Explain It Like I’m 5

Why do we actually get hungry—and is that loud stomach growl just our belly yelling at us for snacks? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex breaks down the science of hunger in simple, funny, and totally relatable terms. We explore what hunger really is, how your brain, stomach, and hormones team up to tell you it’s time to eat, and why you sometimes crave chocolate, fries, or cookies instead of something healthy. You’ll learn about the roles of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), leptin (the fullness hormone), insulin, and neuropeptide Y, and how your hypothalamus acts like mission control for your appetite. We explain the difference between hunger vs. appetite, why your stomach makes that rumbling noise called borborygmus, and what’s really going on when you feel “hangry” and snap at people before lunch. We also dive into evolution, cravings, and comfort food, how culture and religion shape when and how we eat, what happens if we ignore hunger for too long, and a bunch of weird and fun facts—like why bakeries smell so irresistible and how astronauts still get hungry in space. By the end, you’ll see hunger not just as an annoying feeling, but as an incredible body communication system keeping you alive (and yes, still wanting fries).

The oceans are always moving—rising, falling, swirling, and crashing—but what’s really making all that happen? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex explores how tides, currents, and waves work together to keep Earth’s waters in constant motion. You’ll learn how the moon’s gravity creates tides, how the Earth’s spin and temperature differences drive ocean currents, and how waves carry energy across the surface. We’ll also uncover some incredible ocean facts, from underwater “rivers” and global conveyor belts to why the Pacific could swallow all the continents twice. By the end, you’ll see the ocean not as a still blue blanket, but as a living, breathing system—one that shapes climate, weather, and life itself.

Why do people argue so fiercely over religion, politics, or even pizza toppings? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex breaks down why humans fight over beliefs—and why we sometimes take them so personally. You’ll learn what beliefs actually are, how they shape our identity, and why our brains treat challenges to beliefs like physical threats. We’ll explore how evolution, fear, and belonging drive belief conflicts, from ancient religious wars to modern internet arguments. Plus, we’ll ask whether simple games—or a good sense of humor—could help us get along better. By the end, you’ll see that belief clashes aren’t just about being right—they’re about being human.

Math is everywhere—from counting change to launching rockets—but what is it really? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex explores one of humanity’s biggest brain-bending mysteries: what math actually is, where it came from, and why it seems to rule everything around us. You’ll learn how math evolved from tally marks and goat-counting to calculus and algorithms, why it predicts the universe so perfectly, and whether numbers were invented or discovered. Along the way, we’ll uncover fascinating math facts, from zero’s scandalous history to Fibonacci spirals in pinecones, and why cicadas use prime numbers to stay alive. By the end, you’ll see math not as a school subject, but as the language the universe uses to talk to itself.

Blood is strange. It’s inside us all the time, yet the moment we see it on the outside, we panic. It’s dramatic, a little scary, and completely essential to staying alive. In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex dives into why we have blood, what it does, and why it freaks us out so much. You’ll learn how blood actually works—what’s in it, how it moves oxygen and nutrients around your body, and how it fights infections and heals cuts. We’ll also explore why blood is red, what blood types mean, and how much of it you really have. Along the way, we’ll uncover some wild facts about blue-blooded creatures, vampires, and why mosquitoes prefer certain people over others. By the end, you’ll see that blood isn’t creepy—it’s incredible. It’s your body’s delivery truck, defense squad, and clean-up crew all in one.

olcanoes are Earth’s ultimate drama queens—beautiful, terrifying, and totally unstoppable. But how do they actually work? And yes… are they basically the planet’s angry pimples? In this fiery episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex dives deep (but not too deep!) into the molten world of volcanoes—how they form, why they erupt, and how they’ve shaped our planet. You’ll learn: What’s really happening beneath Earth’s crust  Why volcanoes form along tectonic plate boundaries and hotspots The difference between slow, oozy lava and explosive eruptions How volcanoes can both destroy and create life Plus, wild facts about volcanic lightning, underwater eruptions, and Mars’s massive Olympus Mons It’s part geology lesson, part nature documentary, and part “ew, gross” metaphor that actually makes perfect sense.

Why does Earth have winter, summer, and everything in between—and does it just like spinning fancy while it orbits the sun?  In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex unpacks the science (and silliness) behind seasons: why they exist, what causes them, and how they’ve shaped life, culture, and even our holidays. You’ll learn: Why Earth’s tilt, not its distance from the sun, creates seasons How daylight hours change—and why the equator basically doesn’t care What happens if Earth stopped tilting (spoiler: bad news for crops and penguins) The wild ways other planets do seasons—like seven-year winters on Saturn  And yes, how Earth “spins fancy” with its slow, cosmic wobble From ancient farmers and Stonehenge to modern memes about Mercury retrograde, this episode connects the tilt of our planet to everything from ice cream seasons to pumpkin spice.

Fire is terrifying—and yet, it’s the reason we’re here. From lightning strikes and volcanoes to campfires and stovetops, how did humans first discover fire? And who was the first brave (or foolish) soul to actually touch it? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex dives into the wild story of how fire began, how early humans learned to control it, and how it completely reshaped our species. You’ll learn: What fire really is (hint: it’s not a thing, it’s a chemical event!) How ancient humans kept and made fire  Why fire gave us warmth, safety, and cooked food—and maybe even bigger brains The myths and legends about “stealing fire” from the gods Fun facts about plasma flames, fire tornadoes, and eternal fires that never go out It’s history, science, and a dash of mythology—all in one spark-filled episode.

Pain: everyone hates it, but none of us can live without it. From paper cuts to heartbreak, why does our body insist on sending us those “ouch” signals—and could we ever just switch them off like Wi-Fi? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex unpacks the weird science of pain: how it works, why it exists, and what would happen if we didn’t feel it at all. You’ll learn: How pain acts like your body’s smoke alarm  Why pain actually keeps you alive (and what happens to people who can’t feel it) The difference between acute, chronic, and emotional pain How painkillers, anesthetics, and endorphins really work Why your brain sometimes fakes pain—or makes it worse Plus, wild facts about chili peppers, brain freeze, and why your heart literally aches after a breakup. It’s science, psychology, and a little bit of empathy—all explained so simply you could share it with your five-year-old, your grandma, or your “I don’t feel pain” friend.

Plants have a secret superpower: they eat sunlight. Meanwhile, we humans can barely make toast without burning it. In this bright and leafy episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex breaks down the magic of photosynthesis—how plants turn light into lunch—and why we can’t do the same no matter how much sunbathing we try. You’ll learn: What photosynthesis actually is (and the simple equation behind it) How chlorophyll and chloroplasts act like solar-powered chefs Why humans can’t photosynthesize (spoiler: you’d only make one potato chip’s worth of energy a day!) How plants literally changed the planet by creating oxygen And some wild plant trivia—from sea slugs that steal sunlight to NASA’s space gardens  It’s science, sunshine, and silliness all rolled into one glowing episode.

Why do we have countries at all? Couldn’t Earth just be one big global clubhouse? 🌍 In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex unpacks one of humanity’s biggest—and strangest—ideas: borders. From ancient tribes and empires to the Treaty of Westphalia and modern nation-states, we’ll explore how humans went from “our cave vs. your cave” to nearly 200 separate countries—each with its own flag, snacks, and rules. You’ll learn: What a “nation-state” really is Why countries exist (organization, identity, protection, resources) How borders were born Whether one world government could actually work And some wild geography trivia—like the unclaimed land between Egypt and Sudan and why Canada is basically 90% lakes So grab your map (or your fries) and join Alex for a fun, curious dive into the invisible lines that shape our world.

How do computers “think”—and do they secretly gossip about us when we’re not looking? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex breaks down the hidden world of binary code, transistors, and logic gates, showing how machines turn 1s and 0s into everything from cat videos to space missions. We’ll explore the difference between processing and understanding, the rise of AI, and why your devices might “talk” about you through your data (not your bad Google searches). Plus: fun computer facts, from the first literal “bug” to why your toaster has more power than NASA once did. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

Why do we laugh? And what’s really going on when someone tickles us into hysterics? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex explores the science and psychology of laughter: from ancient theories (superiority, relief, incongruity) to modern research showing laughter as a powerful social glue. You’ll learn why humans and even rats laugh, why we can’t tickle ourselves, and how laughter boosts immunity, relieves stress, and even burns calories. Plus: quirky laughter facts, the health perks of giggles, and whether tickling counts as a secret “superpower.” New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

Why is the sky blue? And why do sunsets look like nature’s daily art show? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex unpacks the physics of light and the atmosphere. From Rayleigh scattering (the reason blue dominates the sky) to why violet doesn’t win, and how sunsets filter into fiery reds and oranges, you’ll get the simple science behind one of Earth’s most beautiful mysteries. Plus, fun sky facts—from Mars’ butterscotch skies to white clouds and black lunar skies—and a look at why humans evolved to find sunsets breathtaking. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

How did money begin? And did people really swap goats for shoes? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex traces the quirky, creative, and sometimes downright strange history of money. From barter systems and cacao beans to cowrie shells, giant stone discs, gold coins, and paper bills, we’ll explore how humans went from trading goats to trusting paper, digital numbers, and even cryptocurrencies. Along the way, you’ll hear fun facts (like why “salary” comes from salt and how Sweden is close to ditching cash entirely) and discover why money isn’t just stuff—it’s trust. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

Why do we get sick? And is a cold really just our body being overdramatic? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex dives into the sneezes, sniffles, and science of sickness. From bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to the immune system’s dramatic defense strategies (fever, mucus, sneezing at 100 mph), we’ll explore why being sick often feels worse than the germ itself. Learn why some people get sicker than others, why colds are so stubborn, and how vaccines train your body like a superhero squad. Plus, quirky facts (yes, chicken soup actually helps) and the evolutionary reason sickness exists at all. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

How do airplanes—giant metal tubes weighing hundreds of tons—somehow stay in the sky? And why don’t they just flap their wings like birds? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex unpacks the physics of flight in plain English. From the four forces of flying (lift, weight, thrust, drag) to how wings create lift through Bernoulli’s principle and Newton’s third law, we break down what keeps a Boeing 747 soaring when your fridge would crash instantly. We’ll also explore why planes don’t flap, what turbulence really is, and some wild airplane facts (like why pilots eat different meals, and how dry the cabin air really is). Plus, a peek into the future of flight—from electric planes to supersonic jets and even space planes. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday!

Why do we wrinkle, slow down, and creak with age, and is there any way to hit “pause”? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex breaks down the science of aging in the simplest terms possible: from the Hayflick limit and telomeres (your DNA’s shoelace caps), to oxidative stress, cellular “garbage,” and a tired immune system. We’ll explore why evolution doesn’t bother keeping us young forever, the wild science of anti-aging research—from telomerase and senolytics to CRISPR—and why lifestyle still beats miracle creams. Plus, discover the weird quirks of aging (like why grandpas have big ears and lobsters basically don’t age at all) and why growing older isn’t just decline—it’s also growth, wisdom, and a surprising boost in happiness. New episodes out every Monday and Wednesday!

How did language begin, and did someone actually invent the first word? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex unpacks one of humanity’s biggest mysteries: the origin of language. From early grunts and gestures to full-blown grammar, we explore how humans evolved from pointing and miming to building vocabularies, writing systems, and even emojis. You'll learn about theories like the Bow-Wow and Yo-He-Ho models, how language helped us survive and cooperate, why grammar makes human communication unique, and how babies mirror our evolutionary past by babbling their way into speech. We also look at how emojis fit into the language puzzle, and why no one person invented the first word, it was a group effort, thousands of years in the making. 🎙️ New episodes every Monday and Wednesday.

Why do humans shed emotional tears, and why does our nose run when we cry? In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, Alex breaks down the science of crying: the three types of tears (basal, reflex, and emotional), why humans are the only species that cry from feelings, and how crying acts as an emotional release valve for your brain and body. Learn how tears flush out stress, trigger endorphins, and serve as a biological SOS signal that brings people closer. We also explore why crying is contagious, how culture shapes when we cry, and why some people cry more than others. Plus: crying from laughter, onions, babies with no tears, and, yes, why your nose always insists on joining the drama. 🎙️ New episodes every Monday and Wednesday.