I Wonder Podcast

I Wonder Podcast

Welcome to I Wonder, the show where we explore all the fascinating questions you’ve been wondering about.

Episodes

March 18, 2025 7 mins

Today's question comes from Tabitha, who's 15 years old. Tabitha wants to know, "how does the stock market work? That's such an important question, Tabitha. The stock market can sound complicated at first, but it's all about people, businesses and how they work together to create value. Let's dive into the history of the stock market, how it helps people build wealth and why concepts like "diversi...

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"Ouch!" Imagine banging your head against a wall 20 times a second! Discover how woodpeckers do it without the headache. Join us for a mind-blowing episode!


What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through our website, and you might just hear it featured on an upcoming episode!

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February 27, 2025 7 mins

What secrets do those mysterious white trails left by airplanes hold? 

Join us as we unravel the science behind contrails, those striking icy patterns in the sky that are more than just visual spectacles. 

Discover how the interaction between aircraft exhaust and the frigid air at cruising altitudes creates these fascinating formations, akin to seeing your breath on a cold day. 

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve b...

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February 26, 2025 9 mins

Singing to plants is a popular idea, but is there any truth to it? Let's uncover the science and a little bit of the mystery behind whether music and voices can really help your garden grow. 

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through our website, and you might just hear it featured on...

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January 24, 2025 9 mins

Who invented chocolate, and how did it go from a bitter drink to the sweet treat we love today? 

Travel back to ancient times and see how cacao became a treasure in Europe, thanks to sugar and spices. Learn about the first chocolate bar and discover how cacao transforms into the chocolate we eat today. Packed with history, fun facts, and delicious secrets, this episode is perfect for curious minds—and chocoholics! 

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January 20, 2025 8 mins

Butterflies are not just beautiful creatures; their colors serve many functions. This episode explores the biology behind butterfly hues, the importance of color in communication and survival, and the fascinating ways these insects thrive in their environments.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your que...

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January 17, 2025 9 mins

Today’s episode is a followup episode on bridges, which is proving to be one of your most favourite topics. This episode takes us on a journey across an incredible feat of engineering: bridge building! But not just any bridge—we’re talking about the longest bridge in the world. Where is it, how long is it, and how did people even build something so massive? Let’s dive in and find out!

Be sure to also check out "How Do...

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January 13, 2025 7 mins

Fruit is delicious and a big part of our diets, but trees don’t grow fruit just to feed us. They produce fruit because it helps them reproduce. Let’s dig into the science of fruit and discover why it’s such an important part of a tree’s survival.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through o...

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January 10, 2025 9 mins

It’s tempting to think that the bigger the brain, the smarter the person—but the answer isn’t that simple. Let’s dive into the science of brains, intelligence, and whether size really matters.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through our website, and you might just hear it featured on an ...

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January 7, 2025 10 mins

 Bones are some of the most amazing parts of our bodies—they’re alive, adaptable, and essential for everything we do. Let’s explore what they do, how they grow, and why they’re so important to human evolution.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through our website, and you might just hear i...

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December 24, 2024 7 mins

Santa Claus is such a big part of Christmas, but have you ever wondered where his story began? Let’s take a sleigh ride through history and discover how Santa Claus became the jolly figure we know and love today.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question through our website, and you might just hea...

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December 15, 2024 6 mins

Journey with us on "I Wonder" as we unravel this classic conundrum of what came first, the chicken or the egg. We've cracked the mystery wide open, revealing that the answer is as scientific as it is philosophical. You’ll discover the twists and turns of almost-chickens and learn how a tiny DNA tweak in an egg gave birth to the very first true chicken. This story goes beyond just chickens and eggs—it's a billion...

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December 13, 2024 8 mins

Ever wondered what it truly takes to be a better friend? Unlock the secrets to nurturing deeper and more meaningful connections in this episode of "I Wonder", sparked by Samantha's heartfelt query on improving friendships. 

We'll explore the core qualities that elevate relationships—like trust, kindness, and unwavering support—while offering some practical tips to transform your interactions. We’ll disc...

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December 11, 2024 8 mins

Unlock the secret language of horses as we embark on a fascinating exploration inspired by Erika''s intriguing question about equine communication. 

Horses might not speak with words, but their movements are full of meaning and insight. Discover how the position of a horse's ears can indicate curiosity or annoyance, and how their eyes and tails reveal their emotions and intentions. And from the powerful neig...

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December 9, 2024 9 mins

Ever wondered if your farts could light a fire? 

In this episode, we ignite the science behind flatulence — from gut bacteria brewing gas to the surprising role of cow diets in fighting climate change. Along the way, we’ll sniff out ancient remedies, modern fart apps, and why your toots are more than just comic relief.

Thanks to Daniel's intriguing question, we've managed to sprinkle the word 'fart&...

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December 7, 2024 8 mins

Ever wondered why we bring trees into our homes to celebrate Christmas? Join us as we trace the Christmas tree's journey across continents and learn about the quirky ways decorations have evolved—from homemade ornaments to the dazzling electric lights of today.

What's Your Wonder?
Is there something you’ve been wondering about that you think would make a great episode of I Wonder? We’d love to hear from you! Submit you...

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December 5, 2024 8 mins

Join us as we unravel the age-old question: Is every snowflake truly unique? It's an enchanting journey from the cold, high atmosphere, where these tiny ice crystals are born, to their descent through ever-changing conditions of temperature, humidity, and air pressure that craft each snowflake's special design.

This episode is a celebration of the beauty and complexity hidden in the small, everyday marvels surrou...

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December 3, 2024 10 mins

What if the universe could experience another Big Bang? Join us on "I Wonder" as we tackle this intriguing possibility with Oliver's thought-provoking question about the future of our cosmos. We unravel the mysteries of the original Big Bang, focusing on how evidence like cosmic background radiation and the movement of galaxies validate this theory. As we explore cosmic phenomena, we ponder the likelihood of a second...

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November 30, 2024 10 mins

What are the real benefits of practicing good manners, beyond simply pleasing your parents? Join us on "I Wonder" as we unpack the powerful role that manners play in shaping respectful interactions and creating a positive atmosphere. We journey through time, exploring how manners evolved from ancient societies, highlighting their enduring role in preventing misunderstandings. We event talk about how polite behavior enhanc...

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November 28, 2024 9 mins

Curious about whether fidget toys could be the secret weapon for enhancing focus and attention? Imagine if a simple gadget could help you stay motivated and alert during mundane tasks. On "I Wonder," we explore this intriguing concept, inspired by a question from 13-year-old Annika. We unpack the science behind why small actions like spinning, clicking, or squishing these toys can give your brain a boost of dopamine, keep...

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