SmartyPants Wonders is a curious little adventure for big and small minds alike! Each episode takes kids (K–8) — and the parents who tag along — on a playful journey through the animal kingdom and the fascinating mysteries of the natural world.
From quirky creatures to wild “did-you-know?” facts and even interviews with experts, we spark imagination, inspire questions, and invite families to keep the conversation going long after the episode ends. It’s not just about learning facts — it’s about fueling curiosity, wonder, and those “wow!” moments you’ll want to share together.
Learn about snakes with Nick Brewster, Director of Education, at AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. What kinds of snakes are good for your garden? Do they like to cuddle? Why do they shed their skin? Can you beat one in a staring contest?
Check out where Nick works here: https://www.aark.org/ learn about the work they do and donate if you can.
4 Jul 2026
Owls!
Learn all about owls from Nick Brewster, Director of Education, at AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. Can they really turn their heads all the way around? What do they eat? Are they the smartest of all the birds? Let's find out together.
Check out where Nick works here: https://www.aark.org/ learn about the work they do and donate if you can.
1 Feb 2026
Crows!
Crows can be found almost everywhere. Look outside and try to spot one of these incredibly intelligent and playful birds. Listen today to learn about how they create and use tools, recognize human faces, and more. We will talk with Kelli Scarlett from AARK - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. Learn more about how to support AARK here https://www.aark.org/
16 Nov 2025
Minks!
Welcome back to SmartyPants Wonders — the podcast where curious kids explore the wild, wacky, and wonderful world around us! In this episode, we’re diving into the slippery, speedy, and super-smart world of minks!
So grab your thinking caps and your sense of wonder — it’s time to get curious with SmartyPants Wonders!
Good Samaritans Wildlife Calendar 2026
https://givewildlifeabrake.com/wildlife-calenders (https://givewildlifeabrake.com/wildlife-calenders)
AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center
www.aark.org (www.aark.org)
8 Nov 2025
Turtles
Learn all about turtles! Did you know they have personalities? We will talk about what they eat, how long they live, and their amazing shells and how they heal when they are injured. Get ready for all of that and so much more with wildlife rehab expert Amanda Leyden from AARK Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Chalfont, Pennsylvania.
AARK Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center
https://www.aark.org/ (https://www.aark.org/)
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Tortoises Have Feelings, Similar to Ours
https://scitechdaily.com/groundbreaking-study-reveals-tortoises-have-feelings-similar-to-ours/ (https://scitechdaily.com/groundbreaking-study-reveals-tortoises-have-feelings-similar-to-ours/)
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
https://blueridgewildlifectr.org (https://blueridgewildlifectr.org)
12 Oct 2025
Red Fox!
Did you know red foxes can live almost anywhere? You might see them in your own neighborhood. If you don't see them, you will certainly hear them yipping or yelling at night. Tune in to learn about red foxes from Rachel, an assistant wildlife rehabber at the AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center (aark.org).
30 Sept 2025
Beavers!
Welcome back to Smartypants Wonders—the show where big questions lead to big discoveries!
Today, we’re splashing into the world of one of nature’s best builders: the beaver! 🦫✨
These hardworking animals can chop down trees with their teeth, build dams bigger than a school bus, and even create whole ponds where other creatures can live. But why do they build dams? How do their super-strong teeth never stop growing? And… do beavers really slap their tails on the water to send messages?
Grab your hard hats and gnawing teeth, smarty friends—it’s time to explore the busy, brilliant world of beavers!
If you want to learn more about AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center go to www.aark.org.
30 Sept 2025
Spotted Lantern Flies
Welcome back to Smartypants Wonders—the podcast where big questions lead to amazing adventures!
Today, we’re shining our smarty spotlight on a very flashy, very spotted insect: the Spotted Lanternfly! 🐞✨
These colorful bugs might look beautiful with their bright wings and fancy spots… but watch out! They’re actually invaders that can cause big trouble for trees, plants, and farmers.
So why are they here? What makes them so tricky? And what should we do if we spot a lanternfly?
Get ready, smarty friends—we’re about to uncover the secrets of the Spotted Lanternfly!
30 Sept 2025
Pheromones!
Welcome back to Smartypants Wonders—the show where big questions lead to amazing discoveries!
Today we’ve got a special guest, Dr. Lauren Madden, here to help us explore something you can’t see… but animals use it to send secret messages every day. That’s right—we’re talking about pheromones! 🕵️♀️👃
Have you ever wondered why dogs pee on trees? Or how ants follow each other in perfect lines? Or even how moths find each other in the dark? The answer is all about those invisible chemical signals called pheromones.
So take a deep breath, smarty friends—it’s time to sniff out the science of pheromones with Dr. Madden!
30 Sept 2025
Monarch Butterflies!
Welcome back to Smartypants Wonders! Last time, we learned all about butterflies and moths… but today, we’re zooming in on one of the most famous flyers of them all: the Monarch Butterfly! 🦋👑
These orange-and-black beauties take one of the longest journeys in the insect world—flying thousands of miles on tiny, paper-thin wings. But how do they know where to go? And what makes them so different from other butterflies?
Grab your smarty wings, friends—because it’s time to migrate into the magical world of the Monarch!
30 Sept 2025
Butterflies and Moths!
Welcome back to Smartypants Wonders—the podcast where we follow our questions wherever they fly!
Today, we’re chasing colorful wings through gardens and moonlit nights, because our wonder of the day is… butterflies and moths! 🦋🌙✨
What makes a butterfly different from a moth? How do caterpillars transform into those amazing flying creatures? And why are some so bright and others so sneaky?
Spread your wings, smarty friends—it’s time to flutter into the fascinating world of butterflies and moths!
Here from Ann Lau Ward an early childhood education leader and consultant whose work spans founding Winged Wonders Education in 2010 and serving as an educator at the Nature Preschool at Schuylkill Center.
30 Sept 2025
Squirrels!
Hello, curious minds, and welcome back to Smartypants Wonders—the show where big questions lead to amazing adventures!
Today, we’re scampering up the trees and twitching our tails, because our wonder of the day is… squirrels! 🐿️✨
Why do they collect so many acorns? How do they leap from branch to branch without falling? And… do they really remember where they hide all their snacks? 🌰
Stick around, smarty friends, because we’re about to go a little nutty in the world of squirrels!
If you are interested in learning more about AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, check out www.aark.org
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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