Wild Interest

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Wild Interest is a kid-created and hosted audio magazine. Made to be fun to listen to for kids and families, each episode mixes fascinating features with jokes, riddles, and listener contributions like My Favorite Sound and Grandparent Stories.  The topics change each month: What’s a leap year? What’s it like to play in the NFL? Where did the wild parrots in Brooklyn’s Greenwood Cemetery come from? What’s up with Bigfoot? Our hosts and contributors let their curiosity guide them. Experts are interviewed, primary sources are checked, cross-checked, and fact-checked, original music is composed, sounds are captured, and an episode is born. Wild Interest is rooted in the essential human tradition of storytelling. Segments like Grandparent Stories invite listeners to share in intimate conversations between grandparents and their grandchildren. In My Favorite Sound, kids introduce and share field recordings of sounds that they love. Each episode provides a unique space for kids to explore and share in a format that cultivates comfort, safety, and connection. Wild Interest is interested in what connects us as humans and explores the wonder that unfolds when we follow kids’ curiosity.Perfect for car rides or quiet time alone, Wild Interest is brain broccoli's answer to brain candy.

Brain Broccoli Productions


    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 15 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Wild Interest

    Miracle on Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 42:53


    Hey Wildlings! Do you believe in rooting for the underdog? What about the under-eagle? 45 years ago the US Olympic hockey team didn't have a snowball's chance in heck of beating the stronger, faster Russian team — but somehow they did! Evan takes us back to the “Miracle On Ice” and reports in person from where the magic happened in Lake Placid, NY. Think you're sharp? See if you can hold your own in Concentration 64 as Evan and Nichole face off in this hand-clapping, rhythmic battle of wits. Nichole talks to educator and parenting expert Jayme Yannuzzi of Teach Talk Inspire about what it's like to be a momfluencer, and learns how easy it is to make the icky, gooey non-Newtonian liquid known as Oobleck. We learn about the Russian Revolution through Nichole's experience in the musical “Anastasia,” and in Cryptid Corner Evan finally features a creature that might actually exist, but also might be a Russian spy. Our newest segment “Animal Calls” features a particularly prickly little guy, and we serve up all your favorite recurring segments like jokes, Favorite Sound, Grandparent Story, and an ice-cold riddle that's sure to freeze you in your tracks. Let's get wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions00:00 - Episode 12 Intro02:07 - Evan's Miracle on Ice07:00 - Riddle Clue07:18 - Anastasia13:07 - Animal Call Clue13:38 - Favorite Sound15:07 - Concentration 6419:13 - Animal Call Reprise19:34 - Cryptid Corner: Mermaid, Whale, or Spy?22:40 - Joke Time23:39 - Call for Submissions24:06 - Grandparent Stories: Vincas30:10 - Animal Call Reveal31:46 - Jayme Yanuzzi of Teach Talk Inspire41:11 - Riddle Answer41:32 - Preview of Episode 1341:43 - Call for Reviews + Word of Mouth42:00 - Credits42:22 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    The Senses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 51:19


    How do we perceive the world around us? With our senses, of course! Evan gets a closer look at the world of sight with eyeglass merchant Adrien Bouet in Paris, France, and Nichole tantalizes your taste buds while discussing the fantastic world of ice cream flavors with Pete Van Leeuwen of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Then we go beyond the five senses and explore two new mystery senses you may have never considered! Speaking of mysteries, Evan's Cryptid Corner takes on the Thunderbird; a legendary creature with a wingspan so broad it's said to whip up storms! We're introducing a new segment this episode: Bobby the Bigfoot hosts “Name Stuff,” a game show where kid contestants try to guess what grown-ups do for their jobs. All that, plus Nichole makes a spirited argument against Daylight Savings Time, and you'll enjoy our usual run of jokes, hijinks, Grandparent Stories, Favorite Sound, and a superstar of a sensory riddle. Let's get wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 13 Intro2:26 - Ice Cream Magician Pete Van Leeuwen15:44 - Favorite Sound16:51 - Call for Submissions17:19 - Name Stuff25:04 - Riddle Question25:27 - Grandparent Stories30:16 - Joke Time31:25 - Two New Senses34:14 - Riddle Answer35:07 - Cryptid Corner: The Thunderbird39:18 - Call for Reviews + Word of Mouth39:41 - A Daylight Savings Time Diatribe42:04 - Eyeglass Merchant Adrien Bouet49:52 - Preview of Episode 1450:10 - Show Credits50:37 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    Music Makers (Side A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 52:08


    Awesome Kid Musicians Retro Rebelles and Young Mountain Magic, Music as the Universal Language, Root Beer Taste Test, Grammartime, Looking for the Yeti, Animal Calls, Two Grandparent Stories, Jokes, Favorite Sound, and an Ancient RiddleMusic is the universal language! Prepare to be dazzled by two amazing groups of kid musicians: New York's Retro Rebelles rock out in the subway, and the plucky Carolina bluegrass quartet Young Mountain Magic picks us a tune or two. Brave the Himalayan peaks in search of the legendary Yeti in Cryptid Corner, and toss back some root brewskis as Nichole and Evan get to the bottom of the barrel in an exciting root beer taste test. For some good old, regular “language” language, join us for the first installment of our new segment “Grammartime” where we explore how to talk right and stuff. Learn some animal language in our special segment on animal calls, and enjoy all the Wild Interest standbys you've come to love like Favorite Sound, an ancient riddle, jokes, and not one but two Grandparent Stories. It's wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions00:00 - Episode 12 Intro02:39 - Retro Rebelles07:58 - Joke Time08:51 - Animal Call Clue09:26 - Grandparent Story "Lily"17:17 - Grandparent Story "Maliya"20:22 - Animal Call Reprise20:43 - Young Mountain Magic29:43 - Call for Submissions30:06 - Riddle Question30:53 - Cryptid Corner: The Yeti and the Banjhākri36:20 - Animal Call Answer36:56 - Grammartime39:14 - Favorite Sound40:07 - Root Beer Taste Test48:21 - Riddle Answer49:01 - Preview of Episode 1349:13 - Show Credits49:37 - Bloopers50:16 - Young Mountain Magic Encorewildinterest.com

    Animal Talk: Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 40:42


    Whale Song and Elephant Communication with Katy Payne, Whale Language with Gašper Beguš and Project CETI, The Dance of the Honeybee, Feeding Ben Stuff, Cryptid Corner, Grandparent Stories, Jokes, Riddles and MoreDo animals talk? The answer might surprise you! Join us as we dive deep with zoologist and pioneering animal researcher Katy Payne and discover the complex ways whales and elephants communicate. She even does her best whale song impression for us! Project CETI works to understand what whales are saying. CETI linguistics lead and professor Gašper Beguš talks with Wild Interest about his work with sperm whales, and the whale language his research is discovering. It even has an alphabet! Dance with us as we buzz about the sweet ways honeybees talk to each other, and bundle up for frigid tales of the Ningen, an aquatic cryptid said to inhabit the Arctic Ocean north of Japan. We're back with a second hilarious installment of Feeding Ben Stuff, and all the usual fun you've come to expect like Favorite Sound, Grandparent Stories, a real stumper of a riddle, jokes and more. Let's get wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions00:00 Episode 11 Intro01:48 Animal Talk03:45 Whale Language with Gašper Beguš and Project CETI10:52 Joke Time11:46 The Dance of the Honeybee14:56 Riddle Question15:20 Cryptid Corner: The Ningen18:08 Favorite Sound19:01 Call for Submissions19:28 Grandparent Story23:32 Feeding Ben Stuff29:25 Whale Song and Elephant Communication with Katy Payne38:31 Riddle Answer38:53 Preview of Episode 1239:25 Show Credits39:57 Blooperswildinterest.com

    Christmas Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 41:36


    Join us as we get into the holiday spirit with a special Christmas-themed episode! Frankincense sounds intense... what the heck is myrrh? Learn about the three wise men, also known as the Magi, and the gifts they carried across the desert. Pucker up as we unravel the mysteries of mistletoe, and hear all about Three Kings Day, which comes 12 days after Christmas and is believed to be the day the Magi first saw the baby Jesus. Our special correspondent Rio tells us how he celebrates Christmas in Puerto Rico, and we get to enjoy a special holiday song from musician OK Ivy. All that plus Grandparent Stories, jokes, songs, and a real stumper of a riddle.To hear the original, longer version of Wild Interest producer Scott Gurian's story about parranda Christmas caroling in Puerto Rico, check out his podcast Far From Home.Music in this episode included Act II Hygro by Jo Wandrini courtesy of Epidemic Sound.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 10 Intro1:28 - Three Kings Day6:29 - Joke Time7:04 - Call for Submissions7:31 - The Music of OK Ivy13:32 - Favorite Sounds15:03 - Riddle Question15:24 - Singing a Christmas Round16:27 - The Meaning of Mistletoe21:07 - Frankincense and Myrrh22:27 - Christmas Caroling in Puerto Rico26:25 - Grandparent Stories33:56 - Riddle Answer34:17 - Christmas Reflections34:58 - Twas the Night Before Christmas39:38 - Preview of Episode 11 / Call for Reviews40:18 - Show Credits40:58 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    Giving Thanks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 46:56


    Join us as we give thanks for a wonderful first year of the Wild Interest podcast. Put on your aprons, grab your pots, and grease your pans as we learn all about cooking up fun family time in the kitchen! Get that warm fuzzy feeling with a touching “best of” Grandparent Stories featuring excerpts from our first nine episodes. Just try not to crack up during Joke Time with hilarious zingers submitter by you, the listeners! And this time we're coming at ya' with not one, not two, but three head scratching riddles, a chef's favorite sound, a chance to sing along with us, and last but not least, an interview with a real live turkey!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 9 Intro3:15 - Grandparent Stories Part 1: Esme and Bibi4:45 - Grandparent Stories Part 2: Bedloe and Mama Lou6:09 - Fun Turkey Facts10:00 - Joke Time10:58 - Grandparent Stories Part 3: Evan and Eggy13:27 - Facts to Share at Thanksgiving15:33 - Grandparent Stories Part 4: Theo and Grandpa18:26 - Favorite Sound19:23 - Call for Submissions19:50 - Grandparent Stories Part 5: Jaylee and Grandma23:07 - Riddle Questions23:51 - Grandparent Stories Part 6: Zora and Grammy26:57 - Makin' Gravy29:33 - Grandparent Stories Part 7: Rose and Poppa35:33 - Family Time: Singing a Round37:54 - Grandparent Stories Part 8: Nichole and Tita Salud42:28 - Interview With a Turkey44:14 - Riddle Answers45:02 - Show Ending45:28 - Preview of Episode 1045:48 - Show Credits46:10 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    Dirt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 39:45


    Our latest episode is all about the wild, wonderful world beneath our feet. Where does the word “dirt” come from? How do plants get nutrients from the soil? Could getting dirty be good for you? What about eating dirt? Nichole interviews Brandy Hall at Shades of Green Permaculture and learns about the importance of mindful landscape design, and how kids can get involved in healthy soil projects at home. We speak with biochar expert Peter Olivier about how charred organic matter can make soil healthier, and interview archeologist Casey Sharp about the amazing stories dirt can reveal about ancient people. We investigate garden grubs with a gaggle of kid correspondents, shine a light on the fascinating process of photosynthesis, feature a Bobby the Bigfoot guest-hosted Cryptid Corner, and as always present the usual jokes, riddles, Favorite Sound and Grandparent Stories.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 8 intro1:19 - Etymology of Dirt4:02 - Riddle Question4:22 - Permaculture11:13 - Biochar13:53 - Favorite Sound14:53 - Grubs18:33 - Mabuhay Moment20:22 - Magic Dirt22:59 - Joke Time24:03 - Archeology28:39 - Grandparent Stories31:27 - Good Dirt34:26 - Cryptid Corner: The Loveland Frogman37:08 - Riddle Answer37:45 - Call for Reviews and Submissions38:32 - Credits39:03 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    Good Vibrations

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 41:46


    Our seventh episode is all about sound, performance and storytelling. Nichole interviews Taryn Janelle and LeRelle Ross of Atlanta's Synchronicity Theatre who adapted John Steptoe's 1987 award-winning children's book “Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters” into a musical theater piece for all ages. Our special correspondent Nicholas drops the needle on some choice selections from his personal vinyl record collection, then drops in on Michael Greig Thomas at Echo Base Records to see how vinyl records are actually made! We also investigate how insects called cicadas make “music” by vibrating their abdomens, explore the alien secrets of Area 51 in Cryptid Corner, and bring you our usual Grandparent Stories, hilarious jokes, and a brain-twisting riddle.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 7 Intro1:18 - Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters13:10 - Riddle Question13:30 - The Music of Cicadas18:35 - Joke Time19:38 - Dropping the Needle on Vinyl Records29:13 - Favorite Sound30:30 - Cryptid Corner - Area 5134:20 - Grandparent Stories39:18 - Riddle Answer39:42 - Episode Ending39:58 - Preview of Episode 840:21 - Call for Submissions40:45 - Credits41:18 - Blooperswildinterest.com

    Rewilding with Jessica Kraft, Animal Tracking with Mark Warren of Medicine Bow, People Tracking with McKenzie Funk, and Celebrating Philippine Independence Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 56:35


    Hot on the trail of adventure, we track down otters with Jessica Kraft, learn to read the forest with Mark Warren, and learn about how technology is tracking us and what to do about it with McKenzie Funk. Along the way, Bobby the Bigfoot tells us how Sasquatches induce ASMR, and Nichole tells us about the number nine's magical properties. As if that weren't enough, she also teaches us a song to remember the names of all 50 states. And Evan tells us about his latest cryptid — a cute little critter that appeared in Dover, Massachusetts in 1977. Or did it? Last but not least, Evan and Nichole do the Tinikling, Electric Slide, and Cupid Shuffle at a Philippine Independence Day celebration. Plus, we have our usual favorite sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks. It's wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 6 Intro01:35 - Mark Warren animal tracking12:59 - Riddle Question13:15 - States Song14:43 - Jessica Kraft - tracking otters20:03 - Joke Time20:56 - Mabuhay Moment25:33 - ASMR27:17 - McKenzie Funk - Protecting Your Privacy38:08 - Favorite Sound39:09 - Cryptid Corner43:34 - Wild Nines46:58 - Grandparent Stories54:17 - Riddle Answer54:34 - Preview of episode 755:02 - Call for Submissions55:27 - Credits55:57 - Blooperswww.wildinterest.com

    Banjos, Ski Racing, an Elephant Orphanage and a Visit to New Orleans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 43:12


    In this episode we talk to the heroes at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya who rescue orphaned baby elephants, raising them until they can return to the wild. They tell us all about a special baby elephant named Toto. We're also joined by musician, historian, and creator of the Brooklyn Folk Festival, Eli Smith. He talks about his life in folk music, plays us the same song on two very different banjos, and explains the competition he invented that involves tossing banjos into Brooklyn's murky Gowanus Canal (if you have an iPhone or Apple device, be sure to check out his banjo toss video game). Next we hit the slopes with Ariana and learn about the history, hard work, and thrill of ski racing in Vermont. We also get a report from our on-the-ground correspondent Nola, who walks us through the city of New Orleans with all its special flavors and sounds. Not to be outdone, Bobby the Bigfoot returns to chat with Evan and (try to) play a banjo. Plus, we have our usual favorite sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks. It's wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissionsTimestamps:(0:00) Episode 5 Intro(1:11) NOLA in New Orleans(5:09) Favorite Sound(5:56) Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (14:55) Riddle Question(15:13) Taste Explained(19:21) Grandparent Story(24:13) Ski Racing on Stowe Mountain(27:06) Bobby the Bigfoot Calls In (28:57) Cryptid Corner(31:17) Eli Smith Banjo(39:51) Jokes(40:48) Bobby the Bigfoot On Banjo(41:45) Riddle Answer(42:06) Episode 6 Previewwww.wildinterest.com

    Spring Holiday Special: Easter, Passover, Ramadan, and Holi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 25:57


    Welcome to our Spring Holiday special! Spring is the season for flowers, baby animals, and major holidays! In this very special episode, we travel the globe to celebrate Easter, Passover, Holi, and Ramadan. We learn about Easter traditions from the washing of the feet to an Easter Day procession in the northern Philippines. We hear the Passover story from musical phenom Alica Jo Rabins, and Simone in Northern California invites us to her family's Seder dinner. Evan throws colors at a Holi celebration. And we learn about how Ramadan is celebrated from Jakarta to Turkmenistan.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes, favorite sounds, or send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissionsTimestamps:[00:00] Intro[1:24] Holi: Festival Of Colors[4:12] Ramadan: Turkmenistan To Brooklyn[6:40] Ramadan: Rustam In Jakarta[8:53] Easter: Washing Of The Feet With Fr. Jeffery Ott[12:54] Easter: Lola Lita In Manila[16:16] Passover: Alicia Jo Rabins[22:17] Passover: Simone Invites Us To Her Sederwww.wildinterest.com

    Palindromes, Monoliths, and Sofie Zamchick of The Wonder Pets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 36:13


    Ever wondered what it's like to be the voice of a bossy guinea pig on a hit TV show? Look no further. We are joined by Sofie Zamchick, the voice of Linny on The Wonder Pets. She tells us about playing Linny (she can still do the voice) and her career as a songwriter, actor, and master marimba player. Nichole introduces a new segment called “Feeding Ben Stuff” where her picky-eater friend Ben tries new foods blindfolded. Evan gets to the bottom of the shiny monoliths popping up from Utah to Wales and then expands our palindrome horizons beyond "racecar." Theo in Alameda, California interviews his grandpa, who grew up 30 miles out to sea. He tells us about how he and his friend "Moose Breath" used to count the number of times the town bell rang for fun. Plus, we have our usual Favorite Sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes, favorite sounds, or send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissionsTimestamps:[1:12] Sofie Zamchick of The Wonder Pets[15:27] Riddle Question[15:40] Cryptid Corner: Monoliths[20:21] Prank[21:19] Joke Time[22:03] Palindromes[22:45] Grandparent Stories: Theo talks with his grandpa [27:21] Sing A Round: Row Your Boat[28:50] Favorite Sound[29:47] Feeding Ben Stuff[34:36] Preview of Episode 5[35:24] Outtakeswww.wildinterest.com

    Paul Bianchi, Solar Eclipse, UAPs, The Erben Organ, and Tim Maxey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 0:52


    Paul Bianchi, legendary leader of Atlanta's Paideia School tells Nichole what it's like to work in the principal's office (and what to do if you're sent there).  We get ready for the eclipse with astronomer Mark Lancaster. Nichole talks with Grammy Award-winning artist Tim Maxey about his own work as Not The Twos and his production and songwriting (for Kendrick Lamar, Summer Walker, Baby Rose, and others).  We visit the last untouched, original pipe organ in New York City to hear it played just before it gets taken apart for the first time since Abraham Lincoln was president. Evan dissects the Congressional hearings on UAPs. Jayleigh in Decatur, Georgia interviews her Grandma. Plus our usual assortment of favorite sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks!www.wildinterest.com

    Jake "The Snake" Plummer, Ice Cream Cake, and the Benefits of Yawning

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 37:40


    Wild Interest is a kid-created and hosted audio magazine. In this episode, legendary NFL quarterback Jake "The Snake" Plummer talks with guest reporter Justus about making big plays, being nice to people, and life after football. Nichole talks with Dr. Andrew Newberg about what's great about yawning and why some Olympic athletes do it right before they compete. Evan elucidates Mothman, the winged creature with a penchant for O'Hare International Airport. Nichole teaches us to turn our favorite ice cream into a delicious cake. We visit nine Filipino soldiers marooned (on purpose) on a partially sunken ship. And we learn how to sing Row Your Boat as a round! Plus our usual Grandparent Stories, Favorite Sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks!www.wildinterest.com

    Leap Years, Bigfoot, and Brooklyn's Wild Parrots

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 34:09


    Wild Interest is a kid-created and hosted audio magazine. Hosts Evan and Nichole follow their curiosity to fill each show with fascinating features along with regular segments like Grandparent Stories and My Favorite Sound. In this episode, Nichole tells us everything we need to know about leap years and then geeks out on bees and their wax with beeswax candlemaker Jon Kornbluh. Evan goes deep on his favorite cryptid Bigfoot and speaks to Dr. Jeff Meldrum, professor at Idaho State University and keeper of the largest collection of Sasquatch footprint casts in the world. And guest reporters Nola and Maxine visit Brooklyn's Greenwood Cemetery to meet its flock of wild green monk parrots. In Grandparent Stories, Esme in Los Angeles speaks with her grandma, Bibi. And Chanel in Kenya shares a recording of her favorite sound.  Perfect for car rides or quiet time alone, Wild Interest is brain broccoli's answer to brain candy.www.wildinterest.com

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