Podcast Episode Summary: "How Big is Big Ben?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids
• Host/Author: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
• Episode Title: How Big is Big Ben?
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In the February 26, 2025 episode of Who Smarted?, titled "How Big is Big Ben?", listeners are taken on an educational and entertaining journey into the heart of London to explore the iconic Big Ben. Hosted by Atomic Entertainment and Starglow Media, this episode seamlessly blends humor with fascinating historical and scientific insights, making it an engaging listen for both children and their parents.

Segment 1: Setting the Scene in London

The episode begins with the host announcing a virtual holiday "across the pond," prompting little detective Little Ben to reveal his presence in London. Through playful banter, Little Ben introduces himself as an expert on Big Ben, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the famous clock tower.

• Quote:
  Host [00:00]: "I'm in a most wonderful country. Here, I'll give you some clues. See if you can guess where I am. Ready? It's the land of tea, kings and queens and driving on the wrong side of the road."
  Little Ben [00:25]: "Okay, first of all, it's not the wrong side of the road. Secondly, there's a lot more to England than those three stereotypes."

Segment 2: Understanding Big Ben

Little Ben clarifies a common misconception: Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower itself but rather the massive bell housed within it. This distinction is crucial for understanding the structure's true identity—the Elizabeth Tower.

• Quote:
  Little Ben [04:42]: "Well, strictly speaking, we're not."
  Host [04:46]: "We’re not. Didn’t we just sneak into the clock tower after you distracted the guards with your impression of Prince Harry?"

The conversation delves into the architectural details of the Elizabeth Tower, highlighting its dimensions and the impressive 334-step climb required to reach the clock.

• Quote:
  Little Ben [05:18]: "The famous clock tower is 96.3 meters tall and 12.1 meters wide on each of its sides."
  Host [05:29]: "That's 316ft tall, about the length of an American football field and 10ft taller than the Statue of Liberty."

Segment 3: The History and Construction of Big Ben

The episode explores the historical backdrop of Big Ben’s construction. After a fire destroyed much of the original Parliament building in 1834, a royal commission initiated a public competition to redesign the structure. Little Ben reveals that 97 contestants submitted designs, with the commission ultimately selecting the 64th entry, designed by Charles Barry.

• Quote:
  Host [06:02]: "When they held the design competition for the new parliament building in 1835, how many people do you think submitted a design? Was it A, 30 people, B, 97 people, or C, 4012 people? If you guessed B 97, you're right, you're right."
  Little Ben [07:02]: "64 ain't a lucky number."

Charles Barry collaborated with Augustus Pugin, an architect renowned for his expertise in clock towers, to bring Big Ben to life. Their partnership ensured that the clock tower was not only functional but also a stunning architectural marvel.

Segment 4: Engineering Marvels and Unique Features

The discussion transitions to the mechanical aspects of Big Ben. Little Ben explains that the clock is entirely mechanical, relying on gravity-powered pendulums to maintain its accuracy. Engineers meticulously monitor these pendulums, adjusting them with small weights to ensure the clock remains precise.

• Quote:
  Little Ben [16:04]: "When it came time to build the actual clock in 1846, another competition was out to choose who would build it."
  Host [17:08]: "What causes the clock to run? The answer is the very first episode of who Smarted."

Additionally, the episode touches on the resilience of Big Ben, noting that while the original bell cracked and was replaced, the current bell operates effectively despite its imperfections. The clock’s ability to withstand various weather conditions and its temporary shutdowns during the World Wars are also highlighted.

• Quote:
  Little Ben [15:19]: "It took 16 horses because the bell was so bloody heavy."
  Host [16:08]: "Has it ever told the wrong time?"
  Little Ben [16:50]: "The completely mechanical clock uses a series of pendulums that rely on gravity."

Segment 5: Fun Facts and Trivia

To keep young listeners engaged, the episode sprinkles in fun trivia about Big Ben, such as its visibility from various points in London and the existence of a historic prison within the tower, once used for disciplining unruly Parliament members.

• Quote:
  Host [08:42]: "But wait, there's more. The famous clock tower is 96.3 meters tall and 12.1 meters wide on each of its sides."
  Little Ben [09:36]: "But nobody knows the answer. Some say it's named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the installation of the great bell."

Segment 6: Climbing to the Top

The climax of the episode simulates the experience of climbing to the top of the Elizabeth Tower. Despite initial reluctance from the host about the extensive number of steps, Little Ben ensures a humorous and informative ascent, culminating in a metaphorical "elevator ride" thanks to a modern renovation.

• Quote:
  Host [18:04]: "Wow. I guess time flies when you're learning about. Well, time. Uh, wait a second. Is that an elevator?"
  Little Ben [18:16]: "Oh, yeah. A few years ago, Big Ben underwent a 29 million pound renovation which included a brand new lift or elevator, as you say."

Conclusion and Credits

As the episode wraps up, listeners are reminded of the episode's educational value and the collaborative effort behind its production. The credits highlight the talented team involved, from writers and voice actors to sound designers and producers, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.

• Quote:
  Host [18:27]: "This episode, Big Ben was written by Phil Just in Time Jeremy and voiced by Sam in the nick of Time and Shredder and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Our Hand Hun who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios."

Key Takeaways

• Big Ben's True Identity: Big Ben refers to the large bell within the Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself.
• Historical Significance: The Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben were constructed following a fire that destroyed the original Parliament building in 1834.
• Mechanical Precision: The clock operates mechanically, relying on gravity and pendulums to maintain accuracy.
• Architectural Collaboration: Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin worked together to design the iconic structure.
• Fun and Learning: The episode effectively combines humor with educational content, making complex history and engineering concepts accessible to young listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Guessing Location:
  Host [00:00]: "I’m in a most wonderful country... driving on the wrong side of the road."
  Little Ben [00:25]: "Okay, first of all, it’s not the wrong side of the road. Secondly, there’s a lot more to England than those three stereotypes."

• Defining Big Ben:
  Little Ben [04:42]: "Big Ben is not actually the name of the clock tower. It’s the name of the bell inside the clock."

• Historical Construction:
  Host [06:02]: "When they held the design competition for the new parliament building in 1835..."
  Little Ben [07:02]: "64 ain’t a lucky number."

• Clock Mechanics:
  Little Ben [16:50]: "The completely mechanical clock uses a series of pendulums that rely on gravity."

• Renovation Insight:
  Little Ben [18:16]: "Big Ben underwent a 29 million pound renovation which included a brand new lift or elevator."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Who Smarted? successfully demystifies one of London's most renowned landmarks, Big Ben, through engaging dialogue and well-researched content. By blending humor with education, the podcast not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for history and engineering among its young audience. Whether used in classroom settings or enjoyed at home, "How Big is Big Ben?" exemplifies why Who Smarted? is a favorite among kids, parents, and educators alike.