Who Smarted? – "Trusty Trivia: CALENDARS!!!"

Date: January 1, 2026
Host: Chet Nickerson (guest host)

Episode Overview

This Trusty Trivia episode of the beloved educational podcast "Who Smarted?" turns the page to a timely topic—the calendar! Guest host Chet Nickerson, stepping in for the usual trusty narrator, brings listeners a mix of humor and knowledge, celebrating the start of a new year with fun trivia questions about the history, science, and quirks of calendars. Designed for curious kids (and adults), this episode brings the laughter and learning the show is known for, making complex history accessible and memorable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[00:41] Introduction and Listener Shout-out

• Chet Nickerson welcomes "smarty pants" listeners, humorously noting the trusty narrator’s late-night New Year’s Eve and his own early-riser credentials.
• Special listener shout-out to Mason and Oakley in Northern Virginia, highlighting listener engagement:

  “You said you love listening to Who Smarted on the way to school and before bed. Talk about smarting round the clock!” ([01:05])

• Sets the stage for a trivia episode all about calendars.

[01:20] Trivia Question 1: Ancient Calendars

• Question: Which ancient civilization created a calendar based on both the sun and the moon?
  • A) Ancient Romans
  • B) Ancient Egyptians
  • C) Ancient Mayans
• Answer: C) Ancient Mayans
  • Fun fact: The Mayans’ calendars were complex, tracking not only the solar and lunar cycles, but also ritual time.

“Talk about multitasking.” ([01:43])

[01:45] Trivia Question 2: Leap Years

• Question: Why do we have leap years?
  • A) To add an extra holiday
  • B) To match Earth’s orbit around the sun
  • C) Because February asked very nicely
• Answer: B) To match Earth’s orbit around the sun
  • Explains the science: Leap years keep our calendars synchronized with Earth’s actual trip around the sun.

“Leaptastic thinking! Leap years help keep our calendar in sync with Earth’s trip around the sun. Who knew?” ([02:02])

[02:10] Trivia Question 3: Today's Global Calendar

• Question: Which calendar is used most widely around the world today?
  • A) Gregorian calendar
  • B) Mayan calendar
  • C) Pirate calendar (“Arrr!”)
• Answer: A) Gregorian calendar
  • Historical tidbit: Gregorian calendar introduced in 1582 and is “still ticking” today.

“You’re right on schedule, smarty pants.” ([02:28])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mayan Calendars:

  “The Mayans used a complex system of calendars based on solar cycles, lunar cycles, and even ritual time. Talk about multitasking.” — Chet Nickerson ([01:43])

• On Leap Years:

  “Leaptastic thinking! Leap years help keep our calendar in sync with Earth’s trip around the sun. Who knew?” — Chet Nickerson ([02:02])

• Playful Multiple Choice Humor:

  “Because February asked very nicely…” ([01:55])
  “The Pirate calendar? ARR.” ([02:20])

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:41 — Episode introduction, guest host introduction, shout-out to listeners
• 01:20 — Trivia Question 1: Ancient Calendars
• 01:45 — Trivia Question 2: Leap Years
• 02:10 — Trivia Question 3: Most-Used Calendar Today
• 02:33 — Wrap-up and encouragement to check the archives for more
• 03:42 — (Ad break begins; content not included)

Style and Tone

The host’s energetic, friendly, and slightly goofy tone brings levity and excitement to educational trivia. Chet Nickerson’s asides (“Arrr” for the Pirate calendar) and encouragement (“You’re right on schedule, smarty pants!”) make the show both accessible and fun for young listeners.

Additional Notes

• The host suggests listeners dive deeper by checking out the full calendar episode in the “Who Smarted?” archives, pointing to additional learning opportunities.
• The quiz-style format with funny answer choices keeps things interactive and engaging, reinforcing facts in a light-hearted way.

Conclusion

This episode of Who Smarted? seamlessly blends learning and laughter, making the topic of calendars exciting for kids and adults alike. With bite-sized trivia, memorable jokes, and fun facts, it’s a perfect example of why the show is trusted by teachers and loved by families everywhere.