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

Mar 12, 2021 · 16 min
75. How did the Egyptians make pyramids & why did they wrap Mummies in bandages? Ft special guests Justin Pollard & Adam Rutherford. Who was the first Mummy in my family? Why can’t babies sweat?
In this week's show we answer four questions from Arthur, Scarlet, Coco and Beth with help from special guest expert Justin Pollard. Justin is a historian and writer. He writes questions for the TV show QI and is a historical consultant on TV shows such as Vikings and on films. He knows all about the Egyptians so he’s the perfect person to answer our first question about pyramids and mummies. Justin tells us about how the Egyptians thought your spirit would need your body in the afterlife and so carefully protected it with bandages, so that the owner spirit could bring it back to life in the next world and tells us all about pyramids and how they were really made. Adam Rutherford - who is an evolutionary biologist and a writer - has the answer to Beth’s question about who the first Mummy was in her family, he delves right back into the past to the beginning of humans and even further back than that to the beginning of life on earth! Molly answers the third question about why babies don’t sweat, we find out all about the two different types of sweat glands humans have and how we have to protect babies from getting too hot because they can’t sweat to cool themselves down. Finally we hear ALL your favourite ice cream flavours and announce a winner of Space Detectives! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Justin Pollard – https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/justin-pollard-0 Adam Rutherford – https://www.adamrutherford.com With thanks to Ash Gardner, Audio Networks, Tyler Simmons Dale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 5, 2021 · 17 min
74. What was the first planet in the solar system? How many stars are in the sky? How do fireworks get up in the sky? Ft special guest expert author of Space Detectives, Mark Powers.
In this week's show we answer three questions from Ted, Polly and Tara with help from special guest expert Mark Powers. Mark is the author of Space Detectives a story about two boys who go to space to run an ice cream shop and solve mysteries along the way. We also have a competition to win a copy of the book! We find out which was the first planet in the solar system, how big it is compared to earth, how many moons it has and discuss the big storm happening on it as well as how many satellites have been out to see it. Mark tells us how many stars are in the sky. We also discuss stars, how they don’t actually twinkle, how many you can see when you think you can see a million on a starry night and how bright most stars are compared to our nearest star, the sun! We also talk about the invention of fireworks in China using bamboo and gunpowder, how they were used to fire rats and what it is that shoots them high into the sky! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Space Detectives, Mark Powers - https://www.waterstones.com/book/space-detectives/mark-powers/dapo-adeola/9781526603180 Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. With thanks to Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale and Audio Networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 26, 2021 · 14 min
73. Why do hamsters eat their own poo? With Kim Hillyard Why is my poo stinky? How do you make electricity out of poo?
In this week's show we answer three questions from Matilda & Tabitha, Cleo and Magnus with help from special guest expert the picture book writer and illustrator Kim Hillyard. Kim has written two picture books, one about a brave and strong fly called Mabel who decides to climb a mountain and the other about a hamster called Ned, which is a story about kindness. Kim tells us about hamsters and their different kinds of poo and why they eat one kind usually at night! We have a competition to win a copy of Mabel and the Mountain and Ned: The Great Garden Race: a story about kindness. So listen to the podcast to find out how to enter! Our next question is from Cleo in Australia, we find out why poo is stinky, as well as how to make it LESS stinky by eating healthy food and doing exercise. Finally we find out how to turn poo into power! We talk about dairy farms that use manure to make biogas which is then turned into electricity to power local towns as well as how to use dehydrated poo to make power. Very useful! Have a lovely week everyone and thank you for listening, sending in questions and sharing the podcast with all your friends! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. More about Kim’s books: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/139794/kim-hillyard.html Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. With thanks to Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale, Ladybird Books, Audio Networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 19, 2021 · 13 min
72. Why do you get sleepy and hungry at night? Ft. Lizzie Loves Healthy. Do fish Sleep? Do spiders sleep at night or during the day?
In this week's show we answer three questions from Goldie, Meg and Isla and Valentin with help from special guest expert Lizzie King of Lizzie Loves Healthy. Lizzie is a family nutritionist and cook book writer who has a range of natural remedies to help children, one helps with Sleep! It’s called Be Sleepy. Lizzie talks to us about how light affects our sleep, why we get sleepy and what to do to help us sleep well. We also talk about fish and how and where they sleep as well as the sleep of spiders! We discover why you don’t need to be worried about a spider in your bedroom at night as the last place it will want to go is into your bed. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. More about Lizzie: https://lizzie-loves.com With thanks to Audio Networks, Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 12, 2021 · 14 min
71. Why are some flowers prickly? Ft. Willow Crossley Why do we send flowers on Valentine’s Day? Why does chocolate melt?
In this week's show we answer three questions from Faye and Maya, Ethan and Alex with help from special guest expert Willow Crossley. Willow Crossley is a florist and a writer who lives in Oxfordshire with her three boys, writing books and designing beautiful things with flowers. She tells us all about why flowers are prickly plus we find out why blackberry bushes are extra prickly because of a special job they used to do. We also talk about Valentine’s Day and why people send flowers on that day as well as chocolates and cards. Who sent the first Valentine’s card? Well we find out how it all began with a prisoner in the Tower of London writing poems! Last up we chat chocolate, not why it’s so delicious, but why it melts! Tune in to find out why and what part of the chocolate it is that melts. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Have a look at what Willow is up to here: www.willowcrossley.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2021 · 15 min
70. Why do elephants have trunks? Why do snails come out with it rains? With the Natural History Museum What noise do spiders make?
In this week's show we answer three questions from Arlo, Beatrice and Henry and Isabelle with help from special guest experts Jon Ablett from the Natural History Museum in London. Jon Ablett is a world expert on molluscs and looks after a huge collection of them at the Natural History Museum in London. He gives us the low down on snails and why they come out in the rain. Our first question is from Arlo and is about elephants, he would like to know why they have trunks? Discover lots of fun facts about elephant’s enormous noses and all the things they can do, from trumpeting to hugging! Next up is Jon Ablett telling us all about snails based upon his career at the Natural History Museum learning about them and understanding them and their mollusc friends. We also find out about tiny snails with trunks like elephants. Thirdly, we have a question about spiders and the sounds they make, so tune in to discover the world of spider noises! We also found out how they hear, kind of through their knees! We also have a competition to win a Toucan box! A magical box full of fun. See www.toucanbox.com. You can buy a subscription with 50% off the first box using the code SUN or enter the competition in the episode. Plus we find out who won a copy of Pippi Longstocking illustrated by Lauren Child. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Jon Ablett - @JonathanAblett Natural History Museum - https://www.nhm.ac.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 29, 2021 · 20 min
69. Why do we daydream? Ft special guest expert Lauren Child. Where does paper come from? Why do we shiver when we scrape our fingers down a blackboard?
In this week's show we answer three questions from Bea, Beatrice and Wilf with help from special guest expert Lauren Child. Lauren Child is a much loved children’s author and illustrator who has written classic series such as Charlie and Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redford. She has won many awards, her books are bestselling and she was Children’s Laureate! Very impressive indeed. Lauren talks to us about daydreaming, why she thinks we do it, and how it can lead to great new ideas! Next we discuss paper, where it comes from, how its made and how you can make it out of elephant poo! Our third question is about that awful sound you hear when someone scratches their nails down a blackboard, urgh! It makes me shiver thinking about it! We find out why that is, it has something to do with the sound of a baby crying. We also find out who won a Toucan Box and we have a brilliant competition to win a copy of Pippi Longstocking illustrated by Lauren Child! Find out how to submit an answer or question on our website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod and @mollyoldfieldwrites Twitter: @everythinguts and @mollyoldfield Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. For more about Lauren Child go to www.milkmonitor.me With thanks to the children who asked questions this week, Lauren Child, Ash Gardner, Audio Networks and Tyler Simmons Dale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2021 · 14 min
68. Why do crabs walk sideways? How were skateboards invented? Why haven’t hover boards been invented? Ft special guest experts Professor Schmitt and Doug Millard (Science Museum)
In this week's show we answer three questions from Leo, Dragon and Cecily with help from special guest experts Professor Schmitt and Doug Millard from the Science Museum in London. Professor Schmitt is a world expert on skateboards and has been making them for decades - he gives us the low down on how they were invented. Doug Millard looks after the airplane collection at the Science Museum in London and chats hoverboards. We find out why crabs walk sideways, as well as what the biggest crabs on land and sea are – there’s one that is as wide as a giraffe is tall! We delve into the history of skateboards and talk about the man who crossed the Channel on a hoverboard. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Professor Schmitt – www.newdealskateboards.com Science Museum – www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2021 · 13 min
67. Why don’t spiders get stuck in their own webs? Where do bricks that build houses come from? How long does it take to build a motorway? Ft special guest Charlie Luxton
This week we answer three questions from Orla, Reuben and Gil with the help of expert Charlie Luxton. Charlie is an architect who specialises in environmentally friendly homes. We find out how spiders manage to trap flies in their webs but don't get stuck in them themselves. To give you a clue it is thanks to the way they use their legs, keep clean and a special way they design their webs. Charlie Luxton tells us all about bricks, how to make them, who invented them and how long we in the UK forgot about them for. We also find out how many bricks it took to build the Empire State Building. Finally we discuss motorways and how long they take to build as well as where the first one was built and where you can drive along the longest in the world! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Check out Charlie Luxton - https://charlieluxtondesign.com With thanks to Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale and Audio Networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 8, 2021 · 13 min
66. Why do people need a stage to act? How many people are there in the world? Are there more boys or girls in the world? Ft special guest expert actor Dan Stevens
In this week's show we answer three questions from Tasso, Lily and Mia with help from special guest expert Dan Stevens. Dan Stevens is an English actor who now lives in America, he shot to fame in Downton Abbey and has since been in The Man Who Invented Christmas, Night at the Museum and Eurovision. Dan tells us all about why actors love a stage to perform on as well as why they wear make up and costumes plus we find out about the history of make up including how our cousins, the Neanderthals wore make up 50,000 years ago! We find out how many people there are in the world right now and how many there are likely to be in the future as well as how many babies were born today! In answering Mia’s question we find out that there aren’t even numbers of boys born as girls and why that is. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Dan Stevens twitter: @thatdanstevens With thanks to Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale and Audio Networks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 1, 2021 · 14 min
65. Why do we do yoga? How fast can dogs run? How do rabbits bounce? Ft special guest expert Zephyr Wildman
In this week's show we answer three questions from Goldie, Tasso and Sophia with help from special guest expert Zephyr Wildman. Zephyr is a wonderful yoga teacher who teaches in London as well as on retreats around the world and knows all about yoga. We find out how yoga helps us with focus, memory and resilience and how practicing can help us feel more peaceful. We discover the history of yoga – how it began in Northern India, how priests started it and when it came over to the west. Also it’s really fun to make yoga shapes with our bodies! We talk about the fastest dog in the world, the Greyhound as well as some of the slowest and the reasons why they run fast or slowly and how all dogs love a good walk and run each day. We find out how rabbits bounce as well as the Grand Nationals for rabbits held in Norway and other countries. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. More about Zephyr and her classes here: https://zephyryoga.com With thanks to Ash Gardner, Tyler Simmons Dale, Billy Colours, Audio Networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 24, 2020 · 18 min
64. Christmas questions galore! Ft special guest Neil Gaiman. Plus…Are all snowflakes a different shape? Why is Boxing Day called Boxing Day?
In this week's show we answer lots of questions from Tabitha, Jensen, Eleanor, Alice, Ollie, Jack, Chessie and Eleanor with help from the wonderful writer Neil Gaiman. Neil is the author of lots of books for children and adults including Coraline, Stardust, Fortunately The Milk, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, picture books about a sneezing panda called Chu, American Gods and much more. He knows a lot about magic and mystery and helps us uncover the secrets of Christmas Eve. Neil answers lots of questions about Christmas Eve and Father Christmas and explains how the magic is made possible on this most special of nights. We find out about Wilson Snowflake Bentley who was the first person to photograph snowflakes. And we delve into the history of Boxing Day and how it got its name. Happy Christmas! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Check out Neil on twitter @neilhimself With thanks to Tyler Simmons Dale, Ash Gardner and Billy Colours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 18, 2020 · 12 min
63. Why do mushrooms & toadstools not like light? Why is it hot in Australia when it’s cold in England? Where do the Northern Lights come from? Ft special guest expert Lee Davies from Kew Gardens
In this week's show we answer questions from Orla, Emilia, Zac, Ambrose and Portia with help from special guest expert Lee Davies from Kew Gardens in London. Lee is curator of fungi at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Lee tells us all about mushrooms and toadstools and why they like the dark. Plus we uncover the biggest living thing in the world, which happens to be an enormous mushroom! We find out about how the movement of the earth and the sun creates different seasons around the world as well as what happens at the equator in the tropics. Find out all about the Northern Lights and what the similar lights in Australia are called as well as why the fire brigade was called when the Northern Lights made it to England! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Waterstones link is here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/everything-under-the-sun/molly-oldfield/9780241433461 Lee Davies - https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/people/lee-davies With thanks to Tyler Simmons Dale, Ash Gardner, Audio Networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 11, 2020 · 16 min
62. Why does clay get hard? How is fire made? Why were chimney sweeps always boys? Ft special guest expert Grayson Perry
In this week's show we answer three questions from Evangeline, Roman and Clara with help from special guest expert the artist Grayson Perry. Grayson is a world-renowned artist, writer and TV presenter and works a lot with clay to make incredible pots so he is the perfect person to answer Clara’s question. We discover how to make clay last forever and what temperature it needs to go in the oven at in a great answer recorded in Grayson’s art studio. We also find out ways to make fire and how humans discovered it and how to create it. Plus what things can burst into flame by themselves, from nuts to computers! In the third question we talk about the invention of chimney sweeps, the rules they lived by and why it was usually boys who did the job. But girls did it too! Plus how we clean chimneys now. Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod and @mollyoldfieldwrites Twitter: @everythinguts @mollyoldfield Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. For more info about Grayson Perry check out his twitter: @alan_measles and Instagram: @alanmeasles With thanks to Ash Gardner for the theme song, Tyler Simmons Dale for editing and Billy Colours for artwork and Audio Networks for the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2020 · 15 min
61. Why do rockets fly to planets? If you let go of a helium balloon would it go into space? How many satellites are there in space? Ft special guest expert Richard Branson.
Welcome back to the second series of Everything Under The Sun! Thanks for sending in your questions. In this week's show we answer three questions from Ithaca, Benji and Elijah with help from special guest expert Sir Richard Branson. Richard Branson founded Virgin Records, Virgin airways and now Virgin Galactic which is working hard to make it easier for people to go into space. One day flying to space might be as easy as flying from London to Paris. Richard knows all about why rockets fly to planets and tells us the different reasons humans might want to fly them and leave earth in search of adventure. We discover how far a helium balloon will travel if you let go of it outside and what will happen to it and why. We also talk about why helium makes your voice squeaky and what makes it go low. Plus, find out about the record-breaking man who flew into the air tied onto 600 balloons. Discover how many satellites there are in space, where a record of them is kept and what they do! Plus we have a competition to win a Tonies Box! And a competition to win the chance to ask Neil Gaiman a Christmas question on Christmas Day on Everything Under The Sun! Social media: Instagram: @everythingunderthesunpod and @mollyoldfieldwrites Twitter: @everythinguts Facebook: @everythingunderthesunbyMollyOldfield Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Find out how to submit an answer on our website. Molly Oldfield studied History at Oxford before becoming a QI elf, writing and researching questions for the BBC quiz show for twelve years. She has written three books. They are The Secret Museum, a book about all the things that are in museums that rarely, if ever, go on display; Wonders of the World’s Museums filled with things you can see, and Natural Wonders of the World about all kinds of creatures and places on our beautiful planet we call home. This podcast will also be published as Everything Under the Sun – A Year of Curious Questions in September 2021 by Ladybird at Penguin Random House. Check out Virgin Galactic - www.virgingalactic.com Check out Tonies at www.tonies.com With thanks to Ash Gardner at House of Strange for the theme song, Audio Networks for the music and Billy Colours for the logo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 19, 2020 · 10 min
60. How are Dictionaries Made? How are Blue Plaques decided? How is Earwax made?
This week we answer three questions, how are dictionaries made? How are Blue Plaques decided and how is earwax made? Our guest expert is Catherine Sangster from the Oxford English Dictionary! Find out who the first blue plaque ever was for and how they are made in Cornwall. Do subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to it and tell all your friends! For more info go to www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 8, 2020 · 9 min
59. How do Buds & Leaves appear on trees? W National Trust. Seeds with Alys Fowler and Why are blueberries blue?
Today we answer four spring like questions, they are from Seraphina, Alex, Elizabeth and Anurada they are: how do buds appear on trees? how do trees make their leaves? what the husks of seeds are made out of? Why are blueberries skin blue? A big thank you to Seraphina, Elizabeth, Anurada and Alex for this week’s questions and to Jess Evans at the National Trust and Alys Fowler for this week’s excellent answers about buds, leaves and the husks of seeds! Remember to send everyone who doesn’t know about it and might like it the link to the podcast and ask them to subscribe to the show. If you get time you can leave a review and send me a question! To send a question just ask an adult to borrow their smartphone, record yourself saying your name and your age and a bit about yourself and send it into me at molly@everythingunderthesun.co.uk Thanks everyone! Sending lots of love for a good week ahead, thank you and GOODBYE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 24, 2020 · 10 min
58. Why do We Dream? Why are Sloths so Sleepy? Why are Camels grumpy?
Hello and welcome to episode 58 of Everything Under The Sun – I hope everyone is doing okay at home! This week we're talking about sleepy sloths, dreams and camels. Our first question is about a sleepy animal, called a sloth and it comes from Alice, 5, she would like to know why do sloths sleep so much? We also discuss Catrin's question, which is why do we dream? I have David Eagleman who is a neuroscientist - that’s someone who studies the brain - and a best selling author. He has written books all about the brain and is interested in dreams, he has an answer for you, over to David! Our third question is about something grumpy which you might feel if you don't get enough sleep, or you have a bad dream it is from Christopher. He would like to know why are camels grumpy? A big thank you to Christopher, Catrin and Alice for this week’s questions and to David Eagleman for talking to us about why we dream! I hope you all have a lovely week, coming up with fun things to do while you’re all at home and wishing you all sweet dreams. Do send everyone who doesn’t know about it and might like it the link to the podcast and ask them to subscribe to the show. If you get time you can leave a review and send me a question! To send a question just ask an adult to borrow their smartphone, record yourself saying your name and your age and a bit about yourself and send it into me at molly@everythingunderthesun.co.uk If your parents are on instagram tell them to follow @mollyoldfieldwrites so we can all stay in touch! Thanks everyone! Sending lots of love for a good week ahead, thank you and GOODBYE! David Eagleman - https://www.eagleman.com Podcast website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Twitter @mollyoldfield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 17, 2020 · 11 min
57. How Many Countries are there in the World? Why is the Red Sea so named? Why does Poland have a desert?
Hello and welcome to episode 57 of Everything Under The Sun – a weekly podcast answering all the most pressing questions children around the world have about life on earth! Even though we can’t visit any at the moment there are still lots of countries out there filled with children doing the same thing as you – staying at home! I thought we’d have an episode with questions about different things in other countries this week so we can imagine places we might go in the world in the future. Our first question is a BIG one and it comes from Annabel. How many countries are there in the world and how were they made? Alastair Pinkerton, who is Geography professor at Royal Holloway University has the answer! We also find out why the Red Sea is called the Red Sea and why Poland has a desert thanks to questions from Iris and Jagoda. Remember to subscribe to Everything Under The Sun on apple podcasts, ACast or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode! To send a question just ask an adult to borrow their smartphone, record yourself saying your name and your age and a bit about yourself and send it into me at molly@everythingunderthesun.co.uk Thanks everyone! Sending lots of love for a good week ahead, thank you and GOODBYE! For a link to Natural Wonders of the world go here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-Wonders-World-Discover-marvels/dp/1526360667 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 10, 2020 · 16 min
56. Who was the First Comedian? With Dan Schreiber from NSTAAF Why do Ducklings Learn How to Swim So Fast? Plus we uncover a mystery object spotted by two listeners on their run.
Hello and welcome to episode 56 of Everything Under The Sun – a weekly podcast answering all the most pressing questions children around the world have about life on earth! My name is Molly and today I have three questions for you: The first is who was the first comedian? We find out all about the history of comedy and funny people of the past from Dan Schreiber from No Such Thing as A Fish and QI. The second question is from Martha and Heidi who sent me a photo of something they saw out on a run and wanted to know what it was. Also we find out why ducklings learn how to swim so fast. If you get time you can leave a review and send me a question! To send a question just ask an adult to borrow their smartphone, record yourself saying your name and your age and a bit about yourself and send it into me at molly@everythingunderthesun.co.uk Thanks everyone! Sending lots of love for a good week ahead, thank you and GOODBYE! Website: www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.