Hello From the Van
*Visual Podcast on Youtube* A Family-Friendly and Educational Podcast for Everyone! Geared to curious families with lots of questions. We cover everything from cancer to paint colors-- always in a safe and educational way. Join us as we explore a new topic each week.
Episodes
52 episodes
AHHcHoOo! Allergies: Explained for Kids
Ever wonder why some people have life threatening allergies and others do not? In this episode we take a dive into the world of antigens and antibodies as we explore the world of allergies. Sources: Allerg...
Labor Day: A Brief History
Happy Labor Day to those in the United States and Canada. To those of you outside of North America...Happy May Day when the time comes around! This week we talk about the history and cultural significance of Labor Day as ...
Blood Types Explained!
One of the most important discoveries of the last century has been blood typing and donation. This week we dive into how blood types got their names, why blood typing is important, the history of the man responsible for it all. ...
Intelligent Animals
Some animals are smart...but others are smarter. This week we discuss the different types of animal intelligence, and the most commonly studied "smart" animals of the animal kingdom. Sources:Vidal, J. (2021, Octobe...
Motorcycles: A History of Innovation
Motorcycles may have gotten their start in the late 1800's, but their use during World War is what truly solidified their cultural foothold. In honor of the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this week we talk about invention, muddy history,...
The Conundrum of Cursive
Cursive has largely fallen out of fashion...but it seems that physically writing anything down is also on it's way out. In this episode we explore where cursive came from, why it stopped being taught, and discuss the future of writing.
How Citrus Took Over the World: A History
Lemons have always been around in the East, but their known history in the West is relatively recent. In this episode we talk about the history of citrus fruit, how explorers brought it to the west, and how all citrus are related. #HelloFrom...
Laughter, Yawns, and Why We Do Them
A laughter and a yawn-- both are contagious-- but why do we perform these "useless" functions?? This week we dive into the long scientific history around laughter and yawns. Warning, we don't know why, but you'll probably yawn while listening t...
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5 Minutes Smarter: Artificial Intelligence Edition
Looking for a way to introduce the topic of artificial intelligence with your kids, but don't want the politics and opinion? In this episode we cover the physical side of AI, how it reasons, and the trade-offs required for instant access to a w...
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The Power of TASTE
Flavor and Taste are powerful parts of our every day lives...but what *are* they? This week we talk about the physical function of flavor, how and why our bodies process tastes the way they do, and how flavor can even warn us of danger.
5 Minutes Smarter: Divorce Edition
Note: As always, our 5 Minutes Smarter series is intended to help adults talk about difficult topics with kids. The episodes are not meant as an exhaustive explainer, but more of a jumping-off point for family discussion. D...
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The Science of Sleep
Humans spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping...but what actually happens while we're sleeping?? In this episode we talk about the great mystery that is sleep science, what we know, and the great big things we don't know about this daily a...
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5 Minutes Smarter: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
To help introduce our new series, "5 Minutes Smarter", we'll be releasing three smaller episodes this week! In this first installment, we're talking about what it takes for a person to be happy and healthy both in their body and their mind.&nbs...
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National Anthems: A Brief History
In this July 4th episode, we explore the history of National Anthems from around the world! Where they came from, why we have them, and how they impact nations around the world. It's a short one this week, but we'll be back with our...
Building A Hummingbird Army
If you live in the Western Hemisphere (North or South America) this episode is for you! We're talking about hummingbird conservation and how to help out your local hummingbird population. In this episode we'll talk about what hummingbirds need ...
Color Blindness Explained
Did you know that not all color blindness is the same? In this episode we talk about the different types of color vision deficiency, how color blindness effects everyday life, and signs to look out for if you suspect a loved one is color blind....
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Tempered Glass: A Scientific History
In this episode we talk about the science of glass and the difference between glass that shatters into pieces and glass that crumbles. It's a SCIENCE EPISODE of Hello From the Van!Sources: SG Glass Manufacturers, "The History o...
All About TIDES
I recently took my kids on a field trip to Dana Point, California to visit the tide pools at low tide. That field trip led to a lot of questions from the kids and from me! In this episode we talk about why tides happen, how long humans have kno...
Memorial Day Explained!
What do the Civil War, parking lots, and Memorial Day have in common?! We talk about all of them today on Hello From the Van.In this shorter holiday episode, we discuss the origins of the Memorial Day and it's close ties to the rich hist...
How To Write A Story
**SUMMER STORYWRITING RULES BELOW EPISODE DESCRIPTION**Aristotle wasn't just a philosopher, he was a playwright and scientist. This week we learn all about plot structure as explained in the Poetics. Using the story of The Thr...
What the Fox *Actually* Says...
Is the Fox a feline or a canine, a cat or a dog?? This week we learn all about this amazing animal and it's impact (for better or for worse) all across the world. And yes, we do answer the question, "What does the fox say?". #educat...
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Magical Mutating Cells: CANCER! Explained.
In this episode we take a clinical overview of cancer, what it is, why it happens, and it's different stages. This is a great episode is a great place for families to start when facing rouge mutating cells. #cancerexplai...
