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica and pulling out cylinders of ice called cores, scientists can learn more about ice ages.

[B]

So what happened in the last ice age? I mean this one, but the part where the ice grew.

[A]

You mean the last glacial period?

[B]

Yeah, with all the cavemen and cave women.

[A]

It was pretty wild back then. Ice covered almost all of Canada and large parts of South America, northern Europe and Asia. It was also an age of giant creatures. Elephant like woolly mammoths stood 12ft or 3 and a half meters tall. Cats with massive teeth. The famous saber toothed tigers were over twice the size of tigers today. Deer, 7ft or 2 meters tall. Beavers as big as bears. Bears larger than any other meat eating mammal. N. Sloths.

[B]

Sloths.

[A]

Yep. Gigantic sloths called Megatherium were as tall as a woolly mammoth and weighed as much as a car.

[B]

Wow. How did humans survive with all these terrifying creatures?

[A]

That's just it, Chet. Humans were a clever bunch. They hunted some of these creatures and developed language so they could work together. They created tools and weapons and made clothing for the harsh conditions. Believe it or not, humans did quite well through the roughest parts of the Ice Age. Well, not all humans, Smartypants. How many species of humans are in the world today? Is it A57, B9 or C1? The answer is C1, though at one point there were at least nine. All the other species, including the famous Neanderthals, were extinct by the end of the last glacial period. Same goes for some animals and plants that can't handle a major shift in crops. Global temperatures.

[B]

I'm not sure I'd survive a glacial period. When's the next one?

[A]

Some scientists say we should be heading toward one now, but instead of greenhouse gases decreasing, they're increasing due to global warming. But in case you were wondering, that's not a good thing.

[B]

Yeah, I'd much rather be in an ice age, especially since I have Santa's coat. Thanks, Santa.

[A]

A double shout out to two of my biggest smarty fans, Liam and Connery, in the Cayman Islands. They wrote in to let us know they listened to who Smarted every morning on the way to school. And absolutely love smarting with us. And not just them, their parents love it, too. Aw. Thank you all so much for being part of our smarty family. And hopefully you'll see me on the beach in the Cayman Islands someday soon. This episode, Ice Ages, was written by Dave Snow Boots Beaudry and voiced by Adam Snow Day Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh where's your hat, Han? Our associate producer is Mittens Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Snowballs Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.

[B]

Too Smart and.