WNYC Expands Terrestrials Podcast for Kids | Biweekly Science Episodes
In an era where educational content for children is under increasing pressure, WNYC Studios is making a bold move to expand its award-winning podcast series “Terrestrials”. The science-focused series, part of the Radiolab for Kids network, is now transitioning to a biweekly release schedule, delivering fresh episodes every other Thursday to inspire curiosity and wonder in children 8 years and older.
The expansion reflects both the podcast’s popularity and a growing need for fact-based, imaginative programming in a digital landscape increasingly dominated by entertainment that may not always enrich young minds.
Why WNYC Is Investing in Educational Kids Programming
Emily Botein, Vice President of WNYC Studios, emphasized the importance of consistent, high-quality content for children:
“Over the last three seasons of ‘Terrestrials,’ we’ve been so moved by the response from families and educators — especially the requests for a more consistent, ongoing presence of the shows. As the environment for fact-based, educational kids’ media continues to shift… WNYC is committed to providing parents and kids more regular access to enlightening screen-free content.”
With funding cuts to public media and a rise in “brain rot” from passive screen consumption, WNYC’s commitment ensures that children still have access to content that educates, entertains, and inspires.
About ‘Terrestrials’: Science, Music, and Imagination
Originally launched in October 2022 as part of the Radiolab for Kids spinoff, Terrestrials is a unique blend of:
Scientific exploration — uncovering the stranger-than-fiction aspects of the natural world
Original music — crafted by Alan Goffinski of “The Songbud”
Humor and storytelling — engaging young audiences in ways textbooks cannot
Creator Lulu Miller, co-host of Radiolab, explains her inspiration:
“I have been privately obsessed with the concept of biomimicry — looking to nature to solve problems. This fall, we are showcasing some of nature’s finest models — from beavers that engineer entire ecosystems back to health, to olive trees that share scarce water with their neighbors, to baby flies with medical healing powers. The ‘Terrestrials’ feed will be full of joy and musical magic… with a little extra ingredient for these dizzying times — hope.”
Each episode also includes original songs that tell true, fantastical stories about nature, helping children learn while keeping them entertained.
New Biweekly Schedule: What Families Can Expect
Starting this month, new episodes of ‘Terrestrials’ will be released every other Thursday on the Radiolab for Kids feed. The move is part of a larger effort to:
Deepen engagement with young listeners
Maintain regular educational content in a fast-paced digital world
Provide screen-free learning opportunities for families
Additionally, the podcast will increase live, in-person events, building on the success of summer shows at Little Island in New York. These events aim to make science interactive, fun, and tangible for children.
The Bigger Picture: Children’s Podcasting in 2025
WNYC’s expansion comes amid a challenging climate for children’s podcasting.
In June 2025, American Public Media announced plans to sell its popular Brains On podcast and laid off 15 employees due to public media funding cuts.
Despite these challenges, research shows that podcasts are highly valued in households:
59% of children listen to podcasts because they are fun
48% enjoy listening with family
72% of parents report that their children are excited to listen
68% of parents say children ages 6–12 listen with at least one parent, and 54% say their kids listen with siblings
Edison Research’s 2023 The Kids Podcast Listener Report concludes that podcasts spark meaningful parent-child conversations, creating learning opportunities that extend beyond screen time.
Why ‘Terrestrials’ Matters
In a world where passive digital consumption is on the rise, Terrestrials offers:
Interactive learning — kids engage with science, music, and storytelling
Family connection — encourages co-listening and discussions
Hopeful messaging — emphasizing solutions, problem-solving, and inspiration
With its expanded release schedule, Terrestrials is poised to reach more families, spark curiosity, and make science fun again.
Where to Listen
Episodes of Terrestrials are available on Radiolab for Kids, streaming platforms, and WNYC Studios’ official site. Parents can subscribe to receive new episodes every other Thursday and participate in upcoming live science events in New York.
