After more than a decade of inspiring young minds with science stories, “Brains On!” — one of the most popular children’s podcasts in the U.S. — is entering a bold new era.
In a move that marks a significant shift in the podcasting world, American Public Media (APM) has officially handed ownership of the “Brains On!” brand to its original creators: Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez, and Sanden Totten.
The announcement ends months of uncertainty following APM’s decision to sell the brand amid financial struggles earlier this year. Now, with the founding trio at the helm, “Brains On!” is becoming a fully independent, creator-owned enterprise — a move that signals growing changes across the podcasting landscape.
In June 2025, American Public Media, one of the largest public radio networks in the United States, revealed its plans to sell “Brains On!” as part of a strategic downsizing effort. The network cited financial pressures and shifting media economics that made sustaining children’s programming difficult within its existing business model.
“Monetizing family-friendly content remains one of the toughest challenges in podcasting,” APM President Chandra Kavati wrote in a staff email. “Even with its loyal fan base, ‘Brains On!’ hadn’t reached a level that could sustain its work within our structure.”
The network’s announcement came as a blow to listeners and industry observers who viewed “Brains On!” as a cornerstone of educational children’s media.
Rather than selling to an outside company or private media conglomerate, APM reached an agreement with the people who know the brand best — its creators.
Kavati said in a statement,
“We’re thrilled that Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez, and Sanden Totten have purchased ‘Brains On!’ and are planning to continue delivering the high-quality science storytelling that fans love. It’s the best possible outcome for everyone, especially for the families who’ve made ‘Brains On!’ part of their lives.”
The deal transfers ownership of not just the flagship podcast but also:
Though the financial terms of the sale remain undisclosed, the transition represents a rare instance in which creators have regained full control of a major public media property.
Since its debut in 2013, Brains On! has captivated millions of curious kids (and their grown-ups) by turning big scientific ideas into playful, accessible stories.
Each episode features:
Over 12 years, the show has released more than 100 episodes, covering topics from volcanoes and outer space to emotions, germs, and the physics of farts — all while fostering critical thinking and curiosity.
In a 2024 Edison Research survey, Brains On! ranked as the second most-listened-to podcast among children ages 6–12, second only to Spotify’s Story Pirates.
In June 2025, the Brains On! team paused new episode releases, explaining that the hiatus would continue until “things got settled.”
Fans, many of whom grew up listening to the show, expressed concern about the podcast’s future. Social media was flooded with messages from parents, teachers, and children hoping for good news.
That reassurance finally came this week when the Brains On! creators made an emotional announcement:
“We are so back,” host Molly Bloom told listeners in a cheerful update. “Brains On! is now a fully independent podcast. That means me, Sanden, and Marc are responsible for everything in the Brains On! universe.”
The team also confirmed that they’ve officially moved into a new headquarters, setting the stage for a new phase of creativity and audience connection.
Independence gives Bloom, Sanchez, and Totten complete creative and financial control. They can now decide everything from editorial direction to marketing, sponsorships, and partnerships — without the bureaucracy of a large media organization.
This autonomy also allows the team to explore new storytelling formats, interactive experiences, and collaborations across digital platforms.
In an update to fans, co-creator Marc Sanchez explained that independence also means the show will rely on its audience for sustainability.
“Shows like ours are getting harder and harder to find — so we know we can count on you,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to need your support more than ever to keep bringing these stories to life.”
Listeners can now support the brand through:
This community-driven funding model mirrors the strategies used by other independent media successes, such as Radiolab, The Daily Beans, and Science Vs.
Fans won’t have to wait long for fresh material. The Brains On! team confirmed:
Despite its success with listeners, Brains On! struggled to generate enough revenue to meet APM’s operating needs.
Public broadcasters like APM face unique challenges:
In a June 2025 internal memo, Kavati wrote that the company must focus resources on “core programming areas,” adding that larger media producers might be better positioned to leverage kids’ content into sustainable franchises through licensing, merchandising, and multimedia adaptations.
That decision resulted in the layoff of 15 employees connected to the Brains On! division — a painful but strategic move designed to help APM stay financially viable.
The move by the Brains On! team reflects a broader industry shift toward creator independence.
Over the past few years, several high-profile podcast creators have reclaimed ownership or launched independent studios, including:
As streaming platforms tighten budgets and advertising markets fluctuate, more creators are realizing that direct audience support can be both sustainable and creatively liberating.
The show’s mission — to inspire curiosity and scientific thinking in kids — feels more relevant than ever in a time of information overload and online misinformation.
By combining humor, science, and storytelling, Brains On! helps children learn to ask better questions — a skill that transcends classrooms and prepares them to be informed citizens.
Molly Bloom
“We started this show because we wanted kids to know science isn’t just about facts — it’s about curiosity, wonder, and imagination. Now, we can fully own that mission.”
Sanden Totten
“Independence gives us room to experiment, to make weird and fun science stories that big networks might not take a chance on.”
Marc Sanchez
“It’s scary, sure — but it’s also exciting. We’re putting our trust in the people who’ve always made this show possible: our listeners.”
Since its debut, Brains On! has been used in:
Teachers often cite the show’s ability to make complex topics accessible for children while encouraging inquiry-based learning — a key component of modern education.
Within hours of the announcement, fans flooded social media platforms with messages of support under the hashtag #BrainsOnForever.
Parents praised the creators for keeping the show alive, while kids expressed excitement for new episodes and live events.
One listener wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“So happy to see @Brains_On back — this podcast got my son into science! Thank you Molly, Sanden, and Marc for keeping curiosity alive!”
The creators have ambitious plans for the next phase of Brains On!:
Their long-term vision is to make Brains On! not just a podcast but a global kids’ media brand that empowers children to explore science with joy and confidence.
The success of Brains On! highlights how audio storytelling for children has evolved. Once considered niche, the kids’ podcasting market is now booming — driven by:
Analysts predict the global kids’ podcast market will grow by over 30% by 2027, fueled by demand for safe, engaging educational media.
From a humble public radio experiment to a full-fledged independent media brand, Brains On! continues to redefine what children’s educational content can be.
With its creators now in charge, the show is free to evolve, expand, and inspire — proof that when passion and purpose drive storytelling, even corporate transitions can lead to powerful new beginnings.
For fans around the world, one thing is clear: the Brains On! universe is not just surviving — it’s thriving.
