Everything Under The Sun

Molly Oldfield

Children are full of curiosity and questions about the world.

Each Friday, join Molly Oldfield, write of the weekly kids quiz in the Guardian each Saturday, the original QI elf and author and host of Everything Under The Sun (both the book and podcast) as she answers questions sent in by children around the world with the help of experts including Neil Gaiman, Heston Blumenthal, Grayson Perry, Lauren Child, Richard Branson and Sophie Dahl to the fish curators at the Natural History Museum.

If you're a kid - big or small - with questions you want answered or if you want to learn interesting facts about life on earth, this is the award winning podcast for you.

Do check out Everything Under The Sun - a curious question for every day of the year, published by Ladybird books now!

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178 episodes
Updated March 20

Episodes178

Newest first

Apr 18, 2025 · 14 min
#155 Why Do We Hear the Sea in Seashells? w/ Helen Scales. Why Do Eggs Have Yolks? Why Are Sheepdogs So Intelligent?
Welcome to Episode #154 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Helen Scales—marine biologist, author of The Sea’s Lure, and expert in all things oceanic—to answer a fascinating question: Why do we hear the sea in seashells? Then, we’ll dive into the natural world to explore the mystery behind why eggs have yolks inside them. And finally, we’ll uncover the secret to why sheepdogs are so incredibly intelligent. Get ready for another episode filled with marine wonders, biological curiosities, and a little canine genius! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 4, 2025 · 14 min
#154 How do you get chickenpox? w/ Sarah Holper. Why are gorse bushes so prickly? Why does air make crisps soggy?
Welcome to Episode #153 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Sarah Holper—doctor, medical expert, and author of What’s Wrong With You? An Insider’s Guide to Your Insides—to answer a curious health question: how do you get chickenpox? Then, we’ll head outdoors to investigate why gorse bushes are so incredibly prickly. And finally, we’ll dive into the science of snacks to find out why air makes crisps go soggy. Get ready for another episode bursting with biology, botany, and snack science! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 28, 2025 · 12 min
#153 How was sign language invented? w/ Rose Ayling-Ellis. How do submarines sink? Why do skunk's stink?
*For a transcription of today's episode please visit our social media @itseverythingunderthesun* This week, we’re joined by the amazing Rose Ayling-Ellis, actress and advocate for the Deaf community, to help us explore a fascinating question—how was sign language invented? Then, we’ll take a deep dive into the mechanics of submarines to find out how they sink and resurface. And finally, we’ll uncover the science behind one of nature’s stinkiest creatures—why do skunks smell so bad? Get ready for another exciting episode filled with history, science, and incredible discoveries! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 21, 2025 · 13 min
#152 Which flower has the most petals? w/ Carlos Lehnebach. Which dog is the best at smelling? Which daffodils are there in the world?
Welcome to Episode #152 of Everything Under the Sun – Spring Special! 🌸🌿 This week, we’re celebrating spring with a flower-filled episode! We’re joined by the fantastic Carlos Lehnebach, a botanist and flower expert, to help us answer a blooming brilliant question—which flower has the most petals? Then, we’ll turn to our four-legged friends and sniff out the answer to another great question—which dog has the best sense of smell? And finally, we’ll return to the world of flowers to explore even more about the plant with the most petals! Get ready for a special springtime episode packed with nature, science, and fascinating facts! 🌷🐶🌼 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 14, 2025 · 14 min
#151 How Did Ancient Egyptians Blow Their Noses? w/ Justin Pollard. How do hedgehogs make their homes? How do caterpillar eggs stick to leaves?
Welcome to Episode #151 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re joined by the wonderful Justin Pollard, historian and author, to help us uncover a curious question from the past—how did the ancient Egyptians blow their noses? Then, we’ll burrow into the world of wildlife to discover how hedgehogs build their cozy homes. And finally, we’ll take a closer look at tiny caterpillar eggs—how do they stick so securely to leaves? Get ready for another fascinating episode packed with history, nature, and amazing facts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 6, 2025 · 17 min
#150 How do we know about the Kraken? w/ Katherine Rundell. How do sea creature not get water in their eyes? How many metres deep is the ocean?
Welcome to Episode #150 of Everything Under the Sun! To mark the special occasion of 150 episodes, we've have a special giveaway! Make sure to listen closely for details. This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Katherine Rundell—award-winning author and adventurer—to help us uncover the legend of the Kraken! How do we know about this mysterious sea monster, and could there be any truth behind the tales? Then, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of marine life to answer: how do sea creatures keep water out of their eyes? And finally, we’ll explore the depths of our planet’s vast oceans—just how many meters deep do they go? Get ready for another exciting episode filled with myths, science, and deep-sea discoveries! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 28, 2025 · 14 min
#149 How do underwater volcanoes erupt w/ Robin George Andrews. Why does lava not melt volcano's rocks? Why are dolphins so clever?
Welcome to Episode #149 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re joined by the incredible Robin George Andrews, an experimental volcanologist, to help us uncover the mysteries of underwater volcanoes—how do they erupt beneath the waves? Then, we’ll dive even deeper into the world of volcanoes to answer a fiery question: why doesn’t lava melt a volcano’s own rocks? And finally, we’ll explore the intelligence of one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures—why are dolphins so clever? Get ready for another thrilling episode packed with science, history, and amazing discoveries! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2025 · 13 min
#148 What sound do sharks make? w/ James Maclaine. Who Were The First Ninjas? Who's The Strongest, Samurais or Ninjas?
This week, we’re joined by the amazing James Maclaine, from The Natural History Museum, to help us answer a Jaws-dropping question! First, we’ll dive deep into the ocean to find out—what sound do sharks make? Then, we’ll travel back in time to uncover the origins of the very first ninjas. And finally, we’ll settle an epic battle of strength—who's tougher, samurais or ninjas? Get ready for another exciting episode filled with fascinating facts and discoveries! Instagram: @itseverythingunderthesun Tiktok: @itseverythingunderthesun X/Twitter: @eutsworld See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 7, 2024 · 12 min
#147 When were the first pirates? w/ Iszi Lawrence. What was the first book written? What is water made out of ?
Welcome to Episode #147 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we have special guest Iszi Lawrence, a brilliant children’s author and comedian, here to help us answer some fantastic questions! First up, we’ll explore the adventurous world of pirates and find out when they lived. Then, we’ll dive into the science of water and learn what it's made of. Finally, we’ll uncover the history of the written word and discover what the very first book ever written was! If you want more Everything Under The Sun, you can pre-order the new Everything Under The Sun: Quiz Book now! Available on Amazon here, or through independent UK bookshops here. On top of that the original book Everything Under the Sun: a curious question for every day of the year is available on Amazon and in independent bookshops here. Instagram: @itseverythingunderthesun Tiktok: @itseverythingunderthesun X/Twitter: @eutsworld See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 26, 2024 · 12 min
#146 How do solar panels make electricity? With Yasmin Ali. Why do people smile back when we smile on them? Why does the moon follow us?
Welcome to Episode #146 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we’re tackling three brilliant questions! First, we’ll learn how solar panels make electricity, with expert insights from Yasmin Ali, an engineer and author of Power Up. Yasmin has been named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering: Sustainability by the Women's Engineering Society, and she’s here to explain the amazing science behind solar energy. Next, we’ll explore why people often smile back when we smile at them—it’s all about human connection! And finally, we’ll uncover the mystery of why the moon seems to follow us when we move. Happy Listening Everyone! If you want more Everything Under The Sun, you can pre-order the new Everything Under The Sun: Quiz Book now! Available on Amazon here, or through independent UK bookshops here. On top of that the original book Everything Under the Sun: a curious question for every day of the year is available on Amazon and in independent bookshops here. Instagram: @itseverythingunderthesun Tiktok: @itseverythingunderthesun X/Twitter: @eutsworld See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 12, 2024 · 11 min
#145 Why do some countries have wars? With Lord Alf Dubs. Why are baby animals so cute? How did chicken pox get it's name?
Welcome to Episode #145 of Everything Under the Sun! This week, we're answering some intriguing questions! First, we'll explore why some countries have wars, with insights from our special guest, Lord Alf Dubs—a politician and former refugee with a powerful perspective on conflict and peace. We'll also learn what makes baby animals so irresistibly adorable, and why that cuteness is important for their survival. Plus, get ready to discover the curious history behind chickenpox and why it got its unusual name. Happy listening, everyone! If you want more Everything Under The Sun, you can pre-order the new Everything Under The Sun: Quiz Book now! Available on Amazon here, or through independent UK bookshops here. On top of that the original book Everything Under the Sun: a curious question for every day of the year is available on Amazon and in independent bookshops here. Instagram: @itseverythingunderthesun Tiktok: @itseverythingunderthesun X/Twitter: @eutsworld See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 · 15 min
#144: Bee stings, colours, and maths with Chris Haughton
Welcome to Episode #144 of Everything Under the Sun! This week Molly answers a fabulous question from Mollie about bees and their stingers, and another brilliant question from David about why we see light as colour. Bestselling and beloved children's author Chris Haughton answers a wonderful question from Brooklynne about when we started doing maths. We'll learn about which bees do and don't have stingers, why bees are so important to plants, what's in our eyeballs that help us see colours, and Chris Haughton tells us how an ancient civilisation invented much more than just maths! Chris' new book, The History of Information, is the first non-fiction book from the picture book superstar. It is a graphic handbook to the biggest influence on human history: information. The journey from the first splash of paint on cave walls, 50,000 years ago to powerful AI that drives information in our lives today. It's available to buy now on Amazon or wherever you like to get your books! Happy listening everyone! If you want more Everything Under The Sun, you can pre-order the new Everything Under The Sun: Quiz Book now! Available on Amazon here, or through independent UK bookshops here. Instagram: @itseverythingunderthesun Tiktok: @itseverythingunderthesun X/Twitter: @eutsworld See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 30, 2024 · 12 min
How many kilos can a whale eat? With Tom Mustill. How do mermaids grow their tails? What lives in the Mariana Trench?
Hello again everyone! Welcome to Episode 19 of Season 7! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! This week we're finding out about EVERYTHING UNDER THE SEA!!!!! First off: how many kilos can a whale eat? Whale expert Tom Mustill answers this one! He makes nature documentaries and he's even written a book called How to Speak Whale. Next up: how do mermaids grow their tails? It's a question we all want to get to the bottom of. And lastly: what lives in the Mariana Trench? We find out about the spooky creatures who survive in the world's deepest trench... Happy listening everyone! It's a good one. And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 10, 2024 · 12 min
Why do people yawn? With Dr Sarah Holper. Why do lions have manes? Which ocean animals are already extinct?
Welcome to Episode 18 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! We've got some very exciting questions coming up for you this week! First off: why do people yawn? It's a question people have been asking for centuries! And it turns out, no one is really sure... we've asked Dr Sarah Holper for help, as she's an expert on the human body- she’s even written a book called What’s Wrong with You: An Insider’s Guide to Your Insides. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Whats-Wrong-You-Insiders-Insides/dp/1743797117?ref_=ast_author_dp Next up: why do lions have manes? We learn about male lions and their majestic hairstyles. And lastly: which ocean animals are already extinct? We learn about the weird and wonderful creatures which used to live in our ocean, but sadly don't anymore. Happy listening everyone! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 2, 2024 · 13 min
Can animals laugh? Why do sperm whales sleep vertically? With Felix Marx from Te Papa Museum. Why do people say that cats have nine lives?
Welcome to Episode 17 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! This week we have a very special episode featuring questions I’ve been collecting here in Bali! It’s been fantastic hearing so many curious thoughts and clever ideas, so thank you to everyone who’s shared them with me. First off, we’ve got a brilliant question from Grade 1 at Green School: can animals laugh? We learn all about our furry friends who like to chuckle. Next we’ve got a great question from Bei, who’s in Grade 4 at Green School here in Bali: why do sperm whales sleep vertically? Dr Felix Marx from Te Papa Museum of Natural History in Wellington, New Zealand answers this one, as he’s a whale expert! And lastly, a question from Ava, who I met at my local children’s bookshop in Bali, called Si Kecil: why do people say cats have nine lives? We find out all about the amazing resilience of daredevil cats. Happy listening everyone! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 26, 2024 · 13 min
How did the Milky Way form? With Jim Al-Khalili. Why is there no gravity on space? Why is Earth called Earth?
Welcome to Episode 16 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! This week we have three fascinating questions about our weird and wonderful universe! So get your space helmets on... we're taking a trip through the Solar System! How did the milky way form? Jim Al-Khalili answers this one. He is a theoretical physicist with his own radio show called The Life Scientific! Why is there no gravity on space? We find out all about the very important force of gravity, and how it works in space (spoiler alert: there IS gravity in space!). Why is Earth called Earth? Ever wondered how our beautiful little planet got its name? We trace Earth's name all the way back to hundreds of years ago. Happy listening everyone! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 5, 2024 · 14 min
Why do people's voices sound different? With Professor Guri Sandhu. How do echoes work? How did the Grand Canyon open up?
Welcome back to Everything under the Sun everyone! We've missed you! We've been taking a little break but now we are BACK and ready for another fantastic episode. This week we're learning all about SOUNDS! And we've got some very interesting questions indeed, from Sam, Florrie and Bruno. Why do people's voices sound different? Professor Guri Sandhu answers this one, as he is a doctor who takes care of the human voice. How do echoes work? Have you ever shouted into a big empty space, and then heard your voice coming back towards you? We learn all about the mysterious way that we hear echoes. How did the Grand Canyon open up? The Grand Canyon is famous for its powerful echoes, and its breathtaking views. We learn about how the canyon came to be! Don't forget to buy your copy of the PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. Have a lovely listen and a great week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 23, 2024 · 14 min
What happens to garbage that is not recycled? With James Piper. Why does pollution cause climate change? Which part of the world is most affected by global warming?
Welcome to Episode 14 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! This week we have a special episode about global warming and protecting our beautiful planet. We've got some super important questions coming up: What happens to garbage that is not recycled? James Piper, Rubbish Expert and author of The Rubbish Book: A Complete Guide to Recycling, answers this one. We learn all about where our rubbish goes, and the power of recycling. Why does pollution cause climate change? We learn about greenhouse gases, and how they are heating up our planet. We also find out what WE can do to help. Which part of the world is most affected by global warming? We learn about how rising sea levels are threatening some beautiful low-lying islands, and how those places are protecting themselves. Find out all about the dangers our planet is facing, and learn how YOU can help slow down global warming and be a Climate Hero! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. Have a lovely listen and a great week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 9, 2024 · 15 min
Why do our hearts beat when we're afraid? How are spiders born? Why do some children look like their parents?
Welcome to Episode 13 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! We're going to be having lots of fun answering kids' questions from all over the world. This week we have some super exciting questions coming up: Why do our hearts beat when we're afraid? Teddy Keen, adventurer and author of The Lost Book of Adventure and Journey to the River, answers this one for us. We learn about our survival instincts, and how to stay calm when we're feeling scared. How are spiders born? Have you ever seen a spider egg? We find out how these incredible creepy crawlies produce little spiderlings! Why do some children look like their parents? Have you ever wondered why you have the same nose as your dad, or the same colour eyes are your mum? We learn about how and why we inherit certain parts of the way we look from our mums and dads. Find out all about why are heart speeds up when we're scared, how spiders have babies and why we look like our parents in this weeks fantastic episode! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. Have a lovely listen and a great week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 2, 2024 · 15 min
How are robots made? Why is the immortal jellyfish immortal? Can babies talk to other babies?
Welcome to Episode 12 of Season 7 everyone! Everything Under The Sun has been nominated for Best British Podcast in the kids category, has moved to Bali, Indonesia, and the paperback book of Everything Under The Sun is OUT NOW!! We're going to be having lots of fun answering kids' questions from all over the world. This week we have some super exciting questions coming up: How are robots made? Raia Hadsell from Deep Mind is answering this one for us! She tells us all about the amazing ways in which robots come to life... Why is the immortal jellyfish immortal? This incredible sea creature can supposedly live forever! We find out how. And finally: can babies talk to other babies? We've all seen babies making crazy noises and speaking in baby-talk, but can they really communicate with eachother? Find out all about robots, immortal jellyfish and the mysterious language of babies in this week's fantastic episode! And do buy the brand new PAPERBACK edition of Everything Under The Sun - a year of curious questions - out now! Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Under-Sun-curious-question/dp/0241433460 Target Australia: https://www.target.com.au/p/everything-under-the-sun-molly-oldfield/65704592 And order it in any beautiful bookshop! Thank you! Hope you love it. Instagram: @mollyoldfieldwrites Pod Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Do check out our website www.mollyoldfield.com for more info about how to send in questions. Have a lovely listen and a great week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.