Who Smarted? – Educational Podcast for Kids

Episode: SMARTY Q: What is a brain freeze???
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: The Trusty Narrator

Episode Overview

This special "SmartYQ" segment of Who Smarted? ventures into kid-submitted science questions, mixing fun facts and clear explanations with playful banter. The trusty narrator answers listener emails about everyday mysteries, including the scoop on brain freeze, green fingers from cheap rings, cats’ nine lives, why bugs swarm lights, the origins of music, and ancient burial traditions. The tone is light, warm, and approachable—tailored for curious kids (and their grown-ups!).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is a Brain Freeze?

Listener Question from Kai and Cooper, Pacifica, CA

• What happens:
  When something very cold (like ice cream) touches the roof of your mouth (palate), blood vessels there rapidly shrink, then expand.
• Why it hurts:
  This sudden change makes nerves send a "cold pain" signal to your forehead—the brain misinterprets it as coming from your head.
• Duration:
  Brain freeze usually lasts about 30 seconds.
• How to help it go away:
  “The pain will go away faster if you press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to warm it up.” (02:00)
• Notable Quote:

  “That quick change triggers nerves in the roof of your mouth to send a signal to your forehead that things are getting pretty cold in here.” (01:30)

2. Why Do Cheap Rings Turn Your Finger Green?

Listener Question from Riley and Hunter, California

• Why does it happen?
  Some inexpensive rings contain copper (or copper alloys). When copper reacts with sweat, water, or oils in skin (or things like lotion), it forms copper carbonate—a green substance that rubs off onto your skin.
• Is it dangerous?
  It’s totally harmless and washes off easily.
• When is it most likely?
  The more copper in the ring, the greener your finger might get. Quality metals (gold, stainless steel, platinum, titanium) don’t cause this.
• Notable Quote:

  “It doesn’t mean your skin is allergic or the ring is cursed. It’s just chemistry at work.” (03:00)

3. Why Do People Say Cats Have Nine Lives?

Listener Question from Adley, Cornwall, Ontario

• Origin:
  The idea dates back thousands of years, as people noticed cats’ agility and resilience.
• Cultural Roots:
  In ancient Egypt cats were considered magical; later folklore and fairy tales also emphasized their mysteriousness.
• Why nine?
  The number nine was thought lucky or magical in many cultures.
• Variations:
  Some cultures say seven lives, or even six (like Turkish and Arabic stories).
• Notable Quote:

  “Cats are as amazingly agile and resilient as they are cute and adorable.” (04:35)

4. Why Do Bugs Fly to Lights at Night?

Listener Question from Amanda & Julian

• Natural navigation:
  Many bugs (e.g., moths) use the moon as a navigation guide, keeping its light at a steady angle.
• Why do they swarm bulbs?
  With a nearby artificial light, the angle keeps shifting, so bugs spiral towards it, sometimes flying in circles or bumping into the bulb.
• Are bugs attracted to the light?
  They’re actually being tricked by it—it confuses their navigation.
• Notable Quote:

  “So it’s not that bugs love lights. It’s more that they’re getting tricked by them.” (06:00)

• Memorable Analogy:
  Comparing bright lights’ allure to “a neon sign to a hungry insect.” (06:15)

5. Why Do People Make Music?

Listener Question from Eliana, Phoenix, AZ

• Ancient origins:
  Humans have made music for at least 40,000 years (oldest flutes found carved from bone).
• Purpose:
  Music expresses emotion, brings people together, aids storytelling, and serves in ceremonies.
• Science of music:
  Music activates multiple parts of the brain, and may have helped ancient humans bond (like birds or whales communicate).
• Notable Quote:

  “Music is part science, part art, and 100% human.” (08:08)

6. Who Invented the Idea of Burying the Dead?

Listener Question from Ethan, South Carolina

• History:
  The act of burial goes back at least 100,000 years, to Neanderthals—who sometimes even left grave goods.
• Why bury the dead?
  • To keep living areas clean and safe.
  • To show respect and love.
  • In many cultures, to assist the dead in traveling to the afterlife.
• Development:
  No single person invented it—it evolved as humans became thoughtful and caring.
• Notable Quote:

  “Burial customs changed depending on the culture. Some used tombs, others used mounds, and some placed people with their favorite belongings.” (10:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On brain freeze:
  “That not so fun feeling you get when you bite or lick something cold like ice cream or frozen yogurt.” (01:10)
• On green fingers:
  “The greener your finger gets, the more copper is likely in the ring.” (03:20)
• On music’s role:
  “Your brain lights up when you hear music. It activates areas involved in language, movement, and emotion.” (08:25)
• On burial’s origins:
  “It slowly developed as humans became more thoughtful and caring.” (10:30)

Important Timestamps

• [01:10] – What is a brain freeze?
• [03:00] – Why do cheap rings turn your finger green?
• [04:35] – Cats and their “nine lives”
• [06:00] – Why bugs swarm to lights
• [08:08] – Why do people make music?
• [09:50] – Who invented burial?

Conclusion

This SmartYQ episode demonstrates the show’s recipe for edutainment: silly, friendly explanations for science and cultural questions, delivered with warmth and memorable analogies. The trusty narrator keeps it light, accessible, and always encourages listeners to stay curious. It’s perfect for kids on the go—or anyone wanting to marvel at the everyday wonders of the world.

“Until next time, keep on smarting, smartypants!”