Short & Curly

Short & Curly is a philosophy and ethics podcast for kids, and before you think that sounds boring — it absolutely isn't. Produced by Australia's ABC, hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith tackle big moral questions through storytelling, humor, and genuine debate. Episodes ask things like: Is it wrong to eat meat? Should driverless cars be allowed? Is graffiti art? Can cereal be soup? (That last one comes up a lot, apparently.) The show comes in two formats: full episodes running 20-24 minutes and bite-sized "BITES" episodes of 3-4 minutes for quick philosophical snacks. With 223 episodes in the archive, there's a massive range of topics to explore. The approach is consistent: present a scenario, break down the ethical arguments on each side, and let listeners form their own conclusions. The hosts never tell kids what to think — they teach them how to think, which is a crucial distinction. It carries a 4.6-star rating from over 1,700 reviews and has built a global following among families and educators. The show targets ages 8-12 and hits that sweet spot perfectly. The Australian accents and cultural references add charm without limiting accessibility. For tweens starting to form their own opinions about fairness, truth, and how the world should work, Short & Curly gives them a framework to think through those ideas. It's the rare podcast that makes philosophy feel like a conversation rather than a homework assignment.