How does a Trampoline make you bounce so high?

Summary

Who Smarted? – How Does a Trampoline Make You Bounce So High?

Podcast by Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Trusty Narrator (A)
Guest: George Nissen (B), co-inventor of the trampoline
Audience: Kids, families, classrooms

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Episode Overview

This lighthearted and educational episode answers the question: How does a trampoline make you bounce so high? The Who Smarted? team takes listeners on a high-flying journey through the history, science, and safe enjoyment of trampolines, blending humor, storytelling, trivia, and fun facts. Special guest "George Nissen" (the trampoline’s real-life inventor, portrayed for educational fun) joins the host for engaging conversation and science demonstrations, all wrapped up in the show’s signature kid-focused energy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trampolines and the Inuit Blanket Toss

• Alaskan Tradition: The show opens with Trusty narrator taking part in “nilukatak,” an Inuit blanket toss celebrating the end of whale hunting season. A person is tossed into the air using a taut walrus skin, mirroring the motion of a trampoline.
  • Memorable moment: “Technically, I’m supposed to be throwing candy down to the children watching while I bounce. But I’m having a hard enough time just trying to land back on the skin.” (A, 01:50)

2. Meet the Inventor: George Nissen

• Origins: George Nissen didn’t invent the trampoline from the blanket toss but was inspired as a child by circus trapeze artists bouncing from nets. With Larry Griswold, his gymnastics coach, he built the first trampoline in his garage.

  • “[In college,] Larry and I built a trampoline that I could use in my act. Of course, we didn’t call it a trampoline yet.” (B, 04:19)

• Naming the Trampoline: Initially called “rebound tumblers”; the name “trampoline” was adapted from the Spanish word for springboard, trampolín, by adding an ‘e.’

  • “I heard someone use the Spanish word ‘trampolín’... So I added an ‘e’ to trampoline and the trampoline was born.” (B, 05:13)

3. The Science: How Does a Trampoline Bounce Work?

• Common Misconception: It's not the fabric you jump on but the springs that enable you to bounce.

  • “A lot of people think it’s the stretchy fabric that makes you bounce, but no.” (B, 05:50)

• Potential Energy: When you jump, you stretch the springs, storing energy. The springs then snap back, releasing that energy and launching you upward.

  • “When I land on the trampoline like this, it stretches the springs out, which gives them what scientists call potential energy, which is also known as stored up energy.” (A, 06:16)
  • “The springs spring back to their original position, using that stored up energy to launch me into the air.” (B, 06:40)

4. The Spread & Evolution of Trampolines

• Popular Promotion: To publicize trampolines, George staged an exhibition in Central Park, jumping with a kangaroo named Victoria, capturing the public’s imagination.

  • “That little stunt I pulled got people talking about trampolines, and pretty soon, people were doing their own stunts.” (B, 07:45)

• Records & Stunts:

  • Six fraternity brothers bounced continuously for 53 days, earning a call from Ronald Reagan. (B, 08:15)
  • Lucas Laurent did 49 backflips in one minute. (B, 08:41)

5. Health & Exercise Benefits

• Great Exercise: NASA found that 10 minutes on a trampoline equals 30 minutes jogging.

  • “Scientists at NASA say trampolining for just 10 minutes is as good a workout as jogging for a half hour.” (A, 09:03)

• Joint-Friendly: Lower impact than running.

• Wellness Perks: Improves stress relief, motor skills, coordination, and balance. The weightlessness and oxygen boost enhance endorphin release.

  • “That feeling of weightlessness you get on a trampoline can instantly reduce stress.” (B, 09:32)
  • “Figuring out how to twist and contort your body... takes coordination and, of course, balance.” (A, 09:58)

• NASA & Athlete Training: Trampolines help astronauts practice zero-gravity movements and are used by divers, snowboarders, and gymnasts.

  • “NASA uses trampolines to train their astronauts... helps them get used to all the weird positions their bodies will be in when they're floating in zero gravity.” (B, 10:09)

6. Trampolining as an Olympic Sport

• Event Details: Olympic trampolinists perform 10 bounces with diverse moves—twists, somersaults, and landings—which require both creativity and difficulty for points.

  • “In this event, each athlete has 10 bounces to perform 10 different skills that involve moves like twists and somersaults. With each bounce, they can land on their feet, back, stomach, or butt.” (B, 15:57)

• Notable Moves:

  • Corkscrew: “You start by landing on your back, then you do a half front somersault with one and a half twists. Then you land on your back again.” (B, 16:36)
  • Barrel roll and Old Swivel Hips: various flips and twists from different landings. (16:48–17:05)

• Safety in Competition: Four spotters around the trampoline are always present for safety.

  • “They’re there to help break the athlete’s fall. If they misjudge a bounce and fly off the trampoline.” (B, 17:10)

7. Safety Tips

• Injury Risks: Over 100,000 trampoline injuries per year. Main rule: NO multiple jumpers at once, and always have grown-ups spot and supervise.
  • “Many accidents happen when two people try to jump on a trampoline at once. That’s a pretty big no no, right, George?” (A, 17:49)
  • “Never go on a trampoline without a parent or other adult watching and spotting.” (A, 18:11)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On trampoline promotion:
  “I’d leave the house without pants before leaving without my travel trampoline.”
  — George (B, 05:40)

• What really makes you bounce:
  “If it isn’t the fabric you jump on that makes you bounce, what is it? I’ll give you a hint. It’s one of the four seasons... Spring.”
  — Trusty (A, 06:02)

• On health benefits:
  “That feeling of weightlessness you get on a trampoline can instantly reduce stress. And the increased oxygen circulation from exercising releases mood boosting brain chemicals called endorphins.”
  — George (B, 09:32)

• On trampoline safety:
  “Remember, anytime you’re flying 20ft in the air, there’s a chance you can get hurt.”
  — Trusty (A, 18:06)

• Runner-up for best trampoline name:
  “I gotta say, I kinda like skytouchers better.”
  — Trusty (A, 04:55)

• Unexpected trampoline companion:
  “If you said kangaroo, you got it. That kangaroo’s name was Victoria.”
  — George (B, 07:52)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:50–02:40: Nilukatak (Inuit blanket toss) and trampoline parallels
• 03:01–04:44: History and invention of the trampoline
• 05:13: Naming of “trampoline”
• 05:50–06:48: Science of bouncing—springs & potential energy
• 07:23–08:15: Promotion with a kangaroo & college trampoline records
• 09:03–10:58: Health, exercise, and athletic training benefits
• 15:46–17:05: Olympic trampolining moves and judging
• 17:10–18:11: Safety, spotters, and injury prevention

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Conclusion: Takeaway Lessons

• Trampolines are fun, scientific, and steeped in history, with roots in both Inuit tradition and circus acrobatics.
• The real secret to bouncing is in the springs and the transfer of energy.
• Trampolining offers great health benefits (and a surprising workout!).
• It is featured in Olympic competition and is used for astronaut and athlete training.
• Safety is essential: one jumper at a time and always have adult supervision.

Final Bouncy Message:
As George quips, “If you don’t mind, Trusty narrator, I gotta bounce!”
Be safe, stay smart, and enjoy leaping into learning with Who Smarted?

Transcript

[A]

Hey, parents trusty here. You know what I hear constantly from homeschool parents in the whosmarted community? Thank you for introducing us to ixl. I get it. My cousin homeschools her kids and raves about how much IXL helps. We're heading into that stretch where families are finishing the year strong, and then summer hits with travel camps and shifting routines, and that's where IXL shines. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling, with interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. Everything's organized by grade and subject, so you quickly find what each kid needs. Kids get instant explanations. And parents, you get clear Progress reports. Over 15 million students use IXL and it's proven to improve achievement in all 50 states. So make an impact on your child's learning. Who Smarted? Listeners get an exclusive 20% off when they sign up today at www.ixl.com smartid. That's ixl.com SL smarted. And now it's time for who Smarted? Hey, smarty pants. Have you ever jumped on a trampoline? Maybe it was at a backyard or an indoor trampoline park. Or maybe you do gymnastics or you've been in a bouncy castle. Well, right now I'm actually in the great big state of Alaska, where some native Alaskans known as Inuits, are having me take part in one of their most honored traditions. It's called nilukatak, which means blanket toss, and it celebrates the end of the whale hunting season. As part of the celebration, they have someone known as a blanket dancer, in this case me, stand on top of a circular walrus skin that's being held taut and by several people called pullers. When the pullers tug the walrus skin, it sends the blanket dancer me flying up into the air. Blanket dancers can reach heights as high as 40ft. That's like the fourth floor of a building. At one time, hunters did this to spot animals that were far away. Technically, I'm supposed to be throwing candy down to the children watching while I bounce. But I'm having a hard enough time just trying to land back on the skin. Did I mention they're tossing me really high? Uh oh. The wind's picking up. It's blowing me sideways. I don't think I'm gonna land back on the.

[B]

I gotcha, trusty.

[A]

Phew. Thanks for catching me. You sure are strong. And you are?

[B]

George Neeson. I'm the gymnast who helped invent the Modern day trampoline, which operates a lot like the blanket toss you were just enjoying.

[A]

I don't know if enjoy is the right word. Also, you can put me down now.

[B]

Sure thing.

[A]

So is this ritual where you got the idea for the trampoline?

[B]

No, I actually got the idea as a boy when I saw circus trapeze artists bouncing up after falling into a net. It looks so fun, I had to try it. So my friend and I built the world's first trampoline in my garage. And the rest is history.

[A]

Wait, George, you can't just say and the rest is history. For one thing, the smartypants and I have lots of questions about trampolines. Like how do trampolines work, what are they used for? And what is the best way to safely enjoy a trampoline?

[B]

Oh, I can answer those questions.

[A]

Great. Then let's jump right into another whiff of history and science on who 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 smart? And.

[A]

Alrighty, George, let's start by hearing a bit more about that first trampoline you invented. You say you had some help?

[B]

Yes. Larry Griswold was my gymnastics coach at the University of Iowa. In college, Larry would get a bunch of gymnasts together and we'd put on an acrobatics show. I enjoyed doing them so much, I decided to keep doing shows. Even after I graduated in 1936, Larry and I built a trampoline that I could use in my act. Of course, we didn't call it a trampoline yet.

[A]

Smartypants, what do you think the first trampolines were called? Rebound Tumblers, Jump boosters, or Skytouchers. If you said rebound tumblers, you're right. Though I gotta say, I kinda like

[B]

skytouchers better either way, the real name came a few years later. I was performing down in Mexico when I heard someone use the Spanish word trampoline, which means duck diving board. I thought, hmm, the way you bounce on our rebound tumbler is kind of like bouncing on a diving board. So I added an E to trampoline and the trampoline was born.

[A]

Uh, sound guy, can we please stop doing that?

[B]

Sorry.

[A]

I wish we could see how a trampoline actually works.

[B]

Luckily, I happen to have one with me.

[A]

Whoa. How do you fit that trampoline in your bag?

[B]

Are you kidding? I'd leave the house without pants before leaving without my travel trampoline.

[A]

Yeah, let's not do that. Anyway, as you were saying?

[B]

Actually, it's better to show you. See, a lot of people think it's the stretchy fabric that makes you bounce, but. But no.

[A]

Sorry. Wait, smarty pants. If it isn't the fabric you jump on that makes you bounce, what is it? I'll give you a hint. It's one of the four seasons. No, not autumn. Spring.

[B]

Yep. It's the springs that connect the fabric to the trampoline's frame that causes you to bounce. See, when I land on the trampoline like this, it stretches the springs out, which gives them what scientists call potential

[A]

energy, which is also known as stored up energy. Then what?

[B]

The springs spring back to their original position, using that stored up energy to launch me into the air.

[A]

Yahoo. Wow. That's out of sight. And by that, I mean I can't see George anymore. Oh, there he is. Ooh, nice flip dismount.

[B]

Ah, thanks. Anyway, Larry and I knew we were onto something, and in 1942, we started our own business, the Griswold Neeson Trampoline and Tumbling Company, and began selling trampolines. Pretty soon, they were everywhere, thanks to some creative promotion.

[A]

Are you talking about the stunt you pulled in Central Park?

[B]

Indeed.

[A]

To help get the word out about trampolines, smarty pants George set up a trampoline jumping exhibition in the middle of New York City. Central Park. But George wasn't the only one on the trampoline. He had a special guest. Who was it? Was it the President of the United States, Famous movie star Marilyn Monroe? Or a kangaroo? If you said kangaroo, you got it.

[B]

That kangaroo's name was Victoria. At first, I did all my jumping way over on the other side of the trampoline because I was afraid she'd kick me. But she turned out to be a sweetheart. Anyway, that little stunt I pulled got people talking about trampolines, and pretty soon, people were doing their own stunts.

[A]

Yeah? Like what?

[B]

Well, for starters, six fraternity brothers at Cleveland State University set a world's record by taking turns bouncing on a trampoline for 53 days straight.

[A]

53 days? That's almost two months.

[B]

Yep. They even got a congratulatory call from their fraternity brother, president Ronald Reagan.

[A]

I hope you wrote them a note for missing classes for two months.

[B]

Another trampoline record was set by a man named Lucas Laurent. He did 49 backflips in one minute. That's nearly one per second.

[A]

That sounds like quite a workout. Speaking of smarty pants, did you know that jumping on a trampoline is a great form of exercise. Say, can I get a turn?

[B]

Sure. Hop on.

[A]

Scientists at NASA say trampolining for just 10 minutes is as good a workout as jogging for a half hour.

[B]

That's partly because bouncing on a trampoline doesn't put stress on your joints like running does. But trampolines are a lot more than just good cardio.

[A]

Smarty pants. Which of these do you think trampolines help with? Stress relief? Motor skills or coordination and balance? Well, whichever you said is right, because it's all three.

[B]

That feeling of weightlessness you get on a trampoline can instantly reduce stress. And the increased oxygen circulation from exercising releases mood boosting brain chemicals called endorphins.

[A]

That's a fancy way of saying it's fun, smarty pants.

[B]

Plus, when you jump, it makes a lot of different parts of your body work together at once, so it boosts your motor skills.

[A]

Plus, every time you bounce in the air, your center of gravity shifts. Figuring out how to twist and contort your body to land on your feet takes coordination and, of course, balance.

[B]

That's one of the reasons NASA uses trampolines to train their astronauts. It's true. It helps them get used to all the weird positions their bodies will be in when they're floating in zero gravity.

[A]

Whoa. Trampolines are also used to train athletes. Right, smarty pants? Can you think of a sport where a trampoline might come in handy?

[B]

Try thinking of a lot of sports, smarty pants, because a trampoline can help you train for any sport where your body floats through the air, like diving, snowboarding, and of course, gymnastics. But even cooler than that, trampolining itself is now an official sport and will be seen in the next Olympics in 2024.

[A]

Now that I've got to see. And thanks to my teleporter, we can bounce on over and check out an Olympic trampolinist in action right after this quick break. Hey, smarty families. I've had the Skylight calendar in our kitchen for about a week, and I'll just tell you what changed. It became the one source of truth before this, keeping track of who, what, when and where with sticky notes, group text, and hopefully me remembering to get the groceries. Now everyone checks the same screen. The meal planning feature alone has saved us from the nightly what's for dinner spiral. And I can pull recipes right into it. Skylight is the calendar I didn't know I needed. Skylight is designed to bring families together for more time. It syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook with customizable daily, weekly, and monthly views. The Tasks feature helps kids build healthy routines and independence. Brushing teeth, homework, and chores become fun and rewarding. Assign each family member their own color and the excuses disappear. If you're not 100% thrilled in four months, you can get a full refund. Now, you know I love an adventure, but Skylight has helped me make organizing the family less of a safari. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com smarted go to myskylight.com smartED or for $30 off your 15 inch calendar, that is my S K-Y-L-I G-H-T.com smarted. You know what I love? TaskRabbit when we moved our whosmarted office, how did we find our mover? TaskRabbit When I've got errands piling up and zero time to run them? TaskRabbit Ikea furniture assembly that's about to drive me mental? I Call me a tasker. I've been blown away by how helpful and awesome they are every single time. TaskRabbit connects you with skilled taskers in your area for moving furniture, assembly, home repairs, mounting a tv, yard work, you name it. You can search based on cost, skill set availability, and past client reviews, and these taskers have put in the reps. Over 3.4 million pieces of furniture assembled. 700,000 home repairs. One and a half million moves and counting. I love TaskRabbit smarty pants. And you will too. When life happens, your to do list grows. Get ahead of it now and get $15 off your first [e-mail] or on the TaskRabbit app. Using promo code Smarted Taskers book up fast, especially for same day tasks. So book trusted home help today. That's $15 off your first task using promo code smarted with the TaskRabbit app [e-mail]

[C]

who's that walking through the woods? Why it's here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before? Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like? Hmm, soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big it can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and The Mysterious Book. May 21, only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game Rated E for everyone.

[A]

Attention all non mouth breathers. This is a code red. I repeat, this is a code red. So listen very carefully. What I'm about to say will turn your world upside down. I'm transmitting to you from Hawkins, Indiana to deliver this urgent message. Something survived in the winter of 85. So get ready for an all new animated adventure from the creators of Stranger Things. Bundle up and join 11 Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and all your most beloved characters as they uncover new mysteries, new monsters, and their greatest adventure yet. You've seen them fight Demogorgon, you've seen them fight Vecna, but you've never seen anything like this. Return to Hawkins for a whole new dimension of the Stranger Things universe in this epic animated series. Friends don't lie, so believe the hype. Stranger things tales from 85 only on netflix. Over and out. Now back to who smarted. Okay, smarty pants. My new friend George, the inventor of the trampoline, and I have Teleported to the 2024 Olympics in Paris to watch the super exciting trampoline event.

[B]

Wow. When Coach Lowry and I invented the trampoline, I never dreamed it would be in the Olympics.

[A]

Congrats. Ooh, here comes our first competitor. Now, what will we see?

[B]

In this event, each athlete has 10 bounces to perform 10 different skills that involve moves like twists and somersaults. With each bounce, they can land on their feet, back, stomach, or butt.

[A]

I know which one I'd probably land on.

[B]

Just know these moves aren't easy. And the more difficult the move, the more points the athletes get. But they'll also lose points for any mistakes they make. They'll also be judged on their time of flight. The more time in the air, the more points they'll earn.

[A]

Whoa. What was that?

[B]

That's called a corkscrew. You start by landing on your back, then you do a half front somersault with one and a half twists. Then you land on your back again.

[A]

I can't believe how much air they got.

[B]

Next up is a barrel roll. You land on your stomach, then do a twist, then land on your stomach again. Now they're attempting the old swivel hips. You start on your butt, then do a half twist in the air and land, you guessed it, back on your butt.

[A]

That was some routine. Who were these four people standing around the trampoline while it was happening?

[B]

They're there to help break the athlete's fall. If they misjudge a bounce and fly off the trampoline. Kind of like I did when you did the blanket toss.

[A]

I don't think I'm gonna land back on the right. So what do you think these folks are called? Smarty pants? Are they A, catchers, B, spotters, or C, lifeguards? The answer is spotters.

[B]

I'm glad we're talking about them. You see, as much fun as trampolines are, they can also be extremely dangerous.

[A]

Absolutely. There are over 100,000 injuries caused by trampolines each year.

[B]

Ouch.

[A]

Many accidents happen when two people try to jump on a trampoline at once. That's a pretty big no no, right, George?

[B]

Oh, for sure, Trusty. When you do that, you can either crash into each other or accidentally bounce the other person right off the trampoline.

[A]

Remember, anytime you're flying 20ft in the air, there's a chance you can get hurt. So bottom line, smarty pants, never go on a trampoline without a parent or other adult watching and spotting.

[B]

Great advice. Now, if you don't mind trusty narrator. I gotta bounce.

[A]

Oh, you have to leave?

[B]

No, I have to bounce.

[A]

Ah, I get it. Me too. A big, bouncy shout out to Philip in Greensboro, North Carolina. I hear you love learning about all kinds of topics and and sharing what you learn with your teacher and friends. That's amazing, Philip. Keep listening, laughing, and learning and spreading the smarting. This episode, Trampolines was written by Steve Massive Airtime Melcher and voiced by Adam Trix Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Jumpin Josh Hamm, who's smart. It is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by bouncy Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Sparted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.

[B]

Who's smart Eggs?

[A]

Hey, smarty pants. Trusty narrator here. Spring is here. And you know what that means on the farm. Baby chicks hatching inside their eggs. Calves moving into their tiny little houses. Flowers figuring out when it's time to wake up. And yes, that smell. You know the one. If you've ever wondered why any of that happens, I have got the show for you. The Super Smart Farm show podcast. But don't take it from me. Take it from my friend Elmer, who actually lives this stuff and hosts the show this spring on the Super Smart Farm show, where hatching chicks visiting baby calves and yes, we are going to talk about why farms smell funny in the spring. And trust me, once you know the reason, you'll never look at your garden the same way again. See what I mean? That Super Smart Farm Show A family podcast that answers every question you never knew you had about farms, animals and food. Playful, curious, and genuinely smart. From the Lancaster Farming Team. Been covering agriculture since 1955. Find Super Smart Farm show wherever you get your podcasts [e-mail].